One of my favorite early memories as a new mom was reading bedtime stories with my daughter.  Even today, I love to listen as my husband and daughter read together in a ritual I hope she'll never outgrow.  (I know -- wishful thinking!)

So it is probably no surprise that one of my favorite gifts for parents-to-be or new moms and dads is books!  I tend to be drawn to board books, mostly because I want the parents to feel comfortable not only sharing a story, but in letting their child play with a book. 

Today, I thought I would share some of my favorite starter collections.  Whether you select just one book or mix and match the sets, know that you are offering a precious gift: time for bonding, memories, and sharing love.

When my daughter was born, I had a hard time finding cloth books, but within the last year, I discovered the Messages from the Heart series by Sara Magsamen.  Baby Love unfolds so that infants and toddlers can play with it; and My Blanket is a cloth book that unfolds to be a blanket.  Cloth books and vinyl books (sometimes called "bathtub books") are perfect for this audience, because they offer lots of tactile stimulation.

Here are some themes to get you started:

Books for the sleepyhead

  • In addition to classics like Goodnight Moon, there are wonderful stories that are as good as any lullaby.  Some of my favorites are: Time for Bed by Mem Fox, Quiet Bunny by Lisa McCue, Counting Kisses by Karen Katz, and Sleep Tight, and Little Mouse by Mary Morgan.
  • For kids who need a little "wind down" time, I'd suggest the more active Going To Bed Book or Pajama Time both by Sandra Boynton, Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann, Noises at Night by Beth Raisner Glass and Susan Lubner, and The Prince's Bedtime by Joanne Oppenheim.

Books that Say "I Love You"

  • If you're looking for books that encourage touching and bonding, you can't go wrong with Counting Kisses by Karen Katz, Ten Little Fingers, Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox, and Little Kangaroo, I Love You by Jacquelyn Reinach.
  • Some great books that let dad be the "star" include Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, You Are My I Love You by MaryAnn Cusimano, Say Daddy! by Michael Shoulders, and Papa Piccolo by Carol Talley
  • Some favorites where Mom is the storyteller/caregiver are Mommy Do You Love Me? by Teres Lambert, I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt, Always by Ann Stott, Dear Baby: What I Love About You by Carol Casey, and Hug by Jez Alborough
  • There are lots of books about families, too, such as On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman, You Will Be My Baby, Even When... by Christie Becker, and I Love You So... by Marianne Richmond
 
Books for Playtime Fun

  • The Baby Gym Series: Bounce and Jiggle, Wiggle and Move, and Touch and Tickle written and illustrated by Sanja Rescek.  These board books contain familiar nursery rhymes and specific ideas on how to bring them to life.  For example, in Bounce and Jiggle, you'll not only find the rhyme for "Riding a horse to Banberry Cross," but the author also explains how to create the reins as you bounce your child on your lap.
  • There is plenty of silliness and giggles with any of the Curious George stories by H. A. Rey, Eight Silly Monkeys by Steve Haskamp, Five Little Monkeys with Nothing To Do by Eileen Christelow, and Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
  • Toddlers, in particular, love rhyming and counting...and here are some books that combine both: Barn Cat: A Counting Book by Carol P. Saul, Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss, Five Little Monkeys with Nothing to Do by Eileen Christelow, Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz
 
Books to Help Mom and Dad

  • I love-love-love the Dr. Hippo picture books, The Moose With Loose Poop, The Little Elephant with the Big Earache, Peeper Has a Fever, Katie Caught a Cold, and Sadie's Sore Throat by Charlotte Cowen, MD, illustrated by Susan Banta.  Dr. Cowen is a pediatrician, and not only does she create stories to help little ones understand their sickness, but every book also includes a handy pull-out card with tips for parents on how to make their child feel better.
  • Sometimes a book makes it easier for Mom and Dad to get important lessons across, such as Too Many Toys by David Shannon, No Biting! by Karen Katz, No, David! by David Shannon, and Connie Came to Play by Jill Paton Walsh
 
These are by no means the only great books for infants and toddlers.  These are some books that can get you started, and if you take a title to your bookstore, feel free to ask if they have any books "like x" that they might recommend.

It is my hope that the stories -- whether familiar titles or new ideas -- can help you create a unique gift for a new family or the newest addition to a family.

Next time, I'll talk about reading with preschoolers and offer suggestions on books they love.

If you've got some Ideas, I'd love to hear them.  Drop me a line over at Reading with Kids, (http://www.nesting.com/group/conversation/43821/81571/Buy-Books-for-the-Holidays.html) my Nesting.com spot to continue our conversations about reading and children's books.