December 3, 2022
We love gifting books at Christmas. Is there anything more wonderful than sitting on the sofa one minute, only to be swept up the magical Faraway tree with Moonface and Silky the next? Stories are often little treasures, to be read, kept, and re-read again and again. They never seem to wear out.
Any book that brings joy and feeling is a winner. But I especially love picture books with heart and meaning. Here are 10 picture book Christmas gift ideas from Owlet Press that give this, and more.
Winter warmers
Where Bjorn belongs to Samuel Langley-Swain and Mirna Imamovic
After losing his favorite toy polar bear, Arctic-enthusiast Arthur finds a REAL polar bear in his garden on Christmas morning. They quickly form a special connection, but despite his efforts to keep Björn safe, cold and happy, Arthur knows that to fulfill his promise to Father Christmas, he must find a way to get Björn back where he belongs.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
An interview with Samuel Langley-Swain.
The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince by Ian Eagleton and Davide Ortu
Every Christmas Eve, a lonely woodcutter named Kai carves statues for anyone who might pass by. But one magical night his loneliness is soothed by a visit from the snow prince. Frightened by many, Kai sees hope in the prince’s eyes, but as the prince freezes once more, imprisoned in his ice-palace, can Kai break the curse?
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
10 questions with Ian Eagleton.
The Blanket Bears by Samuel Langley-Swain and Ashlee Spink
A book for every parent who wants their children to understand adoption. Endorsed by Adoption UK, recommended by clinical psychologists.
Told through the eyes of two little bears who go on a ‘typical’ adoption journey, their happy ending is important for children going through their own journeys to have hope and also for friends, families and schools to understand their journeys better.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
A celebration of diversity
Me, in the Middle by Annette Demetriou and Angela Mayers
As her class explores their family trees, Georgie learns to be proud of her far-reaching roots.
Miss Clark has an exciting project for the class to work on – exploring their family trees!
But when each child is asked to point to the place where their parents come from on a map, Georgie doesn’t know which parent to choose – her dad is from Africa, but her mum is from the UK. Where does she fit in?
Georgie dreads having to draw her family tree as homework but once she starts working on it, with the help of her parents she realizes how special it is that the branches stretch so far and wide! And as the class all share their own family trees, the children begin to explore and celebrate each other’s heritage, and realize that all of their roots dig down into the same rich earth – so they’re not that different after all. A wonderfully life affirming picture book that celebrates diversity in all its forms.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
A Q&A with Annette Demetriou.
Sunflower Sisters by Monika Singh Gangotra and Michaela Dias-Hayes
‘Sunflower Sisters’ is the first in a new, uplifting picture book series by Monika Singh Gangotra, which centers around best friends Amrita and Kiki. While the story offers a window into the lived experiences of those affected by colourism, it also celebrates the joy of the two girls experiencing each other’s South Asian and Nigerian communities and traditions, in this case weddings. With the protection and empowerment from their mums, the sunflower sisters grow into strong independent young women who embrace and celebrate the color of their dark brown skin and empower other women to do the same.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
Just like Grandpa Jazz by Tarah L. Gear and Mirna Imamovic
A suitcase of stories from Grandpa Jazz connects Frank to his rich Mauritian heritage and is also the start of an epic adventure.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
Color and Me by Michaela Dias-Hayes
Color and Me is a joyful book of color mixing that empowers very young children and shows them how beautiful brown skin is. Created by Michaela Dias-Hayes, the illustrator of Sunflower Sisters.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
A Q and A with Michaela Dias-Hayes.
all the feels
Wild by Annette Demetriou, Dawn White and Ryan Sonderegger
Wild gives a gentle glimpse into the gang mentality through the eyes of two young brothers Wolfie and Wilfie. Carefully crafted for younger readers, it deals with themes of peer pressure to follow and join in with unruly behavior or be shunned by the popular kids. The book aims to open up conversations and help children realize that they don’t have to follow the pack, give them the confidence to do the right thing and ultimately, stay true to who they really are.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
RoboBabies by Laura Gallagher and Nicci Martin
The next time you look up the night sky, if you stare really hard; you might be lucky enough to see the sparkling metal planet with all its robots and all their robo-babies. A story about the many ways in which babies arrive into their families, including IVF, donor conception, surrogacy and adoption.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
inspiration for RoboBabies with Laura Gallagher.
Little Glow by Katie Sahota and Harry Woodgate
An important story which amplifies the importance of introverts, while showing the amazing celebrations of light across our diverse communities.
Buy me now from Owlet Press, Waterstones and many other bookstores.
What do you think of Owlet Press’s winter warmers, celebration of diversity and all the books feel? Do any of them take your fancy?
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gerard