Babies

1. Babies will experience a book in a multi-sensory way…that is the only way they can learn so choose books that are fabric, rubber, vinyl, or board books.
2. These books should have colourful and clear pictures – they needn’t have any words or only 1 or 2 words per page.
3. Look for point and see books where parent can point at objects and name them – books that have photographs of things that will be familiar to your baby are preferable to books with drawings of things.
4. Look at the same books often – it provides your child with repetition and control as he or she knows what is coming next.
5. Make sure the book is safe because your baby will suck on it, rip it, stretch it, and explore it using all senses – this is how your baby learns.
6. Have books available in all of the rooms of your house – the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom. Books are not meant to just sit on the shelf.
7. Look for black and white books as colour vision develops later and high contrast is easier for very young infants to see.
8. Read books of any kind. Even the TV guide or letters to the editor will interest your baby if you hold them and they can hear your voice

Toddlers

1. Toddlers will enjoy the same books as babies but will interact with the books in a different manner.
2. Toddlers like interactive books- those with peek-a-boo flaps are great!
3. Touch and feel, scratch and smell books are also great for toddlers e.g. Pat the Bunny.
4. Easy ABC books, number and counting books are great!
5. Books presenting simple concepts such as up/down, in/out, colours/shapes.
6. Books with simple rhymes are also good for toddlers.
7. Books exploring family routines, bath or bed time, meal time.
8. Theme books with big pictures and a few words will help to expand your child’s vocabulary.
9. Also look for books that repeat simple words – repetition is exciting. The words should not be the focus of the book, the pictures should be the focus. Bright simple pictures that show what story is about.