This is a pretty bold claim, but this list contains the very best board books for babies! As a teacher and parent, I have read thousands of books. Really, thousands! I absolutely love books. I think that’s probably a prerequisite for becoming a teacher, right? Since becoming a mom, I have become even more passionate about reading and books… even though I didn’t think that was possible. Our home board book collection has exploded, so I wanted to put together an entire post to share our family favorites with you!
I want to start with this fact: Reading to babies is powerful! There are SO many benefits that go with reading to children. If you are interested in some of science behind language, reading and early brain development, this is the book to read! Why board books? Board books are usually shorter and made to hold tiny attention spans. They also have sturdier cardboard pages that are easier for tiny hands to turn and can handle a little more wear and tear. All of the books on this list are board books, but there are some amazing picture books for babies too. Maybe I’ll have to do another post on those…
Board Books for Babies
Duck Rabbit: I’m sure you saw the video that came of with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex ( I think that’s what I’m suppose to call her now…) reading this book to Archie. If Archie loves this book, your baby will too! Even my first grade students loved this book and the play on illustrations! It will be a favorite forever.
This Little Dreamer: This book features some amazing people that changed history including Martin Luther King Jr. and Ghandi. The entire This Little series is adorable!
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb: It could have been the nights of little to no sleep nursing a newborn making me delirious, but this book is hysterical. It has to be read with some rhyme and rhythm (which babies love) but my husband and I had so much fun being silly and trying to read it just right!
Everything is Mama: I have to admit, I wasn’t really super impressed the first time I read the Jimmy Fallon books. But you’ll see that both of them are on this list because I am now a raving fan! This book is so perfectly simple and illustrates a baby’s typical conversation when learning new words. It’s a quick read for a tiny attention span.
Peekaboo Morning: This sweet book highlights baby’s all time favorite game: Peekaboo! It also introduces different family members!
Your Babies First Word Will Be Dada: Even though this book is all about Dada. It holds a super big and special place in my heart. This was the first book EK ever “read’ by herself. Before she was even a year old, she would take this book around the house and turn the pages saying, “DADA!” We would even hear her saying lines from the book, “Dada, Moo” to herself. I mean, melt my teacher reading heart.
Where’s Spot?: I can’t tell you how many times I have read this book to EK. She absolutely loves it! Especially now that she can open the flaps all by herself!
First 100 Words: When I went to grab this link on Amazon, it told me that I have purchased this book three times. So that should tell you something right there! The real pictures in this book make it perfect for babies and toddlers. It encourages the important “point and name game” which promotes language development. If you are looking for a great gift, check out this boxed set that includes this book!
Mouse Paint: I love all of the mouse books including Mouse Counts and Mouse Shapes, but this one is favorite!
Love You Baby: I have talked about this series of books before and I can’t say enough good things about them. This was the first one I bought and it has been through a lot, but I can tell you it is truly indestructible. I always keep it in the diaper bag because it can be washed so it’s ideal for being dropped on the floor in doctor’s offices. I love the short, sweet words of this book too!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?: Do children really learn their colors without this book? It’s a classic and for good reason! The rhythm of the book is great for babies, but the book can be used into toddlerhood for learning colors. My Kindergarteners still loved this book too! Everyone needs a copy!
Babies Love Numbers: The six flaps in this book are so sturdy and well made, so it will hold up for a long time! The entire Babies Love series is perfection and this set makes a great gift for a new baby! I love seeing what new titles are coming up!
Huggy Kissy: So I absolutely love Leslie Patricelli. She is my favorite author for babies and toddlers! It was hard for me to just pick one favorite book from her to include on this list. I chose Huggy Kissy because who doesn’t want to huggy and kissy their baby? I have already pre-ordered her newest book and can’t wait to read it with EK!
New board books come out all the time, so I am always adding to this list of the very best board books for baby! Does your family have a favorite book to add? I would love to hear from you! I opened up this conversation to my friends on Facebook and they had some amazing suggestions and great books that I have never heard of! Here are a few of them:
- In My Den
- Little Blue Truck
- Owl Babies
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Goodnight Gorilla
- In my Forest
- In My Ocean
- Never Touch a Monster
- Car, Car, Truck, Jeep
- That’s Not My Dinosaur
- Goodnight Moon
Holiday Board Books for Babies;
Easter Books for Babies and Toddlers
Valentine’s Day Books for Baby
Thanksgiving Books for Baby
Pumpkin Books for Baby
Christmas Book Countdown