One of the things I was most excited for when we were expecting a baby was being able to read to the baby. There’s something about a good book that takes you somewhere else entirely.
“I live in two worlds; one is a world of books.” – Rory Gilmore
I must confess to feeling this way (still) but ESPECIALLY as a child. In second grade, I was ahead of the curve, and so my teacher had me sit on a couch and read leisurely during class when I finished my work.
I am a sucker in a few ways when it comes to reading books to my son now that he’s here: I love rhyming books, sentimental books, and nostalgic books.
I picked a few MUST HAVES to share that you just NEED for you and your baby. I am already guilty of reading the same stories to my son over and over. Here are our top reads for infant literature:
Hedgehugs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper
Hedgehugs is a magically thoughtful and creative story about two hedgehog friends 
learning to hug. I love it for its sentimentality and charm. For an infant, the book is short enough to make it all the way through in one sitting, and for mama, it does have a piece of rhyme near the end. The illustrations are lovely and contain patterns within the greater picture. For this reason and more, this book is also great for toddlers for discussing shapes, weather, sensory, and friendship. Also, it is just freaking adorable. I am halfway believing that authors Lucy and Steve were really just writing about their friendship. Maybe this book even led to them falling in love. (Two worlds, remember)?
I Love You More by Laura Duksta
This book is just plain SWEET. Any parent can relate to telling their child how much they love them AND it’s all in rhyme, so it rolls off the tongue. It’s just so much more fun that way! And what makes this book v interesting is if you flip it over and start from the back, the story is of a boy telling his mom how much he loves her! The fact that it’s a boy and Mom pulls at my heartstrings since I have a son myself. It’s super mushy and so cute. This one is also short and technically you could read half of it and feel accomplished. With all of the animals and pictures, it’s an appropriate book for engaging your toddler!
On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
This book is a little bit longer but it actually made me cry. The story is written to your child, and teaches them how they are special unlike anything or anyone else. It talks about how the world celebrated when the child was born and never to doubt the worth they possess. Maybe it’s more appropriate for toddlers and older, but it’s so special to read as a new parent of an infant because it has you reminiscing about the night your baby was born. This makes it so personal. I almost feel as if I’m learning again about my worth as an individual too. The book shares Psalm 139…
“For you are fearfully and wonderfully made…”
…reminding us that we are on PURPOSE and that God specially made us for a reason. It’s good for the soul, ya’ll. Here’s an excerpt:
“For never before in story or rhyme
(not even once upon a time)
has the world ever known a you, my friend,
and it never will, not ever again…”
ugh. Just. Thank you for for teaching me about myself and making me swoon over my babe.
Is there a crack in my espresso mug?
Lastly…
The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne (of course)
This one is LONG and really more fun for parents. It gives me nostalgia of watching Winnie the Pooh every day with my sister as kids. But it’s perfect to read to your infant, so you don’t feel embarrassed just reading it to yourself. The humor really wouldn’t make much sense to a toddler and probably wouldn’t engage them quite enough. But an infant hardly knows what you’re saying and you can stop and start without them really even knowing. But it has the innocence of childhood, and the comfort of familiarity, and gives you something to talk about with your baby. And it makes me SO excited for Hudson’s first trip to Disney!
Something else that made these books so special is that they were gifts. For my baby shower, people brought books instead of cards. I got so many creative books I’d never heard of! It’s so fun having new perspectives. And it makes it more meaningful that someone thought of us and knew we’d enjoy this too.
AND I HAVE THE MOST FUN SECRET EVER. Want to know how to get a free book for your baby EVERY MONTH until they’re five years old?!?!! Sign up for Imagination Library (google Imagination Library and you can complete the registration online)! It is a FREE program by Dolly Parton! The only catch is it isn’t available in all areas. But don’t let that stop you! It isn’t available in our area of Orlando, so I’m having my son’s books shipped to my in-laws. #winning #theyllfindthatoutwhentheyreadthisblog #whoops!
Enjoy! Cheers.
Morgan Whaley 