The Joy of Reading to Baby

I’m in Baby Mode around here, thinking Grammy thoughts about the newest expected family member. I’ve already sent him a few books in his first Grammy Box, and I have my eye on a few (dozen) more. I can’t wait to meet this little guy and I have already chosen the first book I’ll be reading to Baby.

I recently went to the bookstore to do some baby book research. (It’s a rough job, but someone has to do it!) There are so many exciting board books available! I read dozens of books and have twenty of my favorites to share with you.

Benefits of Reading to Children

Reading to your children is a lovely bonding activity with intellectual and emotional benefits. Many studies have shown reading aloud increases vocabulary, intelligence, and empathy.

For me, I simply wanted to share my love of reading with my children. How thrilling to introduce children to the joys of literature, to have shared memories of lovely stories and poems, to have literature become part of the family vocabulary.

Reading to Baby: Board Book Recommendations

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 MOO by Matthew Van Fleet, photography by Brian Stanton. This sturdy tactile book is beautiful, funny, and fun to touch. It’s full of flaps, pull tabs, and textures. The photography is wonderful.

Alpha Block by Christopher Franceschelli. The thick, sturdy pages of this book are cut into the shape of each letter of the alphabet, allowing exploration of the angles of the letter. Colorful artwork pictures items that begin with each letter. Description can hardly do justice to this intriguing book, which will surely be featured in a Grammy Box soon.

DK Baby Colors The DK series of Baby board books is inviting. The bold colors, simple designs, and concrete concepts are certain to hold Baby’s attention.

DK Baby Faces. Research has shown that babies are drawn to faces. This collection of baby faces is sure to be a hit.

 DK Baby’s First Words is sure to capture Baby’s attention with its high-contrast artwork and fun descriptions of everyday words.

 DK Really Feely Wild Animals is a tactile smorgasbord. I felt compelled to touch every page.

 Indestructibles Mama and Baby! The Indestructibles books are perfect for reading to babies. They are printed on a paper-like non-toxic product that cannot be torn, punctured, or ripped. Baby can explore these books freely since soiled books can be thrown into washing machine or dishwasher.

 Indestructibles Welcome, Baby. This sweet story features pictures of Baby being welcomed into the family. For more books in the Indestructibles series, click here.

 Petite Boutique Peekaboo! Babies will be fascinated by the mirror in the pages of this book. For more Petite Boutique Touch and Feel books, click here.

 The Rooster Struts by Richard Scarry. Oh, I love Richard Scarry! When I was a child, my sister and I convinced Momma to purchase a different brand than her usual laundry detergent because it offered a big Richard Scarry book attached to the box of soap as a purchase incentive. A whole big book! Shrink wrapped right to the laundry soap! We spent hours poring over that book, and I’ve never grown up too much to love it. Consequently, this Richard Scarry Rooster book was one of the first I purchased for my own children. No child’s library should be without it!

 I Am a Bunny by Richard Scarry. Isn’t the bunny the cutest ever? I read this one to my children too.

 Best Storybook Ever by Richard Scarry. No, this is not a board book. This is the original Richard Scarry compilation from our childhood. Except ours was yellow, not blue. This contains eighty Richard Scarry stories. You should own it.

Love Stories for Baby: Read Them and Weep

The books in this category are beautiful love stories from parent/grandparent to child. If you can get through any of these without crying, you’re made of sterner stuff than I.

 I Loved You Before You Were Born by Anne Bowen, illustrated by Greg Shed. “Even before you were born, I was your Grandma and I loved you.” This moving book is a love letter from a grandma to her grandchild. This is the winner for “the first book I’ll read to new Grandbaby”. I’m not sure I’ll get through it. I will cry.

 On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a beautiful affirmation of the uniqueness and worth of each child, a lovely celebration of life and love.

 Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman. Another moving book expressing love to your child.

 I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love by Nancy Tillman. This author has a gift for articulating a parent’s love. Buy everything she writes. Just to insure you don’t miss out.

Poetry

There’s something particularly soothing about hearing good poetry real well. Poetry introduces Baby to the beauty of language. It encourages the reader to be expressive. I enjoyed reading poetry to my children through the years, and we can still quote some of it. Rhyming children’s books are sometimes clunky and forced, so I encourage you to read a rhyming book before purchase.

 Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Yes, I still think every child needs this in his library. I love the gentle, hushed tone of the story. It is the perfect written lullaby.

 Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld is sweet and soothing. The illustrations are adorable and the poetry is lovely. This book is a favorite of mine.

 Truck, Truck, Goose by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Zoe Waring. This perky rendition of the childhood classic game Duck, Duck, Goose is charming and has a laugh-out-loud twist at the end. Literally. I laughed out loud.

Bible Stories for Baby

 Baby’s First Bible Boxed Set by Roger Priddy. This set contains the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, Moses, and Jesus. The board book devotional set I used with our children is no longer in print, but there are many other options. For more Bible story board books, click here.

Bonus Recommendation: The Read-Aloud Family

This book by Sarah MacKenzie is full of tips to make the most of your read-aloud time and create warm family memories. She offers ideas to engage young children and teenagers alike.

Now, you tell me! What board books are a must for the well-read baby? I’d love to hear your recommendations.

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If you’d like to read more of my book reviews, here’s a link!