Lauren's List: 6 Books to Gift at a 1st Birthday

In the next month I have not one but two nephews turning one, which means I get to gift some of my favorite board books!! Children's books aren't all created equal. There are ones that bring joy through interesting, creative illustrations and well written, concise story-telling. On the other side of the spectrum, there are books that are poorly written: wordy, and annoying to read aloud, with computer-generated pictures.

Toddlers love to read the same books over and over and over again - don't accidentally fall into the trap of missing out on wonderful books that you'll end up reading aloud what feels like thousands of times! These are some of my most beloved board books, perfect for 12-24 months, with engaging pictures and short, but fun, text.

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

The Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Felicia Bond

We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

The Little Mouse, and the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood

Whose Toes are Those? by Jabari Asim, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

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