New Babies: Books For Kids
There’s nothing more precious than a brand new baby, and those sweet baby snuggles somehow seem to more than compensate for just about anything. But there’s no doubt about it. Whether this is your first baby and you’re entering into the world of parenthood or if there’s a sibling (or more!) already in the picture with mixed feelings about sharing your attention with this new addition, a new baby will rock your world. Mom and Dad may want to read “What To Expect When You’re Expecting,” but it’s not the only book you should pick up, particularly if you have little people in your life. This list has some of our favorites to help with putting into words how mom (and dad!) are feeling, preparing siblings for what’s to come (be they excited, nervous and frustrated!) and just plain showcasing the joy that comes with each new addition to a loving family!
Top 10 Books About New Babies
This book is so perfect for anyone with a little one and expecting another, especially if your first is going to be a big sister. :) I loved that this book has the interactive flaps to open and see the baby growing inside mom’s tummy, and it’s a great way to help show little children what’s happening during pregnancy and help them grasp that there’s a baby in mommy’s tummy. The illustrations in this book are also so darling. The text is all things big sister is saying to her little sibling, full of thoughts little ones may have when mom’s pregnant.
Combines lighthearted illustrations and interactive flaps in a whimsical tale about a soon-to-be older sibling’s happy anticipation of a new baby that compels her to sing loudly to her mother’s tummy and describe everything that is waiting in the outside world.
The cutest book for new big siblings adjusting to their new baby sibling! This book is creative, fun, entertaining, and has an important lesson inside. The illustrations are really cute, too!
Phoebe was the shining star of her family. Then someone came along to take her place.
For as long as Phoebe can remember, she’s known the clickety click click of a photographer snapping her picture. Thanks to the camera-carrying “paparazzi” (aka Mom and Dad), she’s always been the star of the show . . . until the day a tiny newcomer arrives on set.
Will Phoebe learn to share the spotlight and assume the role she was born to play: big sister? This sweet tale of sibling rivalry resolved is perfect for every older brother and sister.
A warm and tender welcome to the world!
In a gorgeous picture book that’s playfully sweet and visually captivating, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr and talented new illustrator Teagan White celebrate the many ways parents make their new babies feel at home.
The world can seem like a big, bewildering place for new babies—fortunately, their mamas know just how to soothe and comfort them. Through enchanting scenes portraying all kinds of mama animals looking out for their little ones, the mother in this story reassures her baby, and young children everywhere, that their caretakers will always love them and keep them safe. This beautiful picture book has the feel of a classic and its heartwarming premise should make it a family favorite.
This is such a great book about welcoming a new baby, talking about the before and after. The illustrations are amazingly sweet and pair perfectly with the rhyming text.
What could be more heartwarming than the arrival of a new little one? The bunny family in this charming picture book celebrates all the events surrounding a birth, from readying the baby’s crib to the very first visit from friends and family This padded board book edition is a perfect baby shower gift, and the round edges and sturdy pages make it just right for big siblings with little hands.
A touching picture book about an older sister’s unconditional love for her new baby brother
Matisse is a little girl in a big world. Despite her size, she gets to have all sorts of grand adventures, like seeing the big sights of the city, making big messes, and taking big naps when her little body is all tuckered out. But when Matisse meets her baby brother, she realizes that she isn’t so little after all- She’s a big sister! And it’s great fun to show this new little person what wonders this big world has in store.
With warmth and joy, Claire Keane showcases a gorgeous retro-inspired style to tell this tender tale of unconditional sibling love.
This is a great story about an only child who finds himself no longer the only child around. It does a fantastic job of showing some of the struggles of adapting to life with a sibling. I really like that it takes you through a journey starting at a new baby, but also some of the frustrations of having a slightly older little sibling who sometimes gets into your stuff and wants to follow you around and wear your clothes. Lest you worry this is only about sibling frustration, fret now—it also brings the reader around to how nice it can be too. In fact, life might actually be a lot more fun with a little person around ;)
Feeling jealous when a new sibling arrives, little Elmore Green becomes frustrated when the “small person” knocks over his things and licks his jelly-bean collection until a special night when their relationship changes. By the award-winning author of the Charlie and Lola series.
This book is a beautiful take on the (mostly) sunny side of sibling love. I appreciated the positive, upbeat tone and message and how excited, loving and caring this big sis is right from the beginning. The short writing style (in rhyme) and spunky illustrations perfectly compliment each other to create one cohesive story that will give you all the feels.
The big news is this—Little Miss becomes a big sis! In the perfect follow-up to Plant a Kiss, Little Miss learns the wonders of becoming a big sister as she and her family celebrate the momentous arrival of a new baby. New York Times bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and award-winning illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have teamed up once again to create a charming story about Little Miss. Little Miss, Big Sis is the perfect gift for any child becoming a big brother or sister and any expecting families!
Lola reads story books to her new baby brother Leo, and even though Mommy and Daddy are busy, they still have time to read to Lola at bedtime.
Wolfie the Bunny is a clever take on the emotions and stress children can face dealing with new additions to their own family. Dot, an only bunny-child in a family of bunnies is suspicious of the new wolf baby her parents have so enthusiastically welcomed to the family. Dot recognizes the wolf in bunny’s clothing—quite literally, in a hilarious nod to the figurative wolf in sheep’s clothing, a growing Wolfie is dressed up in a pink bunny outfit to go outside—and warns that the wolf will eat them all. As it turns out, Wolfie isn’t a threat to the family. Rather, Wolfie protects Dot. It isn’t until Wolfie is, in turn, threatened that Dot steps in to protect Wolfie. The book fabulously captures the bias so many of us display—we might say what we want about our family, but as soon as an outsider says something negative about our family, we immediately bristle and rise to their defense. In this case, that same response helps Dot to overcome her concern about welcoming a new family member.
Families of all kinds will delight in this sweet tale of new babies, sibling rivalry, bravery, unconditional love…and veggies! The Bunny family has adopted a wolf son, and daughter Dot is the only one who realizes Wolfie can—and might—eat them all up! Dot tries to get through to her parents, but they are too smitten to listen. A new brother takes getting used to, and when (in a twist of fate) it’s Wolfie who’s threatened, can Dot save the day?
I love how this book explores the spectrum from peaceful solitude to loneliness to exuberant chaos and back. The adorable little penguins are so lively and spirited in their games, it is easy to see why the Mama might need a rest, why, even the babies might benefit from just a moment of peace and quiet. This is a charming book about the joy of a large and loving family.
Can there be such a thing as too many adorable penguins?
One day a penguin sees a most unusual sight: a hat floating in the icy water. Even more unusual? Out of the hat pops a baby penguin. But not just one baby penguin . . . or even two. But a third, and a fourth, and on and on! At first the mama penguin is happy for the company. Until she realizes that taking care of a family is very hard, very tiring work, and what she could really use is just a moment alone. Yet as newcomer Melissa Guion reminds us in her adorable debut picture book, alone time is all well and good, but, it’s family time that’s best of all.
Perfect for any mama penguin with a family, or classroom, full of mischievous little ones. And perfect for toddlers who will smile over all the little penguins and the silliness that ensues.
Books About New Babies and New Sibling
This book is so perfect for anyone with a little one and expecting another, especially if your first is going to be a big sister. :) I loved that this book has the interactive flaps to open and see the baby growing inside mom’s tummy, and it’s a great way to help show little children what’s happening during pregnancy and help them grasp that there’s a baby in mommy’s tummy. The illustrations in this book are also so darling. The text is all things big sister is saying to her little sibling, full of thoughts little ones may have when mom’s pregnant.
Combines lighthearted illustrations and interactive flaps in a whimsical tale about a soon-to-be older sibling’s happy anticipation of a new baby that compels her to sing loudly to her mother’s tummy and describe everything that is waiting in the outside world.
This is a great story about an only child who finds himself no longer the only child around. It does a fantastic job of showing some of the struggles of adapting to life with a sibling. I really like that it takes you through a journey starting at a new baby, but also some of the frustrations of having a slightly older little sibling who sometimes gets into your stuff and wants to follow you around and wear your clothes. Lest you worry this is only about sibling frustration, fret now—it also brings the reader around to how nice it can be too. In fact, life might actually be a lot more fun with a little person around ;)
Feeling jealous when a new sibling arrives, little Elmore Green becomes frustrated when the “small person” knocks over his things and licks his jelly-bean collection until a special night when their relationship changes. By the award-winning author of the Charlie and Lola series.
This book is a beautiful take on the (mostly) sunny side of sibling love. I appreciated the positive, upbeat tone and message and how excited, loving and caring this big sis is right from the beginning. The short writing style (in rhyme) and spunky illustrations perfectly compliment each other to create one cohesive story that will give you all the feels.
The big news is this—Little Miss becomes a big sis! In the perfect follow-up to Plant a Kiss, Little Miss learns the wonders of becoming a big sister as she and her family celebrate the momentous arrival of a new baby. New York Times bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and award-winning illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have teamed up once again to create a charming story about Little Miss. Little Miss, Big Sis is the perfect gift for any child becoming a big brother or sister and any expecting families!
Lola Reads to Leo - Lola reads story books to her new baby brother Leo, and even though Mommy and Daddy are busy, they still have time to read to Lola at bedtime.
Wolfie the Bunny - Lemony Snickers - Wolfie the Bunny is a clever take on the emotions and stress children can face dealing with new additions to their own family. Dot, an only bunny-child in a family of bunnies is suspicious of the new wolf baby her parents have so enthusiastically welcomed to the family. Dot recognizes the wolf in bunny’s clothing—quite literally, in a hilarious nod to the figurative wolf in sheep’s clothing, a growing Wolfie is dressed up in a pink bunny outfit to go outside—and warns that the wolf will eat them all. As it turns out, Wolfie isn’t a threat to the family. Rather, Wolfie protects Dot. It isn’t until Wolfie is, in turn, threatened that Dot steps in to protect Wolfie. The book fabulously captures the bias so many of us display—we might say what we want about our family, but as soon as an outsider says something negative about our family, we immediately bristle and rise to their defense. In this case, that same response helps Dot to overcome her concern about welcoming a new family member.
Maple - Lori Nichols’ enchanting debut features an irresistible, free-spirited, nature-loving little girl who greets the changing seasons and a new sibling with arms wide open. When Maple is tiny, her parents plant a maple tree in her honor. She and her tree grow up together, and even though a tree doesn’t always make an ideal playmate, it doesn’t mind when Maple is in the mood to be loud—which is often. Then Maple becomes a big sister, and finds that babies have their loud days, too. Fortunately, Maple and her beloved tree know just what the baby needs.
Once Upon a Baby Brother - When he goes away on a trip, Lizzie, who loves to tell and write stories, is surprised to discover that much of her storytelling inspiration comes from her messy baby brother Marvin.
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Books About New Babies and Moms
A warm and tender welcome to the world!
In a gorgeous picture book that’s playfully sweet and visually captivating, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr and talented new illustrator Teagan White celebrate the many ways parents make their new babies feel at home.
The world can seem like a big, bewildering place for new babies—fortunately, their mamas know just how to soothe and comfort them. Through enchanting scenes portraying all kinds of mama animals looking out for their little ones, the mother in this story reassures her baby, and young children everywhere, that their caretakers will always love them and keep them safe. This beautiful picture book has the feel of a classic and its heartwarming premise should make it a family favorite.
On the night you were born, you brought wonder and magic to the world. The moon stayed up till morning. Polar bears danced. Here is a book that celebrates the one and only ever you! Now available in its entirety in board book format, Nancy Tillman’s masterpiece is perfect for acknowledging the special people in our lives that they are loved.
I love how this book explores the spectrum from peaceful solitude to loneliness to exuberant chaos and back. The adorable little penguins are so lively and spirited in their games, it is easy to see why the Mama might need a rest, why, even the babies might benefit from just a moment of peace and quiet. This is a charming book about the joy of a large and loving family.
Can there be such a thing as too many adorable penguins?
One day a penguin sees a most unusual sight: a hat floating in the icy water. Even more unusual? Out of the hat pops a baby penguin. But not just one baby penguin . . . or even two. But a third, and a fourth, and on and on! At first the mama penguin is happy for the company. Until she realizes that taking care of a family is very hard, very tiring work, and what she could really use is just a moment alone. Yet as newcomer Melissa Guion reminds us in her adorable debut picture book, alone time is all well and good, but, it’s family time that’s best of all.
Perfect for any mama penguin with a family, or classroom, full of mischievous little ones. And perfect for toddlers who will smile over all the little penguins and the silliness that ensues.
These Words I Shaped for You - A loving, lyrical ode to the bond shared between mother and child in the tradition of You Are My I Love You and On the Night You Were Born. Before you were born, you fit into the round fullness of my belly and when I dreamt I sent words like love to keep you safe. And when I first touched your tiny hand to mine, I drew a heart inside your palm for you to hold. There is no love more beautiful, more pure, than the deep-rooted love shared between parent and child. Told with vivid, poetic language, and accompanied by Basak Agaoglu’s adorable, child-friendly art, Megan Merchant infuses genuine warmth and compassion in this celebration of a mother’s heartfelt affection for her child. Whether it’s Mother’s day, Valentine’s Day, graduation, or just an ordinary day, this is the perfect book to share with the people in our lives we cherish most.
Love You Forever - Booksellers have sold more than 30 million copies of Love You Forever in paperback and hardcover. Now we have a board version, printed on light, crisp whiteboard and slightly reduced for child-sized hands. Yet it contains every word of the original, which is much-loved by grandparents and parents everywhere. Watch for major promotion this fall. A young mother holds her baby, and while she sings to it she rocks it back and forth. And through her life, and the stages of his life, she holds her son and rocks him back and forth as she tells him that she will love him forever.
Baby Goes to Market - Join Baby and his doting mama at a bustling southwest Nigerian marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers. Market is very crowded. Mama is very busy. Baby is very curious. When Baby and Mama go to the market, Baby is so adorable that the banana seller gives him six bananas. Baby eats one and puts five in the basket, but Mama doesn’t notice. As Mama and Baby wend their way through the stalls, cheeky Baby collects five oranges, four biscuits, three ears of sweet corn, two pieces of coconut . . . until Mama notices that her basket is getting very heavy! Poor Baby, she thinks, he must be very hungry by now! Rhythmic language, visual humor, and a bounty of delectable food make this a tale that is sure to whet little appetites for story time.
Just Like Mommy - Who wouldn’t want to be just like Mommy, when she’s so wonderful? This delightfully illustrated picture book follows a child’s love for their mother. Mommy’s smart and creative, practical and imaginative—and she always finds a reason to be playful and laugh! She knows all about the stars in the sky, how to grow her own food, and make music. Whether the day is fantastic or frustrating, mom can turn disaster into joy, and tears into laughter. This celebration of moms is beautiful, funny, and touching.
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Books About New Babies and New Parents
This is such a great book about welcoming a new baby, talking about the before and after. The illustrations are amazingly sweet and pair perfectly with the rhyming text.
What could be more heartwarming than the arrival of a new little one? The bunny family in this charming picture book celebrates all the events surrounding a birth, from readying the baby’s crib to the very first visit from friends and family This padded board book edition is a perfect baby shower gift, and the round edges and sturdy pages make it just right for big siblings with little hands.
An arctic fox adopts a baby goose in this heartwarming read-aloud perfect for dads and their little ones
When Aput the fox finds an abandoned goose egg, he has no idea what’s in store for him. He doesn’t know anything about babies and he certainly doesn’t know what to do when the gosling hatches and mistakes him for its daddy. So he decides to find the gosling a home. But with each page turn, Aput learns more about caring for a baby and, with a little help from his friends, he discovers what a baby needs most is love.
The special bond between a mother and her child begins well before the baby is born. But once the baby is born and starts to grow into her own person, traits from both parents begin to show themselves in delightful and humorous ways. When I Carried You in My Belly is a mother’s song to her growing daughter, capturing the warmth and magic of the time when her daughter was housed inside her belly. The girl’s laugh, her love of music, her sweet disposition, and her carefree attitude can all be traced back to her time in her mother’s tummy, when her mother would laugh, sing songs, eat yummy treats, and dance the day away. Thrity Umrigar’s lyrical and playful text are well complemented by Ziyue Chen’s soft and delightful illustrations, and together they create a sentimental and insightful book about the special bond between parents and children. With a similar tone to On the Night You Were Born and the spirit of I Loved You Before You Were Born, When I Carried You in My Belly is primed to become a new timeless classic.
Made for Me - Of all the children that ever could be, You are the one made just for me. From a child’s first uttered “Dada” to his or her first unsteady steps, nothing can adequately convey the joy and awe of watching the birth and growth of a new child. Filled with adorable illustrations and the refrain, “You are the one made just for me,” Made for Me is a winning presentation of tender moments that tie a father and his new child together—forever.
Always In My Heart - A sweet story about love that is a wonderful gift for new parents and new babies to share A precious love poem written from parent to child, Always in My Heart is a sweetly illustrated board book that will melt hearts. Parents will enjoy sharing these reminders of the special moments they share throughout the day with their little ones. Always in My Heart includes space on the inside cover to write a personal message in this keepsake book that is a gift to be treasured.
Welcome Little One - Welcome Your Little One to the World! On the day you were born, it was love at first sight. We welcomed you, little one, and held you so tight. For parents, the arrival of a newborn child is an event that offers the promise of never-ending love. Filled with lively illustrations and heartfelt rhyming text, Welcome Little One allows parents and children to celebrate and cherish their bond
And Tango Makes Three - The heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family is now available in a sturdy board book edition. At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.
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Books About New Babies and Love
The cutest book for new big siblings adjusting to their new baby sibling! This book is creative, fun, entertaining, and has an important lesson inside. The illustrations are really cute, too!
Phoebe was the shining star of her family. Then someone came along to take her place.
For as long as Phoebe can remember, she’s known the clickety click click of a photographer snapping her picture. Thanks to the camera-carrying “paparazzi” (aka Mom and Dad), she’s always been the star of the show . . . until the day a tiny newcomer arrives on set.
Will Phoebe learn to share the spotlight and assume the role she was born to play: big sister? This sweet tale of sibling rivalry resolved is perfect for every older brother and sister.
“The New knows softness. The Old knows life can be hard. The New holds on. The Old is learning to let go.” First-time author Benjamin Fox uses simple words to explore the vastly deep themes of life and love as a new baby and an old grandfather prepare to meet each other for the first time. Illustrated by award-winning and nationally recognized artist Elizabeth Robbins, The Great and the Grand celebrates the beautiful balance of age and youth, experience and innocence, the Old and the New.
A mother who would do anything for her son lovingly urges him to fall into sweet dreams.
I Used to Be Famous - Kiely’s been famous her entire life, but when a baby sister appears on the scene, she feels like a has-been. Now Kiely has to figure out how to gain back the attention of her adoring fans (her family), even if it means sharing the spotlight.
Wrapped in Love - In this endearing board book, an iconic blanket is wrapped around newborns, providing them with warmth and security, just as their parents do. As soon as babies are born, they are swaddled in their very first blanket and placed in their parents’ loving arms. This book demonstrates how the warmth and security of this blanket, as well as the love and care of family, follow babies home. With soothing, lulling text and heartwarming illustrations, this board book is perfect for anyone who’s welcoming a newborn into the family.
Loretta's Gift - Meet a little girl named Loretta who tries to find the perfect gift for her new baby cousin in this sweet picture book by bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller! Loretta and her parents are so excited that Aunt Esme and Uncle Jax are having a baby! When Gabe arrives, Loretta thinks he is the best baby on the block! Everyone showers him with gifts, but Loretta doesn’t know what to give. Can she think of the perfect gift for her baby cousin?
Just Like Daddy - Who wouldn’t want to be just like Daddy? He’s strong, kind, and practical—and he knows how to have fun! Even if he messes up, it’s never a big deal. Plus, he handles scary monsters (well, spiders), keeps his eyes open on the roller coaster (mostly), and puts on silly voices when he reads a bedtime story. This heartwarming picture book shows why Daddy is the BEST.
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Books About New Babies and Names
What’s in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be. If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; Jose, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all — and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
The first in a new middle-grade mystery series, in Andi Unexpected, twelve-year-old Andi Boggs, discovers evidence of her forgotten namesake, a missing relative, which leads her into a family mystery rooted in the Great Depression.
A young monster resents being called a monster.
I Love You, Fred - From the father-daughter team behind I Will Love You Anyway comes another heartwarming tale about a sweatband-wearing pug. Fetch! and Sit! and Stay! and Ball! and Walk! and Bed! I know those words… …but what is Fred? Little ones will laugh out loud as you read Mick and Chloë Inkpen’s delightful second story all about a troublesome little dog who finally discovers his own name.
Hope (Picture Books) - During a visit with her great-aunt, a young girl learns the story behind her name and learns to feel proud of her biracial heritage
The Steves - When puffin Steve meets puffin Steve, neither can believe it. Surely one of them must be the first Steve, the best Steve, the Stevest of Steves… The claims of each bird become sillier and sillier as the argument descends into name-calling—until both Steves realize there’s really no need to fight over a name.
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Books About New Babies and Jealousy
This is sure to be a hit with all the ninja skills in this story! This is a great book about adjusting to a new sibling and talks through some of the feelings an older sibling might have, and ends on a great note of sibling love. My one concern is that this book could prompt some unwanted ninja behavior in kids reading it, as the older sibling can be a little destructive to things around her with her talents.
From the day she was born, Nina was a ninja baby. She obliterated her applesauce. She concealed herself at bath time. And she was training herself in advanced infiltration (of movie night). Nina wants to do everything by herself, until the day her parents bring home a Kung Fu Master (a baby brother). Now with a sibling, Nina will face the one thing she cannot do alone: be part of a family. With verve and humor, David Zeltser and Diane Goode tell the story of an unusually gifted child, and the family that is more than a match for her.
Meili, who is six years old and adopted from China, learns that her parents are going to adopt a baby from Haiti. She’s not happy. Why do they need a new baby? Their family is just right as it is. As Meili learns more about her new sibling and the importance of being a big sister, will she realize that a new addition can be just right for their family too?
Although Marigold is excited to meet her new snail sister, Daisy, she becomes envious of the attention everyone gives her, but when Marigold reaches her breaking point and decides to run away, she discovers that Daisy may come in handy after all.
Something Fishy - Like all cats, this cat absolutely loves fish. But what do you do when your owners start acting strangely? They don’t seem to understand the importance of fish any more. They are too busy buying tiny clothes, gathering colorful toys, and redecorating in pastel colors. And one owner in particular seems to be getting a lot . . . bigger. Something Fishy is a very funny family story from the award-winning Polly Dunbar. The adorable cat’s journey from jealousy and anxiety to love and acceptance will appeal to any child with a new brother or sister on the way!
JP and the Stinky Monster - JP is excited to spend the day with Grandma, but his plans are derailed by the arrival of an unwanted, monstrous guest—a baby! This strange and stinky creature requires lots of Grandma’s attention, and JP begins to worry that she will have no time to play with him. As JP’s imagination runs wild, his jealousy builds. Will JP realize the day is better spent shared?
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Books About New Babies and Growing Up
“I used to be the baby, but now I am big.” So begins this story of a not-very-big sibling who suddenly finds himself with a baby brother. He willing shares his toys with the baby, he plays with him, and he knows when to be quiet. He sings a cheerful song when it is needed, and he teaches his brother many useful lessons. But sometimes even the biggest of us likes to be the baby — and in this loving family, that is no problem at all!
This is a fun book for little families that are expanding or for little ones that are just curious about life with newborn babies. The story is very sweet and loving, with equally fun and sweet illustrations. The story is sure to make anybody ponder on the joys- and forget the struggles- of welcoming newborns into the family.
In a perfect gift for new and expectant parents (and siblings), a gentle story pays tribute to the wonder and emotion of a family’s first quiet days with a newborn. The house is hushed. The lights are low. We’re basking in a newborn glow. Inside the cozy house, a baby has arrived! The world is eager to meet the newcomer, but there will be time enough for that later. Right now, the family is on its babymoon: cocooning, connecting, learning, and muddling through each new concern. While the term “babymoon” is often used to refer to a parents’ getaway before the birth of a child, it was originally coined by midwives to describe days like these: at home with a newborn, with the world held at bay and the wonder of a new family constellation unfolding. Paired with warm and winsome illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal, Hayley Barrett’s lyrical ode to these tender first days will resonate with new families everywhere.
A world of being new is waiting for little ones and the grown-ups who love them in this warm and funny book perfect for baby showers. From napping to crying, cuddling to playing, this book introduces the world with humor, honesty, and unmitigated sweetness. Award-winning author and artist Lucy Knisley celebrates the joys of having—and being!—a baby in this timeless celebration of new beginnings and the transformative power of love.
Hundred Feet Tall - Guess How Much I Love You meets Someday in this gentle read-aloud picture book that shows us that with just the right amount of care and support, even the smallest of seeds can grow to stand one hundred feet tall. Thanks for the love that you’ve shown me Right now I’m so very small But with water and light I will keep gaining height And then one day I’ll stand at a hundred feet tall Hundred Feet Tall is a tender ode to the power of unconditional, immutable love. Because no matter how small you are now, with patience and persistence, with encouragement and devotion, you, too, will someday grow strong.
The Fruits of Your Labor - The Fruits of Your Labor is a board book that explores the size progression of a baby in the womb in relation to a fruit or vegetable. Beginning at the size of a sweet pea and growing to the size of watermelon, each week of pregnancy is documented as a watercolor painting next to a fun, and also true fact about that specific fruit or vegetable, mixed with a playful quip. With its endearing illustrations and droll humor, The Fruits of Your Labor makes a perfect gift for both new babies and expectant mothers.
With My Tree - One little girl has a very special friend, the tall ancient tree in her backyard. Through the seasons, she grows along with the tree, playing in its branches and basking in its shade. She can swing and have a picnic, draw the tree and play hide and go seek. Through her time with her tree, the girl learns to appreciate the natural world as something to be savored and protected and acknowledges her place within it. The Growing Hearts series celebrates the milestones of a toddler’s emotional development, from conquering fears and expressing feelings to welcoming a new sibling.
Baby's Firsts - Told in rhyming text, the story traces the development of a baby from birth to his first birthday.
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Epilogue
15 books that are just too good to leave off of our new babies list.
A New Chick for Chickies - For Chickies life was good. Life was perfect until . . . CRAAACK . . . the Chickies have a new brother! With engaging rhymes, endearing illustrations, and a soft padded cover, Janee Trasler’s books are perfect for babies and toddlers to enjoy. Big sisters- and brothers-to-be will be excited to take a cue from the lovable Chickies and cheep for joy when a new baby arrives!
Edgar's Second Word - Hazel is dying for her baby brother to arrive so she can read and talk with him, and disappointed when he finally talks and his first word is a resounding NO. Will he ever say anything else?
A Book of Babies - When the flowers begin to bloom and the world starts turning green, animals everywhere are born . . . including the noisy ducklings! From the creator of A Book of Sleep and Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit comes a beautiful book of baby animals. Travel with the curious duck and visit babies around the world on their very first day of life. The Boston Globe calls Il Sung Na’s art “so joyous, so jubilantly colorful, it feels celebratory and poetic even when the story is simple and spare.”
My Blue Bunny, Bubbit - A little girl who loves her blue wool bunny makes a special toy friend for her new baby brother.
Julius, the Baby of the World - Lilly is convinced that the arrival of her new baby brother is the worst thing that has happened in their house, until Cousin Garland comes to visit.
Benny and Beautiful Baby Delilah - There’s a little newcomer at Benny’s house, and everyone who visits sayshow beautiful she is. Only Benny seems to notice that she cries too much and she takes away from his time with Mom and Dad. What’s the big fuss about? Then one night Baby Delilah really won’t stop crying, and her big brother Benny comes up with a silly, perfect way to make her smile.
Use Your Words, Sophie - Preferring to speak in nonsense languages to tell her parents how she feels, little Sophie is challenged to use her words but prefers to communicate with a baby sister who understands her better. By the award-winning creator of the Max & Ruby series.
Little Frog's Tadpole Trouble - Little Frog lives with his mommy and daddy. It’s just the three of them, and Little Frog likes it that way. But one day, his parents tell him he is going to be a big brother—to NINE tadpoles! Little Frog is not impressed with his baby siblings. They can’t jump. They can’t play drums. They can’t do anything! All they do is keep Mommy and Daddy busy—too busy for Little Frog. But with a little time, big brother realizes that tadpoles grow into little frogs, just like him. And having nine new playmates makes his family better than ever.
Olive Marshmallow - A sweet, humorous picture book for all new brothers and sisters who are anticipating the arrival of a new sibling. When Archie notices his Mommy’s tummy growing, he knows something strange is happening. Not only that: Mommy’s office is suddenly completely pink! Mommy shows Archie a picture of his sister growing in her tummy, but Archie things it looks like an alien. Archie isn’t sure that he wants a baby sister. He likes cars and trains and playing cowboys. He knows for sure that he doesn’t like fluffy, frilly, and very pink things! But soon, a fluffy, frilly, and very pink bundle arrives at home. It’s his new baby sister, Olive! Big brother Archie thinks she looks like a marshmallow, and he wonders if life will ever be the same again.
The Boss Baby - From the moment he arrives, it is obvious that the new baby is boss and he gets whatever he wants, from drinks made-to-order around the clock to his executive gym.
Peter's Chair - The award-winning, classic stories about Peter and his neighborhood friends from the Caledcott Medal-winning author, Ezra Jack Keats. Peter has a new baby sister. First his father paints Peter’s old cradle pink, then his crib. Then his parents want to paint Peter’s chair! “Let’s run away, Willie,” he says to his dog. And they do. This is a gentle and reassuring story about sibling rivalry.
On Mother's Lap - A small Eskimo boy discovers that Mother’s lap is a very special place with room for everyone.
Lulu Is Getting A Sister - Lulu is getting the sister she never asked for in this oh-so-funny illustrated chapter book filled with hilarious hijinks and fiesty twists from Judith Viorst. Lulu has received the worst. News. EVER. She’s getting…a baby sister. No one ever asked HER opinion on this debacle. But she’ll tell you anyway, because she no how, no way, no thank you wants a sibling. Undeterred, and to prepare Lulu for big sisterhood, her parents bribe—AHEM, ask—Lulu to attend Camp Sisterhood, a.k.a. big sister training camp. As a Sister-in-Training (SIT), Lulu is assigned a variety of temporary little “siblings” who are supposed to be so much fun Lulu will become excited to have a permanent sibling of her own. Well, no one ever said Camp Sisterhood was supposed to teach Lulu how to be a good big sister, so Lulu resolves to be a bad big sister. She insults her little siblings. She taunts them with secrets. She even tricks one of them into carrying both of their backpacks up a mountain! Then some BITs (brothers-in-training) from the neighboring Camp Brotherhood start picking on Lulu’s siblings, and Lulu responds by doing her red-faced, steam-coming-out-of-her-ears thing and showing those BITs who’s boss! After all, Lulu’s siblings may be duds, but they’re her duds, and sisters have to stick together.
Little Dragon - Little Dragon is about to be a big brother… A new baby dragon is on the way, and Little Dragon is not happy about it. There’s no way this can be good! Little Dragon doesn’t even want to look at the egg. He ignores it, then tries hiding it. He even “decorates” it, which just makes a big mess. But soon enough… Rattle, rattle, CRACK! When the big moment finally arrives, the whole family receives a surprise! Maybe things aren’t so bad after all. Little Dragon and the New Baby addresses the universal difficulty of adjusting to the idea of a new sibling.
Little You - Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author of the hugely successful Welcome Song for Baby: A Lullaby for Newborns, has partnered with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender board book for babies and toddlers that celebrates the potential of every child. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way!
- Top 10 New Babies Books
- + new sibling (7)
- + moms (7)
- + new parents (7)
- + love (7)
- + names (6)
- + jealousy (5)
- + growing up (7)
- Epilogue (15)
Did you enjoy our new babies book recommendations? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!