13 Must-Have Children's Books For Gifts Or Anytime!

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Our daughter, Nova Skye reading a book from the Slicker McQuicker series while playing with the accompanying toy. Image © 2018 Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

Being a mom to 6, a parenting writer, as well as a former nanny I know just how important it is for kids to have a variety of good books. New and interesting books should be added often to keep kids interested. Here are a lucky 13 baker's dozen of must-have children's books for gifts or any occasion! Enjoy!

The Snortch

"What does a family do when a friendly creature makes itself at home outside of their house? Do they tell it to go away or welcome it?"

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Slicker McQuicker and Friends

"Slicker McQuicker is a real funny boy. He laughs and laughs with his heart full of joy. And though he may have funny ears, he's a very good fellow. Slicker sets a good example for children through his words and actions..

..This rhyming picture book for children shares how one special boy teaches his friends the value of morals, self-confidence, and friendship."

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The Adventures of Toby Bear

"Toby Bear is a puppy that is so loveable. Everyone loves Toby Bear! But Toby Bear can get into trouble too. Check out what funny things that Toby Bear does and you will love him too."

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OH! The Things You Can See In The Dark!

"'OH! The Things You Can See In The Dark!' is a picture book for children ages 3 and up. The premise of the book is to reveal that which can only be seen in the dark or those things made more glorious by the absence of light. While children may often perceive the dark to be ominous, the book shows a magical aspect of the night through the vibrant and lush imagery used. The illustrations are photography-based and highly manipulated in Photoshop. An amalgamation of visual components are used to create the dramatic and brilliantly colored landscapes that are a combination of realism and fantasy. The text is divided between child and adult. For the child, simple questions that can lead to curious discoveries. For the adult, a bit of trivia to offer a stepping off place for the reader to begin a dialogue with the child, create a story of their own, or continue to explore the night. 2016 - received an Honorable Mention from the New York and San Francisco Book Festival Award competitions."

"This would make a great party favor for kids attending  a dark party to alleviate those fears" ~ Lyn Lomasi

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Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story

"A children's book about two different mental illnesses, depression and mania, Peter and Lisa makes it easier for children to understand these mental conditions. It is a story about two people affected with such illness and how they got better and recovered through the proper medication and necessary support by family and friends. Charles and Linda Baron Katz's Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story manifests the true essence of love and support to aid us overcome every storm that may pass."

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The Not So Wise Owl

"The Not So Wise Owl is an amusing tale written in rhyme to stimulate children's sense of humour and fun, making reading much more enjoyable. "The other oak dwellers at first couldn't see what was wrong with the funny old owl in the tree." Find out what has happened to poor Owl in this amusing tale of life in an oak tree. Will Owl ever be wise again?"

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His Name is Joe

"His name is Joe. He's in the third grade and uses a wheelchair. Joe wishes people wouldn't stare at him. On the first day of school, Joe meets another third-grader. His name is Jimmy and he stares at Joe. What happens after that is part of the magic of Joe's story. Not the kind of magic that needs an enchanted wand, but a special type of magic everyone has inside of them that can make someone's wish come true."

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Mom's Choice Award winning children's book Mubu the Morph

"Go on a rhyming adventure with Mubu as he learns through trial and error the secret to being his best self. Vibrant colors and a playful tone amp up the fun factor in Stephen Nawotniak's engaging story that's sure to ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike. Illustrated by Jeffrey Scott Perdziak and published by People Ink Press, Mubu the Morph is suitable for children in grades K to 3 and the people who love them."

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Grandma's Brown Cookies: Made With The Good Stuff

"Kyndle's visit to the wacky family doctor becomes magical. Dr. Wizmagic concocts a powerful potion; enabling Kyndle to communicate with grocery store foods. His mother has no idea he's listening to food. Ultimately, all of the best choices are organic and brown. Kyndle's magical experience takes him on a journey of discovery. He learns natural foods are often healthier, and better for him. This delightful story teaches reader's the importance of making healthy choices and accepting what is natural."

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Confessions of a Bunny

"Meet Bun Bun. She may look like your grandmother's vintage bunny, but that's just what four years of devoted companionship looks like on pink polyester. She is the faithful sidekick to her equally charismatic and lovable person, Reagan. Bun Bun shares her life experiences with us as only she can. Told through the eyes of the stuffed friend that your child can never leave behind, Bun Bun lets us in on the one-of-a-kind devotion, sweetness, and love that a child shares with their number one stuffy. Told with humor and a tender heart, you can't help but fall in love with Bun Bun."

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The Code Switch

"A realistic fiction about a tender naive friendship that's challenged when both girls become valedictorian candidates. One young girl emulates street talk, the other articulates Standard English. Yet, they share a special bond. Will their friendship endure the competition, disagreement(s) and difference(s)? Who will win? Who should win? They slowly realize the true meaning of two very important facets of life; friendship and academic achievement. From beginning to end, competition, communication, laughter, heart felt dialogue, and self searching bridges their closeness."

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The Trotters of Tweeville: JouJou McVue (Volume 3)

"JouJou McVue has anointed herself as princess of the kind village known as Tweeville-at least for today! She is a mindful princess who knows the value of stopping to smell the roses, and that being hasty means wasting opportunities to experience the world around her. Her father, however, is always in a race against time. Today, JouJou and her father have one hour to ride around the lake in her neighborhood. As they begin, her father speeds ahead while she stops to compliment her neighbor, Mr. Fred on his ripe red tomatoes. Will her dad slow down to play in a pile of leaves? Will he stop to welcome a new friend, like JouJou does? Can he slow down to catch a lost puppy? In the third book of the Trotters of Tweeville series, a little girl demonstrates the value of being mindful by reminding her father the opportunities that he wastes in his haste."

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Max and Bear

When Bear is given to Max's dad at a very special party, Max wasn't there yet. He is still growing in his mommy's tummy. But Bear can wait. Bear is sure that Max will love him as soon as he is born. While he waits, Bear meets all of Max's other friends. Sophie the giraffe is brown and white and squeaky. Turtle is a magical toy who lights up and plays music. Bear is soft and blue and full of love. He doesn't squeak or blink or play music.

When Max is born, Bear gets so excited! But when Max's mommy gives him Sophie the giraffe instead, Bear is disappointed. He decides to wait for Max to grow up a bit. Maybe then he'll love Bear. When Max grows up so much that he moves into his crib, Bear gets so excited! But when his mommy gives Max Turtle to play with, he is again disappointed. Will Max ever need a friend he can hug and play with who doesn't light up or make noise? Will Max ever notice Bear?

Max and Bear is a sweet story written with young readers in mind. Teach your children the power of love and remind them of the importance of waiting for good things to come with this delightful story of patience and friendship.

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