10 Classic Children’s Books Every New Parent Should Have
By Rachel Ward
A new baby is always exciting—but even more so when it’s Mom and Dad’s first! They’re probably already planning for a crib, stroller, clothes, and other essentials…and so is everybody else on the baby shower invite list. So why not get the parents-to-be the gift of storytime? We’ve put together the children’s books that all first time parents should have! What would you add to the list?
1. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Age group: Toddler/Preschool
First published in 1922, this touching book tells the story of a stuffed animal who is loved so much by his owner that he becomes real. It’s perfect to help children begin to think about the difference between real and pretend.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Age group: Infant/Toddler
Colors, counting, food, and the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly: This charming book is a classic for a reason!
3. Corduroy by Don Freeman
Age group: Toddler/Preschool
This entertaining tale follows the adventures of a stuffed bear in a department store who searches for a lost button from his overalls. Corduroy’s imagination turns an elevator into a mountain, and furniture into a palace.
4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Age group: Infant/Toddler
This classic bedtime story features a baby bunny who says good night to everything in his bedroom before falling asleep. (It reportedly has a similar soporific effect on babies.)
5. Curious George by H.A. Rey
Age group: Preschool
A man in a yellow hat finds a curious monkey in the jungle, names him George, and brings him home as a pet. What could go wrong? He soon finds out as George escapes, swims in the ocean, flees policemen, and takes to the skies with a set of balloons!
6. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Age group: Toddler/Preschool
This tale demonstrates the depth of love that exists between a parent and child in a way that children can easily understand.
7. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Age group: Preschool
Armed with his trusty purple crayon, a little boy named Harold sets out to take a walk in the moonlight—and winds up drawing an entire world of his own making!
8. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
Age group: Infant/Toddler
Five little monkeys just won’t stop jumping on their bed—and after a few reads, odds are strong that your toddler won’t stop reciting the counting and rhyming story. On the plus side, because the naughty monkeys bump their heads, the story not-so-subtly teaches that furniture shouldn’t be used as a jungle gym!
9. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Age group: Toddler/Preschool
Kids adore Dr. Seuss’ nonsensical plots and wacky illustrated characters, and we love his work because children are joyfully learning letter sounds and combinations, rhymes, and basic words!
10. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Age group: Preschool
Perfect for free-spirited youngsters who feel misunderstood, Sendak’s story follows a boy named Max who has misbehaved and is sent to bed without his supper. Angry and frustrated, Max travels far away to the land of the wild things, where he can do as he pleases—until he finds he really just wants to be with someone who loves him.
