Search our archives and past gift guides for the publisher Chronicle Books, and it’s pretty obvious we’ve been big fans of many of their printed products, from the helpful Chore Board chore chart, to the sweetest tooth fairy keepsake book, and loads of other titles in between.Now, just in time for the holidays, they have added personalization to some of their titles, which makes them an even more special book to gift or receive.
{Keep reading for a big limited time discount AND a chance to win a free personalized book!}
Of the new books in Chronicle’s personalized section, my favorite is Petit Collage’s Baby Book. The beautifully muted colors–which don’t scream boy-blue or girl-pink–and sweet illustrations run throughout, along with tons of space in which to record that first year with baby. Though you can purchase this title without personalization, I just love how the book looks with the baby’s name throughout. Plus: “Mom” and “Dad” can be swapped out for “Mama and Papa” or “Pop and Daddy” or “Mama and Mommy.” Neat.
For kids, I love the looks of Speedster, which is sprinkled throughout with your child’s first name, as well as his (or her!) favorite color, number, and even names of his best buddies. The illustrations are lively and fun. While the story is pretty predictable, my race car-obsessed son would get all revved up to find this under the tree. And I love that speed-loving girls can get behind the wheel too, so to speak, by changing the gender in the personalization process.
I’m not as fond of Chronicle’s “girl” offering which goes the predictable princess route, with loads of pink and frills. Here’s hoping Chronicle stretches a bit to incude more gender-neutral books for both boys and girls–unless your daughter likes race cars like some of ours do.
And for those who celebrate Hanukkah, Chronicle Books has added a personalized dedication page to the front of Eight Winter Nights. Though the personalization doesn’t carry throughout the story, just having your child’s name and photo on the front page is a really nice touch. –Christina
Receive 25% off your purchase at MyChronicleBooks and free shipping through November 30, 2012, with coupon code TryMyCB.
Congratulations to Calin L! She won a personalized story book from Chronicle Books.
EXTRA COOL: WIN IT! We have a free copy of the Speedster or Princess personalized story book to give to one reader in the US or Canada. To enter to win, please send an email to contests@mompicksprod.wpengine.com by midnight PT with CHRONICLE PERSONALIZED in the subject line and answer this question: What is the name of the illustrator of the Petit Collage Baby Book?
I love personalized kids books. I remember a fun book my parents gave me and my brother. They were personalized with our own names but spelled backwards. So my character was a giraffe named ‘Kerred’. I thought that was so cool. My brother’s book had a lion named ‘Yeldarb’. I still like to call him that every now and again…and he’s 47.