Growing up, my dad had one thing he would never say no to buying me - and it was books. I've taken that into motherhood with my daughter - Jackie.
There’s just something about a little stack of children’s books sitting in the nursery, a toddler picking out their favorite story for the hundredth time, or settling into the rocking chair for a sweet bedtime book.
As a new mom, I’ve quickly learned that you can have all the baby gadgets in the world, but some of the simplest things really do become the most special. Books are one of those things - and it really helps with their development!
Whether you’re building your baby’s first home library, looking for the best books for babies, searching for a birthday or shower gift, or simply want some new stories to add to your family’s reading rotation, these are some of our favorite kids and baby books.
And yes—some of these have been read approximately 437 times in our house. 😂
Why We Love Reading to Babies & Kids
You definitely don't need to wait until your baby is old enough to understand a story to start reading together.
Reading from the very beginning is such an easy way to create connection and make books part of your child’s everyday routine. Plus, babies love hearing your voice, looking at colorful pictures, and eventually turning pages and pointing at things they recognize.
As kids get older, reading together can become part of bedtime, quiet time, road trips, rainy afternoons, or those moments when everyone just needs to slow down.
For us, books aren't just about learning to read.
They're about snuggles, imagination, curiosity, laughter, and making memories.
And honestly? Those are pretty good reasons to keep adding to the bookshelf.
Our Favorite Books (The First List)
1. WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A DAD
A touching story showing all the ways a father will help his daughter grow. This is the gift for every girl dad and little girl to celebrate their special bond! It features charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the moments fathers and daughters share.
Why we love it: It's the perfect story to connect father and daughter together.
Best for: Kids Ages 3-7 (But we read it to our 1 month old too!)
2. I LOVE YOU LIKE NO OTTER
There's no better way to say "I love you" than with a sweet and heartfelt animal pun book! I Love You Like No Otter combines a warm message of love with beautifully illustrated animals families will love to read and share together.
Why we love it: Heartfelt but still a fun read!
Best for: Babies and toddlers ages 0-3
3. Goodnight Moon
There is something so nostalgic about Goodnight Moon.
It's quiet, repetitive, and calming—which makes it especially sweet for bedtime. The simple illustrations and familiar objects throughout the book also give babies and toddlers plenty to look at.
One of the most beloved books of all time, Goodnight Moon is a must for every bookshelf. This board book edition is the right size for little hands and is the perfect gift for baby showers, toddler birthday parties, and holidays.
Why we love it: It's the kind of book that naturally becomes part of a bedtime routine.
Best for: Babies and toddlers
4. SOFIA VALDEZ: FUTURE PREZ
This inspiring picture book is perfect for sharing with young readers curious about elections and ready to raise their hand and make a difference.
Why we love it: Because it reminds our kids that they’re never too young to dream big, speak up, help others, and make a difference. A sweet story about courage, perseverance, community, and believing that one voice can create change.
Best for: Toddlers through elementary age
5. MISS RUMPHIUS
Barbara Cooney's story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new generation. The countless lupines that bloom along the coast of Maine are the legacy of the real Miss Rumphius, the Lupine Lady, who scattered lupine seeds everywhere she went. Miss Rumphius received the American Book Award in the year of publication.
Why we love it: Because it reminds little hearts that we all have a part to play in making the world a more beautiful place. A timeless story about purpose, kindness, adventure, and leaving a beautiful legacy wherever we go.
Best for: 3-8 years
6. Madeline
With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and whimsical drawings of Paris, acclaimed author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans weaves a true classic that continues to stand the test of time. Let Madeline and her friends walk two straight lines right off the page and into your family’s heart!
Why we love it: Because Madeline reminds us to be brave, be ourselves, and face life with a little courage and a lot of heart. A timeless story about friendship, confidence, and finding adventure wherever you go.
Best for: 0-5 years
7. Chrysanthemum: A Heartwarming School Story About Names and Self-Acceptance for Children
This is another children's classic that never really goes out of style.
Max's adventure with the Wild Things is imaginative, a little wild (obviously!), and ultimately comforting.
Why we love it: It encourages imagination while reminding kids that home is always there waiting for them.
Best for: Ages 4-8
8. The Wildest Thing
With gorgeous illustrations, this book is the ideal addition to any bedtime reading routine or read aloud. The Wildest Thing beautifully expresses a timeless message about little ones unleashing their inner "wild" and encouraging their budding imagination and unique individuality.
Why we love it: Because it reminds little hearts that being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid—it means you keep going anyway. A sweet story about courage, curiosity, and discovering that sometimes the wildest adventures lead us right where we belong.
Best for: 3-7 years
9. May You Love and Be Loved: Wishes for Your Life
leo Wade’s next heartfelt and lyrical picture book is a love letter to the infinite potential of the future, expressing the many hopes and dreams we hold for our children and ourselves. Gorgeously illustrated by the author and filled with her signature big-hearted emotions, this inspirational book is a beautiful reminder that, above all, what we wish for everyone's precious life is that they can love and be loved.
Perfect for baby showers, graduations, birthdays, and milestone celebrations. A meaningful gift for families, friends, and anyone embarking on life's journey.
Why we love it: Because it’s a beautiful reminder that the greatest things we can wish for our children aren’t things at all—they’re love, courage, kindness, and a life filled with purpose. A sweet book to read together and a beautiful reminder of what truly matters.
Best for: Newborn all the way to adult kids
10. Dear Girl: An Empowering Story About Confidence and Being Yourself for Children
Dear Girl, is a love letter written for the special girl in your life; a gentle reminder that she’s powerful, strong, and holds a valuable place in the world.
Through Amy and Paris’s charming text and Holly Hatam’s stunning illustrations, any girl reading this book will feel that she's great just the way she is—whether she enjoys jumping in a muddy puddle, has a face full of freckles, or dances on table tops.
Dear Girl, encourages girls to always be themselves and to love who they are—inside and out.
Why we love it: Because every girl deserves to know that she is strong, capable, worthy, and completely herself. A beautiful reminder to grow with confidence, embrace who you are, and never be afraid to use your voice.
Best for: Ages 4-8
Books That Make Great Baby Shower Gifts
If you're shopping for a baby shower gift, books are one of my favorite things to give.
A cute outfit is adorable, but babies grow out of clothes so quickly. A good book can stay on the shelf for years and eventually become part of a family's memories.
Some of my favorite books to gift include:
- The Wonderful Things You Will Be
- Goodnight Moon
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
- The Going to Bed Book
- Little Blue Truck
My favorite baby shower gift idea?
Pair a children's book with something personal—a cozy blanket, stuffed animal, personalized item, or adorable baby outfit.
And if you're attending a baby shower where guests are asked to bring a book instead of a card, even better. I absolutely love the idea of building a baby's library before they can even say their first word.
Our Best Tip for Building a Kids' Book Collection
Don't be afraid to let your child's personality guide your bookshelf.
If they love animals, fill the shelves with animal stories.
If they're obsessed with dinosaurs, embrace the dinosaur phase.
If they love trucks, you're probably going to own approximately 47 books about trucks.
If they love princesses, superheroes, nature, space, or silly monsters—go with it.
The goal isn't to have the most impressive children's book collection.
It's to create a home where your child sees books as something fun, comforting, exciting, and worth exploring.
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