Baby Shower Reading Book

Updated on March 12, 2010
G.J. asks from Beverly Hills, CA
44 answers

We have been asked to bring a new book to the baby shower instead of a card. I think this is a fantastic idea and baby already has bookshleves. I dont have a ton of money, what would you suggest a good book be

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Your ideas are fantastic and also there was a small poem with the baby shower invitation mentioning how the book will live on out past the card. meaning the book will do wonders. so I am excited to go

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

I think that's a great idea!! I always give a book or two with baby shower gifts. My favorites (to give & to get) have always been: Goodnight Moon; I Love You As Much; Brown Bear Brown Bear; I Love You Through and Through. I think the chunky board books are great starters for babies! You can pick them up at Walmart for just a couple dollars, which is about the cost of a card anyways!
J.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Chicago on

I LOVE the book, It's Time for Bed by Mem Fox. I've read it to my twins almost every night since they were born, and now one of them smiles every time he hears it. Love it, love it, love it!

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Chicago on

I love that idea as well, and the hardest part is that there are so many great books out there to choose from! You can visit the book section of just about any store like Target or Walmart and get a nice book for about $5. I always like the smaller board books for babies, and my little ones have always liked the books that have flaps to open. Two of our favorite authors are Karen Katz and Sandra Boynton. Eric Carle books are also great. Be sure to include a little message inside the cover or on the back of the book for the child to look at later. My daughter who is turning 5 recently found a book with a message written inside that had been a shower gift. Have fun!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Nashville on

Oh goodness! The possiblities are endless! Goodnight Moon, 5 Little Monkeys, All of Baby Nose to Toes, Pat the Bunny, Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?.........you really can't go wrong! =0) What a super great idea for a new mommy!!! LOVE it!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

On the Night You Were Born is one of my faves.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Of course the all-time classic is "Good Night Moon." However, I always make sure that every baby gets a copy of the classic Mother Goose. There is nothing better for language development than rhymes, and I still remember my mother, more than 70 years ago, reading to me rhymes like "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe." and "There was a little girl, who had a little curl."

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love to buy books for my grandbabies! First decide which age you want to buy for, something that will be used in first year, or later. I would buy for now, as you can get another book for them at their future birthdays, but there are lots of great suggestions offered in other answers.
Go to you favorite place, BabiesRUs, ToysRUs, Target, a bookstore- love the cloth baby books with hard chew area on corners and have ie.squekers for a duck, flaps to peek under, and has to have a scrunchy crackily noise!
I love animal ones, as you can teach them the name of the animal and the sound the animal makes, always fun learning!
I also look for hard thick cardboard book about animals that have the textures you can feel, like wool for the lamb, smooth for the doggie nose, long hair for the horses maine, you get the idea. They love to feel the textures and learn again about the animals.
Have fun!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

God Gave Us You
by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Medford on

BEST book EVER :

"You are my I Love You"

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would suggest check out Ross or TJ Max. I pick up a lot of books there for my son because they are cheaper than I can most everywhere else. I would get something with the hard cardboard pages with lots of colors. My son looks at his books all the time, even though he is two and "reads" them upside down.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

THere are a bunch of rhyming bibles or really any book, start early!

H.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

The 99 Cents Store and The Dollar Tree have a TON of books for kids. Everything from Disney to Dora. Books that are made of board, not paper are always good for the younger kids/babies.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'd do a board book. and they are about 6 bucks. If you go to Ross or marshall's type stores you can get one for about 4 bucks. My kids all loved the books by Sandra Boynton. dr Suess is fun.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Honolulu on

My personal favorite is Are You My Mother? It's a classic. For my baby shower, they did something really cute. The game they distributed was to fill in the blanks on nursery rhymes. Then they presented me a with a book of Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, and had me read it out loud to everyone. (Some rhymes are a bit gruesome, like cutting of mice's tails with a butcher knife.) And each person had autographed the inside of the book. It was very, very cute. db

L.A.

answers from Austin on

It does not have to be a book for an infant, how about a nice book of Nursery rhymes?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Border's has a great sale selection. If you don't find anything good on sale make sure you are signed up for their weekly coupons. Great discounts. I got my daughters first books their and many other's for gifts.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from San Diego on

For the baby, Moo, Baa, La La La and Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton are must haves! I also really like Bunnies are for Kissing (I don't remember the author's name, but my mom bought it at Toys R Us).

If you are looking for a book for the new mommy, Baby 411 is an excellent reference book (by Denise Fields and Ari Brown).

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love children's books. Some of my favorites are Guess How Much I Love You, Dr. Suess books (my children's favorites were Put Me in the Zoo, Fox in Socks, and A Fish Out of Water, If You Give a Moose a Muffin, or If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Pig a Pancake..., Skippy Jon Jones, books by Jamie Lee Curtis, Jan Brett books are my favorites beautiful pictures, I could go on and on. You want the books to be timeless, so when they grow they will still enjoy reading them. Go online to Amazon or Barnes and Noble and check out top books for children. What a fun idea for a shower!

C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

"The Going to Bed Book". My daughter and I know it by heart and she's ten now!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Reno on

For every baby born I always buy the book "The Velveteen Rabbit." I had to read this book in high school of all places. We had to read it at the beginning of a class and it had a great story. Then we were asked again to read it at the end of the semester, and the meaning had changed for all of us. This is a great childrens story. I love reading it to my girls, and I keep a copy in each ot their rooms.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.U.

answers from Los Angeles on

Pat the Bunny, Brown Bear Brown Bear, Goodnight Moon, and The Hungry Hungry Caterpillar.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Here are my thoughts on this...it's a nice idea, BUT keep in mind the following.

-Don't write on the book. I was just at a shower where they did this and there were lots of duplicates. If you write it in, they can't return it.

-Also, for babies, just get board books. Nice books with paper pages just go away for a few years because they baby will just tear them and try to eat them.

That said, I really like the Sandra Boyton books and almost anything with a "lift the flap" them...my kids always liked those.

-M

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

This is a great idea! Here are a few of my son's faves and you can pick them up inexpensively at a regular bookstore, but also check your local TJ Maxx or Home Goods. They have tons of great books for only a few dollars. Best bet for babies...board books.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
Moo, Baa, La, La, La by Sandra Boynton
Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton (a personal fave for parent to child)
Bath Time! by Sandra Boynton (a book you can use in the tub)
Counting Kisses by K. Katz
Ten Tiny Tickles by K. Katz
Peek-A-Baby by K. Katz
That's Not My.... by Usborne Touchy-feely Books
First Words by Bright Baby (actually anything by them, check the ages)

All of these are great. My son is over 2 years old and still loves all these books. Have fun shopping!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Any book by Eric Carle. Great illustrations and kids like his books well into the elementary school years. It would be a well-loved book.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Nashville on

I love this. If the baby is a boy, i'd recommend "I Love You Forever." It's a great book for mom's who have boys, and the mom will love at much as her son. Otherwise, all the books recommended are great. I'd steer away from Goodnight Moon only because she's bound to get it at least once!! y oldest are 5 1/2 and 4, and they still love to read it! Any Eric Carle books are great! And they are usually cheap as well--relatively, at least! Good luck and have fun! Be sure to write a nice not in the cover, and the mom and baby will always remember where it came from.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I Love You, Forever or Goodnight Moon.

What a great idea. Have fun

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Love you forever by Robert N. Munsch

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from San Diego on

the DK Peek a Boo books are great. the baby can help turn pages at a young age. and I think they are around 5 bucks?

T.B.

answers from Chicago on

Any book by Barefoot Books! They are the best books you can find- very unique and magical. For newborns, I recommend any of their board books. The "Bear" books like "Bear in a Square" are great, as well as the Cleo books. I love the books illustrated by Clare Beaton (a fabric artist) because they are so original, and have some hidden animals, which kids really appreciate and love as they get older. Check out Hidden Hippo, Elusive Moose and Secret Seahorse- all very fun. :) You can find them at www.ReadandGrow.com. My 2.5 year old son LOVES them! :)

T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Good Night Moon was a favorite of mine and my son. Where the Wild Things Are, any thing Dr. Suess we love. The Very Hungry Catepillar is great too. You can always go online and google coupons for Borders, they usually always have a 10-15% off coupon and they have great discount tables as well!
That is a great idea for a baby shower!
Take care,
H.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie!!!! I loved this one as a kid!! I never read any of the newer versions (If you give a pig a pancake or....there's a couple more but their names escape me.)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Good Night Moon was and is my son's favorite books. Collector's children's books like Peter Rabbit, any Dr. Suess or Where the Wild Things Are are also great option. Oh and kids love books that are tactile or pop-up. You don't need to spend a lot there are some really fabulous children's books out there that are inexpensive and remember it's the thought that counts.

Best,

L. Cabanes
www.SocialCouture.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from San Diego on

Anything by Sandra Boynton. Great children's books that come in board books format. Not expensive and super cute!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Overstock.com has a good selection of books and they are less expensive than the book stores. Mercer Mayer does a Little Critter series that are less than $5. They are all adorable! For a new mom Just for you,Just a Mess, Just Go to Bed are all perfect.

Also No David by David Shannon is great especially if the baby is a boy. My daughter has always loved it so it can work either way. I think the No David books are also available as board books.

Have fun.

C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am guessing that they will receive more than one copy of "Goodnight Moon" and "Guess How Much I Love You." We love those ones. Since she was a baby, my daughter has loved Eric Carle books. Dr Seuss is also always a good choice. This is a really great idea for a shower - have fun!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from San Diego on

My boys really liked "Good Night Sweet Butterfly" "Buzz, Buzz Busy Bees" and "Race Car, Race Car Ready Set Go!" They are really colorful and taught my boys animal sounds and colors.

M.H.

answers from Raleigh on

My son's top three favorites are "Goodnight Moon", "Where the Wild Things Are" and "Busy Little Mouse". My personal favorite (although I can never read the entire book without sobbing halfway through) is "I'll Love You Forever". What a fun idea!

K.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Well, I am biased, but I would say get a book for the mother and father - and mine is a good fit! This is Not How I Thought It Would Be: Remodeling Motherhood to Get the Lives We Want Today. Everyone focuses so much on baby before the baby arrives, yet so few parents are prepared for how their lives will change - and their marriage - I think in hindsight they will appreciate that you got a book - any book - for them!
http://www.remodelingmotherhood.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.F.

answers from San Diego on

Hi there. Please consider buying my book for the expectant mom - What Haven't They Told Me? Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Baby's First Year. It's available in stores across the country, on Amazon and on my web site at www.OffRampPublishing.com.

Many thanks.
Take care,
L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Honolulu on

I love the book "pat the bunny".

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Honolulu on

You don't have to pay top dollar for the classics or anything, just go to Ross or Marshalls or any discount store that may sell kids toys and books. I can always find something cute for about $3 that would be appropriate. Sometimes the board books even come with sparkly things or textures, but a plain old good story in a paperback will last for many years to come. My nephew recently gave my kids back all of the books that I had given to him, some paperback and some hardback books. All were well read, but still had plenty more use in them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from San Diego on

Hello, My most favorite book of all is "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram. It is the cutes book ever. My grandkids love it and have grown up with the saying, "I love you to the moon and back." They all put their own spin on it and try to tell me that they love me more than anyone one else does. My seven year old grandson loves to tell me that he loves me more than the whole universe. It melts my heart.
K. K.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions