Everyone loves the classics, like Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. That's why EVERYONE gives them to new moms as baby shower gifts. Save your bestie a trip to the bookstore with these adorable books that she'll love just as much as her little one will. We're guessing that your girl is as awesome and creative as you are, so give her the books to match! Below are 17 books that are off the beaten baby-shower-gift-book path, from some of the most innovative, talented and hilarious authors out there.
1. Once Upon an Alphabetby Oliver Jeffers ($27): All 26 letters of the alphabet get their own adorable and alliterative short story in this gorgeous and innovative new book. Pair it with this alphabet wall art for the perfect present.
2. You WILL Be My Friend! by Peter Brown ($17): Lucille Beatrice Bear has decided she's going to make a friend. Today. No matter what. What ensues is a silly tale of dance parties, best intentions and one rad flamingo.
3. Hug Machine by Scott Campbell ($17): This kid's got a pretty adorable vocation: He's a hug machine. The story is simple enough for the youngest listener, with illustrations grownups will love, too.
4. Goodnight Already! by Jory John ($18): From the author who gave us All My Friends Are Dead, comes this new, hilarious book with just as much adult appeal, while also being a LOT more kid-friendly.
5. Big Rabbit's Bad Mood by Ramona Badescu ($17): Perfect for being read aloud, especially if there's more than one kid listening. With a story simple enough for a tiny tot and a sense of humor even older kids and parents dig, this one's truly for the WHOLE family.
6. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin ($17): The title really says it all on this one. And really, who doesn't love tacos?
7. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker ($17): With a soothing rhyme scheme and vibrant blue illustrations, this is a book that demands to be on every little aspiring engineer's shelf. (Get it personalized, if you know the baby's name!)
8. The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt ($18): Want to inspire a mini maker? Then get them the book that will challenge them to think outside the crayon box!
9. Chloe, Instead by Micah Player ($16): Looking for a present for a soon-to-be big sister? Get her this adorable and colorful story about sisters.
10. Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio ($17): Everyone has a friend who's OBSESSED with her pooch. And if her dog is as adorable as Gaston, it's easy to see why!
11. Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal ($18): This is the cutest, girly-est tale of unicorns that every girly-girl who's expecting deserves. Bridget Barrager's color-saturated illustrations are so lovely, you'll want to put them on the walls.
12. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems ($16): There's a reason this book is a staple in every Pre-K classroom: It's awesome. Kids love telling the pigeon “no!" and your bestie will, too!
13. Telephone by Mac Barnett ($17): Looking for the perfect baby shower gift? Put a bird on it! And maybe pair it with a cute birdie wall print for baby's room.
14. The Adventures of Beekle the Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat ($17): Beekle looks like a marshmallow, and he's basically the cutest. To top off the adorableness, he makes besties with a little girl in our world!
15. Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great by Bob Shea ($16): Sparkles. Cupcakes. Dance contests. A jealous goat. And a do-gooding unicorn. Seriously, what else does a baby's bookshelf need?
16.Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal ($16): Was your bestie a psych major? Swell. She's gonna love this adorable tale of reverse psychology, featuring a little owl who just wants to go to bed, already!
17. Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle ($17): There are no words in this book, just gorgeous, kinetic illustrations about a little girl who dances her way into friendship with a flamingo. Adorbs!
