Inspiring baby books to gift to new parents

Held in Love

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.

  • What We'll Build

    Author: Oliver Jeffers

    Interest level: 4-5

    Flip
  • What We'll Build

    Author: Oliver Jeffers

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age:

    A girl and her father make plans to build a glorious future together, discussing all the amazing things they will make - from migh…

    ; Flip
  • The Boys

    Author: Lauren Ace Illustrator: Jenny Lovlie

    Interest level: 4-7

    Reading age: 6+

    Flip
  • The Boys

    Author: Lauren Ace Illustrator: Jenny Lovlie

    Interest level: 4-7

    Reading age: 6+

    This inclusive picture book is very much centred on presenting an alternative to outdated representations of masculinity, and remi…

    ; Flip
  • Held in Love

    Author: Dawn Casey & Oamul Lu

    Interest level: 5-7

    Reading age: 6+

    Flip
  • Held in Love

    Author: Dawn Casey & Oamul Lu

    Interest level: 5-7

    Reading age: 6+

    This beautiful, quiet book captures a new mother’s hopes for her new baby, and a message that whatever happens in life, love will …

    ; Flip
  • Blueberry Girl

    Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Charles Vess

    Interest level: 4+

    Reading age: 6+

    Flip
  • Blueberry Girl

    Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Charles Vess

    Interest level: 4+

    Reading age: 6+

    Written by Neil Gaiman for the birth of his friend Tori Amos’ daughter, this wonderful, winsome and heartwarming poem is an inspir…

    ; Flip
  • Here We Are

    Author: Oliver Jeffers

    Interest level: 4-6

    Reading age: 5+

    Flip
  • Here We Are

    Author: Oliver Jeffers

    Interest level: 4-6

    Reading age: 5+

    This manual to life on Earth from new dad Oliver Jeffers to his baby son is simple, life-affirming and showcases the beautiful div…

    ; Flip
  • When I Was a Child

    Author: Andy Stanton & David Litchfield

    Interest level: 4-7

    Reading age: 6+

    Flip
  • When I Was a Child

    Author: Andy Stanton & David Litchfield

    Interest level: 4-7

    Reading age: 6+

    A Grandma talks to her granddaughter about all the magic she has seen in the world, in this picture book that brings the soft, bri…

    ; Flip
  • Guess How Much I Love You

    Author: Sam McBratney Illustrator: Anita Jeram

    Interest level: 0-3

    Reading age: 0-3

    Flip
  • Guess How Much I Love You

    Author: Sam McBratney Illustrator: Anita Jeram

    Interest level: 0-3

    Reading age: 0-3

    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…

    ; Flip
  • The Girls

    Author: Lauren Ace Illustrator: Jenny Lovlie

    Interest level: 6-8

    Reading age: 6+

    Flip
  • The Girls

    Author: Lauren Ace Illustrator: Jenny Lovlie

    Interest level: 6-8

    Reading age: 6+

    Four friends find a tree that becomes their Secret Meeting Place. As they grow into four very different young women, their friends…

    ; Flip
  • The New Baby and Me!

    Author: Christine Kidney Illustrator: Hoda Haddadi

    Interest level: 2-5

    Flip
  • The New Baby and Me!

    Author: Christine Kidney Illustrator: Hoda Haddadi

    Interest level: 2-5

    Reading age:

    This joyful picture book beautifully celebrates the birth of a child and highlights the importance of recognising everyone’s uniqu…

    ; Flip
  • King Baby

    Author: Kate Beaton

    Interest level: 3-5

    Flip
  • King Baby

    Author: Kate Beaton

    Interest level: 3-5

    Reading age:

    King Baby bestows 'smiles and laughs and kisses' on everyone, for King Baby is generous. But he also has many demands: he must be …

    ; Flip