Babies & Books
from the beginning
Young Toddler (15 months to 2 years)
Suggested
Books
Click on the desired book titles below
to go to the Mid-Hudson Library System's online library catalog and
Request-a-Title.
Start by reading simple rhymes and poems to your newborn:
- Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker
- The Baby's Lap Book by Kay Chorao
- Bumpety
Bump by Kathy Henderson
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- Here Comes Mother Goose published by Candlewick Press
- Jan Ormerod's To Baby with Love by Jan Ormerod
- Tomie DePaola's Mother Goose by Tomie DePaola
Young babies like
to look at books with colorful, bold pictures:
- Baby's Boat by Jeanne Titherington
- Freight Train by Donald Crews
- Mama Mama by Jean Marzollo
- "More, More, More" Said the Baby by Vera Williams
- Where Does the Brown Bear Go? by Nicki Weiss
Older babies enjoy holding card-board books and turning
the pages. These sturdy books stand up to rough play:
- Animal Crackers by Jane Dyer
- Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton
- Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert
- Max's Bath by Rosemary Wells
- Spot Helps Out by Eric Hill
- Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang
- Tickle, Tickle by Helen Oxenbury
- Time for Bed by Mem Fox
Young toddlers like books with an easy-to-follow story
that moves at a fast pace:
- Benny Bakes a Cake by Eve Rice
- Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
- Have You Seen My Duckling? by Nancy Tafuri
- I Went Walking by Sue Williams
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura J. Numeroff
- Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Older toddlers can sit for longer stories. They are
learning new concepts and they understand humor:
- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr.
- Come Along Daisy by Jane Simmons
- Corduroy by Don Freeman
- Curious George by H. A. Rey
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jan Brett
- Silly Sally by Audrey Wood
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Babies and toddlers need books about real-life situations to prepare
them for new experiences:
- All by Myself by Aliki
- Airport by Byron Barton
- Baby's Book of the Body by Roger Priddy
- First Day of School by Helen Oxenbury
- Going to the Doctor by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.
- I Like Me by Nancy Carlson
- Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber
Suggested Parenting Titles
Baby Play and Learn
by Penny Warner - games
and activities for
enhancing skill development in babies up to age three.
Games to Play with Babies by Jackie Silberg - interactive games to help baby become more aware of the surrounding world.
The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease - lists of excellent books to read aloud plus helpful suggestions for how to enjoy reading with your child.
Read to Me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read by Bernice E. Cullinan - practical and informative guide to promoting child's interest in books.
Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 by the American Academy of Pediatrics - thorough reference for child-care.
Touchpoints: Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development by T. Berry Brazelton - physician covers many issues faced by families with kids from birth through age 6.