I wasn’t sure whether to title this post ‘Books for a new baby’, or ‘Books for new parents’, because all of these books truly cherish childhood and tug on a parent’s heartstrings more than is comfortable. I’ve read many of them with prickly tears in my eyes – especially when I’m feeling emotional or overwhelmed. They really remind me how precious these little people are, how important it is to savour every moment with them and what a privilege it is to be a parent. They would all make a lovely gift for a new baby, or for brand new parents.
Guess How Much I Love You
I vividly remember reading this to my younger siblings – I loved it then, and I love it just as much now. This is the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare trying to describe how much love they have for one another. Love can be so difficult to describe and to measure, but this book makes it humorous and warm. Little Nutbrown Hare is utterly adorable.
Just In Case You Ever Wonder
A friend introduced me to this book and it gives me tears in my eyes every time I read it. There is a focus on God, so I would recommend that your recipients are religious. It is heartwarming book, highlighting that there is no one else in the world like your child, how precious they are and how your child will always be cared for and watched over:“If you looked all over the world – in every house – there would be no one else like you…no one with your eyes, no one with your mouth, no one with your laugh. You are very, very special.” My boys haven’t ever asked for it (sadly), but I like to read it to them every so often.
If I Could Keep You Little
We’ve all heard it said – wouldn’t it be nice if children never had to grow up? Just like Peter Pan. I often look at Win and mentally note how he is looking too grown up, how he is cracking jokes that he actually understands and has lost his toddler chubbiness. At 5 his voice still sounds young and his cuteness isn’t too hard to find. Parenthood is such a ball of emotions, and this book champions how fulfilling it is to watch our children to grow into the people they are destined to be.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
The illustration in this book is delightful, and it’s another tear-jerker. Reading this book gives a lovely opportunity to talk to your children about what makes them special, and to remind them that they can do (and be) anything that they want to be. Again, my boys wouldn’t really choose this, but it provides good topics for discussion, and I love it.“This is the first time there’s ever been you, so I wonder what wonderful things you will do.”
PEEPO
All three of my boys have loved this book, but it’s Otto who really enjoys it at the moment. It has to be read at lightening speed because he’s always super keen to turn the pages. He loves peeking through the holes, and I love the beautiful illustrations that illuminate family life so perfectly. PEEPO is created by Janet and Allen Ahlberg, who also wrote the wonderful Each Peach Pear Plum.
Others suggestions include: Dear Zoo, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, If I Could Keep You Little, When The World Was Waiting For You and I’d Know You Anywhere My Love.
You can find other books we love here.
E xx
The Colour Monster is an amazing book for young children. It follows the story of a Monster who is feeling ´all mixed up´ and a little girl helps him to identify his different emotions and describe them. It´s very beautiful, and an amazing tool for teaching children to name how they are feeling and understand themselves better! There is also a Spanish book called Mi casa es como una casita which is of a similar theme but I haven´t yet been able to find an English version. I use these books a lot with children I work with who have social and emotional vulnerabilities.
Thank you so much for your suggestions Hazel. I’ve just looked up The Colour Monster and it looks fantastic. I would never have discovered it otherwise – thank you and I really hope you are well xx
I love this post! A number of these books started our son’s book collection, and are still read to this day now being three years old. Such a great list!
Thank you so much Jade. There are so many wonderful books out there x
I love guess how much i love you but many of the others are new to me. I particularly like the look of the wonderful things you will be. #kltr
Some classic choices here but I’ve never heard of the Wonderful Things You will Be: sounds great.
#KLTR
Great list! Some of my favourites here like Guess How Much I Love You. But others I soooo want to get my hands on like The Wonderful Things You Will Be. I’m running a series on my blog for guest collaborations called ‘baby’s first books’ where other bloggers are sharing their favourite new baby books. Drop me an email if you want to join in! #KLTR
I love Guess How Much I Love You So Much and The Wonderful Things You Will Be also looks like such a beautiful book. Thanks for linking up to #KLTR
oh I love the sound and look of the book in the images. So cute. I am also a fan of peepo and guess how much I love you. Thanks for sharing with KLTR. 🙂 Miss you Esther!
Thus is a lovely selection 🙂 I adore Peepo and both my boys loved to have it read to them. I really like the look of The Wonderful Things You Will Be. #KLTR