You’re looking for links—things that connect the books your baby finds fascinating. Once you’ve gotten a handle on those links, you can use them as your guide when you’re choosing books to share together. Some of those things you can discover by watching your baby new explore books, and others—like the amount of text, or the rhythm your baby likes—you can really only learn from the reading you already do together.
Ask the book experts.
Even when you know exactly what type of book you’re looking for, you may still have trouble knowing where to find it. It’s time to turn to the people who know the "ins and outs" of children’s books. You might get great book advice at a local independent bookseller, your library’s information desk, or a large chain bookseller – and don’t forget your child’s teacher. When asking for advice, describe what your child likes and mention a few of his favorite books to help the experts recommend the right kinds of books.
If your toddler’s talking all the time, it’s time to break out the bigger books and longer stories.
Books for Every Stage
0 to 6 Months
Stark contrasts will catch your newborn’s attention, so start with books filled with black and white images or vibrant primary colors. As your baby grows, add some cloth and board books with simple bright pictures.
6 to 12 Months
Babies love to look at faces, so look for books with big smiling ones, either photographed or illustrated. As your baby gains motor skills, add some lift-the-flap books so she can practice using her hands.
12 to 18 Months
Your toddler loves a good laugh, so read her stories with silly rhymes and animal sounds. When she begins to talk, look for books that have some of her first words in them.
18 to 24 Months
Make sure your toddler’s books match his interests. If he’s very active, find books that have an equal amount of “get up and go” with lots of action sounds. If he’s talking all the time, share longer stories with him.
|
