Baby Shower Book Gifts for Every Astrological Sign
by Liz Lesnick
I was recently invited to a baby shower where the theme was the baby’s astrological sign, Leo. Everyone brought gifts that featured lions or had a connection to the characteristics of a Leo — and it was delightful. I decided that the next time I’m invited to a baby shower, I’ll give books inspired by the baby’s sign. Want to do the same? Here are 12 ideas for astrology-inspired book gifts to get you started.
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Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
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The Mermaid
Available from:Aquarians are said to be creative, free spirits. Is there a more magical sea creature than a mermaid? Parents and children alike will be captivated by this exquisitely illustrated, under-the-sea version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
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Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
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Swimmy
Available from:I love giving books that were family favorites, so any Pisces can expect to get Swimmy from me. Swimmy is an intrepid little fish who teaches his school how to outfox the treacherous big fish — a sort of underwater David and Goliath. (This special anniversary edition features a poster that would be a lovely addition to any nursery.)
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Aries (March 21 - April 19)
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My Favorite Pets
Gus must do an essay for school, so he decides to write about his favorite “pets” — the 17 sheep who live on his farm. As it turns out, sheep don’t make the best pets. They don’t like to be inside, ride skateboards, or climb trees. I dare any grown-up to read this book aloud without cracking up at least twice!
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Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
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The Story of Ferdinand
Available from:If I were president, I would issue an executive order that mandated that all babies be given a copy of The Story of Ferdinand at birth. Munro Leaf’s timeless tale of the gentle bull who confounds a bullfighter by being himself has delighted generations of readers and is perfect for little Taurus readers.
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Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
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Two Is for Twins
Available from:This cheerfully-illustrated board book celebrates all the great things that come in twos: your eyes, your ears, and twins. I suggest giving two copies, one for each twin.
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Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
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Leo (July 23 - August 22)
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The Happy Lion
Every Leo will be delighted to meet The Happy Lion, the très charmant feline whose neighbors greet him every day with a cheerful, “Bonjour, Happy Lion!” When a careless zookeeper leaves his cage ajar, the lion decides to say bonjour to his neighbors in person, with uproarious consequences.
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Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
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I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
Available from:Virgos are characterized as kind, hardworking, and modest — all traits that I’ve tried to cultivate in my daughter. I Walk with Vanessa shows how one girl’s kind act leads to many more — a timeless and valuable lesson for Virgos and non-Virgos alike.
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Libra (September 23 - October 22)
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I Look Up to Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Libra’s symbol is the scales of justice, and I can’t think of a more inspirational Justice than Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The bright illustrations will captivate young readers and the clear, age-appropriate words will teach them about the groundbreaking contributions of RBG.
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Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Available from:Scorpios are usually described as resourceful and dynamic, characteristics shared by the 13 women profiled in She Persisted. These compelling portraits of well-known figures like Harriet Tubman and less familiar faces like Virginia Apgar are sure to inspire a new generation of barrier breakers.
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Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Astrologers describe Sagittarius as adventurous and truth-seeking, and no character in literature fits this description as perfectly as Alice in Wonderland. This board book uses iconic moments from Lewis Carroll’s classic to illustrate verbs like “shrink” and “drink.” Alison Jay’s distinctive crackle paintings give this board book the feeling of a contemporary classic.
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Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
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G Is for Goat
Available from:Any Capricorn (including me) would be delighted to unwrap G Is for Goat. Young readers will eat up the simple rhymes and cheerful pictures as eagerly as these goats devour everything in sight!
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