Babies change so quickly, so much of what we have for them is outgrown and never needed again. But books bought for Baby could be something you'll want to keep forever.
When you have your first baby, onesies will come out of the woodwork. It is as if everyone has just been waiting with bated breath to shower them upon you.
Unfortunately, babies grow out of onesies. Babies will grow out of their books, too, but if you build a solid library, you will keep those books around far longer than a 3-6 month-old romper.
I used to work in the children’s department at a local bookstore and I found myself sneak-reading books when the flow of customers was particularly slow.
There has been a recent trend of adults forming children’s lit book clubs and I get it.
The short stories are the perfect way for a charming narrative to enter your consciousness, even if the bedtime stories seem more designed for you than your ever-energetic little one.
Here are 25 books you and your little one might enjoy for many years:
1) "Goodnight Moon," by Margaret Wise Brown
We had to. The nostalgia alone will keep this book on your shelf well past the years of bedtime stories.
2) "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr.
Published in the 1960s, the repetitive nature of this book is perfect for little ones forming their first words.
3) "Pat The Bunny," by Dorothy Kunhardt
People have been patting the bunny since the 1940s and children never find the "touch and feel" style boring.
4) "Toes, Ears, & Nose!" by Marion Dane Bauer
This "lift-the-flap" adventure can be your baby’s first anatomy book.
5) "Richard Scarry’s Best First Book Ever!" by Richard Scarry
Different backgrounds and labeled parts will make this one of your baby’s favorite books once they become a toddler.
6) "Guess How Much I Love You," by Sam McBratney
This book is as much for parents as for the children. It will make you come down with a case of the feels.
7) "Love You Forever," by Robert Munsch
This will last on your bookshelf until your child is old enough to ask why you tear up every time you pull it out.
8) "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by Eric Carle
Twelve million copies in 20 languages is literary success that speaks for itself. The journey of a caterpillar who is eating is perfect baby and young child entertainment.
9) "On The Night You Were Born," by Nancy Tillman
In these pages, you'll find animal pictures for the young ones and an emotional message just for you.
10) "Where’s Spot?" by Eric Hill
As your child gets more dexterous, he or she can lift the flaps of the book to see where sneaky Spot really is hiding.
11) "Llama Llama Nighty-Night," by Anna Dewdney
There can never be enough bedtime books.
12) "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish," by Dr. Seuss
This is a simple rhyming book for young children, and the essential introduction to Dr. Seuss.
13) "Toot," by Leslie Patricelli
Bodily functions. Kids love ‘em.
14) "Everyone Poops," by Taro Gomi
See #13.
15) "Corduroy," by Don Freeman
Before "Toy Story," there was "Corduroy." You won’t even mind once your kid can say, “Again, Mommy?”
16) "Good Night, Gorilla," by Peggy Rathmann
This book sometimes comes with a plush gorilla that your little one can cuddle while you gently encourage them to sleep.
17) "Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book," by Dr. Seuss
This book begins with a yawn. Hopefully it ends with sleep.
18) "Moo, Baa, La La La!" by Sandra Boynton
Who knew pigs said, “La la la?” The things you learn as a parent.
19) "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Here's an alphabet book with a sense of humor.
20) "Press Here," by Herve Tullet
This book interacts with the reader, almost as if it were an iPad, without actually being an iPad.
21) "Tickle, Tickle, Peter!" by Beatrix Potter
Before Peter Rabbit comes into your child’s life, the classic character can be introduced in this fuzzy book.
22) "First 100 Words board book," by Roger Priddy
This book has great pictures for early word association.
23) "Dear Zoo," by Rod Campbell
Lift the flaps and look at animals? Your kid will be in heaven.
24) "The Velveteen Rabbit," a board book based on the story by Margery Williams
The longer story is a little mature, but this board book is a great introduction to a classic.
25) "Splish, Splash, Baby!" by Karen Katz
Anything you can combine with bath time is a parenting plus.
These 25 books will lay a great foundation for your child's library, promising years of enjoyment for you both, as you come back again and again. Happy reading!
Edited by Jody Smith