5 Things to Look for in a Baby Book

Every book buyer and library patron has been there. You’re staring at shelves of possibilities and wondering how in the world you find one that’s a winner.

Here are five things to keep in mind to reduce the possibilities of coming home with a baby book dud:

1. You want something baby friendly.

Remember, your baby is experiencing books for the first time and developing an attention span. Look for something that’s small enough that they can handle it themselves and sturdy enough to take a bit of a beating. You want books to be something they can experience not only with their eyes and ears, but also with their hands. Books shouldn’t feel intimidating or off-limits to them.

2. Look at the text.

For most tiny kids (and, let’s be honest, most parents), too much text is just a turn-off. Little ones can’t sit through a word-heavy book. For my babies, I tend to aim for ten or fewer words per page. Also, make sure the text is fairly big so that your baby can see it easily.

3. Do you like the illustrations?

I wouldn’t say I’m an artistic person, but there are some styles of illustration I really like and others I can’t stand. Since much of your reading time with a baby or toddler is spent looking at the pictures (rather than reading the words), it’s important to pick an illustration style that’s pleasing to you.

4. Stick with an author you like.

If you’ve loved Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, it’s likely you and your child will enjoy other Eric Carle books. Plus, it’s fun to explore an author’s whole range of works!

5. Does it have elements that will appeal to your child?

Whether it’s numbers or shapes or animals or trucks, most children quickly develop preferences for topics they love in their books. If the book includes some of those and you like the text and illustrations, it’s very likely to be a hit for both of you.

When all else fails, ask the librarian or bookseller. It’s their job to know the classics, the new releases, and the tried-and-true favorites. I promise, they’ll be happy to help!