Books for Babies |
Parents can encourage reading in many ways, but experts agree that choosing good books is an essential first step. The booklists below are comprised of popular picks—both classics and recent titles—for your baby. The next time you're at the library, ask your librarian for other suggestions.
New Books: Spring 2008
New Books: Winter 2007
African-American Heritage
Hispanic American Heritage
American Indian Heritage
Wordless Books
Bilingual Books
New Books: Spring 2008
Bow-Wow Hears Things
by Mark Newgarden
When Bow-Wow meets a bird who says oink, he is not fooled. Ticktock? Nope. He knows what the right sound should be, and he’s not going anywhere until he hears it!
Play Ball!
by Santiago Cohen
Apes playing football! Kangaroos dunking basketballs! This lively board book shows all sorts of furry friends playing a variety of ball games.
Such a Silly Baby
by Steffanie Lorig and Richard Lorig
Bursting with bright illustrations and a rollicking text, this boisterous book invites readers to hoot, neigh, snort, and giggle along with a very silly baby.
Uh-oh, Calico!
by Karma Wilson
Calico is having a bad day. She falls while chasing a bee, tramples a flower garden, and even spills her milk. Poor Calico! She feels like she can't do anything right...until her mother reminds her that everyone makes mistakes, and she still loves her—no matter what.
New Books: Winter 2007
Cutie Pie!
by Matthew Kempler
A delightful, interactive book that compares babies and toddlers to one of the sweetest things around: pie! From pies made of apples and peaches to blueberries and pumpkins, Cutie Pie! celebrates word play, colors, and adorable kids.
¡Dense Vuelta! / Roll Over!
by Merle Peek
10 in the bed and the little one said: “Roll over. Roll Over.” They all rolled over and one fell out….” This adaptation of the classic children’s song features whimsical illustrations of animals falling out of bed with lyrical text that is perfect for bedtime sing-alongs.
Goodnight Goodnight Sleepyhead
by Ruth Krauss
A young child bids her surroundings an affectionate goodnight before settling down for a peaceful night’s sleep. This classic bedtime tale is perfect for lulling little sleepyheads to sleep.
Splish Splash, Baby Bundt: A Recipe for Bath Time
by Jamie Harper
Combine one messy baby with rubber ducks, soap, and a bath mitt; then pour in plenty more toys. With the help of big sister, stir bubbles until super-sudsy and coat baby well. Remove when wrinkly, pat dry, add a pinch of powder, and watch baby sparkle!
New Books: Spring/Summer 2007
Bathtime Fun! With Peter Rabbit and Friends
by Beatrix Potter
Children can read and play with this book, featuring full-color illustrations of Peter Rabbit and his friends doing all their favorite things, in and out of the bathtub.
Beach Babies Wear Shade
by Michelle Sinclair Colman
The babies are back and, this time, they're slathered with sunscreen and headed for the beach.
Fairy Colors
by Caroline Repchuk
This sturdy casebound board book teaches colors and features rhyming text and holographic foil on every two-page spread.
Ollie
by Olivier Dunrea
Fans of the Gossie & Friends books will enjoy little Ollie and his big personality as he finds his way in the barnyard.
African-American Heritage
Baby Dance
by Ann Taylor
For babies who are responding to music and movement, here's a playful poem that has father and child dancing lovingly across the pages.
Bear on a Bike
by Stella Blackstone
Transports young readers around the world by bike, train, raft, boat and even hot-air balloon, with a special night-time journey at the end.
Shake Shake Shake
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Explore the joys of rhythm and movement in a spirited board book celebrating the loving closeness of an African-American family.
Whistle for Willie
by Ezra Jack Keats
Now the classic story of Peter, who longs to whistle for his dog, is accessible to even the youngest child in a durable board book edition.
Hispanic American Heritage
Fiesta
by Ginger Foglesong Guy
Horns, airplanes and tops. What toys should the children choose? Open el libro to find out and to count with them.
Hola! Jalapeno
by Amy Wilson Sanger
From burritos to quesadillas to molé, lively mixed media and cut-paper collages take readers on a tour of their favorite foods of Mexico.
Oh, the Colors / De Colores
by Ashley Wolff
The familiar Spanish song translates well into English, and children from all cultures will soon be cackling and peeping, 'cara'-ing and 'po'-ing along with the chicks and hens on the farm.
Uno, Dos, Tres / One, Two, Three
by Pat Mora
Pictures depict two sisters going from shop to shop buying birthday presents for their mother.
American Indian Heritage
Baby’s First Laugh
by Beverley Blacksheep
Who will make baby laugh? Will it be father, older sister, grandma or someone else in the family?
Mama, Do You Love Me?
by Barbara M. Joosse
Beloved story of a child testing the limits of her independence and a mother who reassuringly proves that a parent’s love is unconditional and everlasting.
On Mother’s Lap
by Ann Herbert Scott
A little Inuit boy discovers there's room for himself and his baby sister on their mother's lap.
The Great Canoe
by Maria Elena Maggi
A long time ago, Kaputano, dweller of the heavens, warned that a great rain was coming. Based on a Karina legend.
Wordless Books
Baby Animals Black and White
by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes
This captivating board book features the striking black and white faces of eight adorable baby animals.
Do You Want to Be My Friend?
by Eric Carle
"Do you want to be my friend?" asks a little mouse of a horse, a peacock, an alligator, and others.
The Snowman
by Raymond Briggs
An award-winning, enchanting story of a young boy and a snowman who share a magical night of friendship, fun, and flying.
Truck Board Book
by Donald Crews
Follow the big red truck on its cross-country journey; perfect for sharing with the very young.
Bilingual Books
Buenos Dias Bebe / Good Morning, Baby!
by DK Publishing
Mornings are fun for babies. This delightful bilingual book explores the everyday world of babies in simple words and pictures.
How Do I Feel / Como Me Siento
by Pamela Cote
Features charming illustrations and thoughtfully chosen words that offer an enchanting introduction to vocabulary.
My Family and I / Mi Familia Y Yo
by Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
Come along with Emma as she introduces all the members of her family while teaching the words for different relations, such as mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc.
Te Amo Sol, Te Amo, Luna / I Love You, Sun, I Love You, Moon
by Karen Pandell
Children can connect with what they see in both Spanish and English—pointing at the sol/sun, watering a flor/flower, feeding a carrot to a conejo/bunny, etc.
Source for book descriptions: publisher
