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You are here: Home / All Posts / The Best Baby Books of All Time

The Best Baby Books of All Time

Published January 18, 2021. Last updated January 18, 2021 by Liz. This post may contain affiliate links.

The best baby books list is, of course, somewhat subjective. We all have our favorites, and we all have those books that are nostalgic from our own childhoods.

This list of the 20 best baby books of all-time represents a mix of long-time classics, as well as some newer titles for you to discover.

Best Baby Books of All-Time

These books are beloved for many reasons; whether it be sweet illustrations, stirring (but simple) text, or just because it will hold your baby’s attention – there is something here for every tiny reader and their parents.

baby looking at books

Please note that A Mothership Down is reader-supported, meaning that, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you buy after clicking an affiliate link. I’m also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. All opinions are my own.

Your child may be too young to understand all of the text. But reading to your baby from a very early age is one of the best things you can do to encourage their development.

And remember: there is a wide range in terms of when kids learn to read. But that is not what you need to be thinking about in these early years. You are laying a groundwork for future literacy through the simple, age-old act of sharing a story with your child.

  1. I Am A Bunny
  2. I Am A Bunny

    In this beloved Richard Scarry book, a small bunny moves through the seasons with appreciation for the changes around him. I can't overstate how simple and lovely this story is. This is a must-have for babies and toddlers.

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  3. Goodnight Moon
  4. Goodnight Moon

    I know, I know - the bedroom is the size of a palace and that fireplace is definitely not child-proofed. And yet still, the gentle rhythm of this book can’t be beat. Repeating a few lines puts my toddler to sleep (not that that’s always the goal of reading, but it’s a win at bedtime).

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  5. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
  6. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

    Of course, these animals would never meet in the wild, but my 1-year-old doesn't know that! She just loves the repetition and the fact that she's learned the animals and their colors. It's a simple book, with a longstanding appeal.

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  7. The Snowy Day
  8. The Snowy Day

    This Caldecott Medal-winning book has been celebrated by generations of readers. It is regarded as a classic of children's literature, and is one of the first books to realistically depict a multi-cultural urban neighborhood. As the young protagonist Peter delights in the snow, you will find yourself delighting in this book.

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  9. Big Red Barn
  10. Big Red Barn

    This is the sweetest little story about a group of animals who live together in....you guessed it....a big red barn. Margaret Wise Brown's signature style shines through this story.

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  11. First 100 Words
  12. First 100 Words

    Older babies will love recognizing familiar objects that they see around the house. This is a great book for gently teaching your baby about the world around him.

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  13. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
  14. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

    If you want a fun, engaging read-aloud book, you'd be hard pressed to beat Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Babies and toddlers love the colorful illustrations and rollicking text.

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  15. The Going to Bed Book
  16. The Going to Bed Book

    You'll be reciting this one from memory in no time. It's impossible not to get the catchy, fun story stuck in your head - and in this case, that's a good thing.

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  17. Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book
  18. Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book

    This "lift-the-flap" book has been a classic since 1982. It will delight the youngest children with bright artwork and many familiar animals.

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  19. Harold and the Purple Crayon
  20. Harold and the Purple Crayon

    Harold and his purple crayon may look messy (and yes, it's true that you don't want your baby to get any ideas when it comes to drawing on the walls)! But this book will spark your imagination, and the illustrations are just perfect for little readers.

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  21. Love You Forever
  22. Love You Forever

    This is a tear-jerker, so it *may* go over your baby's head. That being said, it's a classic for a reason. This story about a mother's boundless love for her child will strike a nerve. And the quiet nature of the story, plus the repetition of the most important lines, makes for a sweet read-aloud experience with your baby.

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  23. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
  24. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

    Babies will love the song-like nature of this book. And mischief-making toddlers will get a kick out of watching these little monkeys misbehave for their mama!

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  25. Everywhere Babies
  26. Everywhere Babies

    With an adorable cast of babies, you and your little one can celebrate this distinctly special time of life. Plus, the illustrations in Marla Frazee books always stand out from the crowd!

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  27. Please, Baby, Please
  28. Please, Baby, Please

    This relatable and endearing book by Spike Lee and his wife Tonya is both a Teacher's Pick and a recipient of over 3,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It is a bedtime favorite for many young kids, who can see themselves in this cute protagonist.

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  29. Where's Spot?
  30. Where's Spot?

    Parents magazine calls Spot "one of the essential experiences of childhood."

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  31. Bear in a Square
  32. Bear in a Square

    This adorable book is a huge hit in my house. The bold colors jump off the page, and little ones love pointing to all the shapes they recognize as the bear has his adventures.

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  33. If Animals Kissed Good Night
  34. If Animals Kissed Good Night

    This book perfectly captures the love between parents and their babies.

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  35. Giraffes Can't Dance
  36. Giraffes Can't Dance

    This book is a huge hit at my house! (And not just with my kids - my husband and I love it too). How can you not love a book starring a clumsy giraffe who just wants to impress his jungle buddies?!

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  37. Ten Tiny Toes
  38. Ten Tiny Toes

    Caroline Jayne Church's books are adorable and well-loved. Your baby will delight in the simple, relatable illustrations.

    Buy Now
  39. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
  40. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    There's a good chance this book is already in your collection. Eric Carle's books hold an appeal for babies that is unrivaled.

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Even the youngest children love to hear the sounds of their parents reading to them. This is a great opportunity to cuddle up with your baby and spend some high quality time together.

Related posts: Best Books for Toddlers, Best Books for Kindergarten, Best Books for One and Two-Year-Olds, Short Nursery Rhymes for Children

I hope this list helped you find some new books to enjoy with your child. These are the stories that your child will come to love and remember. And, perhaps, read one day with their own children.


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Welcome to the Mothership!

Hi! I'm Liz, mom to 3 young kids. Like all of you, I have tons of free time on my hands to ponder the complexities of motherhood. Ok I have almost no time, these kids are taking me down. I write this blog to find camaraderie with the rest of you in the trenches. Welcome! Read More…

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