If you're preparing for a baby to join the world, you may be filling baskets, bins, or bookshelves with books to read with him (or her). To hold that snuggly little one in your arms and share moments of reading, talking, and plenty of giggles; you can hardly wait! So why then should you wait?
Before I was born, my dad began reading books to me. Yup, you read that right, he would sit next to my mother and read stories to her belly. I can't speak for my prenatal self, but to this day it still makes my heart happy to think that he sat and read, despite the fact that it probably felt very foreign and ridiculous at times. Not only that, but I'm sure even this small gesture had an impact on the happiness I feel when I sit or listen to a book to this day.
When I was asked what books I'd recommend for parents for newborns today I couldn't have been more thrilled. As I read the comment, I sat just a few feet away from the wall (yes...wall) of books full of the collection that has grown alongside me. So, while sitting by the bookshelves my dad so graciously built for my families book obsession, I present to you TEN lovely books to read with your baby. Whether he continues to "bake" away in that tummy of yours or he has met the world and can be wrapped in a blanket while rocking in your arms, these books will serve you on so many levels. If you click on each of the titles in the list, it will bring you to a link where you can see the cover, summary and purchase if you'd like!
1. The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne Illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard
The joy of reading the words by A.A. Milne is hard to top. These tales are ones that are wonderful for reading aloud during pregnancy or during infancy. Friendship, positivity, with a splash of mischief can be found between both covers of this collection.
2. Little People's Mother Goose Pictures by Jeni Bassett Compiled by Barbara Lucas
I still pick this book up time and again. It was given to me on my first birthday by dear friends of our family and remains one of my absolute favorites. The binding is falling apart, but the treasures that it holds are still fresh as ever. The rhymes, songs and riddles are split into four parts including:
- Little Rhymes About Little People
- Songs and Games
- Learning Rhymes and Riddles
- Old Friends and Favorites
Highly recommend this from conception to toddlers. You can never go wrong with the classics.
A few of the books you'll find in this list are not just a favorite of mine, but by many others. The best part of this book may be that it can be read as a tune. Creating motions is always fun while your infant is learning to kick, clap, and wave his hands and feet. I've read this many times over with my kindergarten students at their request and their eyes light up as soon as we begin.
A simple book about going to the doctor. This one is great for when your baby is ready to help turn pages and maybe even taste them! It's a cardboard book that describes Corduroy's visit to the doctor and what he may expect when going.
5. While the World is Sleeping by Pamela Duncan Edwards Illustrated by Danielle Kirk
Rhyming is one of the pre-literacy skills that is essential. Knowing the alphabet is a very small piece to the literacy puzzle. The ability for our children to hear and recognize individual and combinations of sounds in words as two major components for reading success. This book greets you with not only words that rhyme, but a wide array of vocabulary words with beautiful illustrations. If you are a fan of nature, this book is wonderful for sharing that with love with your little as well.
6. Love You Forever Written by Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Sheila McGraw
I tried to bring some unique titles to this list for parents to expand their baby libraries, however this one could not be left behind. It remains a favorite in many households and was one in ours. I will not guarantee you a dry eye by the end of the story, however the emotion it brings and the security it will give your child in knowing he is loved forever is worth all the tears.
7. Where's Spot? by Eric Hill
Another classic. This book is the first in this list of books that has pages with doors to open while searching for Spot! It's a fun, interactive book for babies and toddlers to enjoy with their families. It is a book full of questions and answers that introduce your child to the rhythm and intonation (pitch) of our voices when we ask questions and give answers; a skill rarely considered while building language skills, yet essential for children to learn.
8. Rain Talk by Mary Serfozo Illustrated by Keiko Narahashi
This fun, sound-filled book brings excitement through onomatopoeia (words that represents sounds). As a little girl and her dog describe their day outside in the rain they share the sounds they hear such as "Ploomp Ploomp Ploomp PlipPlipPlipPlipPlipPlip" It's a fun one to read with infants and elicit a giggle or two while reading. This is also one that would work for many ages.
A fun tip when they start to chatter back is to converse with them. After they've responded to you with a movement, giggle, or vocalization, chatter back to them and wait to see if they will respond to you. It's fun to go back and forth with them as they learn to take turns during conversation.
9. Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Suess
We cannot bypass one of the greatest children's authors (maybe even THE greatest) of all time; Dr. Suess. Really any of his books would do, however this story is inspiring for all ages as it describes the craziness of life and the uniqueness we all have if we tap into it. It's a longer story, which means it may be best for reading before baby is born and/or while he is still teeny, tiny and not as squirmy or interactive.
10. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and THE BIG HUNGRY BEAR by Don and Audrey Wood Illustrated by Don Wood.
I might claim this as my favorite book as a kid and quite possibly still my favorite children's book. While a mouse has his eyes set on a big, ripe, red strawberry that hangs from a bush near his home, he is warned (by the author) about a big, hungry bear headed in the direction of the strawberry. The mouse scrambles to harvest the strawberry and carry it safely to his home. This book includes humor, anticipation, and the illustrations are phenomenal.
I hope your little one enjoys these books as much as I have. I encourage you to take time to think back to your favorite books to read as a child and include those in your child's library. Comment below or on Michelle Lynn Therapy's Facebook page with your childhood favorites! The more the merrier. Enjoy!
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