Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author and illustrator of the baby book listed below. As a mom of a 1-year-old, I am no stranger to kids’ books. After 1 year of going through my baby’s bookshelf and finding my own personal favorites, I realized that the common theme amongst all of my favorites is that all my selects happen to rhyme. Therefore, when I set out to write my own book, it was a given that this would be a rhyming story. Since then, I have been reading and researching all of the rhyming books to create my own. After all this research, these top five books are my top picks.


I wrote

Being Your Mama

By Elyssa Dorf,

Book cover of Being Your Mama

What is my book about?

After spending several weeks reading to my newborn, I realized that I wasn't resonating with the messaging in a lot…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Elyssa Dorf Why did I love this book?

I love the rhyming nature of this book and the fact that it is also available as a song! The emphasis on learning the ABCs is also a bonus for you and your baby. I grew up on this book, so there is a familiarity—it is amazing how quickly the words came back to me after all of these years.

By Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, Lois Ehlert (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Chicka Chicka Boom Boom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 1, 2, 3, and 4.

What is this book about?

Synopsis coming soon.......


Book cover of Goodnight Moon

Elyssa Dorf Why did I love this book?

Another classic full of nostalgia, I recently found the book's hidden message—there is a clock on each page, and you can watch the time progress as the story goes on. Please note that in the story, bedtime takes a full hour, which makes me feel better about my bedtime process.

By Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Goodnight Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A beautiful anniversary edition of the classic bedtime story with shiny gold cover flourishes - the perfect gift for christenings and birthdays.

Featuring a look at the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the most famous children's books in the world, beloved by Michelle Obama and Neil Gaiman alike, as well as tips on how to get your child to sleep.

In a great green room a little bunny is tucked up snugly and safely in bed and is getting ready to say goodnight to all the familiar things in his room, one by one.

Margaret Wise Brown's…


Book cover of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Elyssa Dorf Why did I love this book?

This book is a great way to teach your baby about animals and color identification. It also reminds you and your baby to stop and look around at the world around you. The illustrations are simple but striking for babies. The ending of this book comes together really nicely!

By Bill Martin Jr., Eric Carle (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

OVER 175 MILLION ERIC CARLE BOOKS SOLD WORLDWIDE

A much-loved classic, illustrated by the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Vibrant artwork and favourite animals make this rhythmic story the perfect introduction to learning about colours. Each spread leads seamlessly into the next and young children will delight in Eric's colourful collage animals and simple repetitive language.

Discover more books by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle:

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?


Book cover of The Camper and The Counselor

Elyssa Dorf Why did I love this book?

This book brings back the nostalgia of attending summer camp as a young kid. It tells a really sweet story of overcoming homesickness while showing your baby how much fun summer camp and making new friends can be. The illustrations are vivid and colorful, keeping the baby’s attention.

By Jackie Oshry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Camper and The Counselor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?


Come along with our camper on her summer filled with adventure, friendship, and new-found independence.

It's the first day of camp, I can't wait to arrive, I have goosebumps and chills as we enter the drive.

It's our camper's first summer away from home. Her stomach tosses and turns. Saying goodbye is hard, but there are so many exciting activities in store. And Counselor Snitch is ready to show her just how much fun camp is. THE CAMPER AND THE COUNSELOR is a touching story about the love and support a counselor can offer all summer long.


Book cover of Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems & Drawings

Elyssa Dorf Why did I love this book?

The only book you need! Compiled over several short stories, you can pack just this one book with you on a trip and be set for your entire trip. It is so fun to have short stories as an option—you can read one if the baby is tired or five if the baby needs time to wind down before bedtime.

By Shel Silverstein,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Where the Sidewalk Ends as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Shel Silverstein, the New York Times bestselling author of The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Every Thing On It, has created a poetry collection that is outrageously funny and deeply profound. Come in...for where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein's world begins. This special edition contains 12 extra poems. You'll meet a boy who turns into a TV set, and a girl who eats a whale. The Unicorn and the Bloath live there, and so does Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who will not take the garbage out. It is a place where you wash your shadow…


Explore my book 😀

Being Your Mama

By Elyssa Dorf,

Book cover of Being Your Mama

What is my book about?

After spending several weeks reading to my newborn, I realized that I wasn't resonating with the messaging in a lot of her books. So, I set out with the goal of writing my own. 
While this story's message is more targeted to mamas, the rhyming nature & bright illustrations make for a book that both mama and baby can enjoy together.

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in colors, bedtime, and summer camp?

Colors 20 books
Bedtime 39 books
Summer Camp 14 books