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The 40 Best Baby Books You’ll Enjoy Reading Over And Over Again

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A cozy story time with your little one is often one of the sweetest early parenting moments we experience. Selecting the best baby books to gift or to read to your own children also offers an early literacy boost for kids.

“Reading boosts baby's brain power through positive experiences surrounding reading, and parent and child bonding together cuddling, laughing and offering rich language experiences through talking about the pictures and building vocabulary,” says Nina White, the children’s librarian at James V. Brown Library in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The best baby books encourage a rich, interactive story time for little ones.

As a mother to three little ones and a former high school English teacher, I cherish reading to my kids. It’s simply an added benefit that reading to them at an early age—even in utero—can help them develop their communication skills . After speaking with two children’s librarians, researching classic and new bestsellers and leaning into my background as an educator, I pulled together this list of the 40 best baby books.

After perusing these top board books, you might want to read our guide to the best toys for 6-month-old babies , or consider additional story time essentials for the nursery, such as a glider or a nursery rug .

• Best Baby Books Overall: Moo, Baa, La La La! ; Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? ; I Am A Baby ; If Animals Kissed Goodnight ; Look, Look! ; Kisses, Kisses, Head To Toe!
• Best Classic Baby Books: Goodnight Moon ; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See ?; The Very Hungry Caterpillar ; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom; The Snowy Day
• Best Baby Board Books: That’s Not My Unicorn ; Where’s Ellie? ; Tummy Time Friends ; Sleepy Toes ; Duck & Goose ; I'll Love You Till The Cows Come Home ; Toesy Toes
• Best Cloth Baby Books: Itsy-Bitsy Spider ; Baby Faces ; Guess How Much I Love You ; Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Nursery Novel Soft Cloth Book ; Baby’s Day
• Best Interactive Baby Books: Pat The Bunny ; Dear Zoo ; Garden Sounds , Baby Touch and Feel: Trucks ; Don’t Tickle the Crocodile ; Never Touch a Porcupine ; Taco Tuesday
• Best Baby Books That Celebrate Diversity: Everywhere Babies ; Antiracist Baby ; Ten Little Fingers/Tengo Diez Deditos ; Global Babies ; Love Makes A Family
• Best Educational Baby Books: Sometimes Babies... ; Baby Sees Colors! ; Alphablock ; First 100 Words ; My First Signs: American Sign Language

Best Baby Books Overall

Moo, baa, la la la: a book by a beloved children’s author, moo, baa, la la la.

Both librarians recommended the popular Sandra Boynton baby board books. All of her books feature fun themes and pictures, and it’s easy to turn her words into a fun tune while you’re reading. “These books are impossible to read without turning them into a song, and you will have every line memorized after reading them over and over again,” says Libby McCuan, children’s librarian at Cleveland Public Library .

Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?: An Interactive Flap Book

Where is baby's belly button.

With fun prompts to interact with baby, this book will get them giggling and loving story time. White explained that lift-the-flap books are good options as babies are approaching 12 months and are beginning to understand object permanence, which is the idea that objects still exist when we can’t see them.

I Am A Baby: A Book Featuring Pictures Of Real Babies

I am a baby.

Babies enjoy looking at other babies, so the real-life pictures in this book combined with simple words that little kids hear in their daily lives, make this an engaging read. Looks at the photos and talk about what the babies are doing together.

If Animals Kissed Good Night: Perfect For Bonding And Bedtime

If animals kissed good night.

This book is a springboard for fun interaction with your baby as you imitate all the ways animals kiss goodnight. It’s a great one to cuddle up with and settle down before bed—and it won’t take too long to read.

Look, Look!: A High-Contrast Book For Newborns

Look, look.

The bold illustrations in this book can help keep babies engaged during tummy time. “I recommend that for the first five or six months choose books with bright primary colors and books with definite contrasts between dark and light to help a baby’s developing vision,” White says.

Kisses, Kisses Head to Toe!: Makes Interacting With Baby Intuitive

Kisses, kisses, head to toe.

McCuan recommends this book for babies because it provides opportunities to interact with your baby, such as kissing their head and toes. It’s easy to turn story time into a fun bonding experience with this simple book that encourages you to give baby kisses all over.

Best Classic Baby Books

Goodnight moon: help signal it’s time for bed, goodnight moon.

You might remember reading this book as a child, and it’s still a hit with babies and adults alike. It’s a feel-good baby book full of both familiar words and new vocabulary, and it’s the perfect tone for winding down the day.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?: Colors And Animals Combine In This Classic

Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see.

The repetition in this book is helpful for babies as they begin to understand language. There’s also a lot of naming of objects and colors, but as a reader, I can’t resist the sing-song nature of this sweet classic, as well as the fun final twist.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Beautiful Illustrations And A Clever Story

The very hungry caterpillar.

Enjoy this colorful children’s book with babies as a board book, watching the caterpillar grow larger and larger with each nourishing bite, or let older toddlers help you count and identify all that the hungry insect gobbles up. It, of course, features the beautiful illustrations of the famed Eric Carle.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Baby’s First Alphabet Lesson

Chicka chicka boom boom.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has a fun rhyme and beat to it, helping those letters to just roll off the tongue. It also introduces babies to uppercase and lowercase letters and all the accompanying sounds.

The Snowy Day: Cuddle Up With This Book On A Cold Day

The snowy day.

The young boy in this book has so much fun crunching through the snow. The story is simple, which is ideal for babies who can’t yet understand complicated concepts. It’s also a classic children’s story and a Caldecott Medal winner, worthy of every shelf.

Best Baby Board Books

That’s not my unicorn: a simple book full of textures, that's not my unicorn.

This series features a different animal (or mythical creature) in each of its baby books, and each page offers a new texture for baby to feel, such as a soft mane or a scaly lizard back. With only a few pages in each of these sensory board books, combined with interactive elements, baby and parent will return to this one again and again.

Where’s Ellie?: Baby’s First Introduction To Hide And Seek

Where's ellie.

In Where’s Ellie , everyday objects look strikingly similar to Ellie’s trunk. Babies will learn about new objects as they search for Ellie on each page.

Tummy Time Friends: Real Babies Capture Their Attention

Tummy time friends.

As the title of this book suggests, it’s a good one for keeping baby entertained during tummy time. “Babies love books illustrated with photographs and delight in seeing pictures of other babies.  Photograph illustrations stimulate their awareness and recognition of the world around them,” explains White.

Sleepy Toes: Help Them Settle Before Bed

Sleepy toes.

This book encourages parents to interact with baby as they get ready for bed. It names various body parts and depicts a child getting sleepy at the end of the day. We borrowed this one from the library and liked it so much, we bought a copy of our own.

Duck & Goose: A Book That Introduces Sharing

Duck & goose.

Duck and Goose have to learn how to share the mystery object they find lying in the grass. If your baby has an older sibling who suddenly has to share their toys, this book can help them learn how to do so.

I'll Love You Till The Cows Come Home: Show Them How Much You Love Them

I'll love you till the cows come home.

This funny book places animals in interesting situations all the while reminding your baby how much you love them. It’s a sweet, sleepy tale of family love, and it’s also full of rhymes, which can help your baby develop language.

Toesy Toes: A Book With Photograph Illustrations And Fun Rhymes

With photographs of real babies, representing a diverse population, and simple phrases on each page, this book is engaging for babies of all ages. The smiling photos and lyrical language engage parents, too.

Best Cloth Baby Books

Itsy-bitsy spider: a cloth book to accompany the rhyme, itsy-bitsy spider.

This is a fun book to use while singing a certain popular nursery rhyme. White explained that singing helps babies develop phonological awareness. “When we sing, we slow language down and each syllable has a note,” she says. “I tell parents all the time, it does not matter if you are in tune, or how well you sing. Your voice to your baby is one of their favorite sounds, and you are helping to build their brain.”

Baby Faces: Happy Faces On A Book They Can Chew

Indestructibles: baby faces.

The Indestructibles washable, tear-proof baby books are well-loved in my home. They’re waterproof, and they don’t rip or tear. You can even wash them! White and McCuan both recommend them as ideal books for babies.

Guess How Much I Love You: A Book Complete With Sounds And Teethers

Guess how much i love you.

The cloth version of this classic book includes a teether, manipulatives and a sound button, making it a truly interactive baby book. Books like this help babies learn that reading and interacting with books is a fun activity that can awaken all their senses.

Nursery Novel Soft Cloth Book: Features High Contrast Images And Interactive Elements

Manhattan toy wimmer-ferguson nursery novel soft cloth book.

You can set this cloth book up for tummy time or cuddle up with baby to play and read. It includes a page with a mirror, which is always a baby favorite, crinkle paper, various textures, high-contrast images and more interesting visuals to appeal to little ones.

Baby’s Day: Full Of Familiar Words And Pictures

This cloth book walks baby through a typical day and lets young readers get involved by moving the removable cloth baby from page to page. It’s a sweet, soft 10-pages of interactive fun that highlights everyday scenes likely already familiar to babies. McCuan encourages parents to look for books that feature words and themes babies are familiar with—and this baby book delivers.

Best Interactive Baby Books

Pat the bunny: an interactive story that imitates daily life, pat the bunny.

Pat the Bunny is a touch and feel book with interactive elements that babies enjoy, such as playing peek-a-boo and looking in the mirror. It also imitates daily life, which is familiar to babies.

Dear Zoo: A Fun Book About Animals

White explained that flap books “help older babies and toddlers find excitement in locating objects under hidden flaps and making things move.” This is a silly one that introduces basic animal names and gets everyone giggling with its sense of humor.

Garden Sounds: A Book Full Of Beautifully Realistic Sounds

Garden sounds.

This book has long been a favorite in our home, because the sounds are so realistic and the pages have interactive elements. McCuan explained that story time with baby is all about the experience. The pages in this book are so rich with experience, baby can have a good time simply exploring and not even hearing the story.

Baby Touch And Feel Trucks: Fun Textures To Feel

Baby touch and feel: trucks.

Realistic pictures and simple words make this book a hit with babies. McCuan and White both recommend books for babies that are simple. This touch and feel book with plenty of trucks keeps each single page streamlined, making it easy for baby to focus. 

Don’t Tickle the Crocodile: The Interactive Element Is Easy For Baby To Activate

Don't tickle the crocodile.

This book is a favorite on my 11-month-old twins’ bookshelf. When they tickle the animal on each page, it activates the animal’s sound, which is a complete thrill for them. Unlike some other sound books, this one is really easy for babies to activate. 

Never Touch a Porcupine: A Rhyming Book With Textures To Touch

Never touch a porcupine.

With rhyming words and unique textures on each page, this book is incredibly engaging for babies and toddlers. It’s also a great way to introduce animals and new vocabulary to older babies. Let them feel the silicone porcupine quills and meet more animals through this fun series of sensory board books.

Taco Tuesday: Keeps Parents Entertained, Too

Taco tuesday.

McCuan recommends books with extra interaction, such as the built-in finger puppet found in this adorable and colorful book. In this rhyming story, the taco is tired of it being Tuesday; parents will likely find the story just as entertaining as babies find the finger puppet.

Best Baby Books That Celebrate Diversity

Everywhere babies: a book about everyday baby life, everywhere babies.

Everywhere around the world, babies are… well, babies. In this book, they’ll see all types of babies doing all the same things they do with all types of families and people.

Antiracist Baby: A Book That Teaches Babies And Parents To Be Antiracist

Antiracist baby.

This book is well-loved and for good reason. It’s engaging for babies with bold colors and illustrations, and it offers parents the vocabulary to talk about race with their young children in a non-racist way.

Ten Little Fingers/Tengo Diez Deditos: A Book Written In English And Spanish

Ten little fingers/tengo diez deditos.

This simple book all about little ones exploring the wonder of their fingers introduces babies to language sounds from two languages: English and Spanish. It’s great for bilingual families.

Global Babies: Real Pictures Of Babies Around The World

Global babies.

This is another book full of pictures of other babies. It helps introduce other cultures and ways of life at an early age. Read it to baby as you teach them to celebrate our differences.

Love Makes a Family: A Book That Celebrates Different Types Of Families

Love makes a family.

This book helps introduce babies to families of all kinds, from families with two dads to families of all different skin colors. There aren’t many words on each page, making it easy to keep baby’s attention. 

Best Educational Baby Books

Sometimes babies...: they’ll learn about animals and opposites, sometimes babies... a book for a new baby.

In this book, babies will be introduced to animals as well as opposites. “This book has a nice rhythm to the short but sweet text with bold words and big pictures,” McCuan says. “It also has a mirror on the last page which is a great way to interact further with the book.”

Baby Sees Colors!: A Book That’s Visually Appealing For Babies

Baby sees colors.

Bold colors and patterns will engage even the youngest babies in this book as they learn about various colors. “While their vision is still developing, it helps to introduce books with bold words and images that will really pop,” McCuan says.

Alpha Block: Letters They Can See And Feel

Each page in this book is shaped like a letter, adding a tactile experience to help babies and toddlers learn the alphabet. It’s a fun way to introduce letters as babies near that 1-year-old milestone.

First 100 Words: A Book That Helps Them Learn Their First Words

First 100 words.

In this book, babies will see 100 real pictures over solid backgrounds. The pictures are of everyday items. Reading this book will help develop vocabulary and reinforce words they’re already learning around the house.

My First Signs: American Sign Language: A Book That Helps Babies Communicate

My first signs: american sign language.

If you’re one of the many parents who choose to teach their baby sign language to help them communicate, this book will come in handy. It includes pictures of babies doing many common signs like “eat,” “milk” and more. It also includes instructions for parents so you can model the signs correctly.

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Diaper bag essentials to help you pack as light as possible, how we chose the best baby books.

To compile a list of the best baby books, I turned to two literature experts—a pair of children’s librarians—to solicit their recommendations. I’m also a mother to three, including twin babies, and I have a master’s degree in education and taught high school English for several years. I bolstered my research by analyzing baby book bestsellers for the top attributes suggested by the librarians, parents and other experts. Many of the books on this list either have a home on my bookshelf or have been frequent visitors to my home via the local library.

This article is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and to add more favorites to the list. It was most recently updated in February 2023.

What’s The Best Baby Book To Buy?

The best book to buy your baby is the one that you’re the most likely to pick up and read to them. Beyond that, look for books that are short, simple and have engaging illustrations.

White suggests six major categories to help parents and caregivers choose the best books for their babies: songs and rhymes, photograph illustrations, concepts (such as ABCs or shapes), flaps and moveable parts, simple stories and word recognition books. Shopping for books with these categories in mind will help you find some of the best baby books.

When Should I Introduce Books To My Baby?

According to White and McCuan, it’s never too early to start reading to your baby. White even recommends reading to babies when they are still in utero. “While the baby is in utero they can hear the rhythm and the melody of your voice reading to them. The soothing tone of a parent's voice can actually lower a baby's heart rate, and establish auditory bonds,” she says.

No matter how old your baby is, if you haven’t yet begun a regular reading routine with them, the best time to start is now.

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50+ Best Baby Books for Babies and Toddlers (2024)

Stock your new baby library with these top selections for reading and story time! This list of over 50 best baby books for babies and toddlers includes ideas for baby shower gifts, interactive books, picture books, bedtime stories, and more.

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

Choosing the Best Baby Books

We have a LOT of books at home! And as my children have grown, I’ve hung on to our favorites. My kids are older now, but surprisingly they still enjoy listening to and reading these top baby books. There’s sentiment for them, I suppose. And they’re just such GREAT books, reading the stories again and again is a joy.

Each of the books suggested in this article are my family favorites. They have been read and owned by my own children, stand the test of time and are age-appropriate. 

Whether you’re purchasing books to gift at a baby shower or simply stocking your own book shelves, these top titles are proven winners. Most of the books shared in this article are clickable with a link that will direct you to Amazon for easy shopping. Keep reading for the list of the best books to buy for babies.

Which Baby Books Are Really the BEST?

Books are subjective material. It’s hard to determine the perfect book, or what’s “best” because opinions vary! Naturally, what one person finds fascinating, is uninteresting to another.

Choosing Books for Babies

When it comes to choosing the best baby books, it’s all dependent upon two people: the baby and the person reading to the baby! Babies can’t choose their own books. So the book must appeal to the person that’s going to pick up the book and read it.

Picking Out Books for Toddlers

Once your baby becomes a toddler, you can be sure the child will have strong opinions on which books they want to read! Toddlers are known to want to have certain books read and reread over and over again.

How to Choose the Best Baby Books

When choosing the best baby books for babies or toddlers, look for stories that are appealing to both children and adults.

In general, the text should be a jumping off point for the reader. Illustrations should offer lots to discuss in addition to the storyline, so that the child can get more involved.

Choose Durable Versions

Children’s books are sold in a variety of styles, including hardcover, paperback, board books, and spiral bound.

Hardcover books are nice to give as a special baby shower gift. Paperback books are best for preschoolers that can handle the softer pages.

Best Board Books

I almost always choose sturdy board books for babies and toddlers. These books are usually smaller in size so they’re great for little hands. The pages are made out of stiff board instead of paper. Board books tend to stand up better with daily use.

Of course, you’ll still want to watch your baby carefully when they are handling books. Babies are always going to put the book in their mouth to gnaw, which can quickly destroy even board books (ask me how I know!)

Beloved Classics Make the Best Baby Books

Any of these all-time favorites are sure to be a hit, especially for new parents that are just building a library. These are the classic baby books that all children should own and read.

Goodnight Moon – The perfect bedtime book with soothing text and sweet illustrations, you’re sure to read this night after night. Keep reading this article for additional bedtime book suggestions.

Jamberry  – A whimsical story about a boy and a bear as they explore berry country. One of my very favorites, with tons of detail and wonderful read-aloud rhyme.

Corduroy – Sweet story about friendship between a department store bear and the little girl who wants to take him home.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Lyrical text and stand-out illustrations make this one a gem. In subsequent readings, your baby will be able to predict which different animals will appear on the next page.

Guess How Much I Love You – Little and Big Nutbrown Hare discuss their immeasurable love for each other in this timeless story.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – Rollicking adventure about the alphabet with bold illustrations and a quirky storyline that babies love.

Best Baby Books for Baby Shower Gifts

While many would argue that books aren’t essential for babies, I think that reading to children when they are young is extremely important.

True, you can’t dispute that a car seat, crib, or stroller isn’t a great baby shower gift. And all of those adorable baby clothes and diapers are necessary. But there’s something special about gifting books for baby’s first year.

Make These Books a Memento

A hardcover copy of any of these titles make an ideal shower gift. The pages can be inscribed as a memento. Request that others write inside, including baby shower guests, parents on each year of the child’s birthday, or annually from classroom teachers.

Oh, Baby, the Places You’ll Go! – Written in the style of Dr. Seuss, this lyrically rhyming text is ideal for a baby shower gift.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be – Sweet illustrations showcase children of different cultures, with a hopeful rhyme accompaniment.

Love You Forever – This classic baby book describes the never-ending love that parents have for their children (and vice versa). Consider buying a hardbound version for inscription, as well as a board book for reading.

Best Baby Books for Newborns

I’ve been reading to my kids since they were newborns. From a very young age, babies love to hear the cadence of your voice, responding to vocal inflection and tone.

Look for images that offer a high contrast. Text can be minimal to allow you to riff off the pictures. Or simply talk to your little one about the image and make up your own story.

I Kissed the Baby! – The enthusiasm is infectious in this vibrant book about animals meeting a baby chick for the first time.

Look, Look!  – The black and white contrasts with minimal text, making this perfect for newborns. This is a great book to use for tummy time, as it encourages your baby to lift their head to see the images.

Indestructibles – These clever books are chew proof, rip proof, nontoxic, and 100% washable. Choose from a wide variety of titles, perfect for teething babies.

Black and White – Striking silhouettes of household objects are bold images that are great for stimulating newborn babies.

Learning Books for Babies

First 100 Board Book Box Set – Chunky board books are ideal for little ones to “read” on their own. This collection of books includes topics like animals, shapes, numbers, colors, and words.

Disney Baby – Baby Animals – The sweetly illustrated books feature familiar Disney characters with minimal text and lots to talk about with babies. Check out all the Disney Baby series books, including colors, shapes, and baby signs.

Baby Faces – A diverse group of babies are featured in the photos of this learning book. Encourages babies to recognize facial emotions and imitation.

My First 1000 Words – My kids had a “baby dictionary” like this for many years. By the time I had my fourth child, the book was clinging together by threads, it had been so well-loved! Choose a book with bright photographs and a wide variety of subjects to discuss while you read together.

Beginner Story Books for Babies

When your baby is ready to sit for a story, try one of these engaging picture books.

Big Red Barn – Follow farm animals from day to night in this engaging Margaret Wise Brown classic.

No Matter What – A baby fox and its parent showcase the emotion of unconditional love in this affirming, sweet title.

Little Blue Truck – With repetition, your baby will soon enough be able to chime in with the animal sounds in this sweet story about a truck driving through the farm.

If I Could Keep You Little – Gentle rhyming story about babies growing up. Simple sketch illustrations are appealing to babies and feature a diverse range of children.

“More More More”, Said the Baby – The colorful adventures of three little ones, as their parents love on them with hugs and kisses.

Curious George – The inquisitive baby monkey gets into mischief, to the delight of little kids everywhere!

Tips for Introducing Books to a Baby

What to expect from story time with a baby.

Set aside a few books to read together. Some babies will be able to sit through several books, while others will want to stop after a few pages. Engage your baby by pointing at images, changing the sound of your voice, or switching to a new book.

Reading to baby should be one of your daily activities. Aim to create specified story times throughout the day, ideally during a period of rest. Lap reading and cuddling with a book is a great segue towards nap or for use in the bedtime routine.

Letting Young Children “Read” on Their Own

Encourage babies to read during tummy time by propping a book with bright illustrations in front of them.

At first, toddlers may just dump out the books or chew on the edges. In time, you’ll notice them opening the books, turning the pages, and pointing to the images. Babies will bring books to you for reading, as well.

Rotate Your Baby’s Library of Books

To eliminate story time boredom (for both adults and children), rotate books in and out. Place books out of rotation on a high shelf and refresh the bookshelf with newer reads.

Have Books within Easy Reach for Reading

Putting baby books neatly on a shelf is often a lost cause, as young kids generally just push them onto the floor.

Keep durable baby books in an easy to access location. A low basket or a bookshelf fabric sling organizer is an easy way to keep books accessible for babies.

Older Babies and Toddlers – Storytime Tips

Introduce longer stories.

As kids get older, their attention span can stretch to include a longer story time or a more complex book. Introduce longer books with more text as you see fit. Show young readers the words and have them repeat after you.

Have a Conversation About the Book

Feel free to riff off the illustrations and have your own conversation with little ones about each page. Ask questions about different aspects they see and what they think is going to happen next.

Change Your Tone

Choose a book with a fun rhyme that will help your toddler pick up words and rhythm. As you read, change the tone of your voice, adding sing-song, funny voices, and get soft or loud when the text demands it.

Teach Gentle Handling

Set aside hardbacked books, paperback books, and lift-the-flap books until toddlers are ready for gentle handling. Choose to pull these special books down from the bookshelf when reading together. Encourage toddlers to carefully turn the pages.

Best Books for Toddlers

Is Your Mama a LLama? – A baby looks for his mama, while meeting lots of other baby animals in his area. Offers fun rhymes that lead the child to guess which animal baby llama has found.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie – The ping-pong nature of toddlers is present in this charming story about a very distracted mouse. With frequent reading, kids will be able to predict what the little mouse will want next!

Good Night, Gorilla – A sneaky baby gorilla takes all the zoo animals out of their cages, without the zookeeper’s knowledge. This mostly wordless book is all about the humorous illustrations, which will pique your toddlers interest.

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear – One of my personal favorites, this story features a little mouse trying to figure out how to hide his precious strawberry (with a surprise ending!). The colorful illustrations highlight the quirky mouse and his beautiful berry.

Sheep in a Jeep – So much fun to read aloud, kids will lament these distracted sheep that just can’t seem to stay out of trouble during their joyride.

Fun Baby Books to Read Aloud

These raucous titles encourage kids to join in as you read. The more you read these books, the more familiar they’ll be come with the storyline and be able to predict what happens next! Encourage children to play along, including jumping, clapping, or shouting the words.

The Monster at the End of This Book – Sesame Street’s furry little friend Grover tells this hilarious story in a page-turner that delights kids.

Dinosaurumpus! – Rollicking story about dinosaurs having a midnight dance party. Lots of opportunity for toddlers to stamp and clamp with the rhyme.

Mother, Mother, I Want Another – All the neighboring animals come to visit Baby Mouse for the evening in this sweetly illustrated picture book that’s a family favorite. My daughter insists I sing each of the animal voices differently, making this a fun read aloud.

Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business – Clever book about a man selling hats and the silly monkeys that he outsmarts. Kids will love to stomp and shake their fists along with the storyline.

Quick As a Cricket – Vibrant, larger than life images that compare a child’s emotions and energy to wild animals.

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? – There’s a reason Dr. Seuss books are so appealing to children and adults alike! The books are lively and fun to read aloud, which teaching kids cadence and rhythm through this “book of wonderful noises”.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed – Uh, oh…these little monkeys aren’t settling down for bed! See what happens in this silly story of misbehaving monkeys.

The Napping House – A perineal favorite book in our house! This adorable story tells what happens in the wee hours when a restless flea interrupts a sleeping family and their pets.

Educational Books for Toddlers

“The Way I Feel” Library – Toddler essentials for teaching about feelings and emotions in a gentle way. The illustrations are sweet, with bright colors. Each book handles a kid-friendly topic, including fear, anger, separation anxiety, worry, and friendship with simple text. Consider purchasing the entire series.

Dr. Seuss’s ABC – A best first alphabet book, with bold letters, engaging images, and catchy verse by Dr. Seuss.

Potty – A great first potty training book to open the discussion with babies and toddlers. Super simple words and illustrations stick to the basics of using the potty.

Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever – The charming oversized book series by Richard Scarry are absolute gems. Appealing to children that love detail and learning about the world around them. The fun illustrations are enjoyable for the whole family. 

Top Interactive Books for Toddlers

An interactive book is a fun way to get older babies involved in story time or to encourage reading alone. Little ones love flaps, different textures, and peek-a-boo features on books, but they can be easily damaged.

Store interactive books in a place where they can be mishandled by rough hands. Once toddlers can handle books gently, these copies can be placed within reach.

Where’s Spot? – This simple classic combines lift-the-flag pages and basic text to encourage kids to find the hiding puppy.

Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book – Which animal makes the best pet? Your child will delight in lifting the flaps to find out which animal the zoo has sent next.

Pat the Bunny – This classic has minimal words accompanied by touch and feel pages that cover all the senses.

Ten Little Ladybugs – Excellent book for teaching how to count to ten, with tiny ladybugs embedded in the pages.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – An Eric Carle classic, little kids will enjoy poking their fingers into the die-cut holes that the caterpillar creates as he munches across the pages!

Longer Picture Books for Toddlers

When your toddler is able to sit for a longer period or enjoys more of an in-depth storyline, try one of these picture books.

Where the Wild Things Are – One of the most beloved children’s stories, this tale of imagination by Maurice Sendak is a classic that every child should own.

Little Bear – Sweet short stories about an imaginative bear and his patient mother.

Harry the Dirty Dog – This is one of the first picture books I remember from my childhood! Amusing story about a little dog that doesn’t want to take a bath.

The Cat in the Hat – A must have for every child’s library, the mischievous cat (along with Thing 1 and Thing 2), make rhyming fun in this classic book.

The Poky Little Puppy – This Little Golden Book about curious puppies is a classic for children that can sit for a longer story.

The Rainbow Fish – Gentle story about friendship and generosity speaks about sharing, a major subject for toddlers. The shimmering, iridescent pages are a highlight for little kids.

Strega Nona – Find out what happens when Strega Nona’s magic pasta pot won’t stop making pasta, nearly covering the town. My older kids all come to listen when I read this story aloud!

Best Bedtime Books for Babies and Toddlers

A bedtime book (or two, or three!) is a baby and toddler must. Whether it’s naptime or night time, these sleepy time books are ideal reading to wind down. Choose a restful bedtime story that makes it easier to transition to sleep.

Time for Bed  -This one is gentle and sweet, with animal parents putting their littles one down to bed for the night. Beautiful illustrations make this one of our favorite books for bedtime. 

Say Goodnight – Sleepy babies get ready for bed in this sweet book that eases little ones to rest.

Ten Out of Bed – A boy and his stuffed animals frolic in bed, until it’s time to fall asleep in this twist of the time-tested rhyme.

On the Night You Were Born – Vibrant story about how all the animals in the world celebrate when a child is born.

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site – Ideal for vehicle lovers, all the trucks rest at the end of the day so they’re ready for work in the morning.

Llama Llama Red Pajama – Little Llama doesn’t want to be left alone without his mama. This precious story speaks to the heart of children who want extra evening comforts.

Looking for Additional Book Suggestions?

For more book ideas, check out this round up of the top 100 best books for kids of all ages, from baby to teen.

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Best Books to Read Before Your Baby’s First Birthday

Reading is an activity baby has been a part of since the days you sat skimming all those pregnancy books . But now that your little one is here, you can bring them into your book club and switch up the storytelling syllabus. So what should you stock baby’s bookshelf with to ensure your reading journey starts off on the right foot? Truthfully, anything you can read aloud will engage baby, but particular types of books are better at jump-starting early language development and fostering fine-motor, social and problem-solving skills. We’ve put together a list of the best books for babies to get your bookworms squirming (in the best way!) from a few weeks into their lives right on through to their first birthday and beyond.

Why You Should Read to Baby

According to experts, you don’t have to feel pressured to read to a baby from sun up to sun down. A little daily reading is all it takes to foster an early love of storytelling, learning and language. That’s not all though. Book time can introduce routine and encourage bonding. So when should you start reading to baby ? No time like the present. It’s never too early to bring out the books.

What to Look for in the Best Baby Books

Anything that can be narrated—particularly in an enthusiastic and energetic manner—is sure to be a hit with baby. That said, the best baby books are ones that are easy-to-follow, feature bold and bright illustrations and use language with a natural, rhythmic cadence. Thankfully, the majority of board and picture books follow this formula.

Still wondering what kinds of books are best for baby? Start with durable board books. These types of picture books are your best option when reading to a baby under the age of one; they fit especially well in tiny hands, and can be tossed and thrown around without getting too roughed-up. They’re also safer for an endlessly exploring baby who bangs, rips and chews everything in their path. Sure, by the end of toddlerhood, you might be left with dozens of board books with gnawed corners, tabs and flaps ripped off and pages scribbled on, but at least the stories (and memories of reading time!) will still be intact. Here, a few other things to look for in the best baby books for new parents to read with their little ones:

Books that introduce concepts. Every day is a new adventure for baby, and they’re learning about the people, places and things that make up the world around them. From shapes and colors to letters and numbers, fruits and vegetables to animals and the places they live (farm, ocean, desert, rainforest, etc.), these are the basic, simple ideas highlighted in a concept book. You might also find that baby enjoys concept books that touch on things they see siblings or you and your partner doing every day, like waking up, brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, going for a walk, taking a bath and falling asleep.

Feature sensory stimuli. Large and colorful illustrations (and even mirrors!) are like catnip for babies. But sight isn’t the only sense you can activate with the best baby books. Touch-and-feel books written for babies one and under feature a variety of textures—like an animal’s soft fur or a dinosaur’s bumpy scales—to explore. Lift-the-flap formats, in turn, let babies hone their tactile senses. Not only will they learn how to discern what is just a picture and what is actually a 3D flap they can interact with, they’ll also begin to memorize and anticipate what’s underneath a flap. You’ll actually start to see the wheels turning in their head when they flip to the next page of the book and get excited because they know exactly what kind of animal or bug or plane, train or automobile is hiding behind the flap.

Use rhymes and repetition. Granted, once baby discovers a book they love, you’ll be reading it morning, noon and night (and then dreaming about it after you go to bed). We have a feeling their fave will feature words that rhyme or have a bouncy cadence that you’re likely to end up singing while you read. It’s the catchy tempo that really mesmerizes babies and keeps them interested. And as they continue to learn more about language and the sounds and similarities words make, they’ll be flexing early literacy skills while enjoying the best baby books.

Best Books for Babies 0 to 12 Months Old

Chances are, you’re already on your way to building an impressive nursery shelf filled with the best books for babies—especially if you or the hosts of your baby shower requested guests bring a book for baby in lieu of a card. But if your collection could use more classics—or your library lacks in the lift-the-flaps department—then you’ll definitely want to take a peek at our picks of the best baby books for the first year with your little love.

Pajama Time!

Ask any new parent, and they’ll tell you that the best book for baby is one that encourages sleep. And iIf bedtime ends up being baby’s favorite time to read, then they’ll love this pre-slumber story by famed children’s author, Sandra Boynton. The sing-songy story follows a group of animals who start getting ready for bed when the sun goes down—and, let’s just say, they have a great time. Not only will this get your little honey excited to put on their PJs and hit the hay every night, it’ll also help them start recognizing their routine. Age range: One+

Wild Animals

This is one of the best board books for babies. This 12-page concept book is perfect for any baby who is wild about animals—and possibly even wild about chomping whatever falls into their paws. Each page spotlights a different animal (tiger cub, crocodile and koala, to name a few); the sounds they make and a tactile element that simulates their coat, their scales and the tree branches they climb. If baby is hopping around and shouting “boing, boing!” like a kangaroo by month number two, then you’ve absolutely done things right. Age range: 0 to 3 years old

Love You Head to Toe

Another one of the best board books for babies is this pick by Ashley Barron. It compares everything baby does in a day—from waking up and stretching to splashing around in the pool with Mom—to animals doing the same thing. Your little kitten will be smitten seeing another little one like them dazzling the pages. (A different baby is showcased on every page as a clear nod to diversity and its importance). And if you want to “quiz” baby throughout the day, you’ll be shocked at just how much they can recall. Fill those cheeks, you cute chipmunk, you! Age range: 0 to 3 years old

Where's Spot?

Mama is looking for Spot, and she needs baby’s help to find him! If you only have room for one lift-the-flap book on your bookshelf (and, let’s be honest, who can have just one?!), let this iconic book, by Eric Hill, be it. Sure, they’ll have fun playing detective, but equally exciting is the language-enriching question-and-answer format they’ll love participating in. Age range: 0 to 2 years old

Alphaprints: Colors

There’s truly no time like the present to introduce baby to the colors that make up the world they live in. This incredibly creative book shows colored animals frolicking in their colored worlds—an orange ape swinging through an orange jungle, a yellow snake slithering through a yellow desert—while your baby pets their textured bodies (pieced together by raised and embossed fingerprints). Once they get a little older, you can also play an elementary game of “look and find” to have your babe spot everyday objects in each of the animal’s realms. Rulers for hanging vines. Strawberries for owl eyes. Pencils for spider legs. Age range: One+

Tummy Time: Love Is All Around

Reading sessions don’t always have to start and end with you sitting in a recliner, baby on your lap. In fact, building reading time into other daily activities—especially ones that aren’t usually such a hit—can be wildly successful. With a two-in-one fold-out book like this one, you can pull double duty with tummy time. Lay baby on their stomach, and let them marvel at two accordion-style wordless books. One side has full-color illustrations of love and affection, the other takes on love and family time in high-contrast black and white (great for strengthening baby’s developing eyes). Later, when your titan of tummy time turns into a toddler, you can encourage them to make up their own stories with the illustrations as inspiration. Age range: 0 to 4

Indestructibles: The Itsy Bitsy Spider

This rhyme stands the test of time, but so will this rip- and water-proof book. Maddie Frost’s friendly and colorful rendition of the classic nursery rhyme introduces baby to basic rhythm and the more metaphorical rewards of perseverance. But the even bigger win? It’s designed to stand up to the way babies “read,” with their hands and mouths—so it can be chewed on, drooled on and then thrown into the wash without getting wrecked! Age range: 0+

The Pout-Pout Fish

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading Deborah Diesen’s Pout-Pout Fish with baby, it’s time to dive in and never look back. Teeming with bright underwater motifs and told in a playful rhyme fashion, the fishy fable teaches baby that life is full of color and wonder, and hardly deserving of a forever frown. And with dozens of follow-up adventures for Mr. Fish and his swimming squad (festive seasonal editions, for starters), neither you nor baby will ever have to deal with the dreary wearies IRL. Age range: One+

First 101 Words: A Highlights Hide-and-Seek Book with Flaps

Baby has lots to learn about the world, but if they can use this amazing concept book as a springboard, they’ll be navigating life in no time. Filled with 101 different words and clearly labeled illustrations of animals, foods, modes of transportation and toys, the book is a fantastic early language tool. Baby may not be able to articulate the words “avocado,” “tractor,” “flowers” or “eyes,” but there’s a good chance that after only a few repetitions of the book, they’ll be able to point to what you’re asking them about and possibly even touch them (eyes, nose, ear or hands) on their own bodies. Plus, with a wipe-clean surface, any rogue spills, splatters or spit-up dribbles are total non-issues. Age range: 0 to 2

Hello, My World: A High-Contrast Board Book

The best books for babies are highly visual. Newborns don’t see things (color, people and objects in fine focus) the way older babies and toddlers do. But from birth, they can pick up on shapes and patterns in high-contrast black and white. So if you need something to break up the tedious first few weeks of life for your little one, take this sturdy board book for a spin. With simple text (two to three words on a page) and bold, exaggerated art, baby will get an introduction to everyday things like clouds, flowers and birds, and how we say “hello” in a sampling of languages. Age range: 0+

Color Me: Who’s in the Pond?

A bubble bath and bestselling book in-hand sounds like a fantastic Monday night for Mom or Dad, but what about baby? We’d venture to say that tub-time with a bath book that goes from black and white to color as soon as it’s dipped in the water is exactly what the pediatrician ordered. Baby will get to know the animals hanging out in the pond and get a lesson in cause and effect: If I put this page under water, it’ll change color. Yay! Let’s do it again. Age range: 0+

This Little Piggy: Touch and Trace Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are always a good choice for babies, but when you sprinkle in an interactive element, like traceable tracks, the stories come to life even more. As you read the rhymes aloud, take baby’s finger and guide it through the divots that correspond with “This Little Piggy,” “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” “Little Miss Muffet” and more. It may not seem like it, but this book, by Emily Bannister, can help baby develop the mechanics they’ll need to start writing one day. Age range: 0 to 2

I Love You Like No Otter

Here at The Bump, we’re always pro-pun, and we can’t imagine we’re the only ones. If you’re a fan of sweet word play, then you’re bound to fall head over heels for this USA Today bestseller by Rose Rossner. One of the best board books for babies, it’s easy for your little one to grasp and cuddle, as they learn about animal and insect families and the un-bee-lievable amount of love moms and dads have for their offspring. The illustrations are perfect, and with a limited amount of words, it truly sets the stage for dialogic reading between you and the cub you love beary much. Age range: 0 to 2

Mirror & Me Moo Am I?

While baby is probably a little too young to understand and appreciate personalized baby books , they can put themselves into books with interactive, mirrored pages. This farm-set storybook leverages mirrors in an attempt to inspire baby’s imagination, curiosity and self-awareness. You’ll read the blurb describing the animal or familiar farm face with a handful of clues, and then ask baby “Who am I?” Will they be a cow? A horse? A scarecrow? They might not be able to define who they are, but they’ll still get a kick out of seeing themselves in farm-animal form. Age range: 6 months+

Seek and Find: Animals

Where’s Waldo books won’t be on their radar for a few more years, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore simpler iterations of the search-and-find format. This beautifully illustrated board book opens up to a setting (like the ocean or forest), and then encourages readers to find the animals that live there. Parents, you can read the animal names that appear in circles on the top of the page and ask baby to point to the animal that matches. High-fives for every creature they come across! Age range: One+

Pat the Zoo (Pat the Bunny)

In real life, petting a panda bear or messing up a macaw’s feathers at the zoo would never be permitted, but in this popular off-shoot of Dorothy Kunhardt’s Pat the Bunny , it’s actually encouraged. Baby can touch a sea lion’s frisky whiskers and feel a frog’s sticky tongue. Age range: 0 to 3

If Animals Kissed Good Night

Ending the day with a goodnight kiss from baby is #goals for every parent. In this delightful story by Ann Whitford Paul, a mom comforts her daughter before she drifts off to sleep, asking her to imagine what animals do when they settle in for the night. A sloth and her cub would smooch slowly, starting when the sun went down, and a mama python and her hatchling would twist and turn around each other, kissing as they hiss. The book may not be bold with teaching moments, but it definitely promotes bonding when the reading is shared. The first time baby wraps their arms around you and kisses you for what seems like forever, you’ll know they’ve learned something. Age range: 0 to 3

We Say Hello (A Lift and Learn Language Book)

Hearing words out loud is all baby needs to level up their language acquisition, so imagine what you can do for them by saying “hello” in seven different languages. In this vibrant and culturally aware board book, a little boy asks you to come along with him as he says “hello” to all of his friends at the park. Using an innovative design, author Salina Yoon invites readers to lift a flap and uncover a speech bubble with the special word (hello) translated in every language the boy and his friends speak: English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, French and Tagalog. And once baby has “hello” under their belt, you can move onto Yoon’s companion book, We Say Good Night . Age range: 0 to 3

Lovevery Colorful Animals Wooden Book

While most of the best books for babies have cardboard or thick paperboard construction, there certainly are other books with the heft needed to keep them safe in the clutches of little hands. This sustainably crafted wooden picture book from Lovevery (with its water-based, non-toxic finishes and yarn-threaded pages) is a sense-engaging and language-enriching winner. Just imagine the smile on baby’s face as they touch and inspect each beautifully hand-painted animal. Plus, the minimalist Montessori-style aesthetic is one you’ll be happy to have on your coffee table. Age range: 0 to 6 months

Don’t Tickle the Bear!

Babies are notorious for hearing “no” and doing things anyway. But with this sweet touch and feel board book by Sam Taplin, we kind of hope they tickle the bear and all of his buddies. The four soft touchy-feely patches make silly sounds when baby presses, pokes or strokes them—clueing them into cause-and-effect processes. They’ll think it’s so funny, they’ll want you to try too! Age range: 0 to 3

Opposites with Frank Lloyd Wright

We love Mudpuppy’s version of opposites using Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous and dynamic works to highlight the differences between round and pointy, inside and outside, hard and soft, day and night and more. A coffee table book, but make it baby POV. Age range: 0 to 5

Kindness Makes Us Strong

Raising kind humans is one of the biggest priorities we have as parents. Beyond hoping our kids will model our own altruistic actions and benevolent behavior, we can use books with related themes to reinforce the “right” way to do things and connect with family and friends. Kindness is… saying hello. Kindness is… being patient. Kindness is…helping. Kindness is… trading treats. The big, durable pages and colorful illustrations in this Sophie Beer book make it a wonderful choice for little learners with the biggest hearts. Age range: One+

Taco Tuesday Finger Puppet Board Book

If you and your fam are big fans of Taco Tuesday, baby is sure to eat this fun finger puppet book all up! Similar to the Turkey in Disguise theme that you may have seen play out in preschool classrooms, this book shines a light on a happy little taco trying his darndest to make you change your mind about what’s on the menu for dinner. With a rhythmic cadence, thick and sturdy pages, bold and bright artwork and a finger puppet built right into the book, holy [ guaca ] mole, this bite-sized board book from Cottage Door Press is a real treat! Serving interactive play, hand-eye coordination and language development for days. Age range: 6 months+

Babies Around the World Dancing

Dancing is something that brings joy, happiness and delight to everyone—no matter where they live, what they like to wear, who they love, what language they speak, etc. From Ireland to India, South Africa to China, friendly babies from faraway places welcome you and your little one into their homes with lots of rhythm and uplifting dance moves in this lovely book by Tamara Barker. Age range: 0 to 4

You Are My Cupcake

The best baby books for new parents to read to their kiddos are sweet, fun and full of charm. If you haven’t yet come up with a favorite term of endearment for your delicious little morsel, then you might want to (taste)-test-drive the adorable nicknames in this adorable board book by Joyce Wan. Not only will your babe love getting kisses and snuggles as you call them “cutie pie” and “sweet pea,” they’ll also have a blast touching the glitter-topped embossed pages. Age range: One+

Grab Your Pillow, Armadillo

The best baby books for the first year (and beyond!) help to establish routine through whimsical words. Getting your little one to embrace sleep is tough work—so a book that can make getting shuteye seem fun earns a thumbs-up from all of us exhausted parents. This impossibly cute rhyming board book, by Haily Meyers, lets baby lift flaps to see which sleepy animal needs to get to bed. Phrases like “rest snug, lady bug,” and “hop in bed hammerhead” will help your little one learn new sounds and animal names, all while they mellow out for lights out. Age range: 0 to 3

Friendly Fire Truck

Next up on our list of the best baby books is this sweet and fiery read. It might still be a while before your little firecracker starts sitting at the window waiting for sirens to swirl by, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to fill them in on the important job firemen and women and their fire trucks do every day. Rhyming text and fun illustrations are coupled with various touch-and-feel elements, allowing children to stimulate their sense of touch. And our favorite part? The sturdy board book from Little Hippo Books is shaped—so once you and baby are done reading, they can grab the book and pretend it’s a toy to drive around all over town. Age range: 0 to 6

Whose Feet?

The best baby books offer interactive elements. This squeaking, crinkling, foot-flailing cloth book from Melissa & Doug is lightweight and durably constructed to last through storytime, playtime, drool time (and a rinse cycle too)! Have baby open the book using its Velcro closure, and then talk them through all the legs that aren’t Mr. Crocodile’s. A bear’s furry paws make him a champion at catching fish, and the sticky pads on froggy’s feet let him excel at climbing trees, but croc’s lizard legs make him a pro at playing soccer, dancing, skipping, hopping, splashing and skateboarding. With dangling feet that let them grab and simple text that’s a breeze for you to read, this activity book sure has a lot of legs. (Get it?) Age range: One month+

Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?

Mr. Brown is a master of imitations, and he’s challenging baby to a riveting round of ‘who can do it best?’ with the creative, playful sounds in this Dr. Seuss read. Can they go “moo-moo” and “buzz-buzz” too? Can they whisper super-soft and super-high like the soft, soft whisper of a butterfly? With your help and hype, they’re certainly going to try! Age range: One+

Calming Music Book

Returning to the big-picture idea of reading as a best way to bond with your babe, this book, by Sam Taplin, features five classical tunes (with a note that says ‘press the page to hear the music’) to soothe and relax your tiny koala as they hold you tight. Charming illustrations of baby animals being lulled by musical snippets from Schubert, Haydn and Fauré will let baby know that they, too, can take a breather and get lost in melody. We’re especially happy that the composers are captioned—if you see your mini loves one of the songs, you can go online to find the full-length audio. Age range: 0 to 3

Mindful Board Books Bundle

Speaking of mindfulness and meditation, this amazing boxed set brings together titles including ABCs of Kindness , Antiracist Baby , Breathe Like a Bear , The Crayons’ Book of Feelings and Up, Up, Up, Down . The simple language, rhythmic tempo, bold illustrations and question-and-answer prompts across all five books offer great ways to connect with your open-minded munchkin, teach them about the big world, explore their feelings and find healing routes for them to keep calm and carry on. Age range: 0 to 3

Plus, more from The Bump:

11 Best Baby Book Subscriptions for Expanding Little Minds

The Best Children’s Books About Adoption and Surrogacy

When to Start Reading to Baby, According to Experts

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45 Best Books for a Baby’s First Year

Board books are a baby’s best friend—perfect for story time, bedtime, and even teething (chomp, chomp)! But with so many baby books to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

Whether you're building your own baby's library or want to shower a babe-to-be with reading material, we've rounded up 45 tried and true favorites with just the right combination of education and entertainment. Most importantly, they’re really fun to read aloud, which is clutch when you’re reading them over and over and over…

I Kissed the Baby , by Mary Murphy

Newborn babies respond best to bold, black and white illustrations…like the ones you’ll find in this board book for babies. I Kissed the Baby will grab their attention while charming you with its sweet tale of welcoming a brand-new baby.

Moo Baa La La La !, by Sandra Boynton

You can’t go wrong adding any of Sandra Boynton’s board books to baby’s library. We love this exploration of animal sounds, an important part of every baby’s vocabulary.

Goodnight Moon , by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd

There’s a reason everyone has heard of Good Night Moon . The Margaret Wise Brown classic makes bedtime feel safe and cozy by wishing goodnight to every object in the room.

Pat the Zoo , by LV Studio

Babies love to read with their fingers, so Pat the Zoo invites babies to touch and feel different animals, from a furry panda to a bumpy turtle.

Knuffle Bunny , by Mo Willems

Baby loses her precious stuffed animal, but how can she explain the problem without words? Luckily, Mom understands what she’s trying to say in this classic board book for babies.

Guess How Much I Love You? , by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram

In this board book for babies, a little bunny and his parent express their love for each other to the moon and back.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? , by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle

Each page of this board book for babies asks the question “What do you see?” before revealing a new animal, from a red bird to a purple cat. The rhythmic repetition and bright colors make it a perfect book for a baby’s first year.

I Love You as Big as the World , by David Van Buren, Illustrated by Tim Warnes

It’s nearly impossible to explain the depth of our love to our littles, but this board book for babies comes close.

Time for Bed , by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Jane Dyer

Every page of this baby book features a young animal snuggling down with its mama for good night’s sleep. You’ll both be yawning by the end!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar , by Eric Carle

This board book starts out innocently enough with a tiny caterpillar eating through one apple on Monday. By Saturday he’s worked his way up to cupcakes!

Counting Kisses , by Karen Katz

Learn the parts of the body and count down from 10 to 1 while getting lots of kisses? That’s a win-win.

Goodnight Gorilla , by Peggy Rathman 

A wily gorilla steals the zookeeper’s keys and lets all the animals out of the cages. You’ll both be laughing when Mrs. Zookeeper discovers the animals napping in her house.

Look, Look!, by Peter Linenthal 

Babies aren’t born seeing color right away, but they are drawn to high-contrast images. Enter this classic baby book! Your bub will love gazing at the black-and-white illustrations designed for their little eyes.

Bath! Bath! Bath! , by Douglas Florian, illustrated by Christiane Engel

Bathtime is one of the most reliable rituals of the baby days! And written in verse, this board book for babies will get your bub excited to suds up.

Go Dog, Go , by P.D. Eastman

A classic exploration of opposites through funny dogs who are big and little, fast and slow, and all headed to a big dog party!

Everywhere Babies , by Susan Meyers, illustrated by Marla Frazee

Babies are fed, dressed, and loved in this baby board book that celebrates babies everywhere.

From Head to Toe , by Eric Carle

Before your baby can even talk, they’ll be able to imitate the animals’ gestures in this boardbook for babies, turning their head like a penguin or shrugging like a buffalo. (See more interactive books for kids !)

Baby Happy Baby Sad , by Leslie Patricelli 

Hugging kitty makes baby happy. Falling down makes baby sad. The simple examples throughout the board book teach babies about their feelings…and that’s a good thing!

Little Blue Truck , by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

A brave little truck helps a dump truck who’s stuck in the mud in a much-loved baby board book that features great values and great trucks!

Clip-Clop , by Nicola Smee

In this board book for babies, a horse graciously offers a ride to a dog, cat, pig and duck…but they’d better hold on tight!

Peek-a-Who , by Nina Laden

Every baby loves a good game of peekaboo, so try it in board book form as you spy on an owl that says “who” and a train that goes “choo choo.”

Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site , by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

For little ones who like things that go (and who doesn’t?), this is the perfect bedtime board book.

Baby Faces , by Margaret Miller

Very few things fascinate a baby more than the faces of other babies! Explain the parts of the face and the meanings of different expressions as you explore real life baby pictures together. 

Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes , by Judy Hindley and Brita Granstorm                  

This board book does more than just label the main parts of a kid’s face and body—it explains what they’re for, as in, “A nose is to blow, a nose is to sniff, a nose has holes for sniffing with.”

The Going to Bed Book , by Sandra Boynton

Even hippos have bedtime routines, at least in this board book for babies, which finds various animals brushing their teeth and donning jammies before rocking to sleep on their cozy boat.

I Like Myself , by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow

It’s never too soon to build self-esteem, and I Like Myself does a great job showing how our differences make us uniquely awesome.

My Car , by Byron Barton

Sam proudly demonstrates the parts of his car and how he takes care of it with gas, oil and washing. We love Byron Barton’s cartoon-like illustrations and littles are absolutely fascinated to discover how things work.

Dim Sum For Everyone , by Grace Lin

“Little dishes on little carts” will make you hungry and eager to explore the culture that gave us such yummy goodies. 

Besos for Baby , by Jen Arena, illustrated by Blanca Gomez

If you need an excuse to shower your bebe with kisses , Besos for Baby is here for you.

Where Is the Green Sheep? , by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek

On a quest to find the elusive green sheep, we meet the up and down sheep, the scared and brave sheep, and many others in this extremely silly rhyming board book for babies.

Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? , by Karen Katz

Author Karen Katz is a master of the lift-the-flap book, and this baby favorite teaches the parts of the body from head to toe.

Please, Baby, Please , by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee

Having trouble getting your little one to sleep or listen? Spike Lee feels your pain in this sweet baby book that he wrote with his wife…it’s the perfect way to prep for the toddler years ahead!

Jamberry , by Bruce Degen

Jazzy rhythms and rhymes make this story about a boy and his bear on a berry hunt read like pure poetry.

Where’s Spot? , by Eric Hill

It’s Spot’s dinnertime but he’s hiding so we’ll have to search the house! Baby can help lift the flaps in every room until our puppy is found.

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? , by Dr. Seuss                  

Dr. Seuss gifted us with many classic books for babies, from Green Eggs and Ham to The Lorax . We love Mr. Brown for reading to babies because it’s all about making funny sounds like “buzz buzz” and “boom boom.”  

Quick as a Cricket , by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood

A small child compares himself to animals with different traits—like “loud as a lion” and “quiet as a clam”—because humans are complex and amazing!

The Runaway Bunny , by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd

A baby bunny learns that no matter where he goes, Mama will always be there in this imaginative fantasy.

Dear Zoo , by Rod Campbell

Can The Zoo help us find the perfect pet in this lift-the-flap book for a baby’s first year? After several misfires—including an elephant that’s too big and a snake that’s too scary—a perfect puppy finally arrives.

More, More, More Said the Baby: Three Love Stories , by Vera B. Williams

Celebrating family love in its many forms, the three short stories in this classic board book are sweet as a baby’s smile.

In the Tall, Tall Grass , by Denise Fleming

“Crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch,” begins this nature adventure with just a few well-chosen words on each page and gorgeous illustrations.

A Good Day , by Kevin Henkes

Not every day starts out perfectly, but hang in there, and you can turn it around. That’s the moral of this beautiful baby book by Kevin Henkes.

Whose Toes Are Those? , by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Leuyen Pham

This celebration of oh-so-sweet little baby toes will get little ones giggling with its charming rhymes.

Baby Signs , by Joy Allen

Little ones are able to express themselves with gestures before they can speak, so teaching your baby sign language can be a helpful way to communicate with your kiddo early on. This book breaks down some essential signs to help the whole family learn!

I Love Us: A Book About Family , illustrated by Luisa Uribe

An ode to families of all configurations, this baby book is the perfect way to help your sweet pea get to know their own family (the book includes a mirror and a blank family tree)—while also opening their eyes to the world beyond their home.

Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals , by Mo Willems

Chances are, in a few years you’ll be introduced to the bigger-kid books that have made Mo Willems such a hit with young readers (and their parents!). In the meantime, this baby-focused tome gives families a taste of Willems’ humorous writing style (with a dash of sweetness, too!).

More Books for a Baby's First Year:

• Interactive Books for Kids
• Books About Big Emotions for Little Kids
• Books About Animals
• Children's Books About Race & Equality
• The Ultimate Baby and Toddler Book List

Another essential for a baby's first year? SNOObear! SNOObear plays the white noise babies and toddlers love and doubles as a cuddly lovey. Learn more about SNOObear here . 

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

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Good Reads for Infants and Young Toddlers

Good books for infants and toddlers are those that will endure many hours of mouthing and page-turning. Look for books that are cloth, vinyl or made of thick, durable cardboard (often called "board books"). In addition, children this age learn best from rhyming books or those that make use of short repetitive words or phrases. Here are some good picks for this age range:

Pat the Bunny

Pat the Bunny is a classic infant/toddler book that children will want to read over and over again. It has plenty of tactile stimulation integrated throughout and focuses on events and things that are very familiar to children of this age.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

This is another classic children's book, but now it's available in board-book format. It features repetitive questions about animals and colors that your child will soon be able to answer before you even turn the page.

Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?

This board book is especially fun for the toddler who is just learning to make animal and other sounds. In addition, you just can't go wrong with a book by Dr. Suess.

Goodnight Moon

This fun and colorful board book allows toddlers to learn and find all the little items in the pictures (comb, brush, mittens, kittens) as they grow.

Research has shown that babies just love looking at other babies.   This book is a DK book, famous for vibrant color images against white backgrounds. Help your child learn to recognize emotions by naming what each child is feeling in the pictures.

My First Baby Signs

This book is a great way to introduce signing to your baby. Even before he learns to talk, you'll have a way to communicate.   Practice the signs with your child as you read and be sure to praise correct signing for reinforcement.

Sheep in a Jeep

This book has quick, short rhymes that your infant or toddler will love. As an added bonus, the rhymes are just ridiculous enough to read aloud with older children as well.

I See a Cow

This book is a board book that has designs on a plastic surface on each page. The difference in textures is fascinating and stimulating to babies and toddlers alike.

Reading about potty training can be a good first step toward introducing toileting words and concepts to your child. It can also help decrease fear of the toilet and make your toddler more comfortable with this very big step in his life.  

Books About Physical Activity

These books can help introduce concepts and vocabulary that have to do with dancing, sports, the body, movement and being physically active .

Welcome with Love

When a new baby is on the way, prepare siblings for the arrival with these top book picks. These books help explain what will happen once the baby is home and help older children learn how to deal with feelings of jealousy and confusion.

Fly-Away Ladybug and Other Lamaze Books

These books by Lamaze are educational, durable and fun. They feature classic stories that babies love and will want to read time and time again. In addition, these books have an unconditional lifetime guarantee, so even if the original book doesn't make it through, a replacement will.

Farroni T, Johnson MH, Menon E, Zulian L, Faraguna D, Csibra G. Newborns' preference for face-relevant stimuli: Effects of contrast polarity .  Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A . 2005;102(47):17245‐17250. doi:10.1073/pnas.0502205102

Mueller V, Sepulveda A, Rodriguez S.  The effects of baby sign training on child development .  Early Child Dev Care . 2014;84(8):1178-1191. doi:10.1080/03004430.2013.854780

Kimball V. The Perils and Pitfalls of Potty Training .  Pediatr Ann . 2016;45(6):e199‐e201. doi:10.3928/00904481-20160512-01

By Stephanie Brown Stephanie Brown is a parenting writer with experience in the Head Start program and in NAEYC accredited child care centers.

50 Must-Read Board Books for Babies

Vanessa Diaz

Book Riot Managing Editor Vanessa Diaz is a writer and former bookseller from San Diego, CA whose Spanish is even faster than her English. When not reading or writing, she enjoys dreaming up travel itineraries and drinking entirely too much tea. She is a regular co-host on the All the Books podcast who especially loves mysteries, gothic lit, mythology/folklore, and all things witchy. Vanessa can be found on Instagram at @BuenosDiazSD or taking pictures of pretty trees in Portland, OR, where she now resides.

View All posts by Vanessa Diaz

Here’s the deal: I’m 33 and single with no kids. Until recently, I didn’t find myself reading a lot of kids books , ya know? Then two things happened. 1) I began working in a bookstore, one located in a neighborhood with tons of parents wanting books for their tiny humans. 2) My brother and his wife announced that they’re expecting their first child. BAM! Suddenly I’m reading all the board books for babies and hoarding them as gifts.

Why Board Books For Babies?

Board books are where it’s at when it comes to reading to the littles. Their thick paperboard construction makes them durable, a crucial quality as kiddos are apt to treat their books as chew toys. Their simple concepts and colorful illustrations are beneficial for early learning and development. Board books are also super affordable; prices range from $6–$10 on average, and that’s at full price.

Where to Buy Board Books For Babies

You probably know where to find new books—your favorite local indie, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon. But what if you’re searching for used board books at a bargain? Resources like Alibris and Thrift Books offer some deep discounts, with pricing as low as $0.99! Your local thrift store, sales at your local library and used bookstores are also excellent resources for discounts. Less money spent equals more books purchased, amirite?

Another great option to explore is customization. Companies like Pint Size Productions and Pinhole Press allow you to create a totally personalized board book. Use your own photos, add a story, or include no words at all; the options are endless for creating a one-of-a-kind gift. Find even more suggestions for personalized books for kids here .

Choosing Board Books for Babies

Not all board books are created equal: some are better for toddlers than for baby brains who have yet to learn and form words.

The overwhelming majority of parents I’ve spoken to agree that certain qualities are key: rhyme and repetition to keep baby’s attention engaged; color and/or contrast to stimulate their senses; textural variety for babies to explore through touch; finally, simplicity is best. 

The best board books for babies

So whether you too have a little bundle of joy to read to, need a gift for someone who does, or, like me, are on a mission to bring a niece or nephew to love of reading, here are 50 board books for babies to get ’em started while they’re young.

Hug M achine   by Scott Campbell

Admit it, you’re singing “I’m just a huuuug machine.” Don’t worry, I ain’t mad at it. This popular picture book condensed down to board book form is a feel-good read about hugging and is so. darn. cute. It’s also kind of hilarious: the little boy in the book goes around hugging everything . The image of him hugging a mailbox took me down.

Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton

If the adorable babbling in the kids corner at the bookstore has taught me anything, it’s that kids love funny sounds. This little board book is a fantastic read-aloud to teach babies the sounds that animals make. And again…that title is just fun to say.

Besos for Baby by Jen Arena and Blanca Gomez

I can’t handle the cuteness of these illustrations, which, ahem, were done by a Latina. The bilingual storyline—which is simple enough for a baby to follow—is paired with gorgeous, graphic visuals and encourage sweet kisses from baby. Si, please.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr, Illustrated by John Archambault

This is possibly the most popular title among the littles at my store. Babies seem to alight when they see it on the shelf, while toddlers giddily clap and shriek the title over and over again. It is pretty fun to say: go on, you know you want to.

The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, Illustrated by Dan Hanna

I like to joke that this book is about a fish with a case of RBF. It’s an adorable tale of a gloomy gus whose fishy friends help to turn his frown upside down. It’s another one of those books that kids recognize and get really excited over.

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

I work at an indie bookstore and my owner’s three-year-old daughter has her own section on our website’s Staff Picks section. This one is at the top of the list and I see why—the illustrations are so gorgeous that I almost—almost!—forgot that most bugs terrify me.

Dream Big, Little Leader by Vashti Harrison

I’m cheating here because this one hasn’t come out yet—but hear me out! Author Vashti Harrison is the creator of adorable and empowering Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History . This forthcoming board book is an adaptation of that first release and will feature 18 trailblazing black women in American history. It might be a little bit advanced for babies, but I’m still recommending it. Representation matters! Worth the wait till October.

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw and Margot Apple

It’s called Sheep in a Jeep. What more do  you need to know?

Baby Koala: Finger Puppet Book (Little Finger Puppet Board Books) by Chronicle Books, illustrated by Yu-Hsuan Huang

Kids looooove them a finger puppet. Heck, so do I! These tiny little books are an understandable favorite due to the cute little finger puppet at the book’s center, which comes in every variety from koala to tiger to crab.

Lil Libros Board Books by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, illustrated by Citlali Reyes

I can’t express how much I love this series: beautifully illustrated, first concept stories in bilingual text with a focus on Latin American cultural and historical icons. Check this list: Frida, Cantinflas, Celia, Zapata and…wait for it…Selena. What are you waiting for? You do anything for Salinas!

Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz

My only issue with this book is that I wish the imagery was more diverse. Still, the feminist baby has some pretty great knowledge to share and those pearls of wisdom make it a great gift.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

No list of board books would be complete without this classic. The timeless story, beautiful artwork and die-cut pages make this a favorite of parents and babies alike. Bonus: if you’re looking to add an extra touch to your gifting, pair this book and other classics with a matching pair of socks or a onesie . This combo is one of my gifting go-tos.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr, Illustrated by Eric Carle

Though A Very Hungry Caterpillar is probably Eric Carle’s most well-known children’s book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? actually came first. Educator and author Bill Martin Jr approached Carle to illustrate a story he’d written in 1967. Brown Bear is the result of that collaboration and the first of several others: if you like bears, there are panda and polar bear versions available for your reading pleasure.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

The Snowy Day first broke the color barrier in mainstream children’s publishing in 1962 when it introduced us to Peter, an absolutely precious little brown boy in a red snowsuit playing in the snow. Keats has made a concerted effort to make all of his characters diverse and for that he gets all of the points.

Mini Look At Me books by Giovanni Caviezel, Illustrated by L. Rigo

These books are die-cut and feature adorable creatures. Picking out which ones to carry in store is always such a challenge for me—they’re all so precious. Have fun choosing!

Corduroy by Don Freeman

This one’s a little wordier than I’d usually say a baby book should be, but I just couldn’t leave my buddy Corduroy out in the cold. It’s another one of those classic stories for kids to grow into and grow with.

All the World by Liz Garcia Scanlon, Marla Frazee

This Caldecott winner is a classic, a story of the ways—big and small—in which we are all connected. Simple but poignant, I’ve gifted it numerous times.

Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman

Vegetables. Underwear. This is a no-look purchase. But seriously, it’s cute and it’s funny and VEGETABLES ARE IMPORTANT. Underwear is too.

GoodNight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

You’ve heard of this one, right? Thought so. This timeless bedtime story is a staple of any tiny reader’s collection, a poetic lullaby to put little ones to sleep.

A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na

Korean author and illustrator Il Sung Na creates such whimsical visuals, a particular style unlike what you usually see in board books. The text is sparse but lovely and pairs with the unique illustrations for a story that’s simple, soothing and a treat for the eyes.

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

I know what you’re thinking: a baby barely knows where their nose is, ain’t it a little early to start with activism? To that I say, not at all! Though just a little text-heavy for babies, it goes through the alphabet and does check the boxes for rhyming and some seriously stunning color. And what a great gift for babies of parents who resist—or maybe ones who need to…Bonus: It’s available in Spanish too as A de Activista .

Black Bird, Yellow Sun by Steve Light

Colors & animals, straight up & simple. The entire book is exactly 20 words long but that is just dandy for babies newly exposed to these concepts.

Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

I was already pretty sold on a Caldecott honor book on typing cows, but the story itself speaks to my soul. A group of cows are sick of their barn’s frigid conditions and draft up a letter to their farmer demanding electric blankets. They go on strike when their demands aren’t met and get the chickens involved, and there are meetings and counteroffers. This is board book gold. These cows stand for what they believe in and I think that makes this a pretty stellar baby gift. Don’t you let anyone get in the way of your blankets, kids!

Count with Little Fish by Lucy Cousins

This looks like just another counting book at first glance, but there’s a little surprise inside. The numbers and fish on the pages are made of a shiny, reflective material, giving the art a pretty sheen that’s a treat for baby’s developing eyesight.

Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara

Counting on Community is also by Innosanto Nagara, the writer and illustrator of the aforementioned A is For Activist . This second book follows in the same progressive vein, this time focusing on counting. Just like his first work, Nagara brings it with the vibrant artwork. The page on “nine tasty dishes” made my mouth water *just* a little bit.

Cozy Classics Series by Jack & Holman Wang

You know, I thought I was going to have to work a lot harder to sneak Jane Eyre into a list of baby books. But here come the folks at Cozy Classics making it way too easy AND baby appropriate! Each of the books in this adorable series feature simple concepts, words and stories using images of needle-threaded felt people from the classics. COME ON. Jane Eyre is my favorite but I must admit: I’ll probs buy War & Peace so I can say my nephew is up on Russian lit.

Dinosaur Dance by Sandra Boynton

These dancing dinos go tippity tap and flap, flap, flap and bompity bomp and stop stop stomp. The fun and silly words make for a wonderful read aloud—and maybe a baby dance party of one’s own.

Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book! By Dr. Seuss

Not all of Dr. Seuss’s works are baby-level reads, but this one works pretty well even for the littlest of the little. It’s just what it sounds like: the ABC’s Seussified. A good gateway into the rest of the Dr. Seuss world.

First 100 Words by Roger Priddy

There really are 100 words packed into this tiny book, each paired with a colorful image to help babies learn the basics. Think stuff like apple, car, flower, chair. High on color, low on complexity.

Global Babies by The Global Fund for Children

A friend recommended this one and it’s easy to see why: this collection of full-color photographs features babies from around the world in all of their diverse and chubby-cheeked glory. The book’s curators, Global Fund for Children, donate time and funds to community-based organizations working to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable youth. Great book, great message, great cause—and beautiful babies. Bonus: available in a bilingual version AND it’s the first in a series.

Playshapes Series by Twirl Books, Illustrated by Nadia Shireen

These sturdy and brightly-colored plastic board books are cut in the shape of animals and contain quick mini-lessons inside about the animal too. My fave is Emperor Penguin, but you perhaps will prefer the T-Rex, Triceratops or Seal.

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site: Let’s Go! by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

You’re never too old to learn construction work, right? The graduated pages are shaped like the vehicles they describe in simple, easy language. It may be a while before baby can properly identify a canopy or outrigger, but the playful shape of the book itself is great from the get-go.

Time for a Hug by Phillis Gershator and Mim Green, illustrated by David Walker

I sense you’re looking for more books about hugs, yes? Here you go. I must say that while bunnies are cute in general, the ones in this book are just delightful. Lot’s of rhyming, lots of hugging. My friend’s little one loved reading (and chewing…and playing with…) this book so much that mama had to toss it in the trash one sad, sad day. So maybe buy two? Yeah. Good idea.

Simply Small books by Paola Opa

These books in this series are just so charming! The illustrations are minimalist but so, so sweet and feature cute baby animals finding clever ways to solve their not-so-small problems. My favorites are Saffy and Ollie , about a tale of a baby giraffe and elephant, and Emma , who’s the cutest little hedgehog ever.

Usborne Touchy Feely books by Fiona Watt

I discovered That’s Not My Dragon recently and really dug the tactile aspect: there are lots of fun textures for baby to touch and feel while they process the repetitive text and bold colors. There is a whole collection of these Touchy Feely books to choose from if dragons aren’t your bag: kittens, elephants, pandas, puppies and much, much more. My new personal favorite? Goats.

Girl of Mine / Boy of Mine by Jabari Asim, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

With text inspired by “Rock-A-Bye Baby,” this sweet tale follows the adventures of a little girl who’s whisked off to whimsical places when she climbs into her daddy’s arms at bedtime. A companion book titled “Boy of Mine” follows the similar journey of a little boy and his mommy.

Hello Baby books by Roger Priddy

Roger Priddy’s High Contrast Board Book series is designed just for babies: bold colors, high contrast, simple concepts. The books themselves are chunky and easy for little hands to grasp. Perfecto.

On the Farm by Kate Riggs, illustrated by Fiammetta Dogi

I love a good, cute, fluffy rendering of a barnyard animal as much as the next girl, but this book has my vote for its realism. The illustrations in this bad boy are detailed and so friggin’ lifelike! In a close-up of a cow, the folds of its skin around the neck, flared nostrils, and wide eyes gave me major flashbacks to the first time I saw a cow in person and felt woefully deceived. I’ve recovered, but this book might have been cool to have back in the day, you know?

Hello Bugs! by Smriti Prasadam Halls

Hello Bugs  is another book that uses high contrast in black and white patterns to teach young readers about 10 types of bugs. As an extra visual treat, each page contains a burst of colorful foil.

I’ll See You In The Morning by Mike Jolley, illustrated by Mique Moriuchi

This is just a straight-up beautiful bedtime story, one with counting sheep and everything. There’s tons of color on every page and an overall soothing and peaceful tone. Ah, serenity.

Jellycat Board Books

Jellycat Board Books ring all the appropriate bells: fun shapes, great color, texture variety, sturdy construction. Some feature beloved Jellycat characters like Una the Unicorn and Leo the Lion. Most are about a general animal, have a cute fluffy tail attachment and follow an “If I Were A <fill in favorite animal here>” format. I love If I Were A Hippo and If I Were A Monkey but there are lots of great options to choose from.

Love You books by Emma Dodd

I was first drawn to these books because of their covers—just slightly squishy with gorgeous hues of blue, green and purple. The stories are tender and heartfelt, the animals cute as buttons. I’m particularly smitten with Together and Happy—otters and owls!!!

My Awesome Book Series by Make Believe Ideas

The die-cut pages in these books are the shape of their subject: letters of the alphabet, farm animals—the usual suspects. I come back to die-cut details often because they allow wee ones to explore with their hands.

Please Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

Chubby panda rolling his eyes on the cover? I’m intrigued. Said panda is carrying a box of donuts? Tell me more. Panda provides lesson on manners by only giving donuts to animals who say please? Sold.

Pouch by David Ezra Stein

A baby kangaroo takes his first steps (well, hops) outside of his mama’s pouch—so sweet! Toddlers love this book but I think it makes a great gift for babies, and for the mamas and papas who wish they wouldn’t grow up so fast.

Touch Think Learn series by Xavier Deneux

As the name implies, these books are great for learning through touch. They each focus on one subject (vehicles, numbers, farms) and have raised shaped objects on the pages that fit into scooped cutouts on their opposite page.

Maisy Lift-the-Flap Books by Lucy Cousins

There are lots and lots of Maisy books available but I love the touch aspect of the Lift-the-flap versions. Flaps in board books are basically a bookish form of peek-a-boo, and babies love them some of that! If you and your little one enjoy the Maisy books, there is also a British-American animated TV series based on them with the most adorable accents.

Where’s the Owl by Nosy Crow, Illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius

One of my best friends has two boys; the older one loves to read like his Tia Vanessa and the younger’s goal since birth has been to achieve maximum destruction. I bought the little one this book, and he liked it! Babies love the felt flaps and pretty woodland creatures.

Baby’s First Words by Stella Blackstone and Sunny Scribens, illustrated by Christiane Engel

Slow clap for this one, guys. The family in the book is multiracial AND the little girl in it has two dads. The book is about first words, perfect for babies. And how fantastic to find diverse and inclusive books for kids. Heart-eyed emoji, all day.

Indestructibles series by Amy Pixton and Stephan Lomp

These *technically* aren’t board books but go with me here: they are chew and rip proof and washable. If you’ve ever had a baby or seen a baby or heard of one from a friend, you know that babies put everything in their mouths and that their tiny little hands are capable of serious damage. Well HA, little humans! You’ve met your match! Oh and the books are, like, really cute too.

What are your favorite board books for babies? 

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20 Best Baby Books For Their First Library

Reading aloud to babies is one of the most effective ways to foster early literacy skills. Here are our 20 best baby books for baby’s first library.

• Written by Genevieve Howland
• Updated on June 10, 2020

Next time you visit your baby’s doctor, you may get a somewhat surprising prescription: Reading.

That’s right—the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently recommended that doctors encourage parents to read aloud to children every day starting as early as birth(!) and continuing up until kindergarten and beyond.

How reading helps children

1. improves literacy skills.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics report, reading aloud to babies and young kids is one of the most effective ways to foster early literacy skills. And early, consistent parent-child reading is a key factor responsible for eventual reading success.

Additional studies suggest that when we read to babies, they grow into children who have larger vocabularies and even more advanced math skills.

Through reading, your newborn will also eventually begin to pick up on changes in tone and inflection that will teach him about language and reading on his own, as well as the fact that different sounds and tones are used to convey certain emotions and feelings ( source ).

2. Improves bonding

Research also shows that reading to a baby—even a baby as young as a newborn—can promote bonding. Even if it doesn’t seem like your baby is paying attention, think of this as a time to be close—to snuggle up together and soothe baby with your heart beat and the sound of your voice.

You’re also modeling good behavior from a very early age, and showing your child that reading is a fun, interactive activity with importance.

But not enough kids are reading

Also according to the report, more than one third of children in the United States start kindergarten unequipped with the literacy skills they need.  Can you believe that?! 

We’re big readers at our house, but still. This is a major wakeup call for us.

We read several books aloud with Griffin every night before bedtime. But our squirrely seven-month old Paloma? Not so much. But that’s about to change—both because of this study, and because she’s just getting old enough to engage with a book.

So it’s time to dust off some of our best baby books, including the titles listed below.

Get free updates on baby’s first year! – Free Updates on First Year [In-article]

20 best baby books for your little one’s first library

Pete the Cat

Nobody's cooler than Pete the Cat in this first (and best) book of the series, and the lesson about rolling with life's curveballs is valuable for everyone, even parents 😉

I Love You Through And Through

I actually bought this book for Mike back when we were dating, so it holds a special place in my heart 🙂 It has cute illustrations and a simple story that every kid can love. There is a Spanish-written version too!

My Big Animal Book

I read this book hundreds of times with baby Griffin. When kids are really young, picture books like this are usually more engaging than stories. As a bonus, it helps cultivate a love of animals.

First 100 Animals

Another awesome, colorful book to teach kids about animals. Definitely a staple in the first couple years of my son's life. Bonus: it's available used on Amazon for $.01.

First 100 Words

Similar to the 100 Animals book, this one's packed with colorful photos that will build your little one's vocabulary and teach them about their world.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

There's a reason why this book is on just about every kid's book shelf. A classic by the master of children's stories. This classic book is also available in Spanish.

Guess How Much I Love You

When you're in that new baby bliss, it can be a struggle to express just how head-over-heels you are for your child. That's the dilemma these adorable rabbits hares face.

Good Night, Gorilla

A super cute story told almost entirely in pictures, this one's great for very little kids. Also perfect for kids who love animals.

Are You My Mother?

A classic tale of a baby bird looking for his mother. The book helps build babies' vocabularies and recall by building and repeating a series of phrases throughout the story.

Are You My Mother.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

I dare you to get through parenting without knowing what that brown bear sees. This is a wonderful story for very young kids, told mainly through photos.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See

The Frog and Toad Collection

Your babies will have to get a little bit older to enjoy this series, but once they do, your whole family will fall in love with these sweet and magical tales about friendship.

Fox in Socks

This Dr. Seuss classic jumped out as our son's first favorite book! Packed cover-to-cover with crazy tongue twisters, it's a fun read for the parent too. 🙂

First Big Book of Dinosaurs

There isn't a book on my son's shelf that is more tattered from repeated readings than this one. It's all about the big glorious dino pictures, with almost no violent or scary scenes.

First big book of Dinosaurs

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster

Our favorite Mo Willems book by far. Leonardo is a terrible monster because he can't scare anyone! There was a six-month period where my son had every word in this book memorized.

The Berenstain Bears and the Baby Chipmunk

The Berenstain Bears are another favorite in our house, although some titles are definitely better than others. My son still talks about Papa Bear getting bit on the leg in this one. "Yip-Yow!"

Where’s Spot (Little Spot Board Book)

What childhood would be complete without Spot? These lift-the-flap books help get kids engaged with reading.

Where's Spot (Little Spot Board Book)

I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles

These visual puzzles encourage your child to concentrate, explore, and really engage with a book. The hidden object scenes are so dense that I still see new things, even years after first reading them.

I Spy A Book of Picture Riddles

It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny

Another timeless tale about being yourself. The formula of short, repeating text helps kids stay with the story, and the moral is spot-on.

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny

Horton Hatches the Egg

"I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant is faithful, one hundred per cent!” Written in expert rhyming verse, this book is Dr. Seuss' crowning achievement, IMO. The part with the hunters is dated for sure, but it's a brief blip in an otherwise classic book.

Besos for Baby by Jen Arena

Introduce baby to simple Spanish words with this adorable book! Using simple Spanish words, this charming book illustrates that love is the same in every language.

Peekaboo Morning by Rachel Isadora

A sweet story about the classic game of Peekaboo! Awesome illustrations and babies will giggle and smile while reading this playful and interactive story.

Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee

Written by the famous filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee, we have a fun "behind-the-scenes" look at the daily rhythm of parenting a young child. From highchairs, to bedtime to sandbox play, this book reminds us of the precious moments of bringing up baby!

Babies Around the World: Dancing

The title alone is adorable enough! Get your baby wiggling with this multicultural book about babies dancing around the globe.

Babies Around the World Dancing

Who Said Moo?

This classic deserves more recognition - a fav for all of my kids when they were two years old.

Who Said Moo

Reading material for parents.

When you’re not reading to baby, you might like the following titles for your own benefit:

The Best Parenting Books for Natural Mamas and Papas : Are you into natural parenting? Check out these ten awesome books that will help you on the road to naturally and intentionally parenting your child.

The Best Pregnancy Books for Natural Mamas : Looking for the best pregnancy books out there? Look no further! Here’s the shortlist of the very best natural and holistic pregnancy books available.

How about you?

Are any of these titles among your favorites?

What are the best baby books you would recommend to a friend?

How often do you read to your children? And at what age did you start?

I can’t wait to hear about your experiences. Share with us in the comments below!

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• See 57 Comments

Add Comment

About the author.

Genevieve Howland is a childbirth educator and breastfeeding advocate. She is the bestselling author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth and creator of the Mama Natural Birth Course . A mother of three, graduate of the University of Colorado, and YouTuber with over 130,000,000 views, she helps mothers and moms-to-be lead healthier and more natural lives.

57 Comments

Meghan mar 8 at 10:26 am.

Room on the Broom deserves a spot on this list!

Baby Grafitty Dec 16 at 2:08 am

Your list of books display by your blog is extremely happy to take as it is required to be done to create the functional system of time to manage the time with baby. it makes them actively involve them. Thanks! Baby Grafitty ( https://babygrafitty.com/ )

Nicole Davila Sep 15 at 8:22 am

We read to baby every-single-night since he was about a month old. We now read books to him in English and Spanish (dad reads in spanish). We typically read the same books to him over and over (rotating three in spanish and his one favorite in English). Now at 7 months, he is very engaged especially at his favorite book in English. I love reading to him and read more than one book at bedtime whenever we have days together!

Genina Apr 20 at 10:06 am

My son is going on 4 months now. Dad and I have been trying to read to him every day, since the moment we knew he could hear in the womb. Sadly, we sometimes forget to do story time or get busy. As a newborn he did not stay long with us reading, but a couple of months later and he loves it. Loves the sounds we make and the pictures he sees. I sometimes read him the bible, in Spanish, with an exaggerated voice or my husband sometimes reads to him poems, in English. Right now we are doing black and white contrast books to help with his visual. I think I will switch out books once a week or month from the library. I told my husband that we need to make it a habit to read every night and take a book with us wherever we go because children imitate what they see more then what you say to them. Thank you so much for this page, every question I have you seem to have the answer to. Keep it up!

Jude Oct 22 at 11:04 pm

Without a doubt, there are some great and timeless titles listed here. Many of these I read to my own children and now, my grandchildren. I was hoping to find some books appropriate for 8 months to 18 month-old babies; their interest is ripe, but their attention is hard to keep.

Nakesha Oct 7 at 11:05 pm

The list is really awesome. The baby would be loving them a lot. Keep the nice works.

Paul Cobb Apr 9 at 8:13 am

We love the Serendipity Books by Stephen Cosgrove & Robin James. I always liked Captain Smudge and the Muffin Dragon.

Paul Cobb Apr 9 at 8:11 am

We love the Serendipity Books by Stephen Cosgrove & Robin James. My favorites are Captain Smudge and the Muffin Dragon.

Nicole Apr 6 at 10:26 am

I started reading nightly to my oldest when starting his bedtime routine around 3mo. He is now 2.5 and looks forward to picking out his books each night. His favorites rotate, but some made the list, and others include Goodnight Moon, Llamma Llamma books, Go Dog Go, and Tap Tap Bang Bang. My youngest is going on 4mo and he has joined for some bedtime reading, I find it is harder to get into a bedtime routine with him, including reading. He is often asleep earlier or fussy right at our desired bedtime. I hope to include both of them in nightly reading soon.

Jeannie Jan 8 at 10:03 pm

What a great list! We adore many of the books you’ve shared too! One of my absolute favorites is “Pat the Bunny”. It is really one-of-a-kind! Each page has an interactive piece that my children LOVE!

Lydia Oct 17 at 11:12 am

It would be nice to see more books featuring children of color on this list- please baby please is a favorite in our house

Jessica Aug 25 at 7:21 pm

Our son LOVES all things Frog and Toad and Arnold Lobel (Mouse Soup, anyone?) When we aren’t reading the books, he asks for us to tell him stories about them. And the Little Blue Truck and Pout Pout Fish books.

Ashley Nelson Nov 22 at 8:25 pm

Pout pout fish is my favorite ?

Helen Little Aug 14 at 6:08 am

Love this list – there are some new ones here for us to try. My 14 month old son really enjoys interactive books where he can lift flaps or press buttons for sounds. There’s a nice Mr Men time telling book with a built in clock and hands he can set that he really loves! Thanks for sharing.

Jen Jul 12 at 4:42 pm

Margaret Wise Brown books! Goodnight Moon and The Big Red Barn are our favorites. My boys liked The Fire Engine book (a Golden book also available as a board book). If You Were My Bunny is a treasure, too, and incorporates lullabies.

Sarah P. May 16 at 8:24 pm

One of our favorites is “I Can’t Said the Ant.” Rhyming couplets tell the story of how kitchen implements work together to rescue a broken teapot.

Lisa May 8 at 10:39 pm

I am a reading teacher. I have worked with K3-12th, and I am *passionate* about early literacy. Like, crazed. I started collecting books for my own child’s library when I was in high-school. (I am 32, now, and pregnant with my first.)

A couple of things: 1) If a kid is behind in reading by the end of 3rd grade, there is a 94% chance (approximately, there have been MANY studies, so it varies) they will never catch up. Just google “3rd grade reading threshold,” and follow the rabbit trail! 2) The students who are behind by the end of third grade comprise 88% +/- of eventual high school drop-outs. 3) Almost every reading skill they need in order to succeed by that 3rd grade threshold is developed before your child enters kindergarten. Skills *you* build: text rich environment, talking through issues instead of commanding your child (models thought process), phonemic awareness, print awareness, phoneme recognition, vocabulary, and a great start to phonics- all happens at home! 4) Some of the very best books for early literacy are: nursery rhymes, poetry, fables, and folklore. Rhymes and poetry have repeating patterns of letters, or even display how one sound can have a variety of spellings. Fables and folklore introduce inference skills, comprehension, and theme. This is why Seuss and Silverstein are so iconic- they merge all of these genres.

In conclusion, the cornerstone of my child’s library are: Mother Goose, Aesop’s Fables, Dr. Seuss, and all of Shel Silverstein. I hope they find their way to your shelves as well!

Lisa May 8 at 10:45 pm

Once baby comes, I plan to work my way through my pinterest book lists (by theme) each week. (I know, I know, every mother just through her head back and laughed at my naive mommy-optimism!) Anyway, if you would like to do the same, feel free to check out my pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/dejazul17/book-lists/

Sheena May 5 at 11:43 am

My 26 month old loves more books than I can count! We read every day starting from birth and now he can’t get enough! He loves Frog and Toad are friends, The Bernstein Bears on vacation, and Snuggle Piggy and the Magic Blanket ( an oldie but goodie)!

Ishwinder bhatia May 20 at 8:05 pm

Would you able to connect with me on Instagram 13_saby or email me on [email protected] so that we can have a chat further. I have a 1 week old baby girl and would like to get bit more understanding around reading books to new born babies.

Jessica Jul 18 at 10:34 am

Snuggle Piggy and the Magic a blanket was my favorite book growing up! My grandma even made me a Snuggle Piggy blanket! I recently had my first baby and passed the book and blanked on to her 🙂

Christina Apr 28 at 3:08 pm

My 18 month old love All of Baby Nose to Toes and Dear Zoo. Thanks for the recommendations!

emily Apr 28 at 12:33 pm

My kids love the pre-K Bob books atm and we love the hot rod hamster books as well. We read about and watch dvds about a hamster called hamtaro too. The hamtaro books have many stories in each book. They are great for my 4 and 5 year olds. My 1 and 2 year olds can’t get into them yet though. To many words and not enough pictures for them yet lol

Rebecca Holland Apr 28 at 10:24 am

My 3 year old has memorized the following books and “reads” them to me: One Drowsy Dragon, The Very Cranky Bear, The Gruffalo. He also loves: The day the crayons quit, Snuggle Puppy, The Gruffalo’s child, The Grannyman, Bony Legs (maybe scary for some kids), Bits and Pieces and How do Dinosaurs love their cats. It’s so cute to hear him say words to me like rambunctious and croquet from One Drowsy Dragon.

Mike Sep 26 at 10:12 pm

Books that are a must read!

Big Plans, Oh Daddy Bob Shea Pete the Cat Life Lessons and Wheels on the Bus Pigeon needs a bath Toots Underpants Thunderpants

Amanda Jan 10 at 2:48 am

We love “Caps For Sale” and “Harold and the Purple Crayon” in addition to many of the suggestions previously mentioned.

Amanda Jan 10 at 2:49 am

Oh and “Ferdinand the Bull”

Simone Sep 10 at 3:11 pm

The Frog and Toad stories were priceless for my brothers and I when growing up, and The Bernstein Bears were much loved as well. I just bought these two sets a few months ago in anticipation of my baby’s arrival, and I simply cannot wait to read them to him!

Joann Woolley Sep 10 at 2:13 am

My absolute favorite to read at Signing Story Time is “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle! AND I love The Napping House. Two simple books that do have a message for the littlest book lover.

b.j. Sep 4 at 2:19 pm

Goodnight moon!! And Danny and the dinosaur by sid hoff was a favorite when I was little.

Simone Sep 10 at 3:14 pm

Danny and the Dinasour!!! OMG, I forgot about that one. My brothers and I would read that one on a daily basis! And because we didn’t know the word “museum” at the time (we were little foreign kids) we used to read “Danny went to the mustard”… lol, I was always confused as to what that meant!

Jennifer Sep 3 at 3:56 pm

I really wasn’t read to all that much when I was little, yet I could still read at a very early age. I went into pre-K with fluent reading skills, while classmates next year in Kindergarten couldn’t read at all. I did go to a very good pre-K/Kindergarten though, so I do attribute some of my success to that.

Monique Alvarez Aug 9 at 11:14 am

We started reading to Sam at about 8 weeks old. He absolutely loves Dr. Seuss, here are his favorites.

Hop On Pop The Foot Book Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You Dr. Seuss’s ABC Fox In Sox

Emilee Beckwith Aug 6 at 7:47 am

When I was little I LOVED Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! Someone got me a board book edition for my baby shower and I read it almost every night to my daughter, sometimes twice! Her first birthday is fast approaching (where did this year go) she will be getting some maracas to join in with the “Chicka Chicka” parts!!

Alanna Aug 2 at 12:18 pm

Definitely love the Nancy Tillman books! Started with ‘It’s Time To Sleep, My Love’ and grabbed all the other board books. They’re so beautiful written with such breathtaking illustrations. We’ve finally reached a point where I’m not just reading to myself! 😉

Amanda W. Aug 2 at 7:21 am

I love On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman. Her books are so beautiful, and help express the love you feel for your child.

Helen Aug 1 at 1:09 pm

Our little girl loved “The Monster at the End of This Book” ( http://www.amazon.com/Monster-This-Book-Sesame-Street-ebook/dp/B0078X2LKY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406916466&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Monster+at+the+End+of+This+Book ).

Now she’s more into “Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?” ( http://www.amazon.com/Have-You-Seen-Blue-Socks/dp/0547752679 )

Lauren F. Aug 1 at 8:45 am

I would add The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago. It is a great first bible. And little blue truck…my son and I love this sweet one about how we need one another….we were not designed to live life on our own! Thanks Gen for all you do!

Mic Aug 17 at 7:25 pm

We read the Jesus Storybook Bible daily with my 2 year old son! Love it! After dinner my son ask to read the God book.

Johanna Rehbaum Feb 13 at 11:17 am

We have the Rhyme Bible Storybook, and it is awesome! Old Testament and New Testament stories, great pictures, and as a pastor and daughter of a kindergarten teacher, I approve both the theology and the poetry. 🙂

Monique Lootsma Jul 31 at 8:24 pm

The snail and the whale 🙂 and grufflo by Julia Donaldson and anything by Linley Dodd ( the hairy maclary series )

L.C. Jul 31 at 4:25 pm

I am a first grade teacher, and a lot of these books are must haves in my classroom library! A few others I recommend: The Giving Tree Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Skippyjon Jones The Kissing Hand Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

There are tons more, but these are the ones my students really love!

Genevieve Aug 1 at 2:27 pm

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Julien Jul 31 at 4:14 pm

My all-time favorite is “Where the Wild Things Are”. I had never read it as a child, but fell in love reading it to others as a nanny- the poetry of the words, the illustrations, the metaphor of the wolf suit and choosing to come back home- LOVE. So much so, I bought a copy and took it to the hospital with me when I gave birth to my daughter and had the nurse stamp her hand and footprints into the title page of it.

Jennifer Jul 31 at 1:12 pm

We love “Go, Dog, Go”, “I love you stinky face”, “The Monster at the End of This Book”, “Ten little fingers, Ten little toes”, “Sir Kevin of Devon”.

Katie Sep 19 at 1:49 am

My son LOVES I love you stinky face.

Courtney Jul 30 at 9:28 pm

Jamberry! So much fun, especially in the summer. And also Ten Little Fingers. So sweet.

Patricia Jul 30 at 6:53 pm

We’ve been given the book called “You are Special” written by Max Lucado. It has a great moral lesson about how we were all created unique and only our Creator can judge us. It also has great illustrations. I plan on reading it often to our son, especially when teasing time will come, to make sure he knows just how great he is and how much he is loved just the way he is.

Nada Jul 30 at 6:26 pm

One of my favorites is a book called “Slinky Malinky” about a ridiculously michevious black cat. It can be quite the tongue-twister!

And of course, Mo Willem’s Pigeon books. Can’t go wrong with those!!!

Brittany Jul 30 at 3:59 pm

I have read and heard from elementary school teachers that the best books for babies to learn literacy/speaking/sounds/words and so on are books written by Sandra Boynton. We have several of her books and our baby loves them! She has been writing books for 30 years so there are lots to pick from. Some of our favs. are…

Moo, Baa, La, La, La The Going to Bed Book But Not the Hippopotamus Fifteen Animals

There are so many good ones! Check them out..

Johanna Rehbaum Feb 13 at 11:19 am

LOVE Sandra Boynton! We read Moo Baa LaLaLa at least once a week, and Barnyard Dance almost as often.

Shali Lali Jul 30 at 3:46 pm

I’ve been expanding my daughters reading library since my son’s books all consisted of Thomas the Train stories. These are great options to add on! She loves Dr Suess books and Roll Over, Roll Over – A counting song book. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Giving Tree and The Velveteen Rabit should be on the list too!

Cassi Jul 30 at 1:11 pm

I love reading my kids The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman. It’s beautiful. My 19 mo old loves anything Dr Seuss 🙂

Tam-Tam Jul 30 at 12:40 pm

OK, let’s try again (I am going to think your website doesn’t like me ^^) I have in French “Guess how much I love you” in the pop up edition. It’s a absolutely precious! and “The very hungry caterpillar” is the first book I bought myself because I grew up with it!

Tam-Tam Jul 30 at 12:41 pm

Yeahhhhhh!!!!!! victory!!!!!!!! it’s working!!!! (i don’t know if you remember but I email you on facebook a couple months back because I couldn’t find the way to make my comment appear)

Suzy Jul 30 at 12:31 pm

Great suggestions! We have a few of these books already. In fact, I caught my 15m “reading” out loud to himself Where’s Spot. It was so dang cute!

Reading is HUGE in our family. My husband and I are totally book worms and will often spend more time reading than watching TV. So it comes naturally to us to read to our little boy. I read a bit when I was pregnant and then I started bedtime reading to him about 3 months and have continued it every night since then. And on most days we read or look at some sort of book. I even keep a book in his crib.

Some of our favorites are How Does a Dinosaur Say Goodnight (and any other in the series), Baby Loves to Rock (cute book with fun animal illustrations), and while I didn’t want to like it, my little guy LOVES the Llama Llama books.

Sadhvi Sep 29 at 1:52 am

My baby is 3 months old . which book can I make him see and read to him

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The Best Board Books for Babies and Toddlers (and Their Grown-Ups Too)

These new and classic books introduce babies and toddlers to the joys of reading.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Parents / Kristin Kempa

It’s no secret that reading is great for children beginning at a young age, and board books are a wise choice for reading with babies and toddlers. These books are made of paperboard, which is like thick cardboard, with a slick coating that makes the pages even more durable. Little kids love being able to turn the pages themselves, allowing them to participate in the reading process. 

When your baby is very little , they may be more interested in the book itself than its contents. Consider board books that are engaging and durable, so they can be read into toddlerhood. We carefully considered material, any age recommendations, durability, and engagement when reviewing products.

A family physician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding what to look for in board books, the benefits of reading to your baby, and at what age to start.

Here are the best board books for your little one.

Our Favorites

Best overall: brown bear, brown bear, what do you see.

• Best for Food Lovers: Dragon's First Taco

Best for Newborns: Baby Faces

• Best for 1-Year-Olds: Where Is Baby's Belly Button?

Best for Toddlers: First 100 Words

Best classic: goodnight moon, best sensory: pat the bunny, best for bedtime: my dreams, best for learning sign language: my first baby signs, best for potty time: potty.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? ranks high on our list because this book has a little bit of everything—colors, animals, clever verse, and drawings of other children. Written by Bill Martin, Jr. and illustrated by the legendary Eric Carle, whose other books include the classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar , this board book will enrapture your child from infancy through toddlerhood and beyond. Carle’s collages are a great way to teach your child about colors and animal sounds—featured creatures include a purple cat, a blue horse, and a yellow duck.

The Details:

• Age Level: 1 to 3 years

Best for Food Lovers: Dragon's First Taco

If you have older kids, you already know the joy of Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri's hilarious kids' book Dragons Love Tacos . Instead of adapting that rebellious story for younger readers (the concept is a little complex, after all), they've come up with this simpler but still delicious taco-themed and taco-shaped book. Dragon's First Taco may encourage toddlers to try new foods, as long as they're in a tortilla. Or it may just be a funny way to imagine all kinds of unusual taco fillings together.

Studies have shown that babies as young as one hour old stare at face-like images for longer than they stare at any other type of pattern. In fact, by the time they are 4 months old, babies can process faces even though they still can’t figure out most of the rest of the world. The reason? Likely evolution. We need to read and understand the faces of our caretakers in order to survive.

The first faces a newborn falls in love with are their parents'. A close second? Baby's own face, which they see mirrored in all of the other babies they encounter. That's why Baby Faces , a DK board book, is perfect for your newborn. Along with showing babies processing all sorts of emotions, from happiness to sadness to befuddlement and more, the board book features bright, primary colors that will be sure to capture your newborn’s blossoming color vision.

• Age Level: Newborn to 2 years

Best for 1-Year-Olds: Where Is Baby's Belly Button?

By the age of 1, your child is exploding with new tricks, from learning how to say “mama” and “dada,” to taking their first steps. With encouragement, many babies are able to identify their body parts, from their nose to their ears to their belly button. Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? is an age-appropriate and fun way to teach your child about their body. Illustrated and written by Karen Katz, this board book features bubbly drawings that are irresistible to children. Each body part is hidden behind a wide, easy-to-maneuver flap that is difficult to rip.

• Age Level: 1-2 years

Babies start saying words anywhere from 6 months old onwards, but at 18 months, many children undergo a vocabulary explosion. First 100 Words is a great tool for teaching your child words. Divided into categories including “things that go,” “bath time,” “myself,” and “clothes,” each word in the board book is accompanied by a photo set on a brightly colored background.

If your child is really into this book, there are a bunch more books in the series including First 100 Animals , Numbers, Shapes, and Colors , and more.

The best thing about Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is that everyone in the family—from grandparents to parents to older children—will be familiar with it. First published in 1947, the board book continues to entrance babies because of the rhythmic, soothing way it is written. Along with being a surefire way to calm your child before bedtime , the book is also great for teaching about various objects in a room.

• Age Level: Newborn to 3 years

Another classic is Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt. Originally published in 1940, this board book has features that entice all of the senses, like a soft cut-out bunny and a bouquet of flowers that smells if you scratch it. The novelty of interacting tactilely with a board book never gets old.

This book also has many different versions, including a stuffed book option, and you can also buy a stuffed bunny that mimics the one in the book.

Featuring simple black-and-white drawings that lead readers on a magical adventure through fields of flowers and castles, My Dreams by Xavier Deneux is a lovely story for bedtime. But its true value doesn’t reveal itself until you turn off the lights and realize that the illustrations glow in the dark! The board book is great to leave with your toddler as they fall asleep—when the lights are out, the illustrations slowly fade, leaving behind a gentle darkness.

Sign language has become an essential tool for toddlers. There are many board books that teach both children and their parents how to sign, but none is as fun as My First Baby Signs by artists Phil Conigliaro and Tae Won Yu. Featuring moveable flaps that show animated children making the signs for “more,” “all done,” “thirsty,” “tired,” and more, the book is a great tool for teaching. A word to the wise—the flaps are easy to rip off, so this might be best reserved for when your child is in a high chair.

Everyone has to go through it, but that doesn’t make it any easier for a toddler to learn how to use the potty . Fortunately, there’s Potty by Leslie Patricelli, which outlines the various thoughts toddlers have while considering whether or not to use a toilet. “I have to go potty,” says the baby in the book. “I could go in my diaper. Should I go in my diaper?”

Unlike other board books about potty training, which can be longer and wordier, Potty appeals to a toddler’s short attention span.

Best for Parents: Bus Stops

Let’s be honest—in order to get excited about reading to your kid, you have to enjoy the board book too. For this, almost any board book by Sandra Boynton works—they’re funny no matter your maturity level. But if you want a board book that you can read again and again without ever getting bored, try Taro Gomi’s Bus Stops . Featuring gorgeous watercolor drawings that are rich with details, the book takes the reader on a journey through various landscapes, from a marketplace to a movie set to a junkyard. Relatable for kids, the book reads something like a travelogue for adults—a travelogue written in haikus.

Best Learning: I Hear a Pickle (and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too!)

With this adorably illustrated book, your child will learn about all of their senses through how the children in the book interact with the world. "I hear the bee. Uh-oh," or "I don't like to smell cow poop," are some of the clever things they'll come across. Your little one and you will have a fun time flipping through I Hear a Pickle  pages and learning about what they hear, smell, touch, taste, and see. This book will help encourage them to think about what they encounter throughout the day and how they sense their world.

• Age Level: 2 to 4 years

Our Review Process

Shopping for board books can be fairly straightforward, but there are still realities you need to consider when you head to your favorite bookstore or start browsing online. Key features such as age appropriateness, board material, and even design are all going to be important. Most importantly, we can't emphasize enough how important it is to begin reading to your child from a young age. Along with fostering an early love of reading , children who are read to earlier in life also achieve language, emotional, and cognitive milestones faster than those who aren't. For this reason, we think board books should be fun for the grown-ups reading them too.

Factors to Consider When Buying Board Books

In general, board books are made for babies and small children, but some are made for younger babies, and some are best as your baby gets older and moves into the toddler months. Younger babies will be drawn to books with bright colors, and they especially like to look at human faces. Older babies may enjoy books that help them learn words and that require their parents to make sing or make funny noises.

When your baby is very little, they may be more interested in the book itself than its contents. You may find your baby sucking and chomping down on their favorite book. That’s OK, as long as it's made of material that can withstand these antics. Lift-the-flap books are popular with babies, but keep in mind that many little ones will tear off the paper flaps of these books, so if you want to preserve them, consider waiting until they are a little older to introduce these books.

Babies usually aren’t too picky about what books they enjoy as long as they have bright colors and interesting pictures. But as your baby gets older, you may find that they have more refined interests. Your baby may be a truck or car fanatic, or they may be particularly interested in everything about going potty (one would hope!). So look for books that match your baby’s interests.

Your Questions, Answered

When should i start reading to my baby.

You might think of reading as an activity reserved for older children, but babies as young as 4 months old enjoy being read to, and the earlier you start reading to your baby, the better. Younger babies prefer shorter books with bright colors; they enjoy books that rhyme and that repeat different words or phrases. Older babies like books that name all the different objects and people in their lives. Some older babies may even be able to enjoy books with storylines.

For how long should I read to my baby?

Younger babies tend to have pretty short attention spans when it comes to books, which is why baby books tend to be short. As they get older, their attention span will lengthen. Singing the words to the book, making your reading funny and animated, and cuddling with your baby while you read to them can help them stay interested.

What are the benefits of reading to my baby?

Reading to your baby is a wonderful way to get cozy and bond. But it’s also a fantastic way to teach early literacy skills. Babies who are read to tend to develop strong reading and language skills down the road. Reading also teaches your baby important concepts like numbers and colors, and can help build their vocabulary.

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and bought the First 100 Words book for her child when he turned 1. She enjoys reading the book to him and having him pick out words or colors, too.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Tips to help your child enjoy reading aloud .

Nemours KidsHealth. Reading books to babies .

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Best soft baby books

• Best soft baby book overall :
• Best soft baby book with teething toy :
• Best soft baby book for bathtime :
• Best soft baby book for bedtime :
• Best sensory soft baby book :
• Best interactive soft baby book :
• Best soft baby activity book :
• Best soft baby book for travel :
• Best soft baby book with lovey :
• Best classic soft baby book :

What are soft baby books?

It's never too early to start reading to your baby. Whether you're still pregnant or have recently welcomed your little one, reading provides so many benefits , from building your baby's language and communication skills to brain development and bonding. After having researched, read, and let their babies chew on the pages, our editors created this roundup of soft baby books that entertain through look, touch, sound, and theme, with some fun twists like bathtime interaction and practical features for reading on the go. Together, these titles are the BabyCenter Love It winners for the best soft baby books.

Why trust us?

Best soft baby book overall, scandiborn wee gallery pitter patter penguin soft book.

This adorable baby book features crinkly penguin feet for babies to touch and tickle, as well as dual-design pages – one side has black-and-white penguin images for the early days when babies see high contrast better, and the other side adds some other creatures and colors.

Best soft baby book with teething toy

Guess how much i love you.

A childhood classic with some modern twists, this book features a clip so you can attach it to a stroller or car seat to take with you on the go; a structured spine for teething; lots of crinkling fun in its pages; and an attached heart teething toy. And it's BPA-free and machine-washable.

Best soft baby book for bathtime

Haba animal wash day magic bath book.

You can bring story time into the bath with this water-safe-plastic tub book that lets your toddler "wash" away the dirt from one messy pig who was playing on the farm all day. This picture book will spark plenty of imaginative play and fun with mud that disappears when the book gets wet and reappears when dry.

Best soft baby book for bedtime

Snuggle pods goodnight my sweet pea book.

If enjoying these peek-a-boo books as a parent is wrong, then we just don't want to be right, because watching your baby discover the adorable animals sleeping peacefully behind the flaps of this sweet goodnight book is something that never gets old.

Best sensory soft baby book

Amazing baby feel and learn soft book.

Combine learning and reading with this book that features plenty of touch-and-feel fun. Your little one will have a blast exploring the textures of different colorful animals, like the "scales" of a fish or the softness of a tiny mouse.

Best interactive soft baby book

Vtech peek and play baby book.

With this peek-and-play book, you get all the benefits of a soft baby book – here including elephants with big ears to feel, a mischievous monkey to play with, a turtle in a tub and more animal friends to meet – along with the interactive features you'd expect from Vtech. The fun fabric buttons deliver over 50 songs, phrases, and educational insights to teach your baby all about the animals in the book.

Best soft baby activity book

Manhattan toy llama-themed soft baby activity book with squeaker, crinkle paper, and baby-safe mirror.

If there's anything more exciting to a baby than seeing themselves in a mirror, we don't know what it is. (Oh, how times change when you're an adult, right?) We love this llama-themed book, the main attraction of which, thanks to a baby-proof mirror, is your little cutie. The crinkly parts and squeaker toy just sweetens the deal.

Best soft baby book for travel

World of eric carle, the very hungry caterpillar let's count clip-on book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is Carle's baby-classic board book. This soft-book version features the same charming bright-colored bug to introduce your little one to the basics of counting in a super fun way. The baby-friendly package features a clip for a stroller or car seat attachment, teether edges, and giggle-inducing crinkle noises and squeaker.

Best soft baby book with lovey

Cloud island baby book and plush elephant.

This little book and its accompanying plush elephant BFF are the cutest duo, and come with all the latest baby "must-haves," such as a stroller clip, high-contrast images, fun textures, and a mirror for elephant primping and, well, self-reflection.

Best classic soft baby book

Goodnight moon soft teether book.

You knew it was coming, right? But really, this beloved story captures the attention of even the littlest of listeners, and let's be honest – you probably know it so well by now you can recite it in your sleep, too. 

As you can tell from our choices above, many of the biggest, most famous titles in the history of children's books have been made into soft baby book editions – which means that you can start your search by looking for titles you enjoyed as a child or with your other children. Sharing books you love with your baby can make the experience that much more emotional and cozy, and can also help you endure the reality that you may be reading the same book over and over and over again. Picking stories you enjoy will make the readathons easier to do.

With soft baby books, your little one will have the opportunity to really get into the book. But in all seriousness, even without words, soft books provide all the stimulation of traditional board books as well as fun additions for all the senses. Be on the lookout for plush toys, movable parts, mirrors, crinkle sounds, built-in rattles, and teething features. Some soft books are made of washable fabric, while others are made of wipe-clean plastic so they survive sticky fingers and can even go in the tub with you.

No matter which book or books you choose for your child, sharing reading with your baby opens the door to a host of developmental milestones and a pathway to personal joy that will be there for your child their entire life. A soft baby book allows you to start this reading journey – with the peace of mind that the book won't be ruined by little hands or teeth.

Benefits of soft baby books

For your baby, reading together isn't just about the experience of hearing the words out loud – it's also about the time spent physically close, the opportunity to explore colors and shapes and textures, and the art of discovery. And of course, for young babies, reading is also about one important activity: chewing on the book.

Yup, that's right –  putting things in their mouths  is one way that babies learn about the world around them, so it's actually a good thing when your baby tries to munch on those pages while you are reading them. Instead of fighting it, just go with the flow and pick up some soft baby books that are safe for the occasional bite and probing little fingers.

If you don't know where to start when it comes to reading to your baby, try incorporating a book into your nighttime routine. After a bath or change into pajamas, you and your little one can sit down and read a bedtime story. Outside of getting ready for bed, however, anytime is a good time for reading together – and these sweet, soft baby books will make story time even better.

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8 Great Bedtime Books for Babies and Toddlers

My top picks have knockout art and stories that will help your little one settle in for the night.

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By Maria Russo

Of all the books you read to your baby, none feel quite as urgent as bedtime stories. And yet a good bedtime book should make your baby feel calm, secure and ready to nod off — if she even makes it all the way to the end. If not, there’s always tomorrow. All these books are soothing and lovely enough to read again, and again, and again.

‘ Goodnight Moon ,’ by Margaret Wise Brown. Illustrated by Clement Hurd.

The one, the only, the gold standard for bedtime picture books — for excellent reasons. The repetition, the lulling rhythms, the touch of mystery (who is the old lady whispering hush?). As the story moves deeper into the night, babies tend to move closer to sleep.

‘Good Night, Gorilla,’ by Peggy Rathmann

So few words, so much bedtime fun. As a zookeeper makes his rounds around the nighttime zoo, saying good night to each creature, the gorilla follows behind, letting each one out to make a parade behind him — until they all join him and his wife in their bedroom. Then it’s back to the zoo for the animals, and to bed and to sleep for the humans — and your baby.

[ Our editor recommends great bedtime books for babies and toddlers . ]

‘The Going to Bed Book,’ by Sandra Boynton

Like all of Boynton’s board books, this one is silly and upbeat, and the rhymes are so catchy, you’ll want to read it again as soon as you finish. It can help your bedtime game by planting the idea of a nightly routine — one that ends with sleep — in your little one’s mind.

[ Short and snappy books can help younger children find joy and pleasure in reading . ]

‘ Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site ,’ by Sherri Duskey Rinker. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.

The truck book meets the bedtime story. For some little listeners, that’s enough said. But also keep in mind that this is a sweet, cooperative group of machines, who gallantly help one another out as they close down the day and get ready for bed. The rhymes are clever, and the vehicles are drawn to perfection.

‘ A Book of Sleep ,’ by Il Sung Na

Your baby and you can both feast your tired eyes on the gorgeous, dreamy art in this book — and then it will be time for baby to close them. A little owl takes us through a sleeping animal kingdom, pointing out the different ways the animals sleep.

[ The topics parents are talking about. Evidence-based guidance. Personal stories that matter. Sign up now to get NYT Parenting in your inbox every week . ]

‘Llama Llama Red Pajama,’ by Anna Dewdney

Llama is just so relatable in this first of the sweet, essential series he stars in. Of course he doesn’t want to go to bed yet, but his wise mama makes the transition to sleepy-time smooth — and the perfect rhymes and warm, emotionally aware art help, too.

‘Ladybug Girl Says Good Night,’ by David Soman and Jacky Davis

The Ladybug Girl series fills everyday life with imagination and lovely art that pops off the page — in lots of red, of course. Ladybug Girl’s bedtime routine, which includes a stack of books demanding to be read, is both comforting and imaginative.

‘ Little Owl’s Night ,’ by Divya Srinivasan

A nifty bedtime story with a twist, as Little Owl roams the night forest, then settles in for sleep just as the sun is rising. Pages with black backgrounds add to the interest.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the surname of the author of "Good Night, Gorilla." She is Peggy Rathmann, not Rathman.

How we handle corrections

Maria Russo is the children’s books editor of the Book Review and the co-author, with Pamela Paul, of “How to Raise a Reader.” More about Maria Russo

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Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

12 Best Personalized Books for Kids

These books give your little one a starring role during story time.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Today, there are plenty of options to choose from, too. Some are simpler than others, spelling out your child's name; others are complete with photos or even multiple names, so you can include a sibling or a best friend on the fun. To help you find the most entertaining, educational, and well-made options out there, we polled the experts on our editorial team, plus tapped real parents to find out what titles they know and love.

Our top picks:

Best Overall

The little girl who lost her name.

Best for Babies

I see me goodnight little.

Best With Family Names

I see me my night before christmas.

Best With Multiple Names

Penwizard peppa pig personalied book: my daddy.

Best for Siblings

I see me i see me 'the super, incredible big sister' personalized hardcover book & medal in pink at nordstrom.

Best Activity Book

Librio custom search & find adventure book.

Best Large Format

Wonderbly personalized search-and-find book - where are you.

Best Illustrations

I see me my very own fairytale.

Best Name Book

I see me my very own name (classic edition).

Best for Adults

Custom super dad book.

Though we haven't formally tested all of the books on this list, at least half of them are titles that our editors — and their own kiddos — own and read regularly. Overall, we prioritized customization options, seeking out books that allow you to personalize not only the name, but also the character(s) and even a dedication page. We also placed a high emphasis on the quality of the content. Is the story engaging enough for a toddler? Are the illustrations detailed and colorful? Read on to learn more about the best personalized books for kids.

In this book, the main character — choose from a little girl or a little boy, depending on your preference — goes on a special journey collecting the letters that spell out their name, meeting a whole host of fun characters along the way. Our experts love that you can personalize this book with more than the name — you can also choose the character closest to your little one's likeness and add a custom dedication to the front of the book. Overall, parents rave about the story and the accompanying illustrations, but one of our editors warns that the book can get long if you have a child with a particularly letter-filled name.

One of our editors received this beautifully-illustrated children's books as a baby shower gift and said the personalization made it feel extra special. Though customization is limited to the child's name, it's incorporated effortlessly through the story and even appears in some of the illustrations. Reviewers who give the book a collective 4.9 stars on Amazon say their favorite part of the book is how colorful and detailed the illustrations are. They also call attention to how well the book is made — the binding is nice and sturdy and the pages thick and glossy.

This personalized book may not be the one you reach for every night, but one of our editors have it and says her family looks forward to reading the story together each Christmas. It's the same classic you know and love, but this one is ripe with customization options that really make it stand out . You can personalize the story with your kid's name, plus tailor the character to look just like them — gender, skin tone and hair color included. You can also incorporate your child’s hometown, pet type (dog or cat) and name and the names of up to four family members into the story. Gift givers will appreciate the ability to add a dedication page complete with a photo, too.

The quickest way to get a child's attention during story time? Incorporate one of their can't-live-without TV characters. This editor-favorite from Penwizard features Peppa Pig, but the company also makes books with other kid-favorites like Blaze and The Monster Machine, Paw Patrol, Dora The Explorer and more. They're not just fun to look at though — they're great quality books with more customization options than others, since you can customize the character in the story to look just like your kiddo. In fact, you can add up to three custom characters, which is ideal for siblings .

I See Me! I See Me! 'The Super, Incredible Big Sister' Personalized Hardcover Book & Medal in Pink at Nordstrom

Books have long served as tools to teach older kids about new siblings and their important role as big brother or sister, and in our experience, this personalized version is a great way to speak directly to your little one. The story does a great job celebrating the older child to make them feel special — it even comes with a medal of honor they can proudly wear. If there's any downside, it's that it can't be personalized with the baby's name, too.

Librio Custom Search & Find Adventure Book

Our editors were very impressed with this option from Librio — particularly if you're looking for a more interactive option. Similar to the perennially-popular Where's Waldo, this search and find book encourages toddlers and big kids to find... themselves! Your child will delight in searching through various worldly cities and environments — The Great Barrier Reef, Stonehenge and more — to find a character you've customized to look just like them. You can even leave a secret message for early readers to find. The images are all highly detailed, and even though words are limited, there's no shortage of things to look at and analyze — your kid will find themselves entertained for hours on end.

Another highly engaging search and find option for older toddlers and kids. Parents and other gift givers can personalize the book with the kid's name and likeness. The character will then appear in various scenes throughout the book — your kiddo's job is to find themselves within the pages. For an even more family-friendly activity, opt for the jumbo size, since it's ripe for spreading out in front of more than one person. No matter the size, our experts were impressed by the quality of the book. The binding is sturdy, the pages are glossy, and the included illustrations are fun and engaging.

In this magical garden, fairies spell out your child's name letter by letter. But this fairytale isn't a story about princes and princesses. As the fairies reveal each letter, they describe the true character traits that make someone extra special — intelligence, responsibility, thoughtfulness and more. The book also boasts a fun "fairy glossary," where your child can learn all about 62 different fairies, complete with interesting facts about their flowers and berries. Like other books from I See Me!, this one is beautifully-illustrated with colorful and detailed images , plus has a sturdy binding and thick, glossy pages that hold up with excessive use.

Like other personalized kid's books, this colorful option walks readers through the letters of the child's name. This time, each letter represents a different animal — a rabbit, an owl, an alligator, and elk and so many more. Illustrations are bright and quirky and the rhymes are fun and engaging, says one editor who has this book on their shelf. And for even more fun (and learning possibilities), the end of the book features a large encyclopedia of more than 60 animals. You can even add a personalized dedication page, complete with a photo of the special kid.

A fantastic gift for new parents, this comic book-style personalized book spins all of a parent's everyday tasks, whether mowing the lawn or grilling dinner, into heroic missions. It's customized with both the parent's name and the character that looks most them. You can choose skin color, hair color and accessories like glasses. For even more fun, add in the names of up to five family members. Is it overall a little bit cheesy? Yes, but it's a fun and engaging — and perfect for Father's Day.

Shutterfly My Cross Country Road Trip Personalized Story Book

For those who want to personalize a book with actual photos of their kiddo, Shutterfly makes a fun option. In this book, the traditional illustration is more of a hybrid — an illustrated body superimposed with a silhouette of your child's head. As the story begins, your little one hops in a little blue and red car and embarks on a cross-country road trip, peeping all of the major landmarks in the U.S. along the way. When they get to their home state, the page is customized to teach them a little bit more about where they live. Reviewers, many of whom are grandparents giving the book to their grandchildren, give the book a collective 4.8 stars and praise it for being a treasure of a keepsake.

Playstories A Children's Book About Fear

Books are a great way to help toddlers better understand complex emotions and feelings. This book tackles the topic of fear and uses drawings of your child to put them directly into the story. Throughout the pages, your little one will discover what fear is, why we feel scared sometimes and how to muster up the courage to overcome it. It's a sweet story complete with quirky and colorful illustrations that'll keep you both turning the pages. But if there's something else your kid is struggling with — maybe frustration or anger — Playstories has a book for that, too .

How we chose the best personalized books for kids

To help you find unique stories that will capture your child’s attention and possibly even teach them something new, the experts at Good Housekeeping spent hours combing through all of the most highly rated options on the market.

Though we haven't formally tested personalized kid's books, our editorial team has previously tested and reviewed hundreds of children's books for the Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Awards , all with the help of librarians and literacy experts, as well as real kids. While evaluating the best personalized children's books, our parenting and toy editors leaned on previous findings, plus read hundreds of reviews and consulted real parents. Overall, we focused on attributes like the caliber of the story, illustration quality, personalization options, age range and more.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience writing about products, including books and parenting gear. She worked under the guidance of experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to research and review the best personalized books for kids. She also leaned on her own personal experience — Brigitt has four kids and their own home library is stocked with a few of the selections on this list.

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Best Children’s Books for Your Baby or Toddler

When you're a new parent, reading books to your baby might be one of the best ways to bond with your little one. And the benefits keep multiplying as your baby grows into a toddler and beyond: Reading to and with your little one helps foster her development in many ways, including teaching language skills, forming word associations, and encouraging interaction.

Based on a survey of thousands of Pampers Parents, we’ve put together a list of some of the best baby books in four categories: classic books, bedtime books, development books, and interactive books. Some of the books that made the list are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, too. We also explain how to choose the right type of book for your little one. Happy reading!

Choosing the Right Type of Book for Your Little One

Which type of book is best sometimes depends on how old your little one is. Many of the best books for babies offer simple stories with repetitive text and bright colors. As your baby passes through the newborn stage and gets closer to turning 1, stories that help reinforce daily routines, like a bedtime routine , can be a good choice.

Keep in mind, a book that’s great for older children can also work for your baby or toddler. She will love the sound of your voice as you act out certain characters, and you can highlight images by saying, “Look, there’s a big, green caterpillar.” One example is the Dr. Seuss book on our list. This story might grab the attention of a 5-year-old who is learning to read, while its illustrations might appeal to a much younger baby.

Once your little one is a toddler, you may want to choose books that help build her vocabulary and engage her imagination with enchanting tales and interesting characters.

As you’ll see, many of the books on our list can do double or even triple duty and work well for babies, toddlers, and even older children.

Deciding on the Best Book Format

When purchasing books, it’s worth considering the format, too. Board books might be the best for babies and toddlers because they can stand up to even the most precocious fingers, and the pages are easier to turn for toddlers. You might want to wait with hardcovers with paper pages, as your baby may be more inclined to rip the pages and put the corners in his mouth. Some board books come with soft covers, which are great—your baby will love the touch and feel of them!

E-books, which you can download to an e-book reader or a tablet, might be a good option if you’re riding in the car or traveling with your little one and don’t want to bring several books with you. Audio CDs and audiobooks are also available if you want to have your baby listen from a CD player, a smartphone, or an MP3 player. Keep in mind that nothing is better than reading to your baby directly. Your voice is his favorite sound!

How to Read to Your Baby or Toddler

It’s never too early to start reading to your baby; in fact, in fact, many parents-to-be enjoy reading to their baby bump! Whether you take on an entire book or just a few pages, the act of reading aloud can make all the difference in your child's development. Your newborn won’t be able to understand the story just yet, but he will enjoy listening to your voice. At the 4- to 6-month stage, your baby will start to show more interest in books. Then, between 6 and 12 months , he’ll begin to understand the pictures, and he may even babble along with you.

As your baby grows, try to set aside some time each day for reading. You might like to establish a special time for it, such as by making it part of your baby’s bedtime routine . Books can also come in handy as a way to pass the time when you’re stuck at the doctor’s office. As your baby grows into a toddler, encourage him to hold the book and turn the pages. Read when your toddler is in the mood, and let him choose which book he wants to hear. Encourage him to name certain objects or characters in the illustrations, repeat phrases or rhymes from the book, or help finish sentences. Ask him questions about the story. Reading to your baby or toddler sets the stage for literacy, of course, but it also fosters his social and emotional development.

Classic Books for Your Baby or Toddler

These best-selling baby books have been around for more than 50 years. They’ve remained popular for generations, and their themes and illustrations are beloved. Pampers Parents chose the following as their favorite books for babies, toddlers, and older children, too.

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Why pick this one?  Bold and colorful collage-like illustrations help tell the story of a caterpillar’s birth on a Sunday and his successive day-to-day adventures, mostly focused on eating. Nearing the end of the story, he makes himself a cocoon, goes to sleep, and wakes up transformed into a butterfly.

Highlights:  Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, audio CD, Kindle, and audiobook formats (free with your Audible trial). There’s also a loose-leaf version of the story with postcards that can be colored in.

Price*:  about $5.76 on  Amazon.com

Pampers Parents tip:   You’ll appreciate the story of the caterpillar’s development in this book as it symbolizes the growth of your baby.

2. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Why pick this one?   Goodnight Moon ’s lulling poetry and whimsical illustrations have struck a chord with many generations since the book was released in 1947. The classic bedtime story by prolific children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown is about a little bunny trying to go to sleep, or trying to delay going to sleep, by saying goodnight to everything in his bedroom, including the pictures hung on the walls.

Highlights:  Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, audio CD, and Kindle formats.

Price*:  about $7.69 on  Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review:  This book is great for little ones of different ages, from newborn to even a 6-year-old.

3. Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book by Dr. Seuss

Why pick this one? You can’t go wrong with a popular baby book by Dr. Seuss. This charming tale is about a sleepy bug who gives off a yawn that’s so contagious that it sets off a chain reaction, making everyone sleepy. We’re sure that after reading this book to your little one, he’ll nod right off, too! Highlights: Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, and Kindle formats. Price*: about $10.39 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents tip: You’ll love Dr. Seuss’s riddles, colorful graphics, and inspirational lessons.

4. Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman

Why pick this one?  Written by P.D. Eastman and edited by Dr. Seuss, Go, Dog. Go! offers a tale that illustrates the variety and diversity in life. There are dogs of all sizes and colors, doing all kinds of unusual activities, like skiing. Two dogs even strike up a romance! This book is fun to read and fun to look at, and you and your child are sure to be entertained.

Highlights:  Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, and Kindle formats.

Price*:  about $6.99 on  Amazon.com

Pampers Parents tip: This book will not only be fun for your child, it will also boost her development as she starts to identify the pictures, and correlate them to words.

5. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Why pick this one?   The Runaway Bunny recounts the tale of a little bunny who tries to run away from his mother. No matter where the little bunny tries to go, his mother promises to find him. It’s a comforting story and a touching way for your baby to learn that she can always count on her mom and dad’s protection.

Highlights:  Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, audio CD, and audiobook formats.

Price*:  about $5.69 on  Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review:  The timeless value of this book will be appreciated for many generations to come.

Bedtime Books for Your Baby or Toddler

A bedtime story is a terrific way to signal that it's time to settle down and go to sleep. These books offer some of the best bedtime stories around, and with any luck they'll help your baby nod off without a fuss. According to Pampers Parents, the aforementioned Goodnight Moon and Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book would also be on this list.

1. The Going-To-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

Why pick this one?  This book, with its cute rhymes and silly animals, might just be the one that becomes a cherished part of your child's nightly routine. The story centers on an ark full of animals, who, before going to bed, watch the sunset, take a bath, put on pajamas, and even do some exercise.

Highlights:  Available in hardcover, board book, and Kindle formats.

Price*:  about $5.90 on  Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review: This book is great for babies, toddlers, and even older children because it reinforces a bedtime routine.

2. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey

Why pick this one? It’s the end of the day at a construction site and, as the sun begins to set, all the equipment, from the cement mixer to the bulldozer, get ready to rest ahead of another busy day tomorrow. The book features soothing rhymes and adorable illustrations.

Highlights: Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, and Kindle formats.

Price*:  about $7.99 on  Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review:  This book has great rhyming, and your child will have fun recognizing the construction equipment when he’s out in the real world.

3. Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

Why pick this one? As a zookeeper tucks in all the animals for the night, a mischievous gorilla steals his keys, and goes about freeing all the other animals from their cages. This story follows that wily gorilla as he sneaks around behind the zookeeper’s back. It’s a funny baby book that is sure to entertain your little one at bedtime. Highlights: Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, Kindle, and audiobook formats. Price*: about $6.79 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review: The book is simple to read, and perfect for preparing your little one for bedtime.

Development Books for Your Baby or Toddler

Reading to your little one is always about more than just entertaining or soothing your baby. It also helps introduce your child to the alphabet, new words, sounds, and more. These books have a strong focus on helping to develop your little one’s literacy skills.

1. First 100 Words by Roger Priddy

Why pick this one? This book features 100 simple words, such as "boat," "duck," and "towel." The words are split into categories to help your baby learn. Each word is paired with a memorable image. With this book, your little one will have lots of fun while developing his vocabulary. Highlights: Available in hardcover, Kindle, and board book format. The board book comes with a padded cover that offers the best soft touch and feel for your baby.

Price*: about $5.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review: It’s handy that every word has a corresponding picture, and that the book is divided into categories.

2. Numbers Colors Shapes (First 100) by Roger Priddy

Why pick this one? Another book by author Roger Priddy in the First 100 series, this one focuses on—you guessed it—numbers, colors, and shapes. It offers a really fun way for your child to learn how to count beyond the 10 fingers and toes. Highlights: Available in hardcover, Kindle, and board book formats. Price*: about $5.79 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review: Bright colors and shapes serve as visual stimulation for your little one.

3. Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes: A First Book All About You by Judy Hindley

Why pick this one? Who knew that learning could be this much fun? This book turns learning the names of parts of the body into a playful game of discovery for your little one. For example, arms can go up, they can hug, they can hold, and more. The illustrations present toddlers of different cultural backgrounds doing all kinds of activities, showing in an inclusive way what our physical selves can do. Highlights: Available in library binding, paperback, and board book formats. Price*: about $6.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents review: This book offers a way for your little one to learn how her body works.

4. Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert

Why pick this one? Beautiful watercolor collages that jump off the page will help your child learn the alphabet while encouraging an interest in fruits and veggies. The design also features bold capital and lowercase letters for easy reading. The book’s glossary has a pronunciation guide, botanical and historical information on each item, and illustrations of the plants, all of which might become even more interesting for your little one as he gets older. Highlights: Available in hardcover, paperback, board book, and Kindle formats. Price*: about $7.99 on Amazon.com Pampers Parents review: It’s a fun way to teach your baby the alphabet and about healthy eating.

Interactive Books for Your Baby or Toddler

These books invite your little one to be an active participant in story time, whether it’s by pointing out objects, pressing a button, or shaking the book.

1. Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book by Karen Katz

Why pick this one? This is a great book for teaching your baby about her body, because there is an extra interactive component. There are flaps that you or your baby can lift to reveal the answers to questions like "Where are baby’s eyes?" Your baby will surely be entertained by this funny book and love that she can get involved in finding the answers. Highlights: Available in hardcover and board book formats. Price*: about $4.24 on Amazon.com Pampers Parents review: This book offers an exciting and interactive way to get your baby to learn about her body.

2. Press Here by Herve Tullet

Why pick this one? This book takes your baby on an adventure with instructions that begin with pressing a yellow dot. A number of hilarious commands follow, such as to tilt or shake the book. You'll enjoy watching your baby react to what’s occurring on the page. Highlights: Available in hardcover and board book formats. Price*: about $7.64 on Amazon.com Pampers Parents review: Your baby and toddler will love how interactive this book is.

We hope you’ve found the perfect book to add to your little one’s library, or to offer as a baby shower or birthday gift for another lucky child. Any one of these books would do wonders for your baby’s development and imagination, and will help ensure your baby grows to love reading .

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Best Baby Keepsakes and Memory Books

Childhood goes fast. here are touching (and modern) ways to record your little one’s milestones., by babylist team.

It’s true: children grow up fast. While the days sometimes may feel very long, the months and years quickly slip by.

That’s why it’s so important to capture the special moments along the way. Photos and keepsakes help you remember all the beautiful, wondrous and sometimes hilarious things that happen—and share it with your loved ones.

We found some of the most touching (and modern!) ways to record your little one’s milestones.

Effortless Memory Books

When you have zero time, you need Chatbooks. The app connects with your phone’s camera or Instagram or Facebook accounts. Whenever you post images to social media, it also goes into your Chatbook. Once you reach 60 photos, the app automatically creates a photo album complete with your photo caption, posted date and location (if you included that in your social media post). You have three days to edit the book before it gets shipped to you. You can also create one-off books to record special occasions like a vacation or holiday.

If You Love Texting

There’s never been a better excuse to be staring at your phone than this. Qeepsake makes it easy for you to record all the great things that happen, and all the feels, of your baby’s first year (and beyond) through text messaging. The app texts you a question about your child and you send back a response. From the info, Qeepsake creates a digital baby journal. You can add photos and stories too. Order a print edition of your child’s journal (up to 300 pages per book!) whenever you like.

An Adoption Journal

Promptly Adoption History Journal

Every family is unique, and adoption adds one more special layer to your family’s story. Capture your child’s adoptive journey and the rest of childhood with this gorgeous, hardbound linen journal. Thoughtful prompts include questions like: Why did you choose to adopt? Where were you and how did you find out you were receiving a child? And, how did you feel when you first saw your child?

Fast Scrapbooking

Lucy Darling Baby's First Year Memory Book - Little Animal Lover

If you really want to scrapbook but can’t commit to the time it takes, this memory book is for you. Choose from four charming designs that come with fun, predesigned pages for you to paste ultrasounds, footprints, a baby announcement and photos. Additional pages let you document more from your baby’s first year all the way up to age five.

The Tiny Tracker

Got twins? Meet the only memory book + baby tracker with side-by-side tracking grids for two babies at once. The memory book portion includes nine pages to write down memories from the day of their birth, the pregnancy and first photos. While that may not seem like a lot compared to other memory books out there, the bulk of this gorgeous, linen-covered book is dedicated to daily tracking pages for feeding (both nursing and bottle-feeding options), diapers, naps and any other notes from the day, so you can look back on this book in 10, 20 or 30 years and remember just what the day-to-day with your little ones was like. Also included are expert-backed tips on infant care. Have just one baby but still want a daily tracker to have as a keepsake? The Tiny Tracker makes a book for singleton babies , too!

Note: You can now use your HSA/FSA to pay for your Tiny Tracker!

Design the Ultimate Album

Shutterfly Baby Book

Dabble in design when you create a baby book with Shutterfly. They provide the tools you need to customize an album, from predesigned templates to a helpful autofill feature that arranges your photos in the order taken. You pick your paper and cover type, cover image and add all the captions you want. Or, you can go the easy route and have Shutterfly designers create a photo book for you.

For Baby Handprints & Footprints

Minted Custom Art

Most parents keep tiny baby footprints and handprints tucked away in a memory book or forever saved in plaster. Even better, though, is getting those adorable prints framed to display in the nursery. Minted has many sleek frames to choose from—from whitewashed wood to matte copper—and the option to use standard, foil-pressed or letterpress printing to create a personalized piece of art. Just make a footprint or handprint on paper at home (using baby-safe ink), snap a picture of it and upload it to the site. The designers will do the rest, and you can review your piece before it’s printed. When your child is older, you can also create prints from their artwork.

Perfect for Grandparents

Brag Book with Periwinkle Fabric

Grandparents love boasting about the latest addition to their family and sharing photos of your little one. Make it easy for them with this pocket-sized accordion book. Pinhole creates the perfect on-the-go album with eight of your favorite pictures. You choose cloth or leather binding—to protect those precious photos when they’re in a purse or a back pocket—and then hand this over to a proud grandparent.

Frame First-Year Moments

Pearhead First Year Frame

Pearhead’s keepsake frames are a great way to see how much your baby has changed over time. The frame holds 12 small photos—one from each month of your child’s first year—and has a simple, modern design. Hang it on a wall or display it on a shelf as a powerful reminder of how much you both grew during that first year.

Adorable Photo Props

Lucy Darling Milestone Stickers - Little Artist

Planning on taking one photo a month to create a timeline of your baby’s first year? These stickers can help. The set comes with 12 stickers to mark each month from first to twelfth. Just peel them off and stick them on your little one’s clothing before the wee photo shoot.

A Place for Everything

Baby Edition Keepsake Box

There’s a lot from your baby’s childhood you’ll want to save: ultrasound images, birth certificate, hospital bracelet, baby teeth and much more. But where do you put it all? This keepsake box has a bunch of drawers, vertical storage and small envelopes so you can have a dedicated spot for everything. Illustrated labels designate what goes where—you choose which labels to use—so you can quickly sort and later find all your child’s cherished mementos.

Find anything you save across the site in your account

12 Best Baby Memory Books to Celebrate Every Moment

By Deanna Pai

If you’re a parent-to-be or just looking for a meaningful keepsake for your BFF’s baby shower gift , it's hard to go wrong with the best baby memory books. They allow for keeping track of major milestones for both parents and their impending little one through the baby’s first year and, in some cases, way beyond. (FYI, they make for a killer baby gift too.)

Even better? They vary in how much work the parent has to put in. Some are more scrapbook-style for your craftier friends, while someone short on time might appreciate a baby journal with thoughtful prompts, stickers, and a spot for mementos. Others even come with a keepsake box for hospital bracelets, locks of hair, and more. We're not crying— you're crying.

Plus, you can now find options for every type of family. While you can definitely find dedicated baby-girl- and baby-boy-themed books, there are just as many options (if not more) that are gender-neutral. And some now offer a more accurate depiction of what a pregnant person’s fam may look like, accounting for single parents, LGBTQ+ parents, and parents who’ve adopted.

Bottom line? However the pregnant person in your life wants to track those special moments, these baby keepsake books offer something for everyone. Here, 11 best baby memory books for all the precious moments, now and to come.

Our Top Picks:

• Best Baby Memory Book Overall: Lucy Darling Baby's First Year Baby Memory Book , $40
• Best Budget Baby Memory Book: Pearhead Chevron Baby Memory Book , $11
• Best Gender-Neutral Baby Memory Book: Paper Peony Press The Baby Memory Book , $22
• Most Customizable Baby Memory Book: TheBlackDesigns Name Photo Album , $59
• Best Baby Photo Album: Artifact Uprising Baby Book The Story of You , $99

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Baby Memory Book Overall: Lucy Darling Baby’s First Year Baby Memory Book

While this gender-neutral book is mostly focused on the baby, it also works as a pregnancy journal, with a section for ultrasound photos and a note for the baby. Ideal for the less crafty people among us, it also has built-in guidance, thanks to dedicated pages for their family tree, handprints and footprints, and birthdays—along with blank pages to jot down special memories once they happen. Bonus: The references to the new parents are intentionally vague, making it more inclusive for all families.

Most Giftable Baby Memory Book: Lucy Darling Celestial Skies Theme Luxury Baby Memory Book

A Glamour -reader favorite, this bestseller—which you might have spotted in our best baby gifts edit—is a thoughtful under-$50 gift for new parents. Beyond the pretty gold embossing, this 9"x9" hardcover book features plenty of room (48 pages to be exact!) for recording those early weeks and months with pictures and easy prompts.

Save when you shop for the best baby gifts with these Nordstrom promo codes .

Best Gender-Neutral Baby Memory Book: Paper Peony Press The Baby Memory Book

With its high-quality linen cover and gold foil accents, this modern baby book is bound to become a family heirloom. It includes an envelope to safely store keepsakes and papers (maybe even little hair clippings), but otherwise keeps it simple with straightforward prompts and ample space for photos. In fact, if the new parents are on the creative side, there’s enough room to make a DIY baby scrapbook out of it.

Most Customizable Baby Memory Book: TheBlackDesigns Name Photo Album

Picky parents might appreciate this baby photo book, which comes in 13 colors, three sizes, and with a customized message on the cover. Designed for pics only, the pages are self-adhesive and covered with a clear film to prevent smudges. The smallest size holds up to 120 4"x6" photos, so trust that whatever size you choose, there'll be room for every shot of the baby smiling, wailing, and everything in between.

By Jenn Barthole

By Astro All-Starz

By Emily Tannenbaum

Best Baby Photo Album: Artifact Uprising Baby Book The Story of You

Artifact Uprising

No time for a 30-minute journaling sesh? No problem: Instead of focusing on milestones, this baby photo book is all about the everyday moments that often get lost in the shuffle with a new baby. It has one-line prompts to make it easy and quick to update, and comes with a code for free prints that you can then use to accompany your notes.

Best Budget Baby Memory Book: Pearhead Chevron Baby Memory Book

Another great gift idea, this Target find has plenty of space (we're talking 50 pages) to document memorable moments and even includes an ink pad for taking newborn footprints. Traditional types can spring for the chevron design in blue or pink, but this baby memory book also comes in gray and seafoam green.

Save when you shop for the best baby memory books with these Target promo codes .

Best Baby Memory Book Set: Little Growers Baby Memory Book

For those interested in documenting every single thing (and we mean everything), add this to your cart ASAP. It comes with a keepsake box to stash baby booties, teeth, and more, with a dedicated space to store the baby album. Also inside: a handprint kit, ink pad, and milestone stickers. What's more, the gender-neutral baby book also takes the parents into account; it's been carefully worded to account for solo, same-sex, and adoptive parents to reflect all families.

Best Long-Term Baby Memory Book: Promptly Journals A Complete Childhood History Journal

Made for the minimalist, this super-simple journal, which has a linen cover, an embossed spine, and a bookmark, comes in a rainbow of color options and 254 (!) pages, enough to record precious memories from day one to the time that “baby” moves into a dorm room. (It even includes pregnancy chapters, with pages for each trimester.) There's also a dedicated section to document the baby's firsts before launching into the toddler, childhood, and teen years. If that sounds exhausting, don’t worry—the quick prompts make each section a breeze to complete.

Best First-Year Baby Memory Book: Duncan & Stone Paper Co. Baby Memory Book

If you want to get granular with the baby's progress, look no further: This first-year baby memory book starts with pregnancy and goes through the baby's first birthday. It includes a growth chart and pocket for keepsakes, as well as guided questions to make it feel less like homework.

Most Inclusive Baby Memory Book: RubyRoo Baby Memory Book

Looking for a hybrid? This serves as a photo album, scrapbook, and baby journal, and is packed with colorful illustrations that make for a joyful backdrop for baby pics. It also uses neutral language to be more inclusive of all families. Heads up: It's primarily about the photos, so if you're looking to write an essay about your baby's first sneeze, you might want to consider another option.

Best Personalized Baby Memory Book: In the Book Personalized Baby Record Book

Share the baby's name and it'll be included throughout this personalized book, which features nursery rhymes, sweet illustrations, and spaces for recording their sleep habits, family tree, and progress over the months. It's available only in blue and pink, however, and the language is largely geared toward a traditional family, making it less inclusive than other options.

Best Guided Baby Memory Book: Ronica Memory Book

This baby memory book, which covers birth through the first day of school, is perfect for people who would rather do jury duty than make a scrapbook. The guided prompts make taking notes easy, and the pages include photo guidance so you know exactly what sizes to print out and where to put them. The included gift box doubles as a keepsake box too.

By Brigitt Earley

By Paula Lee

By Jake Henry Smith

10 Best Baby Books to Add to Your Shelves

A s a new parent, countless decisions must be made regarding your baby’s health and development. One of the most crucial choices you can make is choosing books to read to your little one. Reading to babies has numerous advantages, including promoting language and cognitive development, bonding with parents, and stimulating imagination.

With so many books on the market, it might be difficult to select the best ones. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best baby books, guaranteed to catch your baby’s interest and become treasured additions to your family’s library.

These books have been carefully selected based on their captivating storylines, attractive images, and proven potential to improve early reading and cognitive development. Therefore, whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned master, read on to find the finest books to read to your baby.

10. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Originally published in 1947, Goodnight Moon has been a cherished bedtime tale for decades. Clement Hurd’s colorful drawings complement this classic picture book’s straightforward yet poetic text. The narrative follows a little rabbit as he bids farewell to all the familiar items in his chamber, from the moon to the stars to his cherished red balloon. It’s a great choice for nighttime reading because of the repeated language and soothing tone. Goodnight Moon is also an excellent resource for improving vocabulary and early reading abilities.

9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Another masterpiece enthralling young readers since its release in 1969 is The Very Hungry Caterpillar . This colorful and captivating narrative recounts the journey of a caterpillar as he eats his way through a range of meals before transforming into a gorgeous butterfly. The book has simple language, interactive illustrations, and a repetitive pattern easy for babies to follow. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a fantastic choice for teaching colors, numbers, and days of the week.

Check Out: How to Get Your Kids to Eat Vegetables

8. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are is a well-known story that transports readers to the mind of a young boy named Max. The book’s bright pictures and humorous text convey the wildness and joy of childhood. This timeless tale has been a favorite of children and adults since its publication in 1963. Where the Wild Things Are is a fantastic book for stimulating children’s imaginations and encouraging creative play.

7. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a famous picture book that exposes young readers to various creatures and colors. It is a good choice for improving linguistic and visual abilities because of the rhythmic text and strong visuals. The book’s recurring structure enables youngsters to participate in the tale and learn new vocabulary. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is one of the best baby books for newborns and toddlers just starting to explore their surroundings.

6. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

The Cat in the Hat is a timeless classic that has been amusing young readers for years. The humorous songs and inventive pictures make it ideal for newborns and toddlers. The wicked Cat in the Hat causes havoc in the home of two small children while their mother is abroad. The Cat in the Hat is a fantastic choice for teaching early reading abilities since it uses basic words and repeating phrases that are easy for youngsters to follow.

Also Read: How to Teach a Child to Blow Their Nose

5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a joyful, colorful alphabet book with bright images and snappy rhymes. The alphabet climbs a coconut tree in the novel. The vivid pictures and energetic text make it an entertaining read for newborns and toddlers. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is also an excellent tool for teaching the alphabet as it plays on rhythmic sounds in the hopes of solidifying letters in a young mind.

4. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

Pat the Bunny is an interactive book that lets kids explore their surroundings by touching and feeling different textures. The book includes basic yet appealing language and tactile aspects like a fluffy rabbit tail and a plush blanket. Pat the Bunny is a fantastic choice for encouraging sensory development and exposing babies to the notion of cause and effect.

3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree is a touching and heartwarming novel that teaches young readers the value of love and charity. The novel is about a tree offering everything to a youngster during his life. The simple yet strong message and attractive pictures make it a classic that every infant should own. The Giving Tree is a fantastic choice for teaching empathy and compassion to young children.

2. Corduroy by Don Freeman

Corduroy is a touching story about a teddy bear that embarks on an expedition to find a misplaced button. Young readers love it because of its attractive visuals and realistic tales. Corduroy is a fantastic fabric for encouraging youngsters to be curious and adventurous and for improving problem-solving abilities.

Check Out: Beginners Guide to Parenting: Top 10 Tips from New Moms

1. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Guess How Much I Love You is a charming and sensitive story about a parent’s love for their kid. The book has gorgeous images and simple yet sympathetic writing, making it ideal for bedtime reading. Guess How Much I Love You is a fantastic tool for creating strong interactions and bonding between parent and kid.

Why We Picked These Books

One of the essential things you can do for your baby’s growth is to read to them. It also provides bonding time, which creates a connection between parent and child. Our list of the 10 best baby books will provide you with a diverse mix of interesting stories, stunning drawings, and chances for learning and growth.

Whether searching for a classic story or a new favorite, this collection has something for every baby and parent. And who knows, one of these books may become a lasting favorite for your child or inspire them to become a future writer, artist, or scientist. As a parent, you’ll enjoy reading these stories and looking at the illustrations as well.

Therefore, while you snuggle up with your young one and read these books, know that you are making memories and fostering a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

15 Best Easter Books for Babies: Book Recs from a Mom of 2

Looking for some sweet books to teach your little one about Easter? This post contains the best easter books for babies, from newborn to 12 months. 

I love using books to celebrate the holidays with my girls. Not only is reading a perfect brain-booster , but as an author and avid reader myself, I feel like it’s passing along a little piece of myself to them.

For my oldest daughter’s first Easter, I bought her quite a few books. Now, taking into account that she was only seven months at the time, some of these books were hits, and some of them were far above her age range.

Which brings us to this post. Are you looking for age-appropriate Easter books for your baby? I’ve curated this list for you ! All of these books are perfect for your little one’s first year, and I’ll mention if they are better for smaller babies as well.

I’ve listed quite a few Christian easter books for babies, but you’ll also find a few that focus on secular elements of Easter, like chocolate, spring, and– of course –bunnies.

Just a heads up…there’s a lot of books in this post. I fully admit to going a little crazy. I suggest adding your top 5 to your shopping list in Amazon and going from there!

POSTS RELATED TO BABY EASTER BOOKS:

• How & When to Read to Your Baby
• Christian Easter Activities to Celebrate Jesus with Kids
• 10 Easter Activities for Babies

15+ Best Non-Religious and Christian Easter Books for Babies

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Baby’s First Easter (Baby’s First Holidays)

If you’re looking for baby’s first easter book, this one is a must-have. It’s incredibly simple (great if you have a wiggle-worm) and tells your child the basic elements of the Easter story.  The illustrations are adorable, but I also love that it includes real-life photography as well, which younger babies seem to prefer. 

Final advantage: it’s a board book! 

My First How to Catch the Easter Bunny 

Join the hunt to capture the legendary Easter bunny! It’s a very fun book with easy-to-follow rhymes and clever traps concocted for some bunny snatching.

Because there are a few more words, I would rate How to Catch the Easter Bunny a good Easter book for a 1-year-old.

A Very Happy Easter

Check out this delightful retelling of the Easter story. The book is advertised for kids 5-6, but honestly, I don’t see why it couldn’t be read to babies as well. It teaches about the resurrection with kid-appropriate language and stays true to the gospel message.

I also love how expressive the illustrations are. They cry, they laugh–All emotions that are easy for babies and toddlers to identify with. 

This Is Easter (Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts)

If you’re looking for fun ways to introduce your babies to Jesus, Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts is a great series you’ll want to check out.

This is Easter , of course, focuses on retelling the Easter story. In this book, we learn about why Jesus came to the Earth (to take away our sins), the events leading up to the resurrection, and paraphrases of the Bible verses.

There are certainly more words in this book, but I would feel comfortable reading it to babies 6 months and older because of the length. 

Good News! It’s Easter!

If you’re looking for a Christian easter book for babies that’s a little more on the lighter side, Good News! It’s Easter! will be a good one to have on your shelf. Also from the Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts series, this book follows forest critters as we celebrate the good news of Easter.

The language in this book is much more lyrical and engaging to little ones than This is Easter .

God Gave Us Easter (God Gave Us Series)

This Easter book is a little older (both in publication and age-appropriateness). I would say it’s a good Easter book for 1-year-olds and up.

This story follows a cub and his daddy bear as they talk about why God gave us Easter. It’s a fun way to explain God’s never-ending, sacrificial love for his children. 

I love the frozen, wild north illustrated in this book. It’s so unique among other spring-themed easter stories!

Happy Easter, Baby Shark!

Baby Shark do-do-do-do-do-do!

If your baby loooooooves Baby Shark like my girls did, this is the perfect Easter book! This isn’t a story, so much as it helps your little one get up, practice a new version of the baby shark song, and follow an adorable underwater easter egg hunt. 

The Story of Easter

If you’re searching for a Christian Easter book for toddlers that your baby can grow into, this is my favorite. I bought this book for my firstborn when she was a baby, and we’ve read it ever since. As a baby, we had to more summarize the pages rather than read the actual words because it’s a little detailed. 

However, once she hit the toddler phase, she really enjoyed the story! Now, at 5, she still loves it.

The illustrations are beautiful, the theology is sound, and it follows the entire story of the biblical first Easter.

Peek-a-Flap Hop – Children’s Lift-a-Flap Board Book

My oldest daughter’s favorite type of book as a baby was the peek-a-flaps! She found the flaps as endlessly entertaining as a game of peek-a-boo!

This non-religious Easter book for baby celebrates all things of the holiday! Painted eggs, parades, bunnies, baby chicks, and more! The illustrations are bright and beautiful while the language is easy to read and embellish with silly voices.

The book is advertised for ages 2+, but I think it’s a perfect fit for babies 6 months and older. 

My Snuggle Bunny – Personalized Children’s Story

Are you looking for personalized easter books for babies? This one is adorable!

My Snuggle Bunny allows you to place your child’s name on the front cover, create a personalized message on the beginning page, and include their name throughout the book. The message is so sweet: it shares the many ways you will love your child. 

I love the illustrations as well; they are gentle and beautiful. 

Jesus Loves Me Praying Hands Board Book

Cottage Door Press is quickly becoming a favorite children’s book publisher of mine. The Jesus Loves Me Praying Hands Board Book is nothing short of ingenious. As the name suggests, the book is cut in the shape of hands. It’s filled with prayers for every part of your baby’s day.

Prayers for dinner time, bedtime, and simply going outside and praising God for his natural beauty.

This isn’t an Easter book per se, but the overall theme is spring, making it a great fit an Easter basket. 

The Jesus Loves Me Praying Hands Board Book is perfect for newborns, all the way to 12 months!

Where Are Baby’s Easter Eggs?: A Lift-the-Flap Book

Are ready for another Lift-the-Flap book? This one is so much fun! Like the little girl featured in the story, your little one is lifting the flaps to find Easter eggs. 

The language is super simple and appropriate for small babies. It also helps build vocabulary and identify everyday objects.

My favorite part is the illustrations. The illustrations are pretty simple, but the artist managed to incorporate tons of vibrant patterns that will enchant small babies.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Easter Colors

My oldest daughter loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar . If your little one does too, check out this Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Easter Colors book . Every page identifies a color and includes cute illustrations of an insect or animal that represents the color. 

The book is pretty simple; I would say it’s a good Easter book for newborns to 12 months. 

Happy Easter, Bunny! 3-Button Sound Board Book for Babies

Once your baby hits about 6 months, they will love sound books! 

This short baby sound book explores the different noises of Easter. There are only three buttons, but the story itself makes it fun and interactive (check out the book preview…you’ll see what I mean). 

Construction Site: Spring Delight: An Easter Lift-the-Flap Book

Okay, we’ve looked at tons of cute books featuring fluffy chicks and cute bunnies. But what about your tractor lovin’ baby? 

Well, this one’s for you. 

In this story, some friendly construction vehicles discover a surprising Easter object resting in the middle of their worksite!

Never Touch a Grumpy Bunny!

The cover of this book is hilarious. If there was ever a perfect book for my youngest daughter, this would be it. I’m pretty sure the grumpy bunny is her spirit animal. Haha, I’m joking. Kind of.

Never Touch a Grumpy Bunny is a hilarious touch-and-feel Easter book for 2-month-old babies all the way up to 3 years. Unlike many touch-and-feel books, this one contains mostly silicone with bumps, swirls, and other fun patterns. No stickiness or matted fur! Needless to say, it’s very engaging. 

Never Touch a Grumpy Bunny is also part of a series of similar books that are baby-favorites!

My Little Library: Bible Stories

So, this is actually a collection of books. This set includes 3×3 books of your favorite bible stories. Jesus Loves Me and Thank You, God might be good choices to read around Easter. Both of my daughters loved these types of books because they could pull them out of the box and “read” them independently. 

The illustrations are cute as well!

The Quiet/Crazy Easter Day (padded)

Telling the resurrection story is great, but, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard for babies and toddlers to track. If you have an energetic little one that needs a little more enthusiasm built into a book, The Quiet/Crazy Easter Day is for you.

This book is just fun! It takes the typical Easter story and infuses it with new life! You’ll find dancing rabbits, chirping birds, and upbeat rhymes.

My favorite part? It’s padded. Padded books hold up really well against any baby’s abuse, and they look really special. 

What Are Your Favorite Baby Easter Books?

Alright, that’s my (very long) list of best Easter books for babies. After this, I hope you have lots of fun ideas for your upcoming holiday. If you’re looking for things to do on your baby’s first Easter check out this post . If your baby is a little bit older and you’re a Christian mama, you can also check out these fun ways to celebrate Jesus on Easter . 

Do you have any good baby Easter book ideas? Let me know in the comments below!

I'm a mom of two, writer, and small business owner. I love giving new and expecting moms the tips they need to overcome the challenges of early motherhood. Check out the About page to learn more!

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