Screens are taking over the world we live in. Phones, eReaders, computers, and even our cars. However, it’s hard to beat having a book in your hands. A tangle book is also something your little one will love. Flipping through the pages while they look at the bright and inviting illustrations is not the same as tapping a screen. Here are 25 classic baby books that belong in every nursery.
Note: If you’re interested in purchasing one of these books, click on the title!
1. Goodnight Moon | Margaret Wise Brown
This is a classic tale of a cute bunny that is preparing for bed by saying goodnight to everything in sight. Or is he not wanting to sleep just yet? The colorful images are sure to capture the attention of your little ones.
2. The Runaway Bunny | Margaret Wise Brown
This is another Margaret Wise Brown classic. This is a great way for any parent to show just how much they love their child. No matter where the little bunny goes, but mommy bunny will come find him.
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar | Eric Carle
Following the story starting from the birth of a very hungry caterpillar, your baby will enjoy seeing everything he eats. This even includes part of the book! If you have your acting skills polished, you can really captivate your baby with your surprise with what the caterpillar eats.
4. Where The Wild Things Are | Maurice Sendak
If you want a story that has inspired so many other works beyond print, this is it. Every child has a bit of a wild side, like Max in this story. In the end, we realize what is important to us: home and those in it.
5. Clifford the Big Red Dog | Norman Bridwell
A dog is man’s best friend, and next to Snoopy and Scooby Doo, Clifford the Big Red Dog is one of the most iconic ones. There are plenty of stories for you and your little one to explore together.
6. The Little Engine That Could | Watty Piper
As babies grow and learn new things, they will run into some challenges. That is the story of The Little Engine That Could. Never let your baby give up, and always encourage them to do the best they can
7. The Cat In The Hat | Dr. Seuss
I have to go on a bit of a Dr. Seuss mini marathon here because, let’s face it… Dr. Seuss is an absolute classic we all know and love. Even adults still enjoy the books. The Cat In The Hat is one of the most iconic Dr. Suess books, and one of the most iconic books ever written in general. You and your baby alike will enjoy the creative rhymes and unique drawings.
8. Oh, the Place You’ll Go! | Dr. Seuss
While a different take on the same message from The Little Engine That Could, this other Dr. Seuss classic encourages you to keep going, and see where it will take you. Of course, all in the iconic Dr. Seuss style.
9. Green Eggs and Ham | Dr. Seuss
Last one, I promise! If you want to share some classic rhymes with your baby that almost everyone knows, you can’t go wrong with Green Eggs and Ham. From the artwork to the writing, you’ll get as much enjoyment from reliving it as you share it with your baby for the first time.
10. Madeline | Ludwig Bemelmans
This story of a brave girl is one you might be familiar with. This is a great way to share the stories of courage, all while experiencing the images of a faraway land!
11. Curious George | H. A. Rey
Since we have established Clifford is probably one of everyone’s favorite dogs, Curious George is one of everyone’s favorite monkeys. Your baby will love the tale of curiosity, as they discover everything for the first time as well.
12. Where’s Spot? | Eric Hill
Colorful pictures and lovable characters have made this story a favorite of the years. Let’s see if your little one can help find Spot!
13. The Giving Tree | Shel Silverstein
While almost a sad tale, this classic is one that everyone knows, and your baby should too! It shows that giving is caring, but it also shows that you should not take advantage of those who give.
14. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie | Laura Numeroff
Similar to The Giving Tree, but in a more light-hearted way, this brightly illustrated story is a good way to show a younger child the meaning of cause and effect when it comes to favors.
15. Llama Llama Red Pajama | Anna Dewdney
Kids need their parents, and can be frightened when they are alone. This is what happens to our cute baby llama friend. It is a relatable way to let them know that mommy and daddy are always near!
16. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, | Sherri Duskey Rinker
A more modern title that’s great for boys (and girls) that like big trucks and machines! Even the roughest and toughest among us need to get some rest to start the next day.
17. The Snowy Day | Ezra Jack Keats
There is a first time for everything in your baby’s life as they discover new things, just like the tale of Peter who treks across a winter wonderland for the first time. This could be a great story to share with your baby as winter is approaching.
18. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom | Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
For a different way to learn the alphabet, this is a great alternative to the song most of us remember from when we were kids. Chant along while reading and showing off the colorful imagery to your ever-learning baby!
19. Pat the Bunny | Dorothy Kunhardt
This is a classic interactive story that has been entertaining children for ages. While interacting with an iPad is the new normal, back in the day, this is what we had. It still holds up today for curious children.
20. Good Night, Gorilla | By Peggy Rathmann
This story follows a sneaky gorilla who stole the keys to the zoo and meets up with all of his animal friends. Teach your little one different animals, with a fun story to go along with it.
21. Corduroy | Don Freeman
Friendship is a powerful thing. This tale of friendship is a classic that has been enjoyed by children for decades, and still is.
22. Guess How Much I Love You | Sam McBratney
The bond between a parent and their child is powerful in both directions. This story captures that with some cute animals that we can all love the way they love each other.
23. Little Blue Truck | Alice Schertle
Friendship, teamwork, strength, and perseverance. This story has it all! While still new compared to some on this list, it will become a classic in time. Not only will your baby learn about the importance of the life factors listed above, but they will learn about animals and sounds they make!
24. Look Look! | Peter Linenthal
Simplicity does not always have to be a negative. The visual approach this book takes is what sets it apart from so many others. Watch as your baby gazes at the imagery page after page!
25. First 100 Words | Roger Priddy
We all like to teach our baby words, but there are only so many things we can hold up around our homes to show them. This book helps with having 100 important first words right on the pages there for you.
Reading to your baby is a great bonding activity, and it can be a great way for them to learn lessons, experiences, places, animals, items, and more! Ditch the screens for a bit, and let your child experience a good, old fashioned book.
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