1. Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott
THE essential read for all new moms. It’s so sweet and funny and crass and heartfelt. You will wish that you could meet Anne at the park once a week with your kids.

2. Playful Learning by Mariah Bruehl
A beautiful book that helps you create interesting projects with your young children.

3. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross
Less is more. This philosophy rings true in nearly every aspect of life, especially as your family grows.

4. Feeding the Whole Family by Cynthia Lair
A lovely collection of creative and delicious meals for, well, the whole family!

5. First Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos by MaryAnn Kohl
Such a beautiful and inventive book (total must have for creative mamas) that gives you awesome ideas for easy, exciting projects for the littlest art-makers.

6. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth M.D.
Sleep can be a sensitive subject these days, but understanding what your child needs from a a very early age is sooooo helpful. There are plenty of philosophies out there, but this one seems to be very popular among lots of moms we know.

7. The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel and Tina Bryson
A welcome break from competing parenting philosophies, this book uses the science of brain development to help you understand how and when to communicate gently and effectively with your children. Truly something you could read every year until they’re well into their teens!

8. Nurture Shock by Bo Bronson and Ashley Merryman
Absolutely fascinating work that discusses a whole range of real life issues that relate to children of varying ages. If you love Malcom Gladwell and Freakanomics, you have to read this book.

What are your favorite books? There are so many more we should probably be reading too!

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