Indie Publisher Announces the Best Self-Published Children's Picture Books of 2016

HOUSTON - Dec. 18, 2016 - PRLog -- You love Dr. Seuss, Sandra Boynton, and Maurice Sendak. But you want something new to read to your child. There are thousands for sale by authors you've never heard of. How do you know which ones to buy? Aviva Gittle, owner of Aviva Gittle Publishing and host of The Gittle List book competition, has the answer. Each year, she selects the best self-published children's picture books to promote during the holiday season.

Aviva says, "I only recommend books that I will spend my own money on." The contest just completed its fourth year. "I'm still buying and promoting books from all the previous years' contests." There are now 39 book to choose from. Aviva is a champion of each and every one. "I consider them my children."

Aviva knows firsthand that self-publishers are not always taken seriously. "The truth is, many indie authors rush to publish books that just aren't ready. I have evaluated hundreds of children's picture books. Only a small percentage are, in my judgment, of a quality that rivals traditionally published books."

Aviva is the sole judge for the contest. "I'm pretty tough. If I wouldn't read it to my own grandchildren, it doesn't get on The Gittle List."

Bev Stone's Snow Puppies & The Snowdeer is #1 on The Gittle List 2016. Aviva says, "Bev earned two spots on The Gittle List this year. She is the first to do so. She is also the first to win the #1 spot twice." (Ms. Stone won the top spot in 2014 for her book, They Told Us Something Wonderful Was Coming.) She also snagged the #5 spot this year for Rumbly Grumbly. Ms. Stone says, "I buy a lot of the books on The Gittle List and I think they're wonderful so I'm always concerned each year about whether or not mine will be included."

Aviva believes the contest helps promote self-published books to a wider audience. One key reason is that winners, past and present, are encouraged to cross-market each other's books. "It can expand an author's social media reach exponentially." And, Aviva continues to promote the books long after the contest ends.

Aviva is still a fan of the classic children's books. But, she says, "Don't let the words 'self-published' turn you off to a great children's book." There are now 39 award-winning books on The Gittle List to explore with your child.

Looking for great gifts? Visit the The Gittle List Contest website at http://thegittlelist.com/ to see the complete list of recommended indie children's picture books.

Aviva Gittle Publishing writes and publishes stories for children in English and Spanish. Aviva's website, www.GoToGittle.com, shares the stories of authors, illustrators and others who create books and creative media for children.