Best Baby Books for Newborns to 1-Year-Olds, According to Parents (and Babies!) Who Love Them

The lyrical words in this baby book help make this New York Times best seller a modern classic. The sweet story pairs beautiful illustrations with a heartwarming message of unconditional love that starts on the night your little one entered the world. The book describes events celebrating baby's first day, like the moon staying up until morning and polar bears dancing — centering the message that your little one’s life is unique and special. Plus, every time you read it, you can share your child’s birth story. Parents love it as a read-aloud for their own children and as a baby shower gift for friends and family.

Specs: 32 pages; available in paperback, hardcover and board book

The rhythmic language and delicate illustrations in Time for Bed are the perfect way to encourage a deep sleep. This best-selling baby book is filled with soothing language describing baby animals gently being told to go to sleep by their parents, mimicking what happens in human homes every single night. Parents have relied on it at bedtime for nearly 30 years — and to think it was written in just an hour!

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover and board book formats

Lots of What to Expect parents have this book on their shelves, and for good reason. Many different types of families are represented in this story of babies doing what they do best — eat, play, make friends and get dressed. Babies everywhere can see themselves and their families in this endearing book about their lives, told with a cadence that's perfect for either playtime or bedtime. 

Specs: 30 pages; available in hardcover, paperback and board book formats

Beautiful illustrations of diverse families doing everyday activities are set to a story with a heartwarming message. We Are Family — written by a veteran children’s book editor — illustrates all kinds of different dynamics, from large families to small ones. This story will teach your kiddo that no matter what shape a family takes, it’s universal love that brings (and keeps) people together. This is a large-scale picture book kids will enjoy for years.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover

Full, Full, Full of Love introduces us to Jay Jay, the youngest member of a big extended family who has a special bond with his grandmother. Jay Jay and his "Grannie" spend the day getting Sunday dinner ready for the whole family, told in rhythmic prose that's enjoyable for you and your little one. The story is repetitive, which encourages memory and keeps babies’ attention. Not to mention, it's a great baby book to read with grandparents.

Look, Look! is filled with high-contrast black-and-white patterns — ideal for newborns, since the high contrast is easy for their developing eyes to distinguish and will capture their attention from an early age. The illustrations are paired with a few descriptive words in red type that describe the pictures. Written by an elementary school art teacher, this baby book is a great focusing tool to make tummy time more pleasant while captivating baby's mind.

Specs: 18 pages; available in hardcover, board book and e-book formats

Little You features parents expounding on all the ways they love their child. It’s simple, rhythmic and calming, and the gentle illustration style feels both modern and timeless. This book, ideal for babies and toddlers alike, is filled with gorgeous illustrations, making this a story to keep on the shelf for years to come. Plus, the book — which is written and illustrated by two Indigenous authors — is available through the publisher in multiple dual language English-First Nations editions.

Specs: 24 pages; available as a board book and e-book

Someday is a tried-and-true baby book loved by parents. One mother’s story of memories, hopes and dreams for her baby from the early newborn days to — sob! — leaving home fills the pages, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. McGhee captures the feeling of awe everyone feels at becoming a parent. Parents love it, but warn that it absolutely will make you cry (so keep the tissues on hand during storytime). 

Specs: 42 pages; available in hardcover and board book formats

Jazz Baby is rhythmic at its core (perhaps unsurprisingly, thanks to its title!). This book tells the story of a large family who loves music and dancing. Sister's hands snap, Granny sings scat — see, rhythm! You and your little one can clap and dance to the beat, and end with every parent’s dream — a baby fast asleep. Parents say their kids love it long after they grow out of their cribs, too. 

Specs: 40 pages; available in hardcover

Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? brings a physical element to storytime, making this classic baby book extra fun. The book has liftable flaps, making it even more enjoyable (especially if your little one is 9 months or older). Not to mention, it'll also help sharpen baby's fine motor skills. This story about body parts will delight any baby who loves playing peekaboo.

Specs: 14 pages; available as a board book or e-book

The babies in "More More More," Said the Baby love playing with their families of all shapes and sizes. This rhyming baby book — which was a runner-up for a prestigious Caldecott Award — is simple but classic. While it's a perfect book for older babies who will recognize the motions and language of play, little ones will still appreciate the rhymes and gentle illustrations. Parents love the diversity of families represented in the stunning illustrations, too.  

Specs: 40 pages; available in hardcover and paperback formats

Eric Carle has dozens of books that could have made this list, but nothing will ever top the delights of his most famous children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Babies and toddlers will love following along with the ravenous caterpillar as he eats his way through the gorgeously-illustrated book. There are opportunities for counting and learning the days of the week, too. The sweet tale ultimately ends with a hopeful message — that anyone, no matter how humble their origins, can grow up to become a beautiful butterfly.

Specs: 40 pages; available in hardcover, board book, ebook and audiobook formats

Nineties kids can probably recite this story in their sleep to this day, thanks to the classic book’s rhyming prose that reads more like a song than a book. The story invites all of the letters of the alphabet to party on top of the coconut tree — but will there be enough room? Kids will delight in the disaster that ensues, while learning their ABCs to boot. 

Specs: 40 pages; available in paperback, hardcover, board book and e-book formats

This sweet, rhyming tale of a little llama who isn’t the biggest fan of bedtime — or being left alone — mirrors lots of parents’ own experiences when trying to put their little one to bed. The llama goes through all of the emotions after lights’ out before his mama comes to comfort him… and remind him that just because moms can get a little busy, doesn’t mean that they don’t care for their babies. And if your kiddo likes this book, there are many other "Llama, Llama" books for him to enjoy.

Specs: 32 pages; available in paperback and board book formats

This "must-have" book among the What to Expect community features Gerald the giraffe, who struggles to fit in at the annual Jungle Dance because the other animals say he can’t dance. But over the course of the story, he learns some valuable lessons in self-confidence and the delights of being different that will really resonate with your little one (and maybe you, too). Parents say that kids of many ages, not just babies, love the story — making it a great permanent addition to your home library.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, paperback, board book and audiobook formats

This best-selling book, written by MacArthur grant winner Ibram X. Kendi, takes the concepts from his adult book How to Be an Antiracist and translates them into an age-appropriate call to action for children. Kids learn the basics about how our world isn’t always fair, that people are different (and that’s okay!) and more fundamental lessons in becoming an anti-racist ally. The language might be a bit more advanced than other baby books, but it’s designed to be a conversation-starter between parents and kids to help them start talking about race and racism in our world — and how to fight it from the beginning.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, board book, e-book and audiobook formats

Encourage baby’s early speech sounds with this fun rhyming book from children’s author powerhouse Sandra Boynton. Your kiddo will love learning the different sounds that animals make — and don’t make — in this silly story. (It’s also available in Spanish if you’re looking for bilingual reads.) And if your little one likes this book, he’ll love the dozens of other equally-delightful stories from Boynton. 

Specs: 16 pages; available as a board book

You simply cannot talk about the best books for babies without mentioning Goodnight Moon. The simple, engaging story — which follows a little rabbit in his bedtime routine — has captivated young readers for decades (and even inspired other writers in their own work). The enchanting illustrations offer lots of surprise and delight, and kids will love tracking the tiny details that change on every page. It really is the perfect bedtime story, so don’t be surprised if you get more than one copy of it at your baby shower.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, paperback, board book and e-book formats

This zany tale is easily one of the funniest read-aloud books, period. Your little one will be endlessly entertained by the desperate pleas of the naughty pigeon, who just wants to drive the bus when the driver isn’t looking. The narrative allows room for your child to answer the pigeon and decide whether or not it’s a good idea to let him take the wheels. The Caldecott Honor book also has delightful illustrations that add to the fun. If you love this book, there are several books in this series from author Mo Willems that your kid will want to read, too. 

Specs: 40 pages; available in hardcover, paperback and audiobook

In this timeless book, a zookeeper is putting all of the zoo’s animals to bed for the night, but little does he know that a naughty gorilla has swiped his keys to let everyone out. You might initially be put off by how few words there are in this book. But the pictures are what really tell the story — encouraging young readers to understand cause and effect and piece together context clues. You can fill in the blanks when reading to your baby, and then let him take the reins with understanding the story as he gets older. 

Specs: 40 pages; available in hardcover, paperback, board book and e-book formats

This sweet story is based on the true story of two male penguins in New York’s Central Park Zoo, who wanted to have a family like the other penguin couples in their enclosure. Thanks to the help of an understanding zookeeper, the penguins finally get an egg to nurture and raise as their very own. The groundbreaking title topped library ban lists for years after it was published in 2005, proving that even the simplest stories can help challenge how people view the world.

Specs: 36 pages; available in hardcover, board book, e-book and audiobook formats

Books like Eyes That Kiss in the Corners are essential for teaching little ones to love their differences and the differences in others. The Asian protagonist realizes that her eyes don’t look like the other kids she knows, and goes on a journey to discover the unique beauty of her own family. The stunning illustrations really help make this special book —which was rejected by multiple publishers before becoming a best-seller this year— sing.

Specs: 40 pages; available in hardcover, e-book and audiobook formats

This award-winning classic book has helped readers everywhere celebrate the fact that we all have a little wildness inside of us. (Especially, ahem, toddlers.) The dream-like illustrations transport readers along with Max on his journey to escape the constraints of his life at home and find where the other “wild things” like him live. The book, which was largely influenced by the author’s childhood, has since inspired movies, operas and even birthday party themes.

Specs: 48 pages; available in hardcover and paperback formats

French artist and author Hervé Tullet believes that his artwork is only complete with audience interaction, an ethos that is the central point of his best-selling picture book. Kids are encouraged to press on the book, turn it upside down, shake it and more in order to make things happen on the pages. The experience is enchanting and delightful for babies and adults alike.

Specs: 56 pages; available in hardcover and board book formats

Peter Rabbit has captured the hearts and imaginations of little readers for nearly 120 years, thanks to Beatrix Potter’s sweet drawings and simple prose. Naughty Peter goes on a romp through Mr. McGregor’s garden despite his mother’s stern warnings, making for some entertaining chaos and ultimately a happy ending. The book traditionally comes in a smaller format than other picture books, making it a great size for tiny hands to hold. Enjoy the story on its own or as part of the larger collection of Potter’s works.

Specs: 72 pages; available in hardcover, paperback, board book and e-book formats

This classic story reinforces the importance of believing in yourself despite the odds, as told through the journey of the Little Blue Engine. The train struggles to pull a heavy load up a mountain, but perseverance, hard work and a powerful mantra help her save the day. Your kid will be chanting "I think I can, I think I can!" along with the story. The 90th anniversary edition, published last year, features updated illustrations to capture new audiences, and features a forward by none other than queen Dolly Parton herself.

Specs: 48 pages; available in hardcover, board book, e-book and audio book formats

This book was one of the first children’s books with explicit LGBTQ+ representation when it was published in 1989, and ignited a firestorm of controversy and debate. But the sweet story endured, thanks to its simple message that some kids have two moms — and that’s wonderful. In 2019, the book’s illustrations were updated, along with some elements of the plot (Heather’s moms are now married, something that wasn’t possible in 1989) to help it continue to resonate with the latest generation of readers. 

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, paperback and e-book formats

Teach your kid about the power of friendship and empathy with this delightful book. Amos McGee is the caretaker at the zoo for all kinds of animals, until one day he’s too sick to show up at work. So the animals take matters into their own hands to help take care of Amos. The unique illustrations, which brilliantly convey the love Amos and the animals have for each other, helped win this book a Caldecott Award in 2011.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, paperback, board book and audiobook formats

American society frequently tells Black people to change or hide their natural hair in the form of school dress codes and workplace norms about “professionalism.” Which is why Hair Love, which celebrates Black hair and father-daughter relationships, is such a breath of fresh air. Read the book with your little one and watch the Oscar-winning short film it inspired to understand just how important hair can be to self-expression and identity. 

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover and e-book formats

Even kids who aren’t obsessed with cars will love the story of Little Blue Truck, who needs the help of friends to get out of a muddy rut. The rhyming verse and car sounds baked in the text will enchant your little one, while the message of kindness and solidarity will stick with them long after you close the book. It’s the first of several books about the Little Blue Truck and friends, too.

Specs: 30 pages; available in hardcover, board book and ebook formats

Many parents use sign language for their hearing babies to help them communicate before they can talk. Get a jump-start with Baby Signs to teach your little one how to say 13 key phrases, including “milk,” “water,” and “all done,” so they can better navigate their new world. Parents say it’s an incredibly helpful primer for all — although some wish there were more words included. 

Specs: 16 pages; available in board book and e-book formats

This is another parental tear-jerker disguised as a bedtime story, but it’s a favorite among little ones. Father and son compete to prove who loves the other most in a series of feats — stretching their arms, jumping and more — that you can act out with your little one as you read together. It makes for a really special bedtime story that many parents rely on to soothe their kiddos.

Specs: 40 pages; available in hardcover, board book and pop-up book formats.

Even big, tough trucks need to rest, and your little one will love helping send them all off to sleep after a long day at work in this fun rhyming story. Plus, construction-obsessed kids will enjoy seeing all the different kinds of machines represented in the illustrations, including cement mixers, dump trucks and bulldozers. The same characters reappear in other books from the author, too. Parents love it, although some wish there were female characters represented in the story.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, board book and sound book formats

Richard Scarry was a prolific children’s author and illustrator, and the classic I Am a Bunny is a great way to introduce babies to his world. Your baby will discover the wonders of each season with Nicholas the bunny, brought to life with Scarry’s lush illustrations. The words are simple and repetitive, making it soothing to listen to as well. It’s also available in a Spanish-English version for bilingual households.

Specs: 24 pages; available in hardcover, board book and e-book formats

A baby’s birth brings together a community, and in this story, that community includes Mother Earth, too. The lyrical poem, accompanied by beautiful illustrations, describes how animals from all over the Arctic converge to bring gifts and well-wishes to an Inuit newborn. (It’s written by the famous Inuit throat singer, Celina Kalluk.) It’s also available in French and Inuktitut.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, paperback, board book

At the beginning of this sleepy book, everyone inside the “Napping House” is fast asleep — until a tiny surprise disrupts everyone’s rest. The repetitive rhymes are enchanting, and the cartoonish illustrations add an extra level of humor to the chaotic tale. Kids can learn about cause and effect from the story, and there’s plenty of room within the narrative to pause and ask kids what they think will happen next, or why certain characters are reacting in a certain way.

Specs: 32 pages; available in hardcover, board book and e-book formats