Choosing what books to read with your child is one of the most important parts of the Reading with Babies process. There are many different types of books for different age groups and reading levels. Below are a few of my Go-To Classics that must stay with us forever and for all children.
The Snowy Day, Ezra Jack Keats (and Peter’s Chair]. This child in a red hooded jacket will always share his firstsnow with us.- On Mother’s Lap, Ann Herbert Scott, Glo Coalson (illus) Despite the older child’s insistence onbringing everything he values onto Mother’s lap, there’s still room for him and the baby.
- Everywhere Babies, Susan Meyers, Marla Frazee (illus) I am sure you will recognize your family here too.
- Llama, Llama, Red Pajama, Anna Dewdney. Mama read him a story, turned out the light, and now what? The little Llama’s drama is quite recognizable, and the solution satisfying for all.
- Pouch! David Ezra Stein, A joey experiments with independence as he plays outside his kangaroo mother’s pouch.
When things get a little scary he hops back to home base quickly. - How Are You Peeling? Food with Moods, by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers. No fruits or vegetables were injured in the creation of this book about feelings. The peppers, oranges, lemons etc. prompt us to talk about many feelings we have when in or out of a group, loved, afraid or shy.
- Duck and Goose, Tad Hills, I love these bird friends and their meaningful adventures.
- Mother Goose…..various author-illustrators’ renditions. Take your pick. I choose these: Gyo Fujikawa; Nina Crews; Iona Archibald Opie (editor), Rosemary Wells (illus)
- The Wheels on the Bus, Paul O. Zelinsky. This book is now 25 years old and still as playfully, tunefully interactive as ever. And yes, they do go round and round.
- Ferdinand, Munro Leaf, Robert Lawson (illus). Are you an observant parent? This cow appreciates her remarkable baby bull Ferdinand. There’s a lesson for us all, and enormous delights in this timeless, important picture book.
See below for a few posts recommending some titles and resources.
When in doubt, choose anything by James Marshall.
