12 Must Have Books for Baby’s First Year
Reading is one of the most powerful ways you can promote your baby’s speech, language, and cognitive development, and it is never too early to start. Reading well before baby is speaking, is an important bonding experience and exposes him to language, rhythm, sentence structure, and new vocabulary. Books with simple and rhythmic text, simple pictures in high contrasting colors, and books that offer a variety of textures are initially the most engaging.
There are so many wonderful books out there, written specifically for young children, that it might be hard to determine where to start. After observing my two babies, and using children’s book in countless speech therapy sessions, I have put together a list of 12 must have books for baby’s first year. Add the following to your library!
Look Look by Peter Linenthal: This book is full of beautiful high-contrast, black-and-white, cut-paper art paired with simple words. It is the perfect book to use as motivation during tummy time or to encourage visual attention during story time.
Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton: Stomp your feet! Clap you hands! Everybody ready for a barnyard dance! Both of my children have loved this book. The book’s language is rich with engaging rhythm and a catchy rhyme. There is enough text on each page to keep your baby interested and move the story along.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: A classic children’s book that should be in every little one’s library. The simple illustrations alternate from black and white to color, and the text is simple and calming – the perfect bedtime book.
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kinhardt: Published in 1940, this children’s book is ahead of it’s time by being one of the first “touch and feel” books. Both my babes love how there is something new to interact with on each page and both of my babes have found creative ways to destroy the interactive pieces.
Never Touch a Dragon: This is a dragon-themed touch-and-feel book. My babe loves the bright illustrations and the different textures to feel on each page. I say the same predictive phrase on each page, so my baby can anticipate what is going to happen.
That’s not my... an Usborne touchy-feely book series: This book series features a different animal or object in each book and combines bright, colorful illustrations with a variety of different textures on each page.
Highlights Hello Subscription: This subscription has been a hit with both of my children. The magazine is the perfect size for little hands, and it’s baby safe, made of a tear-resistant, washable material. There are simple and engaging stories in each magazine and tips and tricks are included for parents to extend your child’s learning.
See, Touch, Feel by Roger Priddy: A large board book with bright and colorful pictures on each page that invites baby to touch and explore. My baby especially loves checking himself out in the mirror at the end of the book.
Indestructibles by Amy Pixton Indestructible books are an entire series of books that are 100% baby-proof, chew-proof, rip-proof, and drool-proof. Each page provides bright illustrations and simple text that baby can explore alone or on his parent’s lap.
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg: This is a favorite in our family. The text has a nice rhythm and rhyme. Big Sis now loves filling in the phrases when I pause for her and she also enjoys pointing out the characters to baby brother.
Mr Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss: This is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books for the little reader. It’s a short read that is filled with animal and every day sounds that parents can model and children can then join in.
Happy Reading!Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn commission if you click through and make a purchase.