The 25 essential baby books every nursery should have

We recently heard some distressing news from a new-parent colleague: She hadn’t received any baby books for presents either at showers or post-birth. Sure, books may not be as straight-up practical as a Diaper Genie or a pack of onesies, but their effects last a whole lot longer. Our friend’s dilemma got some of us thinking about the books we read to our own offspring when they were little, which some of us still treasure as the calmest, happiest moments in those insane years of infant- and toddlerhood. So if you’re expecting (congratulations) or want to pick something that’s not on the registry for your next baby shower attendance, here are a couple dozen books that we heartily recommend. (If available, always go for the board-book options, because babies just love to chomp on books.)

2. Where The Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak

This is not only an essential book for children, but for parents as well. As a parent there are going to be many times where you see your child throwing a tantrum and wonder “Where did this monster come from?” Well, from somewhere in and out of weeks and almost over a year that you can only get to by boat. In 40 pages Maurice Sendak shows us in stunning visuals just what a child is thinking when they want to rage out. And reminds us that even during their wild stage, they’re always wanting to return home to where they know they are loved and there’s a warm dinner waiting for them. [Eric Munn]