Books by Theme

A Shower of Books

What better way to welcome a new baby than with a shelf full of classic books? Reading books together from the very beginning lays the foundation for literacy and takes parent and child on shared journeys that bring shared discoveries and joy. So if there's a new child joining your family or circle of friends, welcome them with a basket of books — and a lap upon which to share them.

All of Baby, Nose to Toes

All of Baby, Nose to Toes

By: Victoria Adler
Illustrated by: Hiroe Nakata
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

All of a newborn, from head to toe, is appreciated and loved by various members of an adoring family. Lively language and joyful illustrations are used in this ebullient celebratory book.

Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon

By: Margaret Wise Brown
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

The youngster prepares for sleep, bidding goodnight to the room and all objects in it, including the moon and the old lady who whispers "hush." Sleep comes softly in this cozy classic.

Max's First Word

Max's First Word

By: Rosemary Wells
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

No matter how hard Ruby tries to get her baby brother to say the names of the objects around him, Max will only say “Bang!” One day, however, Ruby gets a big surprise from Max’s first real word. Understated humor and bright, bold illustrations appeal to children and their adults.

My Very First Mother Goose

My Very First Mother Goose

By: Iona Opie
Illustrated by: Rosemary Wells
Genre: Poetry
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

This spritely collection of both familiar and less well known rhymes is presented in an oversized format just right for sharing. Young children will likely examine lighthearted, detailed illustrations as they extend the rhymes' action with verve and humor.

Pat the Bunny

Pat the Bunny

By: Dorothy Kundhart
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Readers are invited to touch, smell, and play games with Paul and Judy with each turn of sturdy, tactile pages. The original "touch and feel" book has an ageless quality due to simplicity in tone, text, and illustration.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

By: Mem Fox
Illustrated by: Helen Oxenbury
Genre: Poetry, Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

From the opening lines to its satisfying conclusion, readers are introduced to babies from many cultures. Though each child is different, each has some things in common — "ten little fingers & ten little toes." The rhyming text and repeated phrase make this a wonderful book to share with children of many ages.

Ten, Nine, Eight

Ten, Nine, Eight

By: Molly Bang
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

This countdown to bedtime begins with "10 small toes all washed and warm" until one little girl is tucked snugly into bed by her loving dad. Richly hued illustrations, warmly detailed, combine with a straightforward text that holds up to multiple readings as well as careful examination.

Tickle Tickle

By: Helen Oxenbury
Genre: Poetry, Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Chubby cheeked babies of many hues are shown in crisp illustrations doing things that babies do. The simple words are playful and energetic, just like the children in this and others by Oxenbury such as Clap Hands and All Fall Down.

What Shall We Do with a Boo Hoo Baby?

What Shall We Do with a Boo Hoo Baby?

By: Cressida Cowell
Illustrated by: Ingrid Godon
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Try as they might, Cow, Duck, Dog, and Cat just cannot come up with how to stop the baby from crying. With humor and verve, the animals' efforts ultimately exhaust them — and a smiling baby watches them sleep. Repetition, humor, and lots of opportunity for participation are sure to delight even the youngest child.

Where's Spot?

Where's Spot?

By: Eric Hill
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

That silly puppy Spot! He's hiding from his mom right before supper and so she — with the reader's help — must find him by looking in, under, and behind commonplace objects. Start the search by lifting sturdy flaps until Spot is found.

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"Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. " — Neil Gaiman