Dream big! Our second baby shower gift roundup is dedicated to books that inspire, whether it’s encouraging little ones to aim high or to always be true to themselves.
See our picks below, and if you’re looking for more “picture perfect” baby shower gifts, check out our first post, "Beloved Classic Books," and our Baby Shower website!
Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds
While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to color inside the lines, Happy Dreamer by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds celebrates all those moments in between when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own true dreamer maximus! Families will return to this book over and over as kids grow up, reminding them of the power of their creativity and the validity of their dreams.
Future Astronaut and Future Engineer by Lori Alexander with illustrations by Allison Black
Future Astronaut and the upcoming Future Engineer are the perfect gifts for parents who want to inspire their little ones to aim high from the start. These board books compare each career with activities that babies do every day, so they can see that they already have what it takes to fly through space or design a bridge. The facts at the end are also perfect for sharing with older siblings.
Zen Happiness by Jon J Muth
Zen Happiness pairs beautiful watercolor illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jon J Muth’s Stillwater books with gentle tips for happy living. This small-format book will take on new meaning as babies grow older, and will equally inspire the grown-ups reading with them.
Dream Big by Joyce Wan
With her adorable, chunky art style, Joyce Wan encourages kids to dream big, far, wide, wild, fast and deep in this oversized board book. Each page introduces little ones to female trailblazers, including Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo, Ellen DeGeneres and Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and reminds young readers that anything is possible.
My Wish For You by Kathryn Hahn with illustrations by Brigette Barrager
Mother and actress Kathryn Hahn wrote My Wish for You as a letter to her own six-year-old daughter, offering advice like “Be afraid. Be fearless,” “Have big, big feelings” and “Let people earn the right to be your friend.” This is the perfect gift for parents who are about to have a little girl, and for mommies, too, with its message of strength and resilience.
