Heading to a Baby Shower? 5 Perfect Picture Books for New Parents

On the Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman
“There has never been anyone like you.” Just one of the many beautiful quotes that fill this book. I have to admit, I tear up almost every time I read it. But it makes me squeeze my baby one extra time and feel so lucky to get to be their mother. Babies will love the rhyming and colorful pictures, and adults will love the tender sentiment and worldly message. A book that lets every child know just how special they really are.

Hippos Go Beserk!, by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton is a master of creating entertaining, simple stories that babies and toddlers are drawn to. But our personal favorite, and the one that first made my baby daughter smile, was this gem. It starts with one hippo who is all alone but looking to throw an outrageous party for his fellow hippos, and it gives you the chance to utter the delicious immortal phrase, featured in all caps, “ALL THE HIPPOS GO BERSERK!” A great counting book that uses rhyme to illustrate the hilarious tale of a wild and crazy night for a group of hippopotamuses, it’s one that any new parent will find themselves reciting even after their child is long asleep.

Good Night, Gorilla, by Peggy Rathmann
My son is almost five years old and still requests this story before bed. He can’t stop laughing when the lights go off and the zookeeper’s wife realizes she’s in bed with a gaggle of escaped zoo animals. It’s a great book to end the night with or read before a sleepy nap because it lets kids know that even elephants, mice, and funny little gorillas need a good rest every day.

The Napping House, by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
Who wouldn’t love to see a group of animals piled higher and higher on top of each other? Each animal that climbs on top of another leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. Beautiful illustrations bring you into the hilarious world of what happens when everyone just wants to take a nap in one big bed. And as a new parent, you’ll definitely relate to the desire to take one nice long nap!

Tickle Monster, by Josie Bissett, illustrated by Kevan J. Atteberry
The perfect book for seeing a baby smile and laugh endlessly. When an adorably friendly monster makes it his mission to tickle anyone reading the book, you can’t help but join in the fun and tickle your own little rascal on your lap. This was the book that both of my children reached first for every single time we needed a good giggle. A great opportunity to read and laugh together—something every parent and child loves.
What’s your favorite book to give at baby showers or to new parents?