Babies need to be read to, too. But what to read, you ask? Board books! They are the perfect size for them!
You may read the same book over and over again. Remember, it isn’t really about what you are reading, but more so the fact that you are reading with your little one – it’s the experience and words that they will not forget. The library has plenty of new books for you to check out if you are tired of the same ones over and over.
Certain types of board books can keep baby’s attention better than others – and meet specific developmental needs. Here are six exemplary titles that are both adorable and great for baby!
Cuddle: A board book about snuggling
by Elizabeth Verdick
This book uses sweet, simple rhyming text to convey safety and the importance of cuddling! Black and white pictures appear throughout of babies’ faces – and since babies are naturally interested in faces, it will definitely hold their attention! Part of the Happy Healthy Baby series.
Look Look Outside
Author Linenthal uses contrasting colors – black and white – and just a hint of lime green: perfect for your very young baby’s developing eyesight. The visual stimuli in the book with grab baby’s attention right from the start! Other books to check out with color contrasts are I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy and Black & White by Tana Hoban.
Moo Baa La La La
Your baby wants to hear your voice, so why not read a book with fun, playful language? This book is a classic for that! Cows moo, of course, but did you know that a chorus of pigs says La La La? They dance, too. Check out Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr. Seuss and Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw for serious fun!
Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book
Once your little one is a little older, their hands will be strong enough to begin to feel their world. A Touch and Feel/Lift-the-Flap book like Dear Zoo, is perfect to let them interact with a book! Don’t worry if they chew on it too, that’s how they really figure out how a book works, and that it doesn’t taste too good.
Baby’s Shapes 
Introduce concepts like shapes, numbers and colors through a book like Baby’s Shapes, which has big bold pictures and things that baby will see in their world – a cookie (circle) and a block (square). Reinforce what you have read during every day interactions by asking questions about the concepts your baby has learned. Also read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr & John Archambault and No No Yes Yes by Leslie Patricelli.
Baby Signs
Baby Signs is exactly what it says it is – a baby-sized introduction to sign language. It includes the signs most likely to be used by your little one, once learned, to communicate their needs to you. Even if your family doesn’t use sign language, it is still a cute introduction to the most basic signs. Check out Sign Language ABC by Lora Heller, too.
—
Here at the Vernon Area Public Library, we use the five early literacy practices — TALK, SING, READ, WRITE, PLAY — as the foundation for all of our storytimes. It’s never too early to start on these five activities to set the stage for reading readiness.
We offer storytimes beginning at birth, and all are welcome to stop by and visit — no library card required. But if you are a resident, you can sign up for one while you are here! Find our calendar of storytimes and other events at http://calendar.vapld.info.
If you would like more information about early literacy, what is happening at the library and a printable calendar, click here to subscribe to our quarterly Early Literacy eNewsetter.
Looking for more book recommendations for you or your little ones? Visit our Goodreads or Pinterest accounts for librarian-selected reading for all ages.
Connect with the Vernon Area Public Library District:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest| YouTube| Flickr |GoodReads
Disclosure: Some links provided in this story are affiliate links. A small percentage of purchases made through those links are earned and used to cover the expense of running the site. Thank you for clicking!
Leave a Reply