The Best Baby Books to Bring to a Baby Shower

A day in the life of Olivia is never without excitement. This is one spunky pig full of laughs and life lessons that little readers will fall in love with and revisit for years to come.

This picture book gently highlights the quieter and most meaningful moments in this world. New parenthood is a whirlwind, so there’s no better gift than a story about soaking in the small everyday moments. What’s Sweeter is a wonderful story for kids while being a brilliant reminder to parents to take joy in the little things.  

Gorgeous and inspiring, this is the heartwarming story of a little girl in search of silence and the lessons she learns when she finds it. With fantastical illustrations and characters you’ll want to spend more time with, this is a story for all ages.

Children of all ages will fall in love with beloved Corduroy in the first of Don Freeman’s Corduroy series. The endearing journey of Corduroy to find a friend is a heartwarming story not easily forgotten.

Teaching the universal theme that it’s okay to stand out, this heartwarming book with equally vibrant illustrations showcases an adorable red elephant who just wants to blend in. With easy-to-follow narration, this is an accessible story with widespread appeal.

A sleep book that breaks the mold and shares the whimsy of night, one animal at a time. While at times maintaining a calming, bedtime rhythm, the narrative voice frequently breaks away to bring the night to life in fun and engaging ways.

This hilarious guide to extinction just might be one to fossilize and keep forever. A father’s absolutely ridiculous theories lead a child to promise to never do the same “dangerous” things the dinosaurs did. Entirely giggle-inducing and utterly entertaining, How Dinosaurs Went Extinct is a perfect addition to home libraries! 

Wash bath time anxieties away with this laugh-out-loud adventure written by former SNL writer Simon Rich. This story is the perfect read-aloud all about surviving the dreaded tub and facing fears. With watercolor illustrations from Tom Toro that complement the story, I’m Terrified of Bath Time is a giggle-filled romp that brings more than just drops of wisdom. 

It’s so easy to doom-scroll and lose ourselves in all the bad news of the world, but it doesn’t have to be that way for our littlest humans. Thanks to Slovakian animator Martin Smatana, we have the perfect book to fill kids’ minds with positive moments. Celebrate humanity’s triumphs with A Year of Good News and fill your hearts with joy! 

This adorable picture book is fantastic for anyone who loves habit. There’s a creature on the island of Habit who loves to stick to its daily routine. When another creature arrives, it shakes up the creature’s routines by doing something different every day (Oh the horror!), and the creature learns that maybe, just maybe, trying something new isn’t the worst thing in the world. Fantastic and lovely, this book is a must-have for every library!

Mister Rogers was a staple in so many people’s household, and now, his poetry is in book form perfect to make him a household name for the next generation. Running the gamut of topics and emotions, this endearing picture book is the perfect start to anyone’s library.

Julia Donaldson, the bestselling author of Room on the Broom, is a master at creating unique and memorable stories. One small mouse finds a way to outwit his predators by making up the scary Gruffalo … the Gruffalo is made up, right?

Kids can’t get enough of Mo Willems, and neither can we! From Elephant and Piggie to Knuffle Bunny and Unlimited Squirrels and finally rounded out by the constantly mischievous Pigeon, his extensive collection is certain to entertain both adults and children, and make the perfect addition to any starting library!

When two genuinely special creators like Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen work on a project together, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s extraordinary. Yet, Extra Yarn somehow goes even above and beyond. Heartwarming, authentic and timeless. An absolute must-have for any bookshelf, and looks terrific next to Barnett and Klassen’s Sam & Dave Dig a Hole.

From the first rhyming line to the last, this book is a satisfying bedtime poem that is perfect for truck-obsessed littles. The sophisticated writing will make it a book new parents look forward to reading again and again and again.

Christopher Denise made his author-illustrator debut with Knight Owl, our overall winner for 2022’s Children’s and YA Book Awards. A clever and humorous story about an Owl who dreams of becoming a knight, complemented by beautifully detailed illustrations, this picture book will remind readers that friendship and creativity can be greater than physical strength.  

Full of heart, Gustav is Missing! is a story of a mushroom, his pet slug, and what happens when he goes missing. The ensuing adventure is one of self-discovery, friendship, and bravery, and is sure to become a timeless classic. Whether it’s just an entertaining story-time tale or a book to help kids who are beginning to be more independent, this is a perfect baby shower gift. 

A fantastic story of friendship and emotional awareness, Nothing’s Wrong! is a companion to the ever-popular Something’s Wrong! Rabbit is doing his best to be fine, and Bear is trying to be a good friend and figure out what he needs. This book by Jory John and illustrated by Erin Kraan will remind readers of the power of a good pal, especially in the worst of times.  

When this one first showed up in our kids section, we just about exploded with how precious this book is! With a kitten named Fluffy so cute that everyone that sees it explodes, this book takes you on an adventure as Fluffy does everything she can to try to keep people from getting hurt, but everything Fluffy tries doesn’t work…it just makes her cuter! This hilarious (and delightfully adorable) book is all about self-acceptance and finding friendship in unlikely places!

This warm and funny book is a beautiful story of friendship that has been delighting our booksellers this spring! It’s all about a duck who enjoys being alone and hates water and a very lost frog who ends up at Duck’s door. The two embark on a journey together to try to find Frog’s home, and find an unexpected friendship along the way.

Imagine a guard dog — but for the heart. That’s what Oscar wants, but nothing can keep love at bay in this endearing friendship tale that celebrates togetherness.

A story of friendship, courage, and the most endearing ghost you’ll ever meet. Follow Gustavo’s journey from shy spirit to friendly phantom, all while admiring the original vibrant illustrations. Flavia Z. Drago’s debut is a treat for the eyes and heart, leaving you in love with Gustavo all year round.

If you thought Fluffalo was cute, then wait until you meet Puffalo. This adorable story of new siblings and how they grow together is a charmer, and a perfect book for younger siblings.

We absolutely adore Vashti Harrison, and we cannot recommend picking up her books enough! This book of hers celebrates the true stories of Black men in history, but she also has one celebrating Black women in history and another celebrating women creators. Honestly, we highly recommend gifting all her books and just starting their library off with the Vashti Harrison Fan Club package!

Full of feminist icons from A to Z (wrapping it up with “eXtraordinarily You and the Zillions of adventures you will go on”), this book is the perfect choice for families wanting to introduce their kids to fantastic women who have left a huge impact on the world!

Consider bedtime handled. With 100 stories about the lives of 100 women, including Serena Williams and Malala Yousafzai, this collection will leave kids feeling sleepy, inspired, and just a wee bit rebellious.

Nell Plants a Tree is the type of picture book that will climb to the top of your reread list. Anne Wynter infuses the text with care while Daniel Miyares’ wonder-inducing illustrations complement each word. An intergenerational story of a cherished pecan tree and the one who planted it, readers will grow to love this affectionate tale. 

A beautiful picture book about the bond between a father and a daughter, this is a must-have for any girl dad! Follow Daisy around her neighborhood on the back of her papi’s motorcycle, and as Daisy sees the way the community is always changing around her, she’s reminded of one constant: her papi’s love.

For anyone who has wished life came with a user guide, this book is a clever introduction to the weird, wonderful thing we call life. Addressed to babies, this is a witty book parents and older siblings will treasure as well.

Eye-catching and mentally stimulating, this book introduces young minds to basic, simple concepts of what this world holds. From seasons to weather and beyond, it’s vibrant, accessible and immensely rereadable.

The books in this super chunky series are so satisfying to hold, and dinosaurs are a perennial favorite of kiddos. This title highlights the shape of classic dinosaurs like the long necked brachiosaurus with a guessing game kids will want to play for eons.

The Indestructibles series is a practical and playful gift for little hands, and this is an especially baby friendly title. Gnawing, slobbering, and tearing are no match for these super duper books, making them a favorite of parents and babies.

Help little ones practice the skills they need for reading and writing with this tacticle series. The counting title is filled with traceable numbers up to 20. Happy illustrations reinforce the concepts for visual learners.

Pair this book with a box of diapers or a kid-size potty, and you’ll have the most popular gift at the shower. With her signature humor and bold illustrations, the author addresses one of the classic pain points of parenting in a way that kids will adore.

With the high-quality photographs DK is known for and touch-and-feel elements like fur and bumps, this book is engaging for new readers and anyone who learns through touch. And don’t bunnies make anything better? Even spit up at midnight?

Curious souls will be intrigued by this picture book that wanders through questions to stories. Interactive and brought to life with Christian Robinson’s vivid illustrations, Mac Barnett’s Twenty Questions is the perfect gift for families to last throughout childhood as the open-ended nature to the book keeps it fresh and new. 

It’s always a challenge to keep the wiggles at bay during story times, but we have a way to accomplish both. Tap! Tap! Tap!: Dance! Dance! Dance! is an interactive picture book from Hervé Tullet, and adults will love watching their little ones learn how to be creative. An absolute pleasure for readers to explore and move, this picture book makes the perfect baby shower gift to prepare parents for their child’s impending energy! 

Spinning the classic peekaboo game into a menagerie of animal-themed questions, reading this book becomes a game that parents and kids can enjoy together. (Spoiler alert: The last page includes a mirror…peekayou?)

Let Me Call You Sweetheart is a book parents and kids alike will adore, teaching the reader different ways we refer to those we love. Full of rhythmic prose from Mary Lee Donovan and Brizida Magro’s bright illustrations, it presents a world steeped in affection. Readers will enjoy the lilting cadence as they share the words aloud, providing an opportunity to explore terms of endearment from all around the world. 

Power couple Leslie Odom Jr. and Nicolette Robinson are bringing their partnership to the page in this touching picture book. With effervescent digital illustrations from Joy Hwang Ruiz and a story that celebrates all the transitions between baby to big kid, I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know is perfect for new parents.  

A sweet book about familial love, this book is one parents and children will return to time and time again. With outlandish scenarios to extend the phrase “I’ll love you till the cows come home,” this delightful picture book will envelop families into a warm hug as they curl up to read the rhythmic text together.  

Ideal for any occasion — just a birthday, just an anniversary, just because? I Love You More and More by Nicky Benson will instantly bring a smile to every reader’s face. It’s small enough to even use as a gift card holder— which is perfect since it has a to/from dedication page!

There’s no better way to share your love and appreciation for someone than with an adorable, heartfelt, genuine book. Erin Guendelsberger and AndoTwin’s Always More Love comes in a charming small, gifty size that makes every day Valentine’s Day.

Go ahead and buy the whole Amy Krause Rosenthal catalog. It will be treasured throughout childhood! But if you want to limit yourself to just one book, this lovely poem is the perfect place to start. It’s like a book and a heartfelt card all in one.

Share some Spanish kisses with your loved ones with this simple bilingual real-aloud. Its cheery illustrations and sweet text are sure to inspire muchos cuddles, giggles, and besos!

Part of the magic of being so very little is having so very many possibilities lying before you. Wise and dreamy, this book invites children to imagine all they can be and does it in a way that’s never heavy, but rather as uplifting and whimsical as a boy floating up, up, and away on a bouquet of balloons.

Carole Lindstrom’s brilliant picture book, My Powerful Hair, is a luminous story of identity and self-expression. A family’s history paired with the vibrant art of Steph Littlebird immerses readers young and old in a young girl’s desire to honor her family while forging her own path. The thoughtful narrative will introduce readers to the significance of hair in Indigenous cultures.  

The illustrations in this book and in its companion book, Glow, are some of our favorites! With more coming in this series of affirmational texts, now’s the perfect time to pick up these books to jumpstart a first library! This particular one is an ode to Black girls and the beauty of their curls, and each book in the series focuses on affirming different things.

Peter H. Reynolds is a kids author begging to have his spot on your shelves! He has written so many of our favorites, and Happy Dreamer is no exception! This book about dreams and the happiness that comes from dreaming big and pursuing those dreams is one that will certainly become a story time favorite!

This charming book reveals there are many shades of brown—and they’re all beautiful. This walk through a neighborhood will be a favorite for kids of all colors.

This is the perfect book to give new dads who might be a little anxious about their next stage of life. Unlike most parenting books, this one bestows inspiration and meditations to turn to day after day. Ryan Holiday, author of The Daily Stoic, provides a grounding and effective guide to help ease any fears and take a deep breath amid the chaos a new child brings. 

It’s always nice to include a 3T outfit and a nod to toddlerhood in the baby shower bonanza. Parents will wonder how their newborn will ever fit into those clothes, but before they know it, they’ll be living with a toddler. Help them think ahead and understand the basics of the popular Montessori philosophy with this helpful guide. Filled with easy activities and reassuring pep talks, this is a book parents will turn to for years.

Start the conversation about what those first days home will look like, and encourage new parents to accept help, physically and emotionally. Help them make a plan for meals. (Add a coupon to cook some yourself to round out this gift!) This book will guide new parents through the postpartum experience and help women focus on healing and bonding with their new baby. It’s an essential process, that can be overlooked or become an afterthought in our busy lives.

Include dads in the pre-baby study sessions with this popular series. Written by an experienced father, these books are easy to dip into as new dads navigate all the questions that come with being a parent. There are practical tips and lots of “just between us men” essays that will help men feel confident and excited about becoming fathers.