Favorite Books for Babies

In an effort to raise a child who loves reading, we read a lot of children's books around here. We not only read to our daughter, but we also let her see us reading. Many times my husband and I have sat down on the couch and our one year old will go over to her bookcase and pick out a book to read. I can't tell you how happy this sight makes me.

Look for sturdy books that can handle the treatment you growing child will dish out. Board books are great, but not all are created equal. Open and close the book and see if it feels well made. Avoid books will pop ups and liftable flaps, as these are just begging to be ripped out. Save these treats for older children who know how to properly care for books. Watch for wear and tear of the most often read and discard books that are falling apart.

Be sure to read though the book at least one time before you sit down to read it with your baby. You want to make sure you're happy with the content and you don't mind reading it over and over again. Most of these books I have memorized because we read them so often.

Here are some of our favorites to read together.

'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See' by Bill Martian Jr. has to be her all time favorite. It is simple and repetitive, a baby's two favorite things. The evening after her first birthday party when we were all exhausted our little girl crawled to her bookcase, sorted through the books, pulled out 'Brown Bear' and brought it to me to read to her. She loves this book.

'Your Personal Penguin' by Sandra Boynton is one of Mommy's favorite. A sweet little poem, where an adorable penguin explains to the hippo why he needs a "personal penguin". This is one of the few I actually enjoy reading over and over and over again.

'I Love You, Sun I Love You, Moon' by Karen Pandell and Tomie dePaola is so sweet for all you nature lovers out there. Another very simple and repetitive book with great illustrations. This one is a pleasure to read together, and perfect if you're raising a little tree-hugger.

'How Do I Love You?' by P.K. Hallinan is a love poem written to your child. This book tells your child that you love them when things are going good, but you also love them when things are going bad. Babies love the rhyme, which also makes it a fun one for parents to read aloud.

'Wheels on the Bus' by Jerry Smath is a fun way to sing this classic song. The pictures are cute and since you have the words right there you don't have to worry about forgetting the lyrics. This is another one my daughter will dig through the pile to find, and her favorite part, "bumpity bump bump".

'1 is One' by Tasha Tudor is my newest favorite. In this simple counting book the illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the classic wording is a pleasure to read without being cutesy and annoying. Look for the board book version that is abridged from the Caldecott Honor book.

'Eloise Wilkin's Poems to read to the very young' is a great collection of poems for children. Look for the board book version so even the youngest children can enjoy.

'Little One, God Made You' and 'Little One, God Loves You' are both sweet Christian books by Amy Warren Hilliker, daughter of Rick Warren who authored best seller 'The Purose Driven Life'. These books go hand in hand with her father's classic, reminding babies they are made and loved by God. The rhyme is simple and the message is great. Plus, the illustrations are multi-cultural, featuring bi-racial families. That is not something you see a lot of in children's books.

'Time For Bed' by Mem Fox is a wonderful bedtime book that visits each of the farm animals as the mamas put their babies to sleep ending in the child's bedroom. Again, this is a very simple rhyme that makes it not only enjoyable for babies to listen to but for parents to read.

That should be enough to get you started. Spend lots of time reading to your child, and you will raise a child who loves to read.