The Reading Mother

I recently helped plan a bring a book baby shower for a co-worker. I was talking to my mom about the shower and she reminded me about The Reading Mother poem. I was so happy for the reminder, because it was a perfect addition to the shower!
 

When my mom (who, for the record, read to me) gifts baby books to new mothers, she'll put the last stanza of the poem in the front cover of the book:

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a Mother who read to me.

In this case I opted to use the whole poem and frame it. At the shower we read the poem prior to gifting the books.
 

by Strickland Gillilan

I HAD A MOTHER who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath

I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Celert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-
Stories that stir with an upward touch,
Oh, that each mother of boys were such.

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a Mother who read to me.

Whether you use the whole poem or just the last paragraph, it is a sweet addition to a baby gift!