I’ve got two baby showers on the books in the next couple of months. And, of course, I almost always give at least one picture book to expecting parents.
Baby showers are all about anticipation. Soon, there will be clothes and diapers and bottles and a new life, finally here. And there will be snuggly bedtime rituals for many years. So, there will be stories. Here are three sure to be cherished.
SLEEP LIKE A TIGER written by Mary Logue, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski.
This is exquisite, a picture book that could easily be displayed on a coffee table or a child’s bean bag chair. And it’s a bedtime book, that classic genre of children’s fare. It lulls a clever, unsleepy child while connecting to animals of the natural world who also sleep— bats and bears and, of course, tigers. Zagarenski’s signature artwork is truly dreamy to behold.
SEASONS by Blexbolex.
This has the feel of a classic even though it was published in 2010. And what better metaphor for parenthood (childhood, life) than seasons, right? Each spread contains screen prints labeled in a way that tells us something deeper about barren trees or lush greenery. It’s a book to look at, to spend time with, and to spur the reader on to someday moments spent outside.
ALMOST AN ALPHABET by Katie Viggers.
This will teach a child the alphabet when the time comes, but it will do more than that. It explores animals, from all the different kinds of bears to the luminosity of jellyfish. The artwork is gently comic and delightful.And there’s a yeti, and yetis are automatic crowd-pleasers. This is an alphabet book any artist of any age will appreciate.
Is there a picture book you always give at baby showers? Do tell!
I LOVE the illustrations in Sleep Like A Tiger so much! Pamela Zagarenski is one of my all-time favorite illustrators.
The alphabet book looks lovely–I’m looking forward to reading that one!
As far as baby showers, I love to recommend Marla Frazee’s Boss Baby–the irony is so spot on, and it’s just LOL hilarious–a perfect illustration of how babies do start running things. It’s fun to read aloud.
Maria, that’s a great one that takes the funny vs. sweet approach to the anticipation of parenting! Great pick! 🙂
Kate Banks’ IF THE MOON COULD TALK. The writing is SO fluid and transporting and just indescribably perfect for bedtime.
What a perfect choice—a classic yet not well known to all picture book. Yes!
Gosh, it’s been so long since I’ve been to a baby shower. Um, what would I give now? “Little Night” by Yuyi Morales would be at the top of the list.
Oh goodness, I don’t know that one. I’ll put it on hold at the library right now! Thanks, Jilanne!
Your picks are lovely. But I can’t help a little shameless self promotion…and add my own new picture book that can make the world a better place to live in. Reading Before I Sleep: I Say Thank You with your children can begin a nightly routine of saying five things you are grateful for before bed. I believe gratitude is a short cut to finding peace of mind and happiness. Here’s the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbf_KXG73HY
Thanks for sharing your book and its spirit, Carol. And congratulations!!
I love your choices! I have given A Book Of Sleep by Il Sung Na as a shower gift, in both hardcover and board book form. It’s so dreamy. And I love the board book box set of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace’s “Little” books (Little Pea, Little Hoot, Little Oink)
Yes yes yes! So good. Those would make a perfect pairing to go together too!