My daugther’s first birthday is quickly approaching. I am getting ready for her party and have been thinking about the perfect gift to get her. Because she has an older sister, I don’t think toys are needed. So I am giving her the BEST gift of all: books!

I love books. So much that I when I used to get my book orders in grade school, I would hurry up, open the book and take a big whiff! Mmm, the smell of a new book is so great! I love the messages that lie inside of books. I love the illustrations that paint pictures in your head. I have to hold back on spending money on books for my girls. Being a teacher, I already have my own personal children’s library at home. But with it being a first birthday, I chose a few books with super special messages in them.

1. Little Michigan by Denise Brennan-Nelson

2. Only One You by Linda Kranz

3. Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Seuss

4. You Be You by Linda Kranz

5. An Awesome Book of Thanks by Clayton Dallas

Invitations for the birthday go out tomorrow. I love planning a party but I could cry thinking about how it feels like only yesterday that my little girl entered this world!