Hop into an autumnal adventure with Edwin, who is on a mission to create the perfect Christmas gift for mama.

Along the way, he makes an unlikely friend in an older mouse who helps the dark November days feel less dreary. In between beautiful natural scenes of forests and cozy animal cottages, this book encourages children to develop relationships across generations.

The author, Olivia DeSmit, has a background in magazine writing and publishing — and lots of daily story requests from her daughter. The idea for Edwin’s Perfect Gift came from a spur-of-the-moment bedtime story, and with illustrator Amelia Mangham’s help, it became a full-fledged book.

Filled with hand-inked drawings in a lovely warm palette, this animal tale is the perfect cozy story to curl up with your little one and a cup of warm tea — and perhaps a slice of pie.