12 Creative Baby Books That Double As Art History 101

If you’ve got a pint-sized Picasso on your holiday shopping list, then you’ve come to the right place. As a new mama to a whimsical little nine-month-old, I’ve always got my eye out for cute, creative board books and am here to share a dozen of my faves. Bonus: You get a refresher art history course while you entertain your little ;)

My First Book of Patterns ($17): As someone who is all about print and pattern, my jaw dropped the moment I saw this book. It’s a gorgeous tome for babes and grown ups alike. Each pattern is presented first as a single element (for example, a circle) and then as a pattern (polka dots!).

Pop Art Baby ($11): This book features the artwork of Keith Haring and uses his iconic illustrations to explore themes like love and friendship in English, French, Spanish, and German. My daughter Anokhi’s favorite part is the touch-and-feel fuzzy plush heart at the end of the book.

TouchThinkLearn: Colors ($15): I have to admit, the die-cut shapes that are both raised and scooped-out are pretty dang satisfying for grown ups as well. Designed with the idea that even the youngest learners benefit from understanding the universe in more than flat dimensions, each page explores a different color.

My First Shapes With Frank Lloyd Wright ($13): Don’t you wish you learned about circles and squares from Frank Lloyd Wright? ;) Known for his use of basic geometric shapes to create a distinct architectural style, this book takes Wright’s signature motifs and breaks them down shape by shape.

The Little Feminist Set ($15): Please, can I pick more than one favorite?! Written by Emily Kleinman and illustrated by Lydia Ortiz, this set of little feminist pioneers, artists, leaders, and activists is a must for the stockings of all the minis you know.

An Incomplete Book of Awesome Things ($10): Described as a celebration of some of the world’s most universally awesome (but perhaps overlooked) things like masking tape, tunnels, lava, argyle, and elbows, this book is a welcome break from farm animals and the names of colors.

Matisse Dance for Joy ($10): As you can see, I’m pretty into this whole trend of taking old school art into new school baby books. This time, Matisse gets the board-book treatment. I just love how Matisse’s paper cutouts come to life in this playful book.

Art for Baby ($22): I’ve had my eye on this ever since I saw my brother prop it up in front of my nephew Ravi during tummy time when he was just a few weeks old. This collection features black and white images created by Takashi Murakami, Julian Opie, Damien Hirst, and more. The high-contrast art will mesmerize even the littlest baby curators.

A Is for Andy ($13): The folks over at Mudpuppy combined artwork by Andy Warhol with lettering by his mother, Julia Warhola, to create a totally delightful board book adventure.

TouchThinkLearn: ABC ($25): If your babe is already scoffing at Old MacDonald and Baa Baa Black Sheep, they might be ready for this aesthetic marvel. Honestly, this would make for a good coffee table book even if you don’t have any tinies rolling/crawling/running around the house. Like TouchThinkLearn: Colors, this book features beautiful raised die-cut pieces as well as cut outs, and takes you through the alphabet letter by letter.

Mrs. Peanuckle’s Vegetable Alphabet ($8): The first in a series of board books that are all about the joy of nature at home and in the backyard, this vibrant buffet of edible ABC’s is downright delicious ;)

My Dreams ($13): Ready for bed? This sweet book of dreams takes you on a magic carpet ride, under the sea atop a whale, and features fuzzy components as well as glow-in-the-dark elements.

Still looking for more inspo? Museum gift shops are a great place to find unusual baby books. Make a trip out of it! After all, your babe is never too young to appreciate high-contrast shapes and compelling color combinations.