The storybook shower was a great success with compliments all around.  Baby got all kinds of great gifts, including at least one personalized book from each shower guest.  People really seemed to enjoy the “book instead of a card” idea and took a lot of care to pick out a childhood favorite, or match the book to the theme of their gift.

Of course, books were incorporated throughout the entire shower in all kinds of cute and clever ways:

• Food – Each of the dishes had a storybook theme.  For example, we had “Goodnight Moon” finger sandwiches on crescent rolls, “She Sells Seashells” pasta salad made with shell macaroni, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” meatballs served with umbrella toothpicks, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” cookies, etc.  If you’re planning a storybook shower and have a menu in mind, try going to amazon.com to see what’s available, or consult a children’s librarian.  Also, check with your local bakery to see if they can make a book-shaped cake.
• Centerpieces – Each centerpiece featured a book, a snack, and a toy of some sort.  For example, I had “The Rainbow Fish” book paired with Colored Goldfish crackers and a fish toy and “The Poky Little Puppy” along with a stuffed dog and Scooby Snacks (dogbone-shaped graham crackers).  Cookie Monster books are always an obvious choice, and you can pair a ton of books with animal crackers. 
• Favors – Bookmarks, of course! The shower featured hand-crocheted heart bookmarks that are available for sale through Events That Impress.  They are adorable!  Comment here if you are interested and I’ll pass along a photo.