Are you looking for a board book for a baby shower? Board Books make great gifts because of the cuddle-connection factor. Studies have shown over and over the many positive benefits of getting into the habit of reading at a young age. When snuggled up warm and comfortable on their mommy or daddy’s lap, babies have early, positive associations with reading. And as a bonus, board books can be used again as children grow older or more children arrive at the house. They’re also a welcome hand-me-down to a new niece or nephew.
For this article I’m sharing my favorite “new classics”. I see the same board books over and over again. Classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Goodnight Moon are great (and I own them both), but I find myself wanting something a little more unique. Here is a list of seven board books you may not have noticed. Some of these board books are funny, some are sentimental, and all of them are highly giftable.
#1: Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
Let me start with the obvious. The illustrations are amazing. In addition to Little Owl’s Night, Srinivasan has several modern-yet-graceful books for young children that stop me in my tracks every time I see them. This board book is a good-night story about animals after dark. Perfect for relaxing busy minds and hands.
#2: You’re Here by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch
You’re Here is a sweet book perfect for baby showers. The colors are soft and the illustrations sublime. In rhyme, this board book tells of the sentimental milestones a baby will go through during its first year. Older siblings will also like reading You’re Here, especially when parents take the opportunity to relay that older child’s milestones. What young child doesn’t enjoy hearing about themselves?!
Idea! This board book is small, making it the perfect addition to an elephant-themed gift!
#3: Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Jen Corace
Little Pea is a witty story is about a little pea who won’t eat his sweets. The art is whimsical and warmhearted; the text is hilarious and makes for a fun read-aloud. Bonus! This is the perfect intervention for picky eaters.
You might be wondering if this is the same picture book author, Rosenthal, who penned the tender, modern love story essay on the New York Times. Yes, yes, it is.
#4: Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
It’s not often that books are simultaneously beloved by parents and hailed in literary circles. Llama Llama is one of those rare few books literary experts and parents praise for the prose, the emotional thread of the story, and the level to which it engages the reader (and listener). Some children struggle with being alone at night. This board book lets children know that adults understand their fears and that a loving parent isn’t far away. It’s a comforting, beautifully written book.
Note! There are several Llama Llama books and they are all highly giftable board books!
#5: Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada by Jimmy Fallon and Miguel Ordóñez
Yes, Dada is funny. Because it’s written by Emmy Award and Grammy Award winner Jimmy Fallon, that’s what we expect. It’s funny and kids love it. Plus, it’s short (text is sparse) so parents love it. This is the perfect gift for dads…for obvious reasons!
#6: Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
Each Peach, Pear, Plum is a rhyming book based on fairy tales plus an “I Spy” twist. I like this as a gift for parents who also have a toddler. Kids between 18 months and 4 years old will busily look for the item mentioned in the rhyme, while babies will be entertained by the illustrations. Because each page only has only one hidden item, toddlers can search and find said item before the baby gets bored (hopefully). A great book for transitioning through multiple baby stages.
#7: Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
This Caldecott winner, Kitten’s First Full Moon, is a black & white beauty. The bold strokes set against sparse text make for a beautiful modern classic about a forlorn kitty trying to reach her goal (drinking the moon, which is clearly a bowl of milk!). Perfect go-to-sleep story.
There are lots of board books for baby showers out there. So don’t be afraid to stray from the same classics and try out some new authors. Are there any board books that you love that you want to share with us? Please do!
If you’re on the hunt for baby books, don’t miss our favorite picture books from 2015 and top diverse picture books. Both these lists have wonderful baby shower gift ideas!
Also, if you’re planning a baby shower, you won’t want to miss this rosette DIY tutorial.
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