Sometimes it seems like there are too many children's books to choose from—and this can actually make it difficult to find books just right for your child's age, stage, and interests. That's why our experts pulled together some tips to help you make the right choices for baby and you.Let your child's tastes lead the way!
Don't overlook the obvious. If your baby adores his pet kitty, look for a book with cats inside. More importantly, look for books that take your child's favorite things a step further, like cats that play with dogs or trucks that help build a bridge, to help encourage your child to explore new things and enjoy longer stories.
1. First, build a pile of your baby's favorite books. What's similar about them? Ask yourself:
* Is there more than one line of text per page?
* Are the settings familiar or new?
* Do the characters talk, or is it all narration?
* Are they stories, or counting and identifying books?
* Is the rhythm of the story fast or slow?
2. Now build a pile of books your baby isn't familiar with—books you haven't read often, new books, or books from the library. Watch your baby explore. What does he pick up?
* Does your baby seem drawn to busy, detailed pictures, or simpler ones?
* Do the pages have many colors, or only a few?
* Are the pictures drawings or photographs?
* Are the characters all animals, or all human?
* Are the drawings cartoonish, or more realistic
You're looking for links—things that connect the books your baby finds fascinating. Once you've gotten a handle on those links, you can use them as your guide when you're choosing books to share together. Some of those things you can discover by watching your baby new explore books, and others—like the amount of text, or the rhythm your baby likes—you can really only learn from the reading you already do together.
Ask the book experts.
Even when you know exactly what type of book you're looking for, you may still have trouble knowing where to find it. It's time to turn to the people who know the "ins and outs" of children's books. You might get great book advice at a local independent bookseller, your library's information desk, or a large chain bookseller – and don't forget your child's teacher. When asking for advice, describe what your child likes and mention a few of his favorite books to help the experts recommend the right kinds of books.
0 to 6 Months
Stark contrasts will catch your newborn's attention, so start with books filled with black and white images or vibrant primary colors. As your baby grows, add some cloth and board books with simple bright pictures.
6 to 12 Months
Babies love to look at faces, so look for books with big smiling ones, either photographed or illustrated. As your baby gains motor skills, add some lift-the-flap books so she can practice using her hands.
12 to 18 Months
Your toddler loves a good laugh, so read her stories with silly rhymes and animal sounds. When she begins to talk, look for books that have some of her first words in them.
18 to 24 Months
Make sure your toddler's books match his interests. If he's very active, find books that have an equal amount of "get up and go" with lots of action sounds. If he's talking all the time, share longer stories with him.
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