Parenting: Books For Kids
Parenting books are great for the young readers, but they can be helpful to parents as well. It can be comforting to read about crazy lives, wild schedules, and parenting mistakes that we all make. These are fun reads that let our little ones get a feel for the life that we try to live as their mentors and protectors, and the craziness we experience along the way. Most of all, these books offer a reminder that we love our little readers, no matter the mistakes we make.
Top 10 Books About Parenting
Swan Song Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can’t trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can’t even make a sound. And since he can’t trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him. Louis tries everything he can think of to win Serena’s affection—he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?
This was a fantastic book about conquering your fear. The illustrations are so fun—I love all of the different angles and perspectives the illustrator shows Jabari’s situation from and how that really pulls you into the story. Jabari’s dad is patient and understanding, and doesn’t tell Jabari to just hurry up and jump, but waits for him to be ready and coaches him through a technique that might help him be ready to make the leap.
This is a delightful book about being ready to take the next step. Jabari has finished his swim lessons and tests and is (almost) ready to try the high dive. His father is reassuring and encouraging, but not pushy as Jabari works up his courage. The story plays out in beautiful illustrations in washed-out hues, like a hazy, humid summer day, at a public pool in a sprawling park with skyscrapers in the background. With multiple illustrations on some pages and abundant white space around them, Cornwall builds suspense as Jabari climbs the many rungs of the ladder and walks out to the edge of the board. This gentle and reassuring book is perfect for reading aloud.
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy!
In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning your best enemy into your best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.
I love this beautiful book! The illustrations are fantastic, and I love the concept. The loving mom talks about all the baby’s traits and likens them to animals and shares how she cares for and loves her baby. Such a sweet read!
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.
I still remember reading this great story when I was little. I love the way it portrays family and the sacrifices that family members make for each other, especially parents. The stories are intriguing for the suggested age group, with morals and stories that are sure to induce a desire to treat the ones we share our “little houses” with.
Laura Ingalls’s story begins in 1871 in a little log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Four-year-old Laura lives in the little house with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack. Pioneer life is sometimes hard, since the family must grow or catch all their own food as they get ready for the cold winter. But it is also exciting as Laura and her folks celebrate Christmas with homemade toys and treats, do the spring planting, bring in the harvest, and make their first trip into town. And every night they are safe and warm in their little house, with the happy sound of Pa’s fiddle sending Laura and her sisters off to sleep. And so begins Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved story of a pioneer girl and her family. The nine Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America’s frontier past and a heartwarming, unforgettable story.
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.
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.
This is anything but your average counting primer and is filled with charming illustrations, great rhymes and twelve ways to show love to friends and family, be it hugs, treats, or quality time.
From one bear hug to twelve pretty red roses, 1-2-3, You Love Me will foster lots of hugs, kisses, and affection between parent and child while teaching young ones to count from one to twelve. With charming love-filled illustrations, sturdy pages, and clever rhyming text, this is the perfect gift for baby for Valentine’s Day or any time of year. Sipping on yummy shakes, cuddling puppies, counting the colors in a rainbow, and making music with friends are all ways that children can express their love for their friends and family with Jill Howarth’s delightful board book.
In the beloved tradition of Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever and Emily Winfield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be comes a beautiful rhyming ode to babies from a New York Times bestselling author/illustrator duo—perfect for baby showers, first birthdays, and anytime babies are celebrated. In this unforgettable, squeal-filled, tear-inducing love song to babies and how quickly they grow up, author Kelly DiPucchio’s heart-tugging rhyme meets the gorgeous, dimple-cheeked, multicultural babies of illustrator AG Ford. With adorable scenes from the busy life of a “little”—peekaboo, feedings, tantrums, giggles—and a final scene that reminds us how they become big kids all too soon, this is the ideal gift for any new parent and their child.
A heartwarming celebration of the special relationship between a father and daughter from Instagram sensation Soosh. Whether they’re playing make-believe, making you smile, or warding off monsters under the bed, dads are always there when you need them. Debut picture book artist Soosh celebrates fathers with a gorgeously illustrated and moving story about the parent-child bond. When Soosh first posted her initial series of images of a larger-than-life father and his adorable daughter on Instagram, fans from across the world immediately took notice with over 2 million views on a popular viral content website in a single week. These illustrations now come together in a universally relatable story of familial love for parents and children to share.
Books About Parenting and Dads
Swan Song Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can’t trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can’t even make a sound. And since he can’t trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him. Louis tries everything he can think of to win Serena’s affection—he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?
This was a fantastic book about conquering your fear. The illustrations are so fun—I love all of the different angles and perspectives the illustrator shows Jabari’s situation from and how that really pulls you into the story. Jabari’s dad is patient and understanding, and doesn’t tell Jabari to just hurry up and jump, but waits for him to be ready and coaches him through a technique that might help him be ready to make the leap.
This is a delightful book about being ready to take the next step. Jabari has finished his swim lessons and tests and is (almost) ready to try the high dive. His father is reassuring and encouraging, but not pushy as Jabari works up his courage. The story plays out in beautiful illustrations in washed-out hues, like a hazy, humid summer day, at a public pool in a sprawling park with skyscrapers in the background. With multiple illustrations on some pages and abundant white space around them, Cornwall builds suspense as Jabari climbs the many rungs of the ladder and walks out to the edge of the board. This gentle and reassuring book is perfect for reading aloud.
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy!
In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning your best enemy into your best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.
Dad By My Side - A heartwarming celebration of the special relationship between a father and daughter from Instagram sensation Soosh. Whether they’re playing make-believe, making you smile, or warding off monsters under the bed, dads are always there when you need them. Debut picture book artist Soosh celebrates fathers with a gorgeously illustrated and moving story about the parent-child bond. When Soosh first posted her initial series of images of a larger-than-life father and his adorable daughter on Instagram, fans from across the world immediately took notice with over 2 million views on a popular viral content website in a single week. These illustrations now come together in a universally relatable story of familial love for parents and children to share.
How to Cheer Up Dad - A hilarious book about parent and child relationships for fans of Ian Falconer and Jon Agee–a perfect gift idea for Father’s Day and beyond! Little Jumbo just can’t understand why his dad is having such a bad day. It couldn’t be the raisins Little Jumbo spit out at the ceiling or the bath he refused to take–after all, Little Jumbo’s dad knew he hated raisins and had already taken a bath that week! Luckily, Little Jumbo is such a thoughtful elephant that he decides to turn his dad’s bad day around with some of his–ahem, his dad’s–favorite things. How to Cheer up Dad is a standout debut featuring a charmingly oblivious little elephant with serious pluck and staying power. It turns the parent-child roles upside down is a great book for dads and the kids who make them laugh.
If My Love Were a Fire Truck - A father’s love for his son goes zoom, swoosh, vroom, boom! in this energetic, adventurous, action-packed board book tribute to fathers and sons. The bond between a father and his son is as powerful as a rocket ship blasting into space, a giant whale splashing across the ocean, and booming, colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky. Celebrating that one-of-a-kind relationship between Dad and his favorite little guy, If My Love Were a Fire Truck is a rhyming love song from fathers to sons that will become a cherished part of their lives for many years to come.
Dad and the Dinosaur - The Book Snob Mom - Little Nick looks up to his dad (Big Nick) so much—he doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything and so Little Nick comes up with a little helper (his dinosaur!) to help him be just as brave as his dad. Even though his mom tries to help him earlier on, the fact of life is that sometimes a child is just more receptive to one parent than another in any given moment, and the bonding moment this son and his father have as they go in search of what Little Nick needs most is just lovely.
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Books About Parenting and New Parents
I love this beautiful book! The illustrations are fantastic, and I love the concept. The loving mom talks about all the baby’s traits and likens them to animals and shares how she cares for and loves her baby. Such a sweet read!
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.
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.
The Bad Beginning - Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they are exceptionally unlucky. In the first two books alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, a lumpy bed, a deadly serpent, a large brass reading lamp, a long knife, and a terrible odor. In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is both literary and irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted. Never before has a tale of three likeable and unfortunate children been quite so enchanting, or quite so uproariously unhappy.
Baby Penguins Everywhere! - Grammy - 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.
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.
Little Cub - B is for Bookworm - Little Cub is such a sweet story of two lonely bears (one an old bear, one a little cub) who find each other. I love how they compliment each other and bring each other joy, and I love how Old Bear is a loving father figure who can take care of little cub. This book would also be great for adoptive parents!
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Books About Parenting and Moms
I still remember reading this great story when I was little. I love the way it portrays family and the sacrifices that family members make for each other, especially parents. The stories are intriguing for the suggested age group, with morals and stories that are sure to induce a desire to treat the ones we share our “little houses” with.
Laura Ingalls’s story begins in 1871 in a little log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Four-year-old Laura lives in the little house with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack. Pioneer life is sometimes hard, since the family must grow or catch all their own food as they get ready for the cold winter. But it is also exciting as Laura and her folks celebrate Christmas with homemade toys and treats, do the spring planting, bring in the harvest, and make their first trip into town. And every night they are safe and warm in their little house, with the happy sound of Pa’s fiddle sending Laura and her sisters off to sleep. And so begins Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved story of a pioneer girl and her family. The nine Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America’s frontier past and a heartwarming, unforgettable story.
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.
Beverly Cleary has given books to each member of the Quimby household except Mrs. Quimby. Now she gets her turn at last in a story that hits the high and low points of a working mother’s life as seen from Ramona’s seven-and-a-half-year-old viewpoint. Inevitably domestic tensions, not without their amusing side, occasionally arise. Mr. and Mrs. Quimby sometimes forget who is to do what, as when the Crock-Pot is not plugged in and dinner remains uncooked. Beezus acquires a ludicrous teased hairdo at the student body shop while Ramona gets a becoming pixie haircut. Ramona, who feels unloved, takes to twitching her nose like a rabbit in a cozy picture book until her teacher becomes concerned that something is making her nervous. Yet Ramona is wrong. She is loved, and readers will rejoice with her when she discovers the wonderful truth. Few writers today are as skilled as Mrs. Cleary at showing families in the round, and here she is at the peak of her powers.
1-2-3, You Love Me - The Book Snob Mom - This is anything but your average counting primer and is filled with charming illustrations, great rhymes and twelve ways to show love to friends and family, be it hugs, treats, or quality time.
I've Loved You Since Forever - New York Times #1 Bestseller! I’ve Loved You Since Forever is a celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy. With Kotb’s lyrical text and stunning pictures by Suzie Mason, young ones and parents will want to snuggle up and read the pages of this book together, over and over again. “In the universe, there was you and there was me, waiting for the day our stars would meet. . .”
I Will Love You - Author of the bestselling Biscuit series, Alyssa Satin Capucilli, tells a magical tale of parental love that every parent will want to share with their little one! In the very first moment, when you came to be, I looked at you, and you looked at me. I whispered these words as I held you near, for all time, for all space, for the world to hear I will love you.” Capucilli’s text is lyrical, touching, and makes for a great read-aloud, while illustrator Lisa Anchin brings this story to life through magical, detailed landscapes and precious mother/daughter moments. Every parent wants to reassure they will always be loved. Like Nancy Tillman’s On the Night You Were Born, this book is sure to become a tried-and-true bedtime story.
What Mommies Like - Following in the footsteps of What Daddies Like, now young readers can find out what mommies like best in this story about a mommy bear and her cub’s special day together. Mommies like big hugs. Mommies like kisses. Mommies like “Good morning to you!” Mommy Bear and her little cub spend the day together doing all kinds of things that mommies like! They ride their bikes to the library, have a hullabaloo, play kazoo, and much more. But after a fun-filled day, there’s one thing that mommies like best . . . saying “I love you!” This is the perfect companion title to What Daddies Like.
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Books About Parenting and Family
A cute book about coping with a new sibling with an incredibly unique illustration style.
This book has such fun illustrations and it’s actually quite funny! This would be a great book for the topics of new siblings, foster children, or adoption.
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?
Such a great book about picky eating! I love Bear and his personality. You also know he has a pretty great mom for helping him learn to balance out his diet. :)
I really like this series! This lovable blended family of ducks and a bear is humorous while simultaneously tackling real-life issues… in this case picky eating. The illustrations are fantastic and the love of a family seeps through every page in a delightful way.
In their blended family, Mama Duck worries when Bear eats too much jam, but when the ducklings play a game with their vegetables, Bear starts to eat the strange green things on his plate.
IF I COULD KEEP YOU LITTLE exemplifies Marianne’s real insights into the human spirit and her beautiful illustrations that will touch children and adults and that are sure to be cherished for generations to come. Taking the reader on a journey of memory and expectation, IF I COULD KEEP YOU LITTLE showcases the fleeting little moments that reveal how a child changes and grows.If I could keep you little,I’d decide on matching clothes.But then I’d miss you choosingdots on top and stripes belowIf I could keep you littleI’d cut your bread in shapes.But then I’d miss you finding”Hey! I like ketchup with my grapes!”
In Aunt Lucy's Kitchen - All six books in the Cobble Street Cousins series are now available together in a collectible boxed set! Meet the Cobble Street Cousins: Lily, who wants to be a poet, Tess, who wants to be a Broadway star, and Rosie, who wants a little cottage with flowers by the door. Right now, though, the cousins are sharing an attic bedroom in their Aunt Lucy’s light blue house on Cobble Street, and happily making plans for the summer. This paperback boxed set includes: In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen A Little Shopping Special Gifts Some Good News Summer Party Wedding Flowers
The Elevator Family - The four members of the Wilson family decide to spend their holiday in one of the elevators at the San Francisco Hotel.
I Heart You - This tender, rhyming picture book is a lively celebration of love. Little ones adore being independent and trying new things. But they also need Mom and Dad’s reassurance and snuggles. With her spare, lyrical text, debut author Meg Fleming captures the exuberance, the affection, and the tender push-and-pull of life with a child. And illustrator Sarah Jane Wright’s evocative illustrations infuse the story with generous helpings of warmth and love.
Great Job, Dad! - A contemporary felted creation celebrating Dad’s many jobs from the co-creator of Cozy Classics. Being a dad is eleven jobs in one! This unique picture book for very young readers celebrates the many jobs being a parent encompasses: A receptionist scheduling important meetings (for playdates), an architect designing buildings (or pillow forts), an inspector (of diapers!) . . . When Dad gets home from his day job at the office, he never knows which job will be waiting for him, but he knows it’ll be fun! Each rhyming spread features intimate, familiar, comforting and humorous depictions of family life through a wholly original — and amazing! — needle-felted lens.
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Books About Parenting and New Babies
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.
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.
A fresh combination of story and pictures weaves a great deal of information about eggs and chicks into this charming tale Lena liked to sit in her mother’s garden and watch the chickens. But something is missing in this happy group of hens . . . A sweet little chick! How fortunate that plump little Alma had just laid an egg. But to Lena’s surprise Alma does not seem interested in hatching it. Lena makes a snap decision and attempts to surprise everyone by hatching the chick herself. However, hatching an egg is more difficult than Lena thinks, and the journey from egg to chick is a long one. This is a sweet book about the challenges and joys of being a parent.
Let’s Call Him Lauwiliwili - When two proud fish of different species marry and have a baby fish, an argument erupts over what to name the child. The new parents learn to work together and teach young readers about cooperation and compromise.
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.
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Books About Parenting and Love
There are so many bears in the world dear, but there’s no other one that will do. You are the bear of my heart, dear, and I am the one who lives you. Every mother makes promises to share the joys and wonders of the world with her children and Mother Bear is no exception. As Mother Bear introduces her child to the hills, lakes, caves and starry nights, she reminds Baby that no matter what, he will always remain the bear of her heart and she will always be there for him. With Joanne Ryder’s heartfelt lyrical text and adorable illustrations by Margie Moore, this beautiful hardcover is now available in board book and is perfect book for sharing on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any day of the year!
Sometimes, when you love someone very, very much, you want to find a way of describing how much you treasure them. But, as Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare discover, love is not an easy thing to measure! For two decades, Sam McBratney’s timelessly endearing story, beautifully rendered in Anita Jeram’s exquisite watercolors, has captured the deep and tender bond between parent and child. Guess How Much I Love You is one of the world’s best-loved picture books.
When you love someone, you stand by them no matter what happens.
In good times . . . When you’re excited, the world joins with you, You bounce all about—look, I’m bouncing, too!
In bad times . . . When you are sad and troubled with fears, I hold you close and dry all your tears.
And all the times in between. When you are high and when you are low, I’ll be holding your hand . . . and I’ll never let go.
Share this beautiful celebration of unconditional love with someone special in your life.
You and Me, Me and You - The wonder of being a dad is on display in this touching tribute to fathers. After all, the connection between a father and child yields a lifetime of learning and love. In You and Me, Me and You, that special bond is honored through poignant, tenderly rendered illustrated vignettes: a father and son walk together, discuss life amid a city’s bustle, play, and, perhaps most profoundly, grow, side by side. Bright pops of Pantone yellow infuse each spread with joy, and a cloth spine adds an irresistible specialness. At once a treasured Father’s Day gift and a year-round “I love you,” parents and children will delight in this celebration of a supremely meaningful relationship.
Mom and Me, Me and Mom - The joy of being a mom is palpable in this touching tribute to parenthood. Whimsical illustrations capture the poignant moments that make motherhood so special: pinning up a daughter’s hair, getting messy during playtime, reading quietly side by side, and, above all, cherishing precious moments together. Bright pops of Pantone coral infuse each spread, and a cloth spine adds an irresistible specialness. At once a treasured Mother’s Day gift and a year-round “I love you,” this book will delight parents and children in a celebration of a supremely meaningful relationship. This lovely testament to the inimitable mother/daughter bond goes straight to the heart.
Good Dad Diego - Diego is a dog, but he has one of the toughest jobs in the world. Is he a ninja? Nope. Is he a superhero? Nope. Is he a king or a police officer or the president? Nope. Nope. Nope. Diego is a DAD. And that requires the patience and fortitude of all of these positions combined . . . as Diego—an adorable pug—demonstrates in this laugh-out-loud photographic picture book. Admonitions and chores may be somewhat different for dogs: “Stop chewing on the furniture!” “Don’t eat cat barf!” But Diego does everything out of love . . . and we get to see the objects of his affection at the end of the story: pug puppies!!
Ella Unleashed - The Parent Trap meets Best in Show in this charming novel about a girl who must learn to make peace with the unpredictability of life. Ella Cohen was skeptical when her mom started dating Krishnan just a few months after her parents’ divorce. But two years later, she really likes having her new stepfather around. When she decides to enter a junior dog show, Krishnan even lets her start handling his dog, Elvis. She’s determined to become an expert handler, even after her first show ends in disaster. Unfortunately, some things are harder to control—like Ella’s dad, who has changed a lot since the divorce. He used to be laid back and fun, but now he hovers over her constantly, terrified she’s going to shatter into a million pieces if she so much as hints that everything in her life isn’t perfect. Ella is particularly upset that his animosity toward Krishnan keeps him from coming to watch her handle Elvis, especially when she wins a lottery spot in the National Dog Show in Philadelphia. When Ella’s best friends suggest she find her dad a date to the dog show, it seems like the perfect solution. If her dad has a new girlfriend, surely he won’t mind so much that Ella’s mom has a new husband. So Ella decides to play matchmaker, going so far as to create a fake online dating profile in order to find her dad his one true love. But it turns out people, much like dogs, aren’t always so easy to control, and Ella’s plan backfires at the worst possible moment. Can Ella manage to bring her divided life together in time for her moment in the spotlight?
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Books About Parenting and Potty Training
Pea Junior has to go, go, go, go! The end feels so far away, but with his family and friends cheering him on, Pea knows he can make it and go number one! A potty chart, a sheet of stickers, and the lyrics and music notation for the “Go, Pea, Go!” song are included to make an easy, all-in-one, go-to book for parents to help ease the pressure of the race to the Pea Bowl.
A new toddler title charts a crucial achievement. There comes a point in a toddler’s life when going in one’s diaper is only one possible option, and the question must be raised: “Should I go in my potty?”
With pitch-perfect humor and pacing, Leslie Patricelli follows the inner dialogue (sure to have little ones shouting responses) and hilarious actions of everyone’s favorite Baby, winding up with an over-the-top look of surprise and delight that will have both parents and offspring laughing out loud—“I did it!”
When everything fails to persuade the princess to use her potty, the king and queen consult the royal advisor who gives them valuable advice.
A Potty for Me! - With interactive flaps and child-appealing text, the author describes the steps a toddler must go through in learning how to use the potty.
Goldilocks and the Just Right Potty - “While most potty books strike readers as too old or too young, here’s one that almost everyone can agree is (you guessed it) just right.” - Kirkus Reviews Little Goldilocks wants to wear underwear — big-girl underwear that’s not too silly and not too frilly, but just right. But that means she also needs to find the “just right” potty. Will she know when she needs to go? And will she get to the potty in time? Find out in this lighthearted story that will have parents and their little ones feeling ready to tackle toilet training.
Everybody Potties - Learning to use the potty is something to celebrate! This shaped board book is perfect for little ones who are ready to try potty training. The light and lively story is encouraging and reassuring. These potty-time buddies will turn fears into cheers!
Princess Potty - After formally announcing that she has to go pee-pee or poo-poo, a princess rides her royal pony to the royal bathroom where she goes potty and gets a special princess sticker for her tiara as a reward.
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Books About Parenting and Growing Up
From eyes to ears, tummy to nose, legs to toes, there’s a lot for baby to discover – and even more for a family to love. Bright, buoyant art and a roly-poly little baby are sure to inspire plenty of giggling and grabbing and feet-in-the-air-ing. For every baby – and every parent who loves that baby to bits – here’s the perfect first book.
Every little superhero needs to use a potty, he just needs to know how to go!
Clang! Clang! Clang! The fire truck is pulling out of the station. But wait! Where is the firefighter going? To the potty! Even firefighters go to the potty! Toddlers are uneasy about toilet training. And in most cases, even if they know they have to go, sometimes they are too busy to bother. In this hilarious gate-fold story, each person—from a firefighter on the way to answer a fire alarm to a zoo keeper on the way to feed the polar bears—stops what they are doing to go to the potty. With humor and no pedantics, toddlers learn that everybody uses the potty.
Tiny Potty - Potty training board book
The Potty Book for Girls - A little girl receives her own potty, and in spite of accidents, she makes her mom and dad proud when she no longer has to wear diapers.
The Potty Train - Despite a few bumps, leaks, and spills along the way, the trip overall is a great success as the kids aboard the colorful train take great delight in their potty-training journey to Underpants Station.
Poop! There It Is! - Every parent knows how difficult potty training can be. Shed a little humor on the subject by reading your child “Poop! There it is!”. Kids will giggle and laugh along with this silly book while learning the basics of potty training.
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Epilogue
24 books that are just too good to leave off of our parenting list.
No! - The Book Snob Mom - This is a great book for the “No!” stage, which seems to be a fairly universal thing for toddlers, unfortunately. May you be the lucky one who is spared! ;) The message that, while it’s initially pretty fun and powerful to say no, you actually miss out on some pretty fun stuff if you don’t actually vary your vocabulary is important… there are natural consequences to always saying No! The illustrations are cute and the facial expressions are extremely expressive, making this a book you can read with your emotions as well as your words.
Monster & Son - Mr. Staccato - Despite having monsters in the title, this is a rather gentle going to bed book. I enjoyed the author’s incorporation of language such as “chase you into bed” and “gobbled down a snack” that shows a tender side of fatherhood while still reminding you of their monster side.
Charlie Rides - Charlie loves things that go planes, trains, bicycles, scooters, and even spaceships! He also loves to share in the fun of each mode of transportation with his dad. But, for Charlie, the best ride of all is when his dad swoops him up onto his shoulders for a piggyback ride! The first in a fresh, new board-book series takes the evergreen concept of transportation and gives it a tender, loving twist. Perfect for new dads and Father s Day promotions, “Charlie Rides” captures a child s love for transportation while also affirming that the quality time shared between father and son is what means the most. “
I Love Dad with the Very Hungry Caterpillar - The very hungry caterpillar shows appreciation, and love, for all the things fathers do for their children.
Daddy Honk Honk! - 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.
How to Surprise a Dad - From the creators of the New York Times bestsellers HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDPA and HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDMA comes a charming HOW TO book that’s all about surprises! So you want to surprise your dad? You’re in luck! The pages of this book are full of tips on how to become a super dad surpriser, including tips for things you can make, do, or find—just for your dad. Be sure to read up on: · Yummy treats and presents for a dad · What to do if he starts getting suspicious · How to prepare for the big moment (where to hide everyone, and how to practice whispering “Surprise!”) From the author-illustrator team behind the New York Times bestselling HOW TO… series comes an adorable, funny, surprising celebration of dads!
Sam the Man & The Chicken Plan - Sam the Man wants to earn some money and he’s got a cluck-worthy plan in this endearing chapter book that’s the first in a new series from Frances O’Roark Dowell. Sam the Man needs a job. Even his sister gets twenty bucks a pop for mowing people’s lawns! But seven-year-olds aren’t allowed to mow lawns, so Sam decides to ask his next door neighbor if she needs help doing other chores. It turns out she’ll pay him a whole dollar each time he can convince her dad, Mr. Stockfish, to join him for a walk. But it turns out that getting Mr. Stockfish to leave the living room isn’t easy. AND a dollar a pop isn’t going to cut it. So when Mrs. Kerner, another neighbor, asks if Sam would like to watch her chickens, Sam jumps on the task. You can count on him, yes indeed. Watching chickens is more fun than he expects, and comes with an added bonus: it turns out that visiting the chickens is the one thing that can coax Mr. Stockfish out of the house! But what does a seven-year-old do with all the money he’s earning? It’s too little for a bike, and too much for candy. But wait! It’s just enough for a chicken of his own—the kind that lays BLUE eggs! Soon he has a whole waiting list of kids who want to buy a blue egg. And what does Sam plan on doing with his new fortune? Buy Mr. Stockfish his own chicken, of course!
Because I Am Your Daddy - How much do fathers love their children? Enough to fly them to school in a plane? Enough to dig for the biggest dinosaur the world has ever known? From exploring dark caves to leading a marching band to even being a space alien, a father’s love is unconditional, and he will do anything to make sure all of his child’s dreams come true. The dynamic duo of Sherry North and Marcellus Hall team up once again to treat parents and children to a story that celebrates affection with imagination. Because I Am Your Daddy is a great read-aloud book at storytime or a soothing book at bedtime, and an ideal gift for new fathers on Father’s Day.
No Fits, Nilson! - Nilson and Amelia do everything together. But if one little thing goes wrong, Nilson throws the biggest, most house shaking-est fit ever! Amelia helps Nilson control his gorilla-sized temper by promising him banana ice cream and letting him play with her froggy coin purse. But, sometimes, Amelia needs to be calmed down, too. Inspired by Ohora’s own “negotiations” with his two sons, No Fits, Nilson! is a hilarious preschool pick for kids and parents navigating the treacherous tantrum phase.
I Love My Daddy - Sebastien Braun’s celebrated I Love My Daddy is now in board book format—perfect for little hands in strollers and highchairs! Sometimes daddies are loud and playful. Other times they are quiet and compassionate. And they are always loving. Sebastien Braun’s appealing text and charming illustrations follow a day in the life of a bear and his bear cub in this celebration of the bond between father and child.
Papasaurus - Babysaurus loves playing hide-and-seek with his Papasaurus. But one day, no matter where he looks, he can’t find him, so Babysaurus turns to his prehistoric friends for help. Where can his Papasaurus be? Of course, Papasaurus has been right there all along, and when Babysaurus needs a little help, Papasaurus is ready with a big kiss and more games. This colorful and reassuring book is a fresh twist on a perennial theme that will win the hearts of little ones and their papas alike.
With My Daddy - A young girl describes all of the wonderful feelings she has while spending time with her father, knowing that they love one another no matter what.
My Dad Used to Be So Cool - A perfect baby shower gift for new dads in your life! Keith Negley’s playful and emotional art tells this story of a new father who is no longer the cool guy he once was. He looks back wistfully on his crazy times playing in a band, riding a motorcycle, and getting tattoos. Those days may be behind him, but his young son still thinks he’s the coolest guy in the world.
When I Carried You in My Belly - 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.
You Are My Kiss Goodnight - A twist on classic Marianne Richmond books like You Are My Heart, You Are My Kiss Good Night offers parents a way to wind down the day with a little one, reminding everyone of the love and care that they share. With Marianne’s trademark feel-good writing and beautiful illustrations, You Are My Kiss Good Night is a new addition to the nighttime category that delivers a way for parents to express their love to children in a sweet and memorable way.
Beard Boy - Young Ben wants to be just like his awesome dad—bearded. Ben wants a beard. All the most boss people in his town have them. The baker, the barbers, the butcher, they’re all bewhiskered—even the old lady who waits at the bus stop has one. Most of all though, Ben wants a beard just like his dad. He tries his best to start on some scruff, but nothing works quite right. And when his dad explains he might have to wait ’til he’s older for a beard of his own, he decides to take some more permanent action—with a marker that is. In the end, Ben and his dad find the perfect solution in this hilarious and heartwarming picture book celebrating the bond between father and son.
You Were the First - You will always be the first… A touching tribute to baby’s early milestones — those unforgettable moments that will always be cherished. From first smiles to first cuddles and even to that first kiss, here’s a loving ode to every child’s — and parent’s — momentous “firsts.”
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
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.
Anne of Green Gables - The Cuthberts are in for a shock. They are expecting an orphan boy to help with the work at Green Gables � but a skinny red-haired girl turns up instead. Highly spirited Anne Shirley charms her way into the Cuthberts’ affection with her vivid imagination and constant chatter, and soon it’s impossible to imagine life without her. A favourite classic with cover and introduction by the inimitable Lauren Child, award-winning creator of Clarice Bean and the hugely popular Charlie and Lola series.
Annie - It’s a hard-knock life for America’s favorite orphan! Everyone knows the story of the irrepressible Annie, who lives at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage until she beats the odds and finds a new life with the benevolent and wealthy Daddy Warbucks. Annie has enchanted millions of readers from her original comic strip appearance to the hit Broadway musical. Now, with a Tony-nominated revival playing on Broadway, Puffin is reissuing this novelization of the classic story, with a new introduction by Tony and Emmy Award-winning author Thomas Meehan. This is an adaptation that delves even deeper into Annie’s story, as she lives on the streets during the Great Depression, finds Sandy the dog, and encounters characters both familiar and new.
Weekends with Max and His Dad - From acclaimed author Linda Urban comes a younger middle-grade novel about the weekend adventures of a boy and his dad, who each see “home” in new ways as they adjust to changes in their family. Max and his dad love their weekends together. Weekends mean pancakes, pizza, spy games, dog walking, school projects, and surprising neighbors! Every weekend presents a small adventure as Max gets to know his dad’s new neighborhood—and learns some new ways of thinking about home. Acclaimed author Linda Urban deftly portrays a third-grader’s inner world during a time of transition in this sweet and funny illustrated story that bridges the early reader and middle grade novel.
Pokko and the Drum - A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019! A Today Show Best Book of the Year! “Extraordinary.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Inspirational.” —Booklist (starred review) “Laugh-out-loud funny.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review) “Will tickle kids and adults alike.” —Kirkus Reviews “An instant classic.” —Quill & Quire (starred review) From E.B. White Read Aloud honor artist Matthew Forsythe comes a picture book about a magical drum, an emerald forest, and the little frog who dares to make her own music. The biggest mistake Pokko’s parents ever made was giving her the drum. When Pokko takes the drum deep into the forest it is so quiet, so very quiet that Pokko decides to play. And before she knows it she is joined by a band of animals —first the raccoon, then the rabbit, then the wolf—and soon the entire forest is following her. Will Pokko hear her father’s voice when he calls her home? Pokko and the Drum is a story about art, persistence, and a family of frogs living in a mushroom.
Just Because - Curious minds are rewarded with curious answers in a fantastical bedtime book by Mac Barnett and Isabelle Arsenault. Why is the ocean blue? What is the rain? What happened to the dinosaurs? It might be time for bed, but one child is too full of questions about the world to go to sleep just yet. Little ones and their parents will be charmed and delighted as a patient father offers up increasingly creative responses to his child’s nighttime wonderings. Any child who has ever asked “Why?” — and any parent who has attempted an explanation — will recognize themselves in this sweet storybook for dreamers who are looking for answers beyond “Just because.”
- Top 10 Parenting Books
- + dads (7)
- + new parents (7)
- + moms (7)
- + family (7)
- + new babies (5)
- + love (7)
- + potty training (7)
- + growing up (7)
- Epilogue (24)
Did you enjoy our parenting book recommendations? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!