10 Classic Baby Books to Begin Your Child’s First Library

1. The Little Blue Truck Board Book

by Alice Schertle

My friend with 4 littles said this book was a favorite at their house.  There is a whole series of Little Blue Truck books, and you can’t go wrong with any of the titles.

Beep! Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up–that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.

With a text full of truck sounds and animal noises to read aloud, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.

2. Christmas In The Manger

by Nola Buck, illustrated by Felicia Bond

Every child’s library needs the story of Christmas in some form.

This board book portrays the gentle beauty of the story of the first Christmas. With “simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is perfect for the youngest child to be a part of the wonder of the Nativity.”  Amazon

3. Take Heart, My Child

by Ainsley Earhardt

Ainsley Earhardt’s “Take Heart, My Child: A Mother’s Dream,” is a book that “inspires children to follow their dreams and passions.

“The book offers life lessons for kids, and a wonderful opportunity for parents to connect with their children. Here’s more from the description:

““Take Heart, My Child” is a lyrical lullaby, and Ainsley shares her own hopes and dreams, and lets her child know that whatever challenges life brings, “Take heart, my child, I will—or, my love will—always be there for you.” It’s a universal message, one that all readers will relate to.” Billy Hallowell

4. Little Mommy

by Sharon Kane

This is a classic Little Golden Book, as you can see by the iconic binding.  I have a collection of about 50 Little Golden Books, old and new, and my grandchildren pick several of them out every time we sit down to read.

“This delightful story about an adorable little girl caring for her dolls is perfect for any day of the year!

We spend the day in her charming company as she cares for her dolls, treats their ills, gives them a tea party, feeds them dinner, and puts them to bed. Beautifully illustrated.”

This classic baby book is girl oriented, but Golden has many generic or books geared for boys, too.

5. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?

by Dr. Seuss

All the books Dr. Seuss wrote are fun to have in your child’s library.  This one makes the classic baby books list because babies love to listen to all the funny noises mommy and daddy make while reading!

“Mr. Brown is a sound-making wonder! He can hoo hoo like an owl and buzz buzz like a bee. It is so much fun to make noises that you hear every day, like moo and tick-tock. But stranger sounds are fun to make, too . . . like the pip of a goldfish kiss and the grum grum of a hippo chewing gum. Encouraging imaginative play while learning to read, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? will keep kids laughing (when they’re not tick-tocking).

Combining brief and funny stories, easy words, catchy rhythm, and lively illustrations, Bright and Early Books are an ideal way to introduce the joys of reading to children.”  Amazon

6. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

This book was written 75 years ago, and is still known as “a modern classic that no child should miss. Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, dig deep canals for boats to travel through, cut mountain passes for trains, and hollow out cellars for city skyscrapers — the very symbol of industrial America. But with progress come new machines, and soon the inseparable duo are out of work. Mike believes that Mary Anne can dig as much in a day as one hundred men can dig in a week, and the two have one last chance to prove it and save Mary Anne from the scrap heap. What happens next in the small town of Popperville is a testament to their friendship, and to old-fashioned hard work and ingenuity.” Amazon

7. Animal Activity Soft Cloth Book

These books should have probably been number one on this list, since these are the first books a baby should have.  They’re soft and have all the touches and feels for baby’s adventurous fingers.  The pictures won’t mean as much to them at first as the feel of the book will.  You don’t have to be afraid to let baby chew on the pages as the material is non-toxic and baby safe.  The cloth pages have a bit of a crinkle sound sandwiched between them.  It’s a complete sensory experience for a baby before their eyes will actually focus on the pictures.

But when they do see the pictures, the cute animals with their vivid colors and the educational activities will hold their attention.

8. You Are Special

Written by Max Lucado

Max Lucado has a nice line up of children’s books, and it’s hard to pick only one.  Your child will thank you if you buy them all!  This is Amazon’s round-up of this book:

“Every day the small wooden people called Wemmicks do the same thing: stick either gold stars or gray dots on one another. The pretty ones–those with smooth wood and fine paint–always get stars. The talented ones do, too. Others, though, who can do little or who have chipped paint, get ugly gray dots. Like Punchinello.

“In this heartwarming children’s tale from best-selling author Max Lucado, Eli the woodcarver helps Punchinello understand how special he is–no matter what other Wemmicks may think. It’s a vital message for children everywhere: that regardless of how the world evaluates them, God cherishes each of them, just as they are.”

9. Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

by Karen Katz

A child’s library isn’t complete without a Lift-the-Flap book.

The interaction of reading a question then lifting the flaps to find answers, involves action with baby’s hands, not just the eyes and ears.

This book teaches baby about the parts of the body.

10. God Bless You & Good Night

Written by Hannah C. Hall, Illustrated by Steve Whitlow

Some children’s books are worth having just because of the beautiful artwork.  Especially when the pictures almost tell the story without words.

This story has short rhymes for different animal families getting ready for bed.

Bedtime is one of the perfect times to ready aloud. You’re snuggling close and baby hears your voice and your heart at the same time. Almost like before birth.  There can’t be a safer feeling than that for a child!

Or more relaxing.  As you read a soothing book like this, baby’s peepers will close and that precious rhythmic breathing will signal that, unfortunately, story time is over for the evening.