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.)

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle

Eric Carle’s red and green caterpillar—which appears to have been made via a mix of stained glass and tissue paper—has never ceased in popularity since the book was first published in 1969. The story of a caterpillar’s week of meals is both visually stunning and educational, teaching your children counting, science, and the days of the week. Plus, who knew that a simple hole puncher could add so much fun to a read? [Eric Munn]