The last few weeks I have been asked many times for recommendations on books that should be included in a baby's first library. Yes, I said baby. It is never to early to begin reading to your precious little ones. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents read aloud to children every day starting as early as birth. The benefits of reading out loud to babies is countless. It encourages communication and grows vocabulary and listening skills to name just a few.
But where do you start? As a children's librarian and lover of all books, this is an impossible question to answer. There are hundreds upon hundreds of amazing books out there that children should be exposed to. But I've done my best to narrow it down to my top 12 suggestions. Some of these are classics that have been read by many generations and some are newer to the scene. Hope you enjoy!
1. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
An engaging story about a little girl, a giant meltdown, and a lost stuffy.
2. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This classic bedtime story about a bunny saying goodnight will engage even the youngest of children with its pictures and poetic text.
3. Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Humorous text and silly pictures that address all the adventures awaiting your little one.
4. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
The short, rhythmic text will keep baby's attention as you explore all the books in the If You Give... series.
5. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Rhyming and repetition will keep baby's attention for many sessions with this read.
6. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
Introduces letters in a fun and silly way with colorful artwork to add to it.
7. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Great read for children who are feeling sad or scared when mom or dad is not around.
8. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
A great example of how much a parent loves their little one.
9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Beautiful colors and simple text will engage children of all ages.
10. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A classic adventure about a young boy and his imagination.
11. Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada by Jimmy Fallon
Father's unite has comedian Jimmy Fallon encourages children to say "Dada" first.
12. Belly Button Book! by Sandra Boynton
Hippos and belly buttons! Need I say more?!