Beginning with Books

Best Books for Babies 2007

Mama’s Day by Linda Ashman and Jan Ormerod

Mothers in a variety of settings are shown bathing, rocking, teaching, and loving their babies while additional illustrations of adorable babies frame each of the central pictures.

Whose Toes are Those?  by Jabari Asim, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

With bouncing rhymes and simple, softly colored pictures this board book celebrates one special little girl while encouraging parents to admire their own babies’ “little piggies.”

Easy Street by Rita Gray, Illustrated by Mary Bono

Intriguing illustrations created from clay, gravel, sandpaper, and other materials make this straight-forward story of the work involved in the creation of a road stand out from the crowd.

Welcome Precious by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Bryan Collie

Although young babies may not understand the lyrical text or truly appreciate the amazing artwork, children of all ages appreciate the sense of being cherished, welcomed, and loved, so start out reading this beautiful book to your baby and keep on reading it together as the years fly by.

Look at You! A Baby Body Book  by Kathy Henderson, Illustrated by Paul Howard

Babies love looking at other babies so they’re sure to enjoy this book’s large, appealing illustrations that showcase babies who are doing what they do best: playing, splashing, cuddling, eating, and making a mess.

Look at the Animals by Peter Linenthal

With clear, vivid black and white illustrations that focus on familiar animals engaged in everyday activities, this board book is perfect for the very youngest listeners.

Wee Willie Winkie by Salley Mavor

Embroidered fabric collages illustrate this nursery rhyme and offer lots of detail for parents and children to admire.

Hush, Little Baby by Brian Pinkney

The traditional song gains some new lyrics and an engaging background story in this warmly illustrated version that features an African American family’s attempts to entertain their youngest member while Mama is away.

Cheep! Cheep! by Julie Stiegemeyer, Illustrated by Carol Baicker-McKee

Easy to read and fun to look at, this amusing story told with just seven rhyming words shows three chicks whose sleep is disturbed by the hatching of a new friend—cheep!

Baby Cakes by Karma  Wilson, Illustrated by Sam Williams

Whether read straight through or enjoyed a few pages at a time, this charming board book offers plenty of opportunities for parents and babies to enjoy reading together.