The Best Books for Your Baby’s First Year
Why Reading to Your Baby from Day One Changes Everything
I started reading to Anaya while I was still pregnant. I remember walking around New York, describing everything I saw to my baby in my head — so many imaginary conversations we had! One day I was at Posman Books in Chelsea Market and saw the most gorgeous edition of Alice in Wonderland — illustrated by Andrea D’Aquino, published by Rockport. I obviously bought it, and that’s when everything started. I would sit and read aloud about rabbit holes and mad tea parties to someone who wasn’t even born yet. It was just perfect.
I’m obsessed with children’s literature. During the pandemic, with a one-year-old and a three-year-old at home, I discovered what so many others did: the power of digital learning. I’d been falling in love with children’s literature for three years, and suddenly an opportunity to study it in depth came up. I jumped on it — six months diving into the core of children’s literature through a diploma program. A year later, I did another one focused on young adult literature, already thinking ahead to the teenage years.
As artist Kveta Pacovska said, “A picture book is the first art gallery a child visits.” I wanted Anaya’s first gallery to be beautiful.
Nine years and two kids later, I’ve learned that the books you choose for your baby’s first year aren’t just board books to chew on. They’re introductions to rhythm, color, emotion, and the sound of your voice saying, “This moment is for you.”
So if you’re building your baby’s first library — whether you’re still pregnant or holding a brand-new human who can’t yet focus their eyes — here are four books that belong on every shelf, plus where to find an entire curated list of favorites for ages 0-3.
Best Books for Babies: Four to Start With
Here are four of our favorites from the guide — classics, beautiful finds, and books that work from newborn through the first year:
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Clement Hurd
The ultimate bedtime classic. In a great green room, a little bunny says goodnight to everything around him. This rhythmic, soothing tale has lulled generations of children to sleep with its gentle repetition and timeless illustrations. There’s a reason every parent you know has this book.
Find it at Books Are Magic in Brooklyn or Bank Street Books on the Upper West Side
On the Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier
A celebration of birth that welcomes a new baby to Earth with poetic language and stunning collage illustrations. The sun, moon, tides, and animals all rejoice at a child’s arrival. Fair warning: this book makes everyone cry happy tears. Perfect for those first few months when everything feels profound.
Find it at Books of Wonder in Chelsea
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
A cow says moo, a sheep says baa — but what do the pigs say? Three singing pigs say “LA LA LA!” This silly, simple board book teaches animal sounds while making everyone laugh. As your baby gets older and starts babbling, they’ll try to join in. It’s perfect for the youngest readers and never gets old.
Find it at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn or WORD Bookstore in Brooklyn
Luna by Antonio Rubio, Illustrated by Óscar Villán
Part of the collection “De la cuna a la luna,” this Spanish board book is full of poetry and rhythm. Simple, beautiful words introduce the moon and night to the youngest readers. A treasure for bilingual families — and a gorgeous introduction to Spanish for everyone else.
Find it at McNally Jackson or order directly from Kalandraka
Where to Find More
These four are just the beginning. Our complete guide includes 20+ curated books for ages 0-3, organized by what they offer: bedtime books, playful reads, emotional stories, Spanish options, and hidden treasures other families will ask you about.
Download the complete SHK Favorite Kids Books guide (ages 0-3) here
Whether you’re building your home library one book at a time or creating a registry, this guide will help you find books that honor your baby’s capacity for beauty and wonder.
Your baby won’t understand the plot. They can’t tell you what the caterpillar ate on Tuesday. But they’re absorbing everything: the cadence of language, the warmth of your lap, the way pages turn, the fact that you keep showing up for this quiet ritual. The books you choose matter, but the time you spend reading them together matters more.
If you’re documenting this chapter of life and want photos that feel as thoughtful as the books you’re choosing, we’d love to work with you. Check out our newborn photography or get in touch to create something beautiful for your family.
