What to Write in a Baby Shower Book, Plus 25 of the Best Books to Gift Instead of a Card

This classic, cherished children’s tale centers on a young boy’s love for his toy rabbit—a love so strong the toy comes to life. The story has captured hearts for over a century.

With heartwarming themes of friendship and connection, Corduroy is a classic children’s book that will become a bedtime routine staple for babies as they grow.

First published in 1936, Ferdinand is a timeless tale of a bull whose timid nature makes him an outsider amongst his kind. But what happens when he’s chosen for the bullfights in Madrid?

As a kid, the boy and his special tree in this story left so much to the imagination. And today, the internet is full of hot takes on this classic tale from Shel Silverstein. What seems to be universal though is that when a parent reads this book for the first time after having a child, the tears flow.

This classic story features a chain of animals revealed in a colorful, rhythmic sequence. Perfect for our youngest readers, any expectant mom would be appreciative of this book for their little one’s library—especially this interactive version baby will love as they grow.

Learning the alphabet has never been more fun! In this rhythmic tale, all the letters climb a coconut tree until…oh no! A fun book to read aloud, little ones will ask for this one on repeat (once they can talk!)

No childhood library is complete without this classic children’s tale. Goodnight Moon features lulling illustrations and simple poetry sure to help a little one fall asleep.

Another tearjerker for the new mom, this beloved picture book by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Tillman combines poetic words with whimsical imagery. Tillman captures exactly how mothers feel when their new babies join the world.

When a young woman holds her baby son for the first time, she sees the entire world in his eyes. So begins a story that has touched millions of hearts worldwide—one of mulit-generational, unconditional love.

Perfect for all the moms-to-be out there, You Made Me a Mother is a beautiful celebration of motherhood, with the unconditional love of a child at its core.

Inspired by the eagerly awaited birth of her daughter, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning actress Gabrielle Union weaves a charming love letter about what it feels like to welcome a new baby into the world.

Emily Winfield Martin’s rhythmic rhyme expresses all the wonderful things parents see when they look at their children. Families will love reading this one over and over.

This uplifting tale doesn’t contain just one good wish—it’s full of positive wishes for friendship, love, strength, and laughter. For a mom about to embark on her craziest journey yet, there is no better gift to add to child’s library.

When we love someone very much, we want to express that. But in this heartwarming story, young readers learn that love—especially the love between a parent and child—is not a feeling easily measured.

In a storyline familiar to anyone who went through an awkward stage, main character Gerald is a gangly, socially-inept giraffe who makes a fool of himself at the jungle dance. But when Gerald has his moment in the spotlight, you can’t help but cheer for him (and maybe tear up a little). The rhyming text in this book makes it a fun bedtime read aloud. Plus, we love the main takeaway: Be yourself.

Anything Jimmy Fallon does puts a smile on our faces, and his follow-up to his popular book Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada is no different. Experience the exasperation of moms attempting to introduce their little ones to new things, when all their babies really want is “mama.”

One common theme of parenthood? Little ones who are resistant to going to bed. Sometimes, the ticket is a silly book to guide them through their routine. The Going to Bed Book is just the bedtime companion any moms-to-be will need for their babies and toddlers.

For all the pet lovers out there, Dog’s First Baby follows one curious animal as they investigate the arrival of a new family member—a loud and stinky one, at that.

This hilarious story is a tribute to the parents who are just about ready to give into their frustrations. Profane and radically honest, Mansbach weaves a realistic tale about what it takes to get your little one down for the night.

Man, these illustrations are adorable. This book tells the story of babies all around the world and the similarities of their live—they’re fed, dressed, and loved. A lesson for adults and children alike that we all are born the same.

Sure, sleep deprivation is part of new motherhood, but anything that can help lull a baby to sleep will be warmly accepted—like the soothing text in this beautifully illustrated, eye-catching board book.

This adorable Spanish and English bilingual book is perfect for reading aloud with new babies. Little ones will love the colorful illustrations and the sweet message that love transcends all languages.

Indestructibles is a series written for the way babies read. Each book is rip proof, waterproof, and washable—babies can chew the binding and it will still survive. This story highlights all the ways a baby can show love to their family.

This lift-the-flap bedtime book helps little ones count just the amount of kisses they need before they go to sleep. The interactive reading experience makes it ideal for babies and toddlers.

This black and white, high contrast board book is perfectly suited for a baby’s developing vision. The images feature children running, fishing, swimming, and more—ideal for a curious little one just starting to learn about the world around them.