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It can be hard to pick the right book to read to your baby. Especially when the baby
a) is so little that he has no change of expression when you read to him,
b) is a few months older and only wants to grab at the pages, or
c) he is older yet and promptly closes the book as soon as he loses interest.
What’s a book-loving mother to do?
The important thing is to not give up. You will have the best chance of success with rhyming books. They are also the best for your baby. (See Why is Rhyming Important?)
Rhyming books for babies
Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden
The simple rhymes and pictures help children guess what’s peeking through the windows.
I Spy Little Books, by Jean Marzollo
This series of rhyming books has been a favorite for all my babies — in fact, they are the first board books that have captured their attention. You can find many books in this series.
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb, by Al Perkins
This wonderful, rhythmic book has been shortened for the Bright and Early board book series. “Monkeys hum and monkeys drum. Dum ditty, dum ditty, dum dum dum.”
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
This is a short and silly favorite for babies who are just learning to listen.
Busy Barnyard, by John Schindel
I find that photographs interest babies more often than illustrations. I love the busy books series for a few reasons: they have fun photographs, they rhyme, and they’re short. Perfect for babies. We also love “Busy Piggies,” “Busy Kitties,” and “Busy Monkeys.”
The Shape of Me and Other Stuff, by Dr. Seuss
Here’s another favorite from the Bright & Early series. Other rhyming favorites include Dr. Seuss’s “Mr. Brown Can Moo,” “Dr. Seuss’s ABC,” “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket,” “The Foot Book,” and “Hop on Pop.” At our house, younger babies are more interested in photographs or singing books, but by toddlerhood they have all enjoyed these.
Barnyard Dance, by Sandra Boynton
“Bow to the horse. Bow to the cow. Twirl with the pig if you know how.” This book of square-dancing animals is irresistible.
Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
The simple illustrations and gentle, quiet poetry make this a lovely book for bedtime. If this book does not hold your baby’s interest, keep trying or set it aside for a few months. Like generations before her, she will learn to love it.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat, by Annie Kubler
Be sure to check out this and the many other familiar rhymes illustrated by Annie Kubler. They are simply done with happy babies draw throughout. Just the right length for a tiny listener.
Babies are just the right age for our little rhyming books!
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