Importance of Reading to Babies & My Fav Books

It’s no secret that reading books to children is beneficial. In fact, we’ve all been told to start reading to our kids as young as infants. Because by the time a baby reaches his first birthday, he will have learned all the sounds needed speak his native language, so it’s imperative that we expose our babies to as many words and sounds as possible. Additional benefits include: higher vocabulary, bonding time, scoring higher on standardized tests, and learning new sights and sounds. As a teacher, I can attest to the advantages that reading provides children and I have seen the lasting impact and how poorly students perform when they are not exposed to reading at an early age.

When I was little, my dad read to me every night and ever since I was a child I have loved to read. I enjoy reading so much that I became an English teacher. And now that I have my own daughter, I am passionate about making sure she has a fully stocked library and is read to at least once a day. I usually read a book or two while I’m with her during the day and when Eric gets home, he takes over the bedtime routine and reads her two or three books every night. I have to say that nothing is sweeter than watching the man you love reading to the baby you love.

I know that buying books can get expensive, so some other options are the library (duh!) and second hand stores. The library is a great option because they also usually have free classes that you can take your little ones to. And second hand stores have so many books! The Goodwill sells children’s books for $.59 and are in great condition.

So, here are my favorite children’s books right now:

1. On the Night You Were Born – This book makes me feel all the feels and I want to check out Nancy Tillman’s other book, Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You
2. The Day the Crayons Quit – Such a cute story
3. The Runaway Bunny
4. You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy
5. In My Heart – Eric bought her this one all on his own and it is the cutest book about feelings and has bright and colorful illustrations
6. Press Here – Such a clever idea for a book!
7. Love You Forever – People either love this book and cry every time they read it, or they think it’s a super creepy book. What do you think?
8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar – A classic that everyone loves
9. The Giving Tree – This book might be one of my all time favs
10. But No Elephants – this was my favorite book as a child
11. Little Blue Truck

I am always looking for new books for Olivia, so please share your top three favorites below!

XO,

L