WHERE TO START:
BLOG POSTS:
Beyond Books: Easy Ways to Boost Vocabulary
READING LISTS:
The best books for this age group are board books, soft books, and books that encourage interaction (e.g., lift-the-flap books or books with sounds).
Books with rhymes are great, as are ones about animals, colours, numbers and shapes - all helping to reinforce early literacy and understanding.
Some suggestions are:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Helen Oxenbury
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
Want more suggestions? Get my FREE list of Books for Every Little Book Dragon Shelf
Key Developmental Milestones (0-2 Years)
Language Development: At this stage, babies are beginning to recognize sounds, words, and even the rhythm of language. Reading aloud helps babies understand that sounds and words have meaning.
0-6 months: Babies are developing listening skills and may respond to the rhythm and melody of books, even if they don't understand the words.
6-12 months: Babies may start to recognize familiar faces, objects, and words in books.
12-24 months: Babies begin to engage more with books through touch, sound, and looking at pictures. They may start to recognise specific words and may even try to “talk” during read-aloud sessions.
Cognitive Development: Babies are building basic cognitive skills like object permanence (understanding that objects still exist even if they’re not visible) and cause-and-effect relationships. Books that use textures, flaps, or mirrors encourage exploration and learning.
Sensory Development: Babies explore the world through their senses, and books with textures, bright colours, and sounds enhance sensory development. Books at this age should be tactile and interactive.