20 Great Books To Start Your Baby's First Library
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Deciding on the first few books you're going to introduce your baby to is both incredibly exciting and a little bit daunting - there are just so many different stories to choose from!
The benefits of reading to your baby every day are seemingly endless - not only does it strengthen your baby-parent bond, but it also helps to develop initial language skills and introduces concepts such as colours, letters, numbers, and shapes.
While any book you choose will ultimately make for a great choice, we've rounded up our top twenty recommendations for a fantastic addition to your baby's first library.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A classic storybook that you most likely read yourself as a child, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an absolutely essential addition to this list. Not only do the bright, colourful illustrations make for an entertaining story but there are plenty of holes throughout the pages that little hands will love poking through.
The book is also made of board, making it super easy for babies to hold and grip themselves.
Where's Mr. Lion? by Ingela Arrhenius
Join the hunt for the friendly Mr Lion alongside his savannah friends as you flip through this easy to handle board book. There are plenty of brightly coloured flaps for babies to tug and lift, gorgeous illustrations, and even a mirror on the final page - perfect for your little one to get engaged with.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Follow the adorable little rabbit as he says goodnight before bedtime in this classic, much-loved book. Little ones will love the variations of black and white to brightly coloured illustrations - and the magically simple tale that comes along with it.
Pat The Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
Is there anything that babies love more than reaching out and touching things? This engaging board book is full of different things to see and feel, from stroking the bunny's soft fur to lifting flaps to poking fingers through cut out holes - your little ones will adore it.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Timeless and beautifully illustrated, your baby will adore this story of love between parent and child. Whilst the Little Nutbrown Hare and the Big Nutbrown Hare share their immeasurable love for one another, you can do it along with them!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
This rhythmic, rhyming tale is sure to become a firm favourite amongst both baby and you. The book does a wonderful job of introducing plenty of gorgeously illustrated animals, colours, and words with the usage of repetitive language. You'll be sure to love reading and answering the questions as you go along!
Peek-A Who? by Laden Nina
If you enjoy playing peek-a-boo with your little one, then your baby will certainly love this book. Full of flaps to lift and cut out holes in pages to peek through, this interactive story is sure to invoke plenty of giggles and learning!
Miffy Dances by Dick Bruna
The wide and wonderful collection of Miffy baby books make for a wonderful read - and are sure to bring back some of your own childhood memories. Follow the adventures of the little white rabbit in the easy to follow, brightly coloured pages.
Where's Spot? by Eric Hill
Join in and help this mummy dog on her search around the house for her lost puppy. Full of bright illustrations, repetitive text, and plenty of flaps to lift and play with - this adorable story will have your little one absolutely captivated!
Llama Llama Red Pyjama by Anna Dewdney
This catchy rhyming book is both unique and tells a great story. The tale follows a baby llama waiting for his mama to come back upstairs and tuck him in, but what your babies are sure to love best is the sing-song like read-aloud.
My Big Animal Book by Roger Priddy
Instead of a story, this one is actually a picture book full of animals. Engaging and sure to keep your little one occupied for hours, it's a great way to learn the names of and get to love all of the different animals. There are tons of pictures to look at - so be prepared!
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
'Good Night, Gorilla' may not contain many words, but it sure does tell a great story. Little hands will love flicking through the beautifully illustrated pictures and following the young gorilla (who's not quite ready for bed) on his adventure around the zoo.
Look Look by Peter Linenthal
The perfect addition to your baby's first library, this fantastic board book makes for a wonderful quick read. Full of simple short sentences and contrasting black and white illustrations, this story will certainly have your baby's attention.
Ten Tiny Toes by Caroline Jayne Church
Adorably illustrated and full of great rhymes, you can help your little ones to learn their body parts by reading them this book. It's a short read, but nonetheless memorable!
The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
A classic story that's been around for over thirty years, you and your baby can join the adventure of a group of animals on a boat getting ready for bedtime. The illustrations are great, and the silliness of the characters really shine through!
Dr. Suess's ABC by Dr. Suess
While this silly book may not make the most logical sense - it's certainly a classic that can't be missed out (and does a great job at helping your babies to learn their alphabets)! Be prepared to meet lots of different characters and learn plenty of new words.
Where Is Baby's Belly Button? by Karen Katz
Big, bright illustrations and large flaps for little fingers to lift up make for a great story in this peek-a-boo themed tale. The whole book is full of questions to ask and engage your little one - and is sure to envoke plenty of giggles along the way.
Five Little Ducks by Raffi
Not only will babies love this rhyming sing-along book, but it also does a great job at starting to teach them their numbers (aided by great, colourful illustrations).
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
A firm favourite of babies and parents alike, this classic storybook is great fun to read. Your little ones will love lifting the flaps and finding all of the different zoo animals - and will delight in finally finding the perfect pet at the end.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jnr. and John Archambault
Climb up (and down) a coconut tree as you learn the alphabet in this unique book. Full of bright, bold illustrations and great rhymes - the story is simple but one that you won't forget.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism
Rachel GarnerBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism
Growing up in Switzerland, Rachel developed a love for exploring new places and trying new foods. She has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. She currently resides in Northwest London and enjoys discovering trendy spots around the city. Rachel is also passionate about planning fun activities for her family, particularly her little cousins. When she has some downtime, she can be found indulging in hobbies such as attending concerts, baking, or visiting her family in Essex. Her love for travel takes her beyond the UK, where she meticulously plans and researches each adventure before setting off to explore new places across Europe and beyond.
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