Choosing a Book

Books are brain boosters! The more you read to children from the very start, the more their brains will grow and their language skills will develop. Consider these tips for finding “just the right book”:

0–12 Months
Look for small, sturdy, and bright board books (and washable cloth books) filled with images of babies and other everyday things, such as teddy bears or bottles. These kinds of books are perfect for tiny hands and mouths. It’s totally normal for babies to put books in their mouths. It’s how they explore, and it makes them feel that the book is their own special object. And plastic bath-time books are perfect for babies and toddlers who fuss in the tub!

12–24 Months
Continue to look for board books and expand to books that show children doing everyday routines. Kids may also like books about saying hello and goodbye and books with simple rhymes and/or predictable text. 12–24-month-olds may also begin to have a favorite bedtime story!

24–36 Months
Kids will enjoy silly books with rhyme, rhythm, and repeated text they can learn by heart. They can also turn paper pages (not just board-book pages) and may enjoy topics like animals, cars, and other favorite interests. To help expand their vocabulary, look for books with pictures and names of many different things.

3 Years and Older
Children can begin to appreciate storylines and plots. They’ll also respond to books with simple, memorable text: counting books, alphabet books, search-and-find books, and books about school or daycare.