The most recommended baby shower books

Who picked these books? Meet our 8 experts.

8 authors created a book list connected to baby showers, and here are their favorite baby shower books.
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Book cover of Be Pregnant: An Illustrated Companion for Moms-To-Be

Ginny Hogan Author Of I'm More Dateable Than a Plate of Refried Beans: And Other Romantic Observations

From my list on humor to make you laugh out loud.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a humor writer and stand-up comedian. I spend much of my time trying to get my comedy into the shortest form possible so it can “go viral,” but I’d rather work on projects that have space to breathe, like books. I don’t think enough people appreciate how funny books can be. Often, humor seems like the purview of more visual mediums. However, while books are quieter than TV shows and live performances, they have just as much capacity for humor. When a book truly makes me laugh out loud, I want to tell everyone. And the following five books do.

Ginny's book list on humor to make you laugh out loud

Ginny Hogan Why did Ginny love this book?

I’ve never been pregnant before, but Viti’s book is one of the few things I’ve ever read that makes the idea seem appealing. Not because she sugarcoats the rougher parts, but because I now know that if I do get pregnant, I’ll have this hilarious book to keep me company. I’ve shared this book with all my friends who have ever been pregnant, and they agreed that it was a wholly original take on the endeavor. 

By Eugenia Viti,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Be Pregnant as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Full of vibrant illustrations, annotated diagrams, and first-hand accounts, Be Pregnant is a fun and comforting companion for this exciting (and highly anticipatory!) time in a pregnant person's life. Eugenia Viti's charming mix of insider info and humor provide a much-needed laugh about:

- Strangers trying to touch your belly.
- Feelings of inadequacy about stroller prices.
- The all-powerful birth plan.

With quirky yet universal anecdotes, personal "Something That May Happen . . ." sections, and an inclusive illustration program welcoming all moms, Be Pregnant is the perfect gift for an expecting friend or baby shower.


Book cover of I Love You to the Moon and Back

Xaviera Plooij Author Of The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby's Behavior

From my list on children's books to stimulate development.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the co-author and CEO of The Wonder Weeks. I advise various global players in the field of babies and I'm a sought-after speaker at fairs and in daily exchange with mothers and fathers. With all this knowledge I know the needs of parents and their children like no other, with my books and apps I stand for power to the parents! 

Xaviera's book list on children's books to stimulate development

Xaviera Plooij Why did Xaviera love this book?

It’s never enough to show love to your children. Telling love stories to your little one is very important. This book shows the love between a bear and a cub, who are together every single day. They show their love for each other in many ways. The illustration and story of this adorable book make the bear and cub so real and came right into my heart. For me, it is one of the best real love stories, love in a way how it means to be.

By Amelia Hepworth, Tim Warnes (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Love You to the Moon and Back 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?

So snuggle safely in my arms; our day is nearly done. I love you to the moon and stars, my precious little one.

A beautiful hardback gift edition of the international best-seller I Love You to the Moon and Back, a bedtime favourite with familiar and reassuring text by Amelia Hepworth and heartwarming illustrations by Tim Warnes.

When the sun comes up, Big Bear and Little Bear think of new ways to share their love. Big Bear loves Little Bear more and more as each day passes, right up to each new moon - and back.

Now this joyful celebration…


Book cover of One Was Johnny: A Counting Book

Stephanie Calmenson Author Of Dinner at the Panda Palace

From my list on counting for young children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've written more than 100 books including the counting books Dinner at the Panda Palace (HarperCollins / PBS StoryTime) and Dozens of Dachshunds (Bloomsbury / Scholastic Book Clubs).  I also write easy readers such as Stomp! (Ready-to-Read / JLG) and early chapter books including the Our Principal series and, with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole, The Adventures of Allie and Amy series. As a former early childhood teacher and children's book editor, I'm a big fan of counting books and look forward to writing – and reading – many more. 

Stephanie's book list on counting for young children

Stephanie Calmenson Why did Stephanie love this book?

This book, one of four in Maurice Sendak's Nutshell Library begins, "1 was Johnny who lived by himself." 

Wait till you see who joins him and the chaos that ensues! Children get to count from 1 to 10 and, when Johnny figures out how to get rid of the crowd, readers get to count back from 10 to 1.

The rhyme flows along merrily, the illustrations are Sendak-irresistible, and readers of any age can relate to Johnny valuing his "me" time. 

By Maurice Sendak,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked One Was Johnny 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?

From one to ten and back again, children have been counting along with One Was Johnny for over fifty years!

Now in a larger, 5 x 7  trim size, this charming book about a boy and his many visitors is one that children and their grown-ups will want to count along with again and again.

This beloved classic from Maurice Sendak has helped introduce counting to generations of children. This edition is perfect for lap sharing and as a baby shower gift.


Book cover of I Like Myself!

LaTasha Reynolds Author Of Bryla's Amazing Imagination: Bryla Visits the Moon

From my list on empowering books for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a children's book writer, I want my books to be infused with S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art, and science), imaginative adventure, and empowering words. These 3 elements are important for cultivating their minds. Great inventions and discoveries have come from people who were curious. I believe that it's our responsibility as parents to expose them to new interests and speak empowering words to their developing minds. Parents play a key role in how their children see themselves. I hope that my books encourage unity, spark the imagination, build strong parent-child relationships, initiate dialogue, and promote learning.

LaTasha's book list on empowering books for kids

LaTasha Reynolds Why did LaTasha love this book?

"I like my eyes, my ears, my nose. I like my fingers and my toes. I like me wild. I like me tame. I like me different and the same."

Saying "I like" something about myself is self-affirmation. This book is special to me because this is the first book I read to my daughter during my pregnancy. I remember receiving this book from a dear friend at my baby shower. I always knew that words are powerful, especially words from parents or guardians. Our words promote cognitive functioning. I used this book as the foundation to start incorporating positive reinforcement into my daughter through self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-love. Besides the message, I love the wild and colorful illustrations.

By Karen Beaumont, David Catrow (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked I Like Myself! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?



High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves—inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.      At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful . . . and straight from the heart. The sturdy board book is just right for little hands.


Book cover of Made for Me

Natasha Wing Author Of The Night Before Father's Day

From my list on fathers and journals for daughters.

Why am I passionate about this?

My father died in 2020 during the pandemic so Father’s Day has taken on a new importance to me as far as reminding people to spend time with the people they love before they are gone. I had started to write a story about my dad and his childhood days before he went to the hospital, and with the help of his friend, was able to complete it for the family to have as a keepsake. I encourage kids to ask questions of their parents and for parents to write down or audio record the stories that they want to pass down. Children’s books and journals are a great way to start the conversation.

Natasha's book list on fathers and journals for daughters

Natasha Wing Why did Natasha love this book?

I love good rhyming books and this one works! Plus there is a heart-warming refrain that especially gets me at the end of the story. “Of all the children that ever could be, you are the one made just for me.” It’s about a father who adores his new baby from its soft, tiny hands to all the cute things the child does. The illustrations depict a very large, round father who reminds me of a gentle Paul Bunyan. I could see it as a baby shower gift for dads. 

By Zack Bush, Gregorio de Lauretis (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Made for Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

National Best Seller:  Made For Me 
Over 2000 5-star Amazon reviews
Of all the children that ever could be,
You are the one made just for me.

From a child's first uttered "Dada" to his or her first unsteady steps, nothing can adequately convey the joy and awe of watching the birth and growth of a new child. Now releasing as a board book filled with adorable illustrations and the refrain, "You are the one made just for me," Made for Me is a winning presentation of tender moments that tie a father and his new child together--forever.


Book cover of Oh Crap! Potty Training

Kara Michelle Liu Author Of When You Were in My Belly

From my list on to give at a baby shower.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a mom who always dreamed of becoming a writer, but was too scared to try until I met my baby. The overwhelming urge to express my love for her in what I have always considered the most sacred way, through writing, became too much to contain. I wanted to create a meaningful experience not only for my child, but for all children; one where they could be nestled in their parents’ arms, engaged in the most significant pastime, and where they could understand for the first time how much they were loved from the very beginning.

Kara's book list on to give at a baby shower

Kara Michelle Liu Why did Kara love this book?

I know, I know  – potty training might seem a long time off, but before your expecting friend knows it, the need to begin potty training will be upon them, and trust me it is not for the faint of heart. What better way to face potty training than to laugh through each chapter of this hilarious, brilliant book? With the six-step process shared in the book, we were easily able to get our daughter ready for daycare in plenty of time. So tell your friend to set it aside and believe me they will thank you later.

By Jamie Glowacki,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Oh Crap! Potty Training as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Straight up, parent tested, and funny to boot, Jamie gives you all the information you need." -Amber Dusick, author of Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures

A proven six-step plan to help you toilet train your preschooler quickly and successfully, from potty-training expert, Pied Piper of Poop, and social worker Jamie Glowacki.

Worried about potty training? Let Jamie Glowacki, potty-training expert, show you how it's done. Her 6-step, proven process to get your toddler out of diapers and onto the toilet has already worked for tens of thousands of kids and their parents. Here's the good news: your child is probably…


Book cover of Peek-A Who?

Laura Wattenberg Author Of The Baby Name Wizard: A Magical Method for Finding the Perfect Name for Your Baby

From my list on for expectant parents with curious minds.

Why am I passionate about this?

Baby names are my profession and my obsession. Back when I was naming my own children, I found that the standard dictionaries didn’t capture what makes names so individual and so meaningful. So I set out to write the name book I had wanted to read: a real-world guide rooted in style, trends, culture, and history. I also focused on the decision-making process itself, which is a growing challenge in our era of information overload. An effective guide helps cut through the chaos, freeing you to enjoy the excitement of the journey ahead.

Laura's book list on for expectant parents with curious minds

Laura Wattenberg Why did Laura love this book?

This book ushers you into one of the great joys of parenthood: reading to your child. Peek-a-Who is a marvel, a simple but compelling read-aloud that manages to draw babies into the book experience for the very first time. You’ll read it again and again, as your child comes to know each page and eagerly anticipate what comes ahead. Enjoy.

By Nina Laden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Peek-A Who? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of Scholastic Parent & Child magazine's 100 Greatest Books for Kids

With colorful pictures, simple rhyming texts, and sized right for small hands to hold.

Guessing-game board book filled with vibrant, happy images: Peek-a-Who! takes the most loved baby and toddler game and puts it in book form! Colorful pictures and simple rhyming texts help children guess what's peeking through the die-cut windows in this fun board book. The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page and the bright, engaging illustrations will keep little ones guessing and giggling all the way to the surprise ending. Perfect size for…


Book cover of The Good Sleeper: The Essential Guide to Sleep for Your Baby (and You)

Kara Michelle Liu Author Of When You Were in My Belly

From my list on to give at a baby shower.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a mom who always dreamed of becoming a writer, but was too scared to try until I met my baby. The overwhelming urge to express my love for her in what I have always considered the most sacred way, through writing, became too much to contain. I wanted to create a meaningful experience not only for my child, but for all children; one where they could be nestled in their parents’ arms, engaged in the most significant pastime, and where they could understand for the first time how much they were loved from the very beginning.

Kara's book list on to give at a baby shower

Kara Michelle Liu Why did Kara love this book?

The Good Sleeper was recommended to me by a mom in my neighborhood who instantly noticed that I was struggling with my new role. While my daughter was keeping me up most of the night, her baby was actually sleeping for sustained periods of time in his crib. Sure enough, after reading this book, I was finally able to understand the science behind what was happening with my baby and how I could best meet her needs. I read and reread each chapter as I tried the strategies until I found the right ones for my child. It’s no exaggeration to say that getting sleep changed my world! Pass this book along and give a new parent the gift of sleep.

By Janet Krone Kennedy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Good Sleeper as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is a refreshingly straightforward method for training infants to become great sleepers for life, inspired by clinical psychologist Janet Kennedy's popular psychotherapy practice, NYC Sleep Doctor. Cry it out or co-sleep? Bassinet or swing? White noise machine or Bach? How many hours anyway? For something so important, there's too much conflicting information about how best to get your baby to sleep through the night and nap successfully during the day. This book is a straightforward, no-nonsense answer to one of the biggest challenges new parents face when they welcome a brand new baby home. This book is written for…