Inspiring baby books to gift to new parents

Looking for present ideas for a new mum or dad? Want to know what to gift to their newborn? Or want something memorable to mark a christening or other occasion in that special first year? You’ve come to the right place: here are our favourite books to give to little ones that they can grow into” and appreciate at different stages of their life. Inspiring, fun and with plenty of the awww” factor.

  • Guess How Much I Love You

    by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram 

    2014 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics

    This modern classic is a wonderful story about love between a child and a parent, which is never too early to share with your baby. The repetitive text lends itself perfectly to a soothing bedtime read.

  • Hey You! An empowering celebration of growing up black

    By Dapo Adeola, various illustrators 

    2021 2 to 7 years 

    • Historical
    • Picture books

    A baby is born to loving parents, but as she grows up it’s hard for her to find books to read containing girls that look like her. Sometimes, as she gets older, she encounters racism, and life can be very hard. Yet, she is reminded that she stands on the shoulders of the great black community that has come before her – and that she has the power to be anything and anyone she wants to be.

  • Here We Are

    by Oliver Jeffers 

    2017 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    This manual to life on Earth from new dad Oliver Jeffers to his baby son is simple, life-affirming and showcases the beautiful diversity in the world.

  • The Boys

    by Lauren Ace, illustrated by Jenny Lovlie 

    2021 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    This inclusive picture book is very much centred on presenting an alternative to outdated representations of masculinity, and reminding us that boys are just as kind, loving, creative, clever and thoughtful as girls.

  • When I Was a Child

    by Andy Stanton and David Litchfield, illustrated by David Litchfield 

    2018 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    A Grandma talks to her granddaughter about all the magic she has seen in the world, in this picture book that brings the soft, bright nostalgia of childhood alive and captures those when I was your age” conversations beautifully.

  • What We’ll Build

    by Oliver Jeffers 

    2020 4 to 7 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A girl and her father make plans to build a glorious future together, discussing all the amazing things they will make – from mighty buildings to friendships. A lovely uplifting bedtime tale with poetic text and characterful illustrations.

  • Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

    by Dr Seuss 

    2011 4 to 14 years 

    • Picture books

    This classic book, loved by generations of families, talks to the young (or adult!) reader about what life is, what they can expect as they get older and how to move through the experience of living with joy, thankfulness, ambition and kindness. 

  • Held in Love

    by Dawn Casey and Oamul Lu 

    2018 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    This beautiful, quiet book captures a new mother’s hopes for her new baby, and a message that whatever happens in life, love will see them through. Perfect for a dreamy, cuddly read.

  • The Girls

    by Lauren Ace, illustrated by Jenny Lovlie 

    2018 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    Four friends find a tree that becomes their Secret Meeting Place. As they grow into four very different young women, their friendship stays as strong as the tree. This touching picture book perfectly encapsulates the value and joy of female friendship.