For Readers

Beautiful Children’s Books To Read During The Winter Chill

By: Hidden Gems on January 30, 2024

Hidden Gems Books ARC service.

By: Hidden Gems on January 30, 2024

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Do you have a young reader in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for a great bedtime story to enjoy with your youngest book lovers. Stuck inside by the winter chill? We have plenty of beautiful children’s books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young bookworm will, as well.


Grandma's House is Haunted

Grandma’s House is Haunted by Stephen Bowling

With 40+ ratings and a 4.7 average star rating, Grandma’s House is Haunted is recommended for children 5-7 years old, and describes all the spooky sounds that occur at Grandma’s house.

Grandma’s House is Haunted has quickly become a favorite of my 18 month old. He loves to listen to the story and will spend time after I’ve finished reading the text taking in the pictures. He loves to point at different things he sees and learn what they are called. I like to enjoy things alongside my toddler as I think that makes it a more enjoyable experience for us both and this book certainly hits the mark,” Owen A. writes in his five star Amazon review. “The writing is creative and interesting. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed. We both notice something new every time we read it. We have a lot of children’s books. Most quickly become redundant and a passing phase but Grandma’s House is Haunted manages to entertain both Mom and toddler every time we pick it up.”

Alan B. writes in his five star Amazon review, “A cozy, rhyming book where Grandmother soothes her frightened grandchildren with explanations of the spooky sights and sounds at her house. Once comforted, the little ones are tucked into bed to sleep tight and have sweet dreams. Beautifully detailed illustrations add to the nostalgic feel of the book. A great book to read to preschoolers and for elementary school readers to read independently.”

My Father's Smile

My Father’s Smile by Eva Fogel

A Children’s Book International winner with a 4.8 average star rating on Amazon and 10+ ratings this heartwarming book is truly a hidden gem. My Father’s Smile is a book of love and loss for readers ages 6-9.

Jose and Isamari write in their five star Amazon review, “It’s a beautiful and well written story. Throughout the reading, I was able to perceive and feel the characters’ emotions. The book is a great tool to talk about loss and grief with a kid or a teen.”

“This book hit me so hard. I’ve never really thought about how time goes by and we forget the people we used to be or even those that we have lost,” Andrea concurs in her five star Amazon review. “…Those who we have lost live on in us. The best of our loved ones become the best in us. Wonderful book yet again, Eva!”

The Night My Feelings Spoke

The Night My Feelings Spoke by Vix Browne

With 10+ ratings and a 4.6 average star rating, The Night My Feelings Spoke has charming illustrations and comforting message. This tale is recommended as a great bedtime story for your toddler reader.

L. Lewis writes in their five star Amazon review, “This book holds our young toddlers attention (not much does!) and he loves the illustrations. A great bedtime read and a good way of working through bedtime fears.”

“A beautiful, fun, and witty way to explore fears and feelings at bedtime! This is not only an amazing read for the kids, but helpful to parents navigating feelings with them as well!” Corinne K. concurs in her five star Amazon review.

Bad Grains

Bad Grains by Suzanne Schmidt

A SFINCS (Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship) semi-finalist with a 4.6 star rating on Amazon, Bad Grains is a hidden gem for readers ages 9-14 who like to read spooky tales.

Ash writes in their five star Amazon review, “I read this with my 12-year-old daughter. It definitely has some creepy vibes, and dark undertones. But not so much that it ventures outside of a spooky ‘middle-grade’ book. This storyline has fairytale themes that veer more towards Brothers Grimm than Disney. So there is mention of kids getting eaten if they remain lost in the rye fields. Though there’s nothing gory or gruesome shown.

I loved that the book took place in Germany, and the general feel of the book. The setting is a huge part of the book’s charm. And you feel transported there by the way the author writes it. I also love the way the characters grew throughout the book. And the ending left you with a bit of thoughtfulness. Not something kids books always get around to. So it was much appreciated..”

Luv2teachk1 writes in their five star Amazon review, “I thought the story was great. I am a school librarian, and think my students would love this story, too…I also liked the recipe and glossary at the end of the book.”

Bella the Terrible's Kindness Fix

Bella the Terrible’s Kindness Fix by Riya Aarini

With an average 4.5 average star rating and 9 ratings, Bella the Terrible’s Kindness Fix is a hidden gem which helps readers ages 8 learn that kindness sometimes is the best cure for anger.

“The book has excellent illustrations and a storyline that hooks you in.” Vicky R. writes in her five star Amazon review.

mwinningkoff continues in their five star Amazon review, “This is a wonderful book! The story about a monster talking about how staying angry won’t make things any better is interesting and it is something that is important for kids to learn. The illustrations throughout this book are very colorful, and the characters are interesting. I would definitely recommend this book!…”


Hidden Gems readers got to read these beautiful children’s books first, so if you want more books to add to your kiddo’s reading list, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review on Amazon once they’re done.

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