Board books always make an appealing gift, whether they contain original stories or are simply collections of images and words that stimulate the senses; both excite toddlers about the world of reading that's in store for them. Another option, adapting an already popular picture book to the format, is also a great way to introduce books to babies. Here are some of our new favorites.

Mike Jolley's I'll See You in the Morning, an ideal choice for inclusion in kids' nightly bedtime rituals, is now a tiny board book sized just right for their small hands. Through Mique Moriuchi's dreamy, lush illustrations and Jolley's lilting rhymes, it offers kids a peaceful, reassuring message, helping soothe their childhood fears—of the dark, of monsters under the bed and of being alone all night—so they can fall asleep and have truly sweet dreams. ($6.99) Chronicle Books, San Francisco

Calling nonconformists of all ages! Tacky the Penguin, the eccentric bird that marches to the (loud) beat of his own drummer, is back at retail this year in a new board book edition from author Helen Lester and illustrator Lynn Munsinger. Now even the littlest eccentrics can enjoy the hilarious tale of a free-thinking penguin whose fierce individuality, ultimately, saves the day. ($6.99) Houghton Mifflin, Boston

Dashka Slater's jubilant Baby Shoes is now even more toddler-friendly in its new board book format. Featuring the same sweet watercolor illustrations by artist Hiroe Nakata as the original picture book, the story follows Baby's enjoyment of his brand new “high-jumping, fast-running, fine-looking shoes” in an excited—and very messy—adventure with Mama across town. Perfect for new walkers starting out on their own journeys. ($7.95) Bloomsbury, New York

In Hooray for Fish!, written and illustrated by Maisy creator Lucy Cousins, young readers are taken on a whirlwind underwater tour as Little Fish greets all kinds of friends—spotty, stripy, happy, gripy, hairy, scary, curly whirly and twisty twirly. This joyous celebration of diversity, based on the acclaimed picture book of the same name, succeeds through its playful rhyming text and Cousin's characteristically vibrant images. ($8.99) Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Mass.

A parent's unconditional love is the theme of No Matter What, a warm and inviting tale written and illustrated by Debi Gliori. Available for the first time this year in a board book edition, the story follows Small, a grumpy little fox, and Large, the parent who will always love—no matter what. And since neither character's gender is specified, the book has added appeal for all kinds of families. ($6.95) Harcourt, New York

Knut: The Baby Polar Bear is an adaptation of the tale first presented in the picture book Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World, by Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff. It's the true story of a cub born at Zoo Berlin in Germany who's fostered by the zoo's bear keeper, and told through full-color photographs. ($6.99) Scholastic, New York