Unexpected Picture Book Gifts for Expecting Parents
If you’ve ever been to a baby shower, you probably know there are five or so books that EVERY parent will receive, and often in multiples. And they’re classics for a reason!! But if you want to make sure your gift stands out as unique and thoughtful, try picking up one of these titles for expecting parents. They explore and celebrate the incomparable love between parent and child, the journey to find your voice, and the power of chasing your dreams. You’ll be the belle of the baby shower!
There is nothing more important than the time we spend together, learning to see the world through each other’s eyes. From counting constellations to imagining shapes in fluffy clouds to hiking great canyons or jumping into the ocean, the special moments between a mother or father and their child are some of the most memorable and precious in our lives.
Inspired by the majesty of nature all around us, I Loved You First is an expansive and gently whimsical celebration of parental love and a companion to Jenna and Barbara’s New York Times bestselling children’s books Sisters First and Love Comes First.
It’s almost the big day. You’re counting the hours . . .and minutes . . .and seconds . . . But what if it all doesn’t go the way you’d planned?
Time goes slowly when you’re dreaming, hoping, and most of all waiting for your next big challenge. But one thing is certain: You’re growing stronger and wiser each day. So . . . take a deep breath and gather your courage. The world is ready and waiting for you!
Here is a spirited story that will shake out the jitters and boost the confidence needed to face whatever it is you’re waiting for.
Perfect for:
- Graduation gifts (for any age!)
- New experiences (camp, performances, athletic events, starting school!)
- Learning the importance of practice
- Fans of books like The Magical Yet and The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Little Ah-Fu has a big imagination, but he can’t imagine being the Oxherd Boy . . . yet.
When the day comes for Ah-Fu to bring the huge family ox home from the woods, he worries that he’s not big enough to do the job.
Will fear and self-doubt drive Ah-Fu home empty-handed? Or can he rely on his wits and compassion to become the Oxherd Boy his family expects—and prove to himself that he is, indeed, big enough?
Delightfully paired with exquisite illustrations, this empowering story inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy shows kids big and small how to trust themselves and embrace what they can be.
PURA BELPRÉ AWARD WINNER FOR ILLUSTRATION
For fans of Last Stop on Market Street, an uplifting story about a boy who stays true to his biggest dream while finding the magic in every moment.
Some people dream of perfect waves, fancy castles, or piloting a plane. Others dream of someone to laugh and play with all day long. Some just dream of having a meal for the next day.
And little Miguel? As he and Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling cold coconuts and macrame dream catchers to earn a few coins, Miguel has only one simple wish—to have his parents by his side. But how can he keep the faith when the truth is that dreams don’t always come to pass?
Marcelo Verdad’s poignant tale of hope and resilience shows how living in the here and now can be a journey every bit as beautiful as a dream.
A Spanish edition, El atrapasueños, is also available for purchase.
The days are long, but when I’m with you, I blink and the years fly by.
From sunrise to nightfall, this family is on the go. And for every early wake-up, busy breakfast, missing shoe, and rush to get out the door, there is also a sweet smile, a “Mama, look!” and a snuggle before bedtime to make all of the day’s moments feel precious. The perfect gift for any caregiver, The Days Are Long, the Years Are Short is a day-in-the-life story of a family enjoying every minute of their messy, wonderful time together.
With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible.
When you fall down.
When you are scared.
If you get a bad haircut.
You will always have me!
In this sweet picture book, Todd Parr celebrates the care and support we all need to thrive with his signature mix of humor and heart. You Will Always Have Me reminds readers that someone is always there for you—be it a parent or other family member, a friend, or even a pet. When you’re sad or mad, when you feel like you’re not good enough, and when you’re excited and proud of who you are…you will always be loved!
A quiet child in a boisterous family, Emma Wen dreams of a world that is peaceful and silent. When she reads about the blue whale – with a heart so big her father could stand in it – she has an idea. She fashions a boat out of household objects and sails from her bedroom into the mouth of a whale, where she settles in happily. Emma has finally found her peace and quiet. That is until another child, Owen Tang, arrives inside the whale and is loud, noisy and “everything she is running away from”. Emma and Owen’s unlikely friendship blossoms inside the microcosm of the whale in a beautifully told story of friendship and finding your own voice in a world that is “filled with too much of everything, everywhere.”
With lush, irresistible illustrations and its balance of sensitivity and adventure, Xin Li’s author/illustrator debut is an ode to storytelling and imagination and displays her keen understanding of the emotional world of children.
From imaginative child to visionary storyteller, Toni Morrison was a fiercely inspiring writer that helped change the world. This poetic book is part love letter and part biography, praising the power of this Nobel Prize winner. With its tender refrain, readers will know how much Morrison’s stories — and their own — mean to the world. She was loved — and so are they!