The Regular Mom's Guide to the Best Baby Books
- Stevie.
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Looking for the best baby books to build your child’s library? You’re in the right place!
I asked The Motherhood for their favorite baby books—the ones they read over and over again, the ones that make their little ones giggle, cuddle, and learn about the big world around them.
These recommendations are mom-approved and full of love, fun, and thoughtful messages. Whether you're shopping for your own baby, a baby shower, or just trying to refresh your bookshelf, there’s something here for every little reader.
Have more favorites? Drop them in the comments and let’s keep growing this list! 📚
⬇️ Quick Links ⬇️
🎶 Sing-Song Stories That Are Fun to Read Aloud
Books that flow with rhythm and rhyme, perfect for reading (and singing!) aloud.
Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown A bedtime classic full of calming rhymes and cozy illustrations. Perfect for winding down at night.
Themes: Comfort, routine, peaceful sleep
Pout-Pout Fish – Deborah Diesen A grumpy fish learns to turn his frown upside down. Fun rhymes and a great message.
Themes: Positivity, emotions, friendship
What a Wonderful World – Tim Hopgood (based on Bob Marley’s song)A beautiful visual celebration of the beloved song. Bright pictures and heartfelt words.
Themes: Gratitude, nature, love
One Love – Cedella Marley Inspired by Bob Marley's song, this joyful book shares a story of community coming together to make the world a better place.
Themes: Teamwork, kindness, love
📚 Interactive & Just Plain Fun
Books that get kids involved through flaps, textures, and giggles.
Dear Zoo – Rod Campbell A lift-the-flap favorite where kids help find the perfect pet from the zoo.
Themes: Animals, surprises, interactive fun
Don’t Tickle the... series – Usborne Books Touchy-feely books that make animal noises when you tickle the pages! A sensory delight.
Themes: Sensory play, animals, laughter
B is for Bear – Roger Priddy A colorful alphabet book with touch-and-feel textures for each letter.
Themes: Early literacy, sensory learning
All Better Baby – Sara Gillingham Perfect for toddlers learning to show empathy and care for others. Bandages and stickers make it extra fun!
Themes: Empathy, healing, care
⭐ Girls Who Shine
Books that encourage girls to dream big, be brave, and love who they are.
Ada Twist, Scientist – Andrea Beaty Curious Ada asks a LOT of questions, and that’s a good thing! A fun book about science and persistence.
Themes: Curiosity, STEM, problem-solving
Rosie Revere, Engineer – Andrea Beaty Rosie builds wild inventions and learns to keep going even when things don’t work the first time.
Themes: Resilience, creativity, confidence
My Brave Little Girl – Hilary Duff A heartfelt letter from mom to daughter about being strong, kind, and true to herself. A tearjerker in the best way.
Themes: Empowerment, bravery, love
A Dress With Pockets – Lily Murray A girl doesn’t want a pretty dress—she wants one with pockets so she can explore and have adventures!
Themes: Independence, play, identity
🌎 Diversity & Acceptance
Books that celebrate differences, kindness, and being loved exactly as you are.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes – Mem Fox All babies are different, but they all have ten fingers and ten toes. A global celebration of love and connection.
Themes: Unity, family, joy
Anyone Can Be My Friend – Moira Butterfield A gentle story that shows how friendship isn’t about how we look or where we’re from—it’s about kindness and fun.
Themes: Inclusion, empathy, connection
I Am One – Susan Verde This thoughtful book reminds kids that one voice and one act of kindness can make a big difference.
Themes: Activism, kindness, courage
Last Stop on Market Street – Matt de la Peña A young boy and his grandma take the bus through the city, finding beauty in the everyday and learning to appreciate what they have.
Themes: Gratitude, community, diversity
Hair Love – Matthew A. Cherry A dad learns how to do his daughter’s natural hair. This touching book celebrates family, identity, and self-love.
Themes: Pride, bonding, self-expression
The Family Book – Todd Parr A bold, colorful book that shows families come in all shapes and sizes.
Themes: Family diversity, acceptance, belonging
🌈 Self-Esteem & Encouragement
Books that uplift, empower, and remind your little one how loved they are.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be – Emily Winfield Martin This dreamy, poetic book is all about a parent’s hopes and love for their child.
Themes: Love, dreams, potential
I Love You Through and Through – Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak A simple and sweet reminder that we love our children completely—happy, sad, silly, and everything in between.
Themes: Unconditional love, emotions
Cheer Up, Chicken – Bob Hartman Chicken is having a rough day, and her friends come to the rescue! A cute reminder that support matters.
Themes: Friendship, emotional support, joy
💛 My Personal Faves With My Kids!
These are the books my kids and I read again and again. They’re filled with heart, giggles, and sweet messages we love.
Anyone Can Be My Friend – Moira Butterfield A go-to for reminding my littles about kindness and connection. We adore this one!
I Am One – Susan Verde Empowering, gentle, and always sparks great conversations.
My Brave Little Girl – Hilary Duff This one always makes me tear up. Such a sweet message for daughters.
Little Blue Truck – Alice Schertle It’s fun, it rhymes, and it teaches kindness. What more could you want?
Anything by Sandra Boynton Silly, quirky, and beloved. You truly can’t go wrong with her books!
Which of these baby books have you read?
Got a favorite that’s not listed?
Let me know in the comments!
If you’re on the hunt for books that teach kindness, spark imagination, and make your baby’s bookshelf sing, these mom picks are sure to bring big smiles and sweet moments to your family.
📚 Happy reading, Mama!
Comments