Beautiful books to grow with a child. I love the current baby-shower trend of choosing a book for a new baby. It is not a gift that gets used up quickly.
Stories before bed were part of our routine when my children were little. I had a rocking chair I loved, and those quiet minutes together before bed were special to me as much as they were to the kids. I missed it when they got older.
As my younger two grew and the stories became more involved, I would sometimes see their older siblings creep in to hear them again. On long car trips, I would occasionally choose a book to read aloud too—although not often, because reading in the car makes me carsick!
A book can go hand in hand with new-born cuddles, travel in the nappy bag, be carried by toddler hands and, if it’s lucky, become the story a child asks for again and again. Lucky book 😊
I love the thought of a little library beginning this way—not all at once or perfectly matched, but one story at a time.
Why reading to a baby matters
You can begin reading with a baby from birth, some people start before birth. Your baby will not follow every word, but they are hearing a familiar voice, hearing rhythm and rhyme, looking at pictures and sharing a close moment with someone who loves them. Reading, talking about pictures and singing rhymes lay foundations for language and literacy. You are giving them a fantastic start to life and hopefully instilling a love of reading and learning.
Please don’t take this suggestion as another job to add to the many tasks of a parent. Make reading a natural part of the day. A few minutes before a nap, after a bath or when your little one brings over the same book is enough. There is no perfect story time—the joy is in togetherness, silly voices and familiar stories.
Choosing a book for a new baby
Choose a story that brings a smile—one you remember, one your family loved, or one you can picture being read aloud.
For little hands and early cuddles
For the baby years, look for sturdy board-book editions: little hands will pat, turn and very likely chew the pages. Here are some of my favourite board books.
• Where Is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek — beautiful rhyming, with playful sheep searching and repetition.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle — bright pages for counting, noticing and watching a caterpillar transform.
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury — a much-loved, chant-along adventure for sharing together.
• The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister — a sparkling story about friendship, kindness and sharing.
• The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin — a tender celebration of individuality and possibility.
• I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth and Tim Warnes — a gentle, cosy story for bedtime cuddles.
• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury — a beautiful celebration of babies everywhere.
• On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman — a loving reminder that every child is wonderfully unique.
• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle — colourful animals and rhythmic repetition.
• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram — a tender classic about love stretching right up to the moon.
A baker’s dozen of stories to grow into
These might sit on the shelf at first, then grow into read-aloud favourites through the preschool and early-school years.
• Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser — a sparkly story about self-expression and being wonderfully yourself. My eldest daughter loved this book very much.
• Tough Boris by Mem Fox and Kathryn Brown — a tender pirate tale showing that even tough hearts can feel.
• Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd — a bouncy, rhyming romp with unforgettable canine characters. Never gets old.
• Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas — a treasured Australian adventure through bush, city and familiar foods.
• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell — a playful lift-the-flap favourite full of animal surprises.
• Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr Seuss — a whimsical celebration of life, hopes and new beginnings.
• Time for Bed by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer — a soothing goodnight story for the end of busy days.
• The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith and Katz Cowley — a silly, rhythmic read-aloud made for shared giggles.
• Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement — a funny Australian classic about curiosity and being yourself.
• Koala Lou by Mem Fox and Pamela Lofts — a gentle story of brave effort and enduring love.
• The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell — a tender picture book about friendship, belonging and home.
• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko — a funny, clever classic about courage and self-respect.
• Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees — a joyful reminder that everyone can find their own rhythm.
Choosing a story that mattered to you and passing it on is a special thing. It is a gift for the baby years and all the stories still to come. I could list a hundred favourites….. but I wont. Go explore the options and have fun.
Love,
Chelle 💗
Special Education Complex Supports and Family Support Specialist
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