There was an article about reading to babies in the local newspaper this morning, and of course it got me thinking. After all, I have a baby (1-year old *sob*), and we do that reading thing.
He lights up when I show him one of his favorite books and is willing to listen to a page or two before he takes the book away from me. The taking of the book is most likely part of the “do-it-myself” syndrome that starts to happen with babies as they grow, although he can’t articulate it yet. That’s okay; don’t sweat it if your baby or toddler doesn’t let you finish the book with him in one setting.
My cousin has a little boy whose first sentence was, “Book, Dada, go!” Which of course meant something to the effect of, “Here’s a book, Dad. Now read it to me!” Isn’t that just the best? I may start whispering this to Joseph when he’s asleep.
There are so many great books for babies and toddlers. Here are some that have been favorites of mine at this age, and continue to be Joseph’s favorites. (Book photos from Amazon.)
Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden: Joseph is and has been smitten with this one for a long time. He loves the others in the “series” too (same author, same concept).
Touch and Feel Pets, from DK. Our version of this doesn’t have the Spanish too, but it’s nice to know it’s out there. Joseph especially started lovingĀ this one when he started noticing our dogs several months ago. He loves to touch the animals. The cat’s whiskers have been a favorite with all mine.
Baby Talk from DK has also been a hit with all three of mine. I specifically remember my oldest trying to grab the spoonful of cereal from the picture of the baby who is hungry. Ha! Good memories. This one has flaps to play peekaboo with the babies too.
Another DK book, Baby Touch and Feel Animals. Animals are such a fascination with babies and toddlers, and touch and feel books are a safe place to grab their “fur” and “pet” them.
Scholastic’s Colors. This was my oldest’s favorite, and they have all enjoyed it. Lots of different textures for little hands to explore, and bright colors to look at.
One festive book, in case you’re looking for a sweet one for your sweet one this holiday, Bunny’s Fuzzy Christmas, a Pat the Bunny book. Pat the Bunny of course is wonderful too, but we haven’t gotten there quite yet with Joseph. However this one is simple and another touch and feel board book for Christmas.
What are your favorites for babies and toddlers? I’d love to know.
Now I’m off to do a little bibliotherapy with my 4-year old daughter, whose Christmas list seems to be growing by the day. We are going to re-read The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear, in which Brother Bear advises Sister not to get too greedy with her long list because Santa might not bring anything at all!
Read on, families!
Read On, Sweet Child 
My kids always loved Brown Bear, Brown Bear. The board book version is best for the teethers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, my daughter especially loved that one too. I remember we youtube’d a version of the book that was sung to a little tune with my son, and ever since, I have to “sing” the book when we read it! Thanks for sharing, Liz.
LikeLike
I read “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” with a drum so the kids can bang the drum when we all saw BOOM BOOM! We also read “No, David” because we need to learn the word No to our friends. I am trying to figure out some more to read to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that Amanda! Thank you for sharing! Great kinesthetic activity for the kids to get involved with Chicka Chicka. No David is one of my favorites too, and I love the story behind it! š I need to do another post on toddler and preschooler books soon.
LikeLike