You might be surprised to learn that beyond providing for your child’s basic needs, not much of what you do in these early years is predictive of how your child will perform in the school years. Not much, that is, except for reading.
Beginning a nightly routine of reading to your baby from as young as birth is one of the best ways to develop language skills and spark your little one’s imagination. Plus, the earlier you begin reading to your baby, the more likely you are to nurture a love of reading that will endure well into the future.
So if you don’t have them yet, here are 10 bedtime books you should be adding to your personal library to choose from during that nightly bedtime routine:
- You Are My I Love You, Maryann K. Cusimano: This sweet and rhythmic board book reads like a poem and features adorable illustrations.
- Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown: This classic from 1947 belongs on every child’s bookshelf.
- Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak: Made into a movie, this children’s book calls for a dramatic reading that will have your kiddos completely engrossed in the story.
- On The Night You Were Born, Nancy Tillman: Another rhythmic read that has pages which almost read like lyrics, On the Night You Were Born aims to spread the same message that many of Tillman’s books are focused on: you are loved, and so very, very wanted.
- The Napping House, Audrey Wood: Following a pattern that children will delight in, this is a book that also allows for all kinds of interactivity throughout the reading. For instance, teach kids to put their finger to their mouths and say, “shhhhh,” every time the line, “Where everyone was napping,” is read.
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Martin Jr.: Kids love repetition, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear provides just that, alongside covert lessons on color and animals.
- I Love You, Stinky Face, Lisa McCourt: This book will have your kids laughing at the various imaginings of a little one who is clearly trying to delay bedtime.
- Guess How Much I Love You, Sam McBratney: Another classic that will have your little ones reveling in just how much they truly are loved.
- Tickle Monster, Josie Bissett: Tickle Monster is a fun and lively book that will have your kids giggling in anticipation. Just make sure you plan on reading a more mellow book after this one!
- Llama, Llama, Red Pajama, Anna Dewdney: The tale of Baby Llama’s bedtime panic is sure to have your kiddo cuddling tight just before lights out.
Have a favorite bedtime book? Please tell us, we’d love to hear what it is.
Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
