When parents ask me how they can raise children who love to read, one of my biggest pieces of advice is to read early and read often. Reading to babies benefits them in all kinds of ways, but above all, it’s an expression of love. Reading is just another way to show our children we love them. That’s why books are the perfect
Books that illustrate this special bond are one of my favorite things to give new parents. Not only do they encourage early reading, they put into words a feeling that is so hard to describe — the feeling of overwhelming love parents have for their children.
These books are beautiful expressions of love, but keep the tissue close by — they can be tearjerkers, no matter how old your children may be!
[box] Tip: If you’re expecting a baby, I highly recommend signing up for an Amazon Baby Registry. It doesn’t cost you anything, and you can put anything Amazon sells on your registry, including lots and lots of books![/box]
9 Perfect Baby Shower Books
Book links are Amazon referral links.
Guess How Much I Love You? by Sam McBratney — Little Nutbrown Hare is anxious to show his love to his father. Every time he tells Big Nutbrown Hare just how much love he has, Big Nutbrown Hare replies with an even bigger expression of caring. This beautiful classic captures the idea that parents love their children more than they could ever express.
If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond — I received this book when my oldest son was a baby, and it’s still one of my favorites to read with the boys. It’s a perfect description of the paradox of watching our children get older. Part of us wants them to be little forever; the other part is so proud to see them grow up. This book will absolutely tug at your heartstrings.
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch — This one has been around for years, and it remains a favorite because it so perfectly expresses a parent’s unconditional love. Through every trying phase, and well into adulthood, one thing remains: parents love their children forever. The role reversal at the end shows that the love goes both ways.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown — A little bunny tells his mother he is running away. His mother informs him that no matter where he goes, she will follow, because he is her little bunny. Over and over the mother answers her little one’s “what if?” questions with the answer that she will find her child, because he is her little bunny. This book is a beautiful way to remind a child that a parent’s love is unconditional.
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman — My boys love to hear about what happened when they were born, and this book is a beautiful story about how every birth is special and every child is a gift. Children will love hearing about how the world is special and more exciting because they are a part of it.
Little Fur Family by Margaret Wise Brown — This gorgeous book (with a furry cover) tells about a day in the life of a little fur child. After a day of play and fun, his parents tuck him in and sing him a bedtime song. This is an excellent choice for winding down with a little one at the end of the day and reminding them of your love.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be By Emily Winfield Martin — I often look at my boys and wonder where life will take them and what they will become. This book captures that feeling and reminds children that no matter where they end up, they will be loved more than they know.
Oh, Baby, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss and Tish Rabe — This book adapts a Dr. Seuss classic to new babies, and introduces them to classic Dr. Seuss characters. This sweet tale is one of my favorites to give as a gift, and I read it to all three of my boys even before they were born!
I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt — A little boy wants to know if his mother will love him always, even if he’s a big scary ape or a super smelly skunk. His mother gently reminds him that absolutely nothing could take away her love. My kids love this silly story, and it’s the perfect bedtime read — even with big kids!
