Best Books for Babies First Year
What are the best books for babies under 1?
Having been through the baby stage twice, I’ve delved into countless baby books, exploring their stories, illustrations, and overall appeal.
After extensive exploration, I’ve handpicked a collection of the most captivating and cherished books for babies that have become favorites in our household.
Babies possess an innate curiosity and an eagerness to explore the world around them.
It’s a joy to witness their eyes light up as they interact with the pages, touch different textures, and listen to the rhythm of words.
These early reading experiences are crucial for their development, fostering language skills, imagination, and bonding between parent and baby.
In this article, I’ll share a carefully curated list of the best books for babies, each accompanied by professional reviews, a summary and my thoughts on the book, as well as sample quotes.
These books have captured my heart and the attention of my two babies. They are the perfect companions for snuggly storytime moments.
Whether you’re a new parent, a gift-giver searching for the perfect present, or simply looking to expand your baby’s library, this collection is designed to engage, educate, and enchant.
So, let’s dive into this world of baby books…
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Best Books for Babies 0-12 Months
1. Peek A Who!
Author: Nina Laden
Book Reviews:
“This book has all the makings of a classic. Laden’s illustrations are simple and charming, and her text is rhythmically repetitive, impelling children to join in the anticipation of what’s on the next page…A delightful peek-a-boo book for preschool story hours.” – School Library Journal
“Young readers will delight in the interactive nature of the book…The simple, bright, and bold illustrations match the exuberant text and will inspire very young children to read along.” – Booklist
“A joyous introduction to the wider world that should encourage parents and children to take a walk through the park or down the street.” – Publishers Weekly
“A toddler-pleasing guessing game.” – Kirkus Reviews
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Peek-A Who! by Nina Laden is an engaging and interactive board book that introduces young children to the joy of peek-a-boo play.
With its simple text and colorful illustrations, the book encourages babies to participate and discover who is hiding behind each page.
The story begins with the question, “Peek-a…,” followed by a die-cut hole that invites readers to peek through and guess who or what is hiding.
Each page turn reveals a new clue, such as “Peek-a-MOO!” or “Peek-a-BOO!”
The answer is then revealed when the page is fully opened, displaying an adorable and unexpected character.
Nina Laden’s vibrant and whimsical illustrations capture the attention of young babies, showcasing a variety of animals and objects that surprise and delight.
The use of die-cut holes adds an element of anticipation and surprise, encouraging babies to actively engage with the book. Peek-A Who!
I like this book for my baby because it’s not just a fun guessing game, but also an early introduction to basic animal sounds and the concept of object recognition.
Book Quotes:
”Peek a
Peek a Moo!
Peek a
Peek a Boo”
2. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Author: Mem Fox
Book Reviews:
“This gently lilting read-aloud is just right for bedtime, or anytime your child could use a little extra comfort. You’ll go ga-ga yourself over the adorable watercolors of babies around the world.” – Parenting
“Put two titans of kids’ books together for the first time, and what do you get (besides the urge to shout, “What took you so long?”) The answer: an instant classic . . . there’s real magic at work here.” – Publishers Weekly
“Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes gently presents–but never preaches–a satisfying lesson about humanity and international harmony.” – BookPage
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes is a heartwarming children’s book that celebrates the universal fact that babies have ten little fingers and ten little toes all around the world.
The story begins by introducing adorable babies from different cultural backgrounds, each with their own unique features and characteristics.
Mem Fox’s rhythmic and repetitive text draws attention to the ten little fingers and ten little toes that all babies possess, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or place of birth.
As the pages turn, the book showcases various playful and heartwarming scenes of babies interacting with their loved ones, exploring their surroundings, and discovering the world around them.
I like how this book reminds readers that regardless of our differences, we all have something in common – Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes that make us uniquely human.
It encourages a sense of belonging, empathy, and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that exist in our world.
When I read this book to my baby, I find it’s a great way to teach her about her fingers and toes and a fun excuse to tickle them at the end!
Book Quotes:
“There was one little baby who was born far away.
And another who was born on the very next day.
And both of these babies, as everyone knows,
Had ten little fingers and ten little toes.”
3. Animals (Baby Touch and Feel)
Author: DK
Book Reviews:
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Animals (Baby Touch and Feel) by DK is an engaging and interactive board book designed to introduce young children to a variety of animals through sensory exploration.
With its textured pages and vivid illustrations, the book offers a tactile and visual experience that encourages sensory development and early learning.
The book features a range of animals from different habitats, including farm animals, pets, jungle creatures, and more.
Each page show Animals (Baby Touch and Feel) cases a different animal, accompanied by a brief description or sound that helps identify and learn about the featured creature.
What sets apart is the incorporation of various touch-and-feel elements on each page.
My baby especially loves touching the fur on the animals, but there are also pages with other sensations.
I also like that it develops her fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory awareness as well as fosters a love for animals.
Book Quotes:
“Meow! – kitten
Woof woof! – puppy
Licking his nose! – tiger club
Ooh-oooh! Aah-ahh! – baby chimpanzee”
4. First 100 Words (Bright Baby)
Author: Roger Priddy
Book Reviews:
“Priddy Books are …”visually delightful with an interactive element.” – School Library Journal
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
First 100 Words (Bright Baby) by Roger Priddy is an educational board book designed to introduce babies to a wide range of everyday vocabulary.
With its colorful and engaging illustrations, the book aims to build a strong foundation for language development and early literacy skills.
The book is divided into various thematic sections, each focusing on a different category of words.
From animals and colors to food, clothing, and vehicles, the pages are filled with vibrant images that capture the attention of young readers.
Each illustration is labeled with the corresponding word, providing an opportunity for children to associate the visual representation with the written word.
I love how this book expands my baby’s knowledge and understanding of objects, people, and concepts occurring in her daily life.
The book provides a foundation for building vocabulary, improving word recognition, and fostering a love for reading and language. First 100 Words (Bright Baby)
Book Quotes:
“Colors
Green pear, red shoes, blue ball, brown deer, yellow duckling, orange fish, pink flower,
purple tricycle.”
5. TOUCHTHINKLEARN: ABC
Author: Xavier Deneux
Book Reviews:
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
TOUCHTHINKLEARN: ABC by Xavier Deneux is a unique and interactive board book that combines tactile exploration with early learning of the alphabet.
Through its innovative design and engaging illustrations, the book invites babies to explore and discover the letters of the alphabet in a multisensory way.
Each page of the book features a letter with objects and animals that correspond to the letter.
For example, the letter A is accompanied by an image of an alligator.
This visual association helps children make connections between the letter and its corresponding sound and vocabulary.
TOUCHTHINKLEARN: ABC encourages interactive learning as children engage with the tactile letters, explore the illustrations, and listen to the accompanying words.
I like how this book provides a multisensory approach to early literacy, fostering letter recognition, vocabulary development, and phonemic awareness.
With its sturdy construction, TOUCHTHINKLEARN: ABC is designed to withstand the active exploration of babies.
Book Quotes:
“A alligator
B Bird
C Cloud
D Dolphin
E Elephant
F Flamingo”
6. Black & White by Tana Hoban
Author: Tana Hoban
Book Reviews:
“Hoban’s compositions are so supple and her layouts so well balanced that she casts kind of a spell. . . magical.” – Publishers Weekly
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Black & White by Tana Hoban is a visually captivating board book designed to stimulate the visual development of infants and babies.
Through its striking contrast of black and white images, the book is perfect for young babies that can’t see color yet.
As children flip through the pages, they are introduced to a variety of shapes, forms, and textures.
The absence of color lets babies focus on the contrast, lines, and shapes presented in each photograph, promoting their cognitive and visual development.
Black & White is an excellent choice for parents, caregivers, and educators who wish to introduce infants and babies to the world of visual exploration.
It sparks curiosity, promotes concentration, and encourages interaction between young readers and the images on the pages.
7. How to Be A Cat by Nikki McClure
Author: Nikki McClure
Book Reviews:
“Boldly rendered black-and-white images offer the perfect background for the large, pale blue font of the text.” – School Library Journal
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
How to Be a Cat by Nikki McClure is a charming picture book that takes babies on a whimsical journey into the world of cats.
The book captures the essence of feline behavior and follows the adventures of a curious and independent cat as it goes about its daily routine.
It shows a cat stretching, cleaning, pouncing, stumbling, licking, and waiting, amongst other common feline actions.
It’s in black and white and perfect for babies that can’t see color yet. It’s simple for babies to follow with one or two actions per page.
My baby is a cat person and loves to pounce and watch our cat. How to Be a Cat brings a smile to her face.
Book Quotes:
“Stretch
Clean
Pounce
Brave
Listen
Explore
Hunt”
8. Moo Ba La La La! by Sandra Boynton
Author: Sandra Boynton
Book Reviews:
“Boynton and Loud Crow deliver another excellent enhanced e-book that fires on all literary, technological and artistic cylinders.” – Kirkus Reviews,
“It’s entirely functional, introducing tots to animals and teaching them the creatures’ sounds. Yet Sandra Boynton’s unique style breathes invigorating life into a well-worked format.” – Common Sense Media
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton is a playful and engaging board book that introduces babies to a variety of animal sounds.
With its catchy rhymes, the book invites babies to mimic the sounds of different animals.
From cows and sheep to pigs and ducks, each page features a new animal and prompts readers to make the corresponding sound.
I love how Moo, Baa, La La La! book teaches my baby about different animals and their sounds in an entertaining and memorable way.
Book Quotes:
“A cow says MOO.
A sheep says BAA.
Three singing pigs say
LA LA LA!”
9. My Friends by Taro Gomi
Author: Taro Gomi
Book Reviews:
“…the prevailing mood is one of continuous celebration.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“An elementary story that will reach toddlers and older preschoolers alike.” – Booklist
“The illustrations are vibrant. The story is simple—a little girl tells what she has learned from her friend the cat, her friend the dog, her friend the horse, her friend the gorilla and other friends both common and unlikely. Children will quickly be pointing out the whimsical details in the art.” – Parents’ Choice
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
My Friends by Taro Gomi is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates the diversity and joy of friendship.
Through simple yet expressive illustrations and a relatable storyline, the book captures the essence of companionship and the bonds we form with others and things.
My Friends follows a young child reflecting on their friends, highlighting the unique qualities and characteristics that make each friendship special.
From animal friends like a butterfly that you learn to smell the flowers from to books friends that you learn to read from, this book showcases the different ways friends enrich our lives.
I particularly like how this book has introduced my baby to different ways to appreciate the animals, people, and things in her life.
Book Quotes:
“I learned to walk from my friend the cat.
I learned to jump from my friend the dog.
I learned to climb from my friend the monkey.”
10. Baby, Let’s Count! (Indestructibles) by Ekaterina Trukhan
Author: Ekaterina Trukhan
Book Reviews:
“This delightful board book is virtually indestructible and perfect for babies and toddlers who love to chew on books. The colorful illustrations and simple text make it a great tool for teaching basic counting skills, while the durable material ensures that it can withstand even the most enthusiastic little readers.” – Publishers Weekly
“Baby, Let’s Count! (Indestructibles) is a fantastic introduction to counting for babies and toddlers. The book’s sturdy, tear-resistant pages and bright illustrations make it a great choice for little ones who love to explore with their hands and mouths.” – Booklist
“With its vibrant colors, charming illustrations, and sturdy material, Baby, Let’s Count! (Indestructibles) is the perfect board book for babies and toddlers. The simple counting text is easy for little ones to follow along with, while the virtually indestructible pages make it a great choice for even the most enthusiastic little readers.” – School Library Journal
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Baby, Let’s Count! by Ekaterina Trukhan is a game-changer in terms of durability.
It’s tear-resistant, drool-proof, and incredibly washable. Plus, it’s lightweight and perfect for my diaper bag.
Baby, Let’s Count! is a delightful introduction to numbers. The colorful illustrations captivate even the youngest babies, featuring cute animals and objects.
The simplicity of the content makes it easy for babies to grasp, and you can add your own flair while bonding with your child.
Book Quotes:
“One little kitten has a bowl of milk.
Two little puppies play.
Three little chickens scratch, scratch, scratch.”
11. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author: Eric Carle
Book Reviews:
“Carle’s classic tale of a voracious caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week and then changes into a eautiful butterfly has been reissued in a sumptuous twenty-fifth anniversary edition with a shiny, silver-coated cover and wonderfully thick, durably pages.” – The Horn Book
“The very hungry caterpillar literally eats his way through the pages of the book—and right into your child’s heart…” – Mother’s Manual
“Gorgeously illustrated, brilliantly innovative…” – The New York Times Book Review
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a winner for babies on many fronts.
First, the illustrations are vibrant, colorful, and eye-catching. The unique collage-style artwork is a visual treat for both babies and adults.
Second, the story is engaging and educational. It follows the journey of a hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods, teaching counting, days of the week, and the transformation into a butterfly.
Lastly, it’s a sturdy board book, perfect for tiny baby hands and the wear and tear that comes with enthusiastic reading.
While the simplicity of the text is appealing for young readers, I do find the repetition a bit monotonous after multiple readings.
Additionally, The Very Hungry Caterpillar‘s focus on certain food choices does not align with what I want to feed my baby. The book talks about sugary treats like cake, ice cream, and pie, as well as certain processed foods like salami and sausage.
That said, she does enjoy the pictures and the caterpillar’s transformation. This book is in our regular bedtime rotation.
Book Quotes:
“In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf.
One Sunday morning the warm sun came up and -pop!- out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar.”
12. Where Do You Poop? by Agnese Baruzzi
Author: Agnese Baruzzi
Book Reviews:
The bird does it in the air, the dog does it on a lawn. But where should a child do it? On the potty, of course! “Works as both a biology lesson and potty-training encouragement…. A fun, new take on droppings.” – Kirkus Reviews
“A demonstrative, normalizing call for young readers to embrace their own bathroom ritual via the porcelain throne.” – Publishers Weekly
“This rhyming pull-the-tab book can be used as pure entertainment or also as a potty training tool to convince your child that, no, they shouldn’t poop on a patch of grass outside your home.” – Romper
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Where Do You Poop? by Agnese Baruzzi is an interactive baby book that playfully explores where animals and people poop.
It’s a hit with my baby because of its pull-out tabs. The tabs add an element of surprise and engagement that keeps my little one excited about turning the pages.
The illustrations are colorful and playful, capturing their attention while exploring different animals and their bathroom habits.
Keep in mind that the pull-out tabs can be delicate and may require supervision to avoid accidental tearing.
I love how Where Do You Poop? normalizes the topic of pooping and introduces the topic of potty training.
Book Quotes:
“When it’s my time to go, I’ll be leaving no trail.
It comes out underwater.
With a twitch of my tail!”
13. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
Author: Dorothy Kunhardt
Book Reviews:
“A true classic of early childhood interactive books, Pat the Bunny is a must-have for every young child’s library. The simple, engaging text and interactive elements make this book a beloved favorite that has stood the test of time.” – Publishers Weekly
“With its gentle illustrations and interactive features, Pat the Bunny is the perfect book to share with babies and young children. The touch-and-feel elements and small mirror at the end of the book help to engage children’s senses and foster a love of reading.” – Booklist
“Pat the Bunny is a timeless classic that continues to delight and engage young readers. The simple text and interactive elements make it a perfect book for babies and toddlers, while the charming illustrations and tactile features make it a beloved favorite for parents and children alike.” – School Library Journal
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt is a book about interaction and sensory exploration. My baby can’t get enough of it. From patting the bunny’s fur to looking in the mirror, each page offers different prompts that engage and delight young babies.
The interactive elements foster sensory development and create a fun and immersive reading experience.
While the interactive features are fantastic, some of them are a bit delicate and I do worry about wear and tear over time.
The opportunity to touch, feel, and actively participate in the story has made it a go-to choice during our reading sessions. It’s a wonderful way to encourage sensory exploration and create memorable moments together.
Book Quotes:
“Here are Paul and Judy.
They can do lots of things.
You can do lots of things too.
Judy can pat the bunny.
Now YOU pat the bunny.”
14. Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli
Author: Christopher Franceschelli
Book Reviews:
“Alphablock is a visual and tactile delight! This book features stunning design, vibrant colors, and interactive features that make learning the alphabet fun and engaging for young readers. It’s a must-have for any child’s library.” – School Library Journal
“With its bold illustrations and innovative design, Alphablock is a standout alphabet book that will capture the imagination of young readers. The tactile elements and clever cutouts add an extra layer of interaction that makes this book a joy to explore.” – Booklist
“Alphablock is a brilliant and beautifully designed book that makes learning the alphabet fun and engaging. The interactive elements and creative use of cutouts and textures will capture the attention of young readers and keep them engaged for hours. Highly recommended!” – Publishers Weekly
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli is a creative and captivating book that introduces the alphabet to babies.
Each page features a different letter, beautifully illustrated with bold colors and engaging designs.
The standout feature?
The pages are cleverly die-cut in the shape of the letters themselves, adding a delightful tactile element to the reading experience.
My baby absolutely loves flipping through these pages and feeling the letters. Alphablock is a wonderful tool for developing their fine motor skills and letter recognition.
Due to the die-cut design, some pages may be more delicate and require supervision during reading time.
Book Quotes:
“A is for apple”
“B is for balloons”
“C is for cookies”
“D is for dog”
“E is for elephant”
“F is for fish”
15. Let’s Go, Bobby! A Trace-the-Path Book by Ruth Wielockx
Author: Ruth Wielockx
Book Reviews:
“Let’s Go, Bobby! is a charming and engaging trace-the-path book that will help young children develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The bright illustrations and simple, easy-to-follow paths make this book a perfect choice for toddlers and preschoolers.” – School Library Journal
“With its interactive tracing paths and adorable illustrations, Let’s Go, Bobby! is the perfect book to help young children develop their early writing skills. The clear instructions and playful design make it a fun and engaging activity book that is sure to delight young readers.” – Booklist
“Let’s Go, Bobby! is an interactive and engaging book that encourages young children to develop their fine motor skills and explore their creativity. The tracing paths and colorful illustrations make it a fun and educational activity book that is perfect for preschoolers and early readers.” – Publishers Weekly
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
Let’s Go, Bobby! by Ruth Wielockx is a book that invites babies to join Bobby on an exciting adventure through a series of traced paths.
This book Let’s Go, Bobby! is an engaging and interactive adventure that helps babies develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while having fun.
Each page features a charming scene with a dotted path that children can trace with their fingers.
The illustrations are colorful and captivating, adding to the overall appeal. My baby absolutely loves flipping through the pages and tracing the paths.
Book Quotes:
“This is Bobby. Bobby loves to ride his BIKE.
He rides his bike up and down the mountain. Will you ride along?”
16. My First Baby Signs by Phil Conigliaro and Tae Won Yu
Author: Phil Conigliaro and Tae Won Yu
Book Reviews:
“My First Baby Signs is an essential guide for new parents looking to communicate with their infants before they can speak. The easy-to-follow instructions and clear illustrations make it a perfect resource for teaching basic sign language to babies and toddlers.” – Publishers Weekly
“With My First Baby Signs, parents and caregivers have a valuable tool for communicating with their little ones. The book’s colorful illustrations and clear instructions make it easy to teach babies and toddlers basic sign language, helping to promote early language development and strengthen the bond between parent and child.” – Booklist
“My First Baby Signs is a wonderful resource for parents and caregivers looking to communicate with their infants in a meaningful way. The book’s clear and concise instructions, along with its vibrant illustrations, make it easy to teach basic sign language to babies and toddlers, helping to enhance their communication skills and promote early learning.” – School Library Journal
Summary of this Baby Children’s Book:
My First Baby Signs by Phil Conigliaro and Tae Won Yu is an informative and engaging board book that introduces babies to sign language in a simple and understandable way.
The illustrations are clear and visually appealing, making it easy for both parents and babies to learn and practice the signs together. It covers a range of basic signs that are relevant to a baby’s daily life, such as “more,” “eat,” and “all done.” I love how it empowers my baby to communicate their needs before they can even speak.
While My First Baby Signs provides a solid foundation for baby sign language, some families may find that it lacks in-depth explanations or a comprehensive dictionary of signs.
Book Quotes:
“Start by teaching signs for the things your baby needs and wants most often, such as ‘milk’ and ‘more’.”
Overview of the Best Books for Babies First Year
In the magical realm of children’s literature, these best books for babies have the remarkable ability to captivate, educate, and create treasured moments of connection with your little ones.
As a parent, I’ve personally immersed myself in the world of baby books, seeking out the gems that resonate with my babies, my husband and myself.
The carefully selected list presented here represents a collection of captivating stories, interactive adventures, and beautiful illustrations that have stood the test of time and brought joy to my baby and family.
Whether it’s the touch-and-feel books that engage their senses, the rhythmic rhymes that lull them to sleep, or the simple tales that ignite their curiosity, these books offer a gateway to a world of wonder for babies and their caregivers.
These books for babies have the power to shape a lifelong love for reading.
As you embark on your own journey of reading with your little one, I hope this list serves as a valuable guide, sparking smiles, nurturing early literacy skills, and creating cherished memories.
So snuggle up, turn the pages, and let the magic of these best books for babies unfold in your home.
If you’re interested in books for the toddler stage, here are the best picture books for toddlers.
Happy reading!
Recap of What are the Best Books for Babies
- Peek A Who!
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
- Animals (Baby Touch and Feel)
- First 100 Words (Bright Baby)
- TOUCHTHINKLEARN: ABC
- Black & White by Tana Hoban
- How to Be A Cat” by Nikki McClure
- Moo Ba La La La!” by Sandra Boynton
- My Friends by Taro Gomi
- Baby, Let’s Count! (Indestructibles) by Ekaterina Trukhan
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Where Do You Poop? by Agnese Baruzzi
- Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
- Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli
- Let’s Go, Bobby! A Trace-the-Path Book by Ruth Wielockx
- My First Baby Signs by Phil Conigliaro and Tae Won Yu
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