Not to put down Eric Carle books in any way (because they are actually some of my all-time favorite) but this book of all tends to be given so frequently that new moms often end up with multiple copies. I thought for awhile about the hundreds of books I have in my collection (from teaching, my own baby shower and personal purchases), and chose my favorite books for parent-child bonding, bedtime reading and teaching special lessons throughout childhood. Here are my “Top 10” books to gift a mom-to-be at her baby shower that will be cherished throughout their little one’s childhood:
1. guess how much i love you
This book is a timeless classic. My parents got this book for my son at my baby shower and it is so special to us! It was one of the first stories I read to my baby as a newborn.
2. the kissing hand
This story is the CUTEST to have on hand when your little one first enters school. The kiss the mother raccoon leaves on her baby’s hand to remind him she is always with him when he is away is so relatable for young children. A lot of preschool and kindergarten teachers read this book in the beginning of the school year also, so it would help strengthen home/school connections if your child is already familiar with it.
3. on the night you were born
This book was given to us as a gift at our shower. I had never heard of it, but the person who gave it to us said she reads it to her daughter every year on her birthday. I think we will do the same, because I cannot get through this book without tearing up thinking of how much joy my son has brought us. “Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born.”
4. oh, the places you'll go!
Another special book to have for when your little one heads off to school. As a teacher I saw many copies of this book each year as families started the tradition of bringing this book in at the end of the school year for their child’s teacher to sign each year until their senior year and then give to them as a gift at graduation!
5. little blue truck
Such a fun read as the animals help the “Little Blue Truck” by working together! I love this book because it teaches animal sounds and includes rhyming phrases, but most of all because it is based around the theme of friendship!
6. i love you, stinky face
This book is SO cute for a parent to read to their little one. It makes a great bedtime story as the little one in the book questions his Mama on all the “what if” scenarios that pop into his head and she reassures him every time of her unconditional love for him.
7. don't let the pigeon drive the bus!
8. any and all books by sandra boynton
These books–I can’t say enough great things about Sandra Boynton books. She is definitely one of my favorite children’s book authors. These silly books are engaging, yet simple. They are catchy and will have your child reading along with you. Perfect to stick in diaper bags for on-the-go, as a bedtime story or just for fun! These gift sets would make the perfect shower gift for a new mom!
9. Hoda Kotb's books
These books by Hoda Kotb of the Today Show are the absolute sweetest. Inspired by her own experiences becoming a mom, she wrote these heartfelt books depicting a mom and baby with beautiful illustrations to complement her meaningful words.
10. the rainbow fish
If you haven’t seen the theme yet, I am trying to share timeless classics as well as books that are good for parent/child bedtime reading. This one falls into the “timeless classic” category. Most adults have heard of the book and it is still a popular teachable book in the classroom setting today. A great book for teaching the concepts of sharing, appreciation and friendship!
world of eric carle, my first library board book block
Bonus! Just to show that I do absolutely love Eric Carle despite the title of this blog post, this is an adorable mini board book set I received at my own baby shower that my son loves. They are perfect for little hands and simple to teach basic concepts and early vocabulary. A colorful, fun set to gift a new mom!
Happy showering! I hope your mama-to-be cherishes these stories with her little one like day like I have!