We’re All Adults Here
Book Recommendations & Other Musings
by Carol Tuttle/Sarah Vargo
Gift Books for New Babies
Yes, we’re all adults here, but children are part of our lives. I love to give books to children as gifts, I’m a librarian! But I am often stumped when choosing gift books for baby showers or new babies. I know what books I loved as a child; I know what books my children (who are now adults) loved. But what are the hot books to give to babies today? When a new baby arrived for a family member recently I tapped into the expertise of Sarah Vargo, the Children’s Services Manager for Willoughby-Eastlake Library.
Sarah is offering her recommendations here:
First and foremost, there is nothing wrong with gifting YOUR favorite childhood picture book (if you can find it) or your child’s favorite. They stand out for a reason! Embrace that! But if you’re looking for something new or a new classic you may have missed, here are my top five suggestions:
“More, More, More,” Said the Baby by Vera B. Williams
This book is bright, beautiful, and engaging. A diverse range of babies beg for more while their caregivers tickle their feet and throw them in the air.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The biggest danger with this book as a shower gift is that the new parents may get multiples. The world of Eric Carle has been turned into toys, décor and more for good reason and babies will love sticking their tiny fingers in the holes caused by caterpillar’s munching.
Peekaboo! by Taro Gomi
This book is sure to be a hit. Each page is a mask to encourage (you guessed it) peekaboo play with everything from animals to robots!
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker
Beautiful calming illustrations with lyrical rhyming text gives a book that parents and kids alike will reach for again and again.
Touch and Feel Board Books
Okay, this isn’t one book, but publishers have embraced this genre for a good reason! I cannot recommend tactile touch and feel books enough. Usborne, DK, Priddy, Bright Baby, the list goes on and on. You cannot go wrong with books that babies can interact with. DK even has some that are both Touch and Feel and have flaps to lift and play peek a boo with.
And finally, two bonus books! Does the new baby have an older sibling that may need some attention? Here are two of my favorite new sibling books:
Babies Don’t Eat Pizza: A Big Kids’ Book About Baby Brothers and Baby Sisters by Diane Danzig
This book isn’t so much a story as a guide for curious new siblings-to-be about the new edition.
I’m a Big Sister/I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole
There is a good reason these books never go out of print. Simple, sweet books about how the older child can help their Mom and Dad with the newest member of the family.
–Sarah Vargo, Children’s Services Manager, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library
Carol Tuttle is the Collections & Digital Services Manager for the Willoughby-Eastlake Library System. She is currently reading The Line Becomes a River by Francisco Cantu.
