Here is a curated list of books new parents must check out

Alia Bhatt reads to her daughter Raha. Pic Courtesy/Instagram

If You Plant a Seed
Kadir Nelson's book is a warm lesson that begins with an exploration on what happens when one plants tomato and carrot seeds with love. If you plant a carrot seed in time with care, a carrot grows. This turns into a meditation on similar results that young ones can expect from planting emotions. "If you plant a seed of kindness…" Picture books with anthropomorphic characters like mice sharing tomatoes with other animals, or a rabbit and a mouse eating a meal together can also widen the world for babies from an early age.

Pics courtesy/Little Bookworm

Feelings
Before we learn the correct words for our feelings, we see their manifestation in our actions. Louise Forshaw's illustrations open a vast universe of emotions for babies. For instance, a story about little Nur, who is unable to play because she has a fever and must visit the doctor, ends with a question for the reader. Young listeners get to lift the flap and guess how Nur feels by choosing between a gloomy face and a cheerful one. Such books act as visual aids for toddlers to understand their own feelings as well as comprehend those expressed by others.

Pic courtesy/Storyweaver

The Birthday Party
In Megha Vishwanath's wordless picture book resides an endearing tale about a boy who picks up on his mother's exhaustion after his birthday party. He decides to help her clean up. Introducing stories about offering support to friends and family instil values of generosity and empathy. They develop an ability in little ones to create beautiful and meaningful relationships with those around them.

Pic courtesy/davidezrastein.com

Please Don't Cry
Bawling little bears, monkeys, and children appear on the pages of Yusuke Yonezu's board book. The end, however, is uplifting. Reassurance is a virtue that often feels needed more than its gifted. The writer recognises this and through his soft illustrations, toddlers learn both: to love and be loved. Most Yonezu titles teach compassion. Parents can check out We Love Each Other and Sharing.

The Nice Book
The title says it all. The Nice Book by David Ezra Stein is an eloquent journey into finding ways to be good. Words are sparse; small acts evince affection: a cuddle, a nuzzle, a gentle squeeze, a giggle, a pat, an ear to listen, or a hello. Stein's illustrations show that possibilities of expressing warmth wholeheartedly are endless. Colourful animals wade the pages of the book making it a funny, dynamic, bright, and
delightful read.

Available at Local
Bookstores and e-bookstores

Bonus reads
>> The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield
>> Damayanti the Detective by Niveditha Subramaniam
>> The Hugasaurus by Rachel Bright
>> Oliver's Tree by Kit Chase
>> Farida Plans a Feast by Maegan Dobson Sippy
>> Haru by Manjari Chakravarti