{"id":15,"date":"2008-08-27T12:41:03","date_gmt":"2008-08-27T16:41:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/?p=15"},"modified":"2008-08-27T12:41:03","modified_gmt":"2008-08-27T16:41:03","slug":"what-should-be-on-the-baby%e2%80%99s-bookshelf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/2008\/08\/what-should-be-on-the-baby%e2%80%99s-bookshelf\/","title":{"rendered":"What should be on the baby\u2019s bookshelf?"},"content":{"rendered":"

** This article originally appeared on QueryCat.com<\/a>. **<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although I am not a mother, I am a proud aunt and a literacy specialist, so I am frequently asked my all-time favorite question\u2014what should be in the baby\u2019s library?\u00a0 Whether you are a parent, friend, or family member to the new bundle of joy, I encourage people to purchase books as gifts for baby.\u00a0 Books are items to be cherished over time, and are much more meaningful than onesies and rattles.\u00a0 Certainly, I understand there are necessities when welcoming a new child home, which are not to be overlooked.\u00a0 Yet, there is no denying the lasting power of a book, especially when it is coupled with a plush toy, or even more crucial items such as the needed clothing, furniture, and diapers.\u00a0 Think beyond baby showers, too.\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget any of the upcoming festivities and holidays, which are all perfect occasions for bringing books as gifts, such as birthdays, baptisms, Thanksgiving, etc.\u00a0 Books are relatively inexpensive, and create enduring memories.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nowadays, both common sense and research tell us that reading to children regularly, from a very young age, and exposing them to books on a frequent basis, all have far-reaching effects on children\u2019s overall well-being, but especially pertaining to their success in school.\u00a0 I encourage people to read to children at any age, even from the womb, and as early as their first months of life.\u00a0 In fact, there is absolutely no reason to stop reading together, even as the child grows older.\u00a0 Evidence shows that older children, teens, and even adults love to hear books read aloud.<\/p>\n

Obviously, you could read the Yellow Pages in a compelling way and the baby will listen attentively, although I do think some books are better than others!\u00a0 While I have never considered myself a \u201cbook snob,\u201d and I can easily be found rummaging through sale bins and yard sales scavenging for cheap books, some books are definitely of better quality than others.\u00a0 There is no denying that some books are deservedly classics, so if you are going to make the investment, I would suggest some of the following titles.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Board books\u2026 with a little extra<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before baby starts grabbing and placing items in his\/her mouth, clearly any book is okay and safe to read.\u00a0 However, before too long, little hands will be gripping pages and drool is inevitable.\u00a0 That is why I would recommend board books.\u00a0 Fine quality board books are made entirely of sturdy cardboard, with smooth, rounded edges.\u00a0 In most cases, they are safe for infants and toddlers to handle, although please proceed with caution and keep an eye on the children.\u00a0 Most board books are made with care and consideration of tots, however I have unfortunately seen plenty of board books that have been produced irresponsibly, with flimsy pull-out flaps and rough edges, which I would certainly not recommend.\u00a0 Nearly all book stores and libraries have areas devoted entirely to board books in the children\u2019s sections.\u00a0 Peruse thoughtfully.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When I purchase board books for babies, I often select the following.\u00a0 These books are not only classics (or of considerable quality), but also sometimes come in gift sets with a little additional gift, such as a plush toy.<\/p>\n

1.<\/strong>\u00a0 My first choice is a classic most of us will recognize, Goodnight Moon <\/a>by Margaret Wise Brown.\u00a0 Most readers love its rhythmic, repetitive prose.\u00a0 This gift set comes with baby socks that are embellished with \u201ccow jumping over the moon.\u201d<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong>\u00a0 Second, who can forget the over-eating caterpillar in Eric Carle\u2019s The Very Hungry Caterpillar<\/a>?\u00a0 This delightful set comes with a plush toy of the starving culprit.\u00a0 Carle has a whimsical, unique style; he is one of my absolute favorite author\/illustrators, so I think any of his books are perfect.<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong>\u00a0 Third, there is no denying the popularity of Guess How Much I Love You <\/a>by Sam McBratney, which is an endearing story reminding us that there is no contest when it comes to how much a parent and child love one another.\u00a0 Since it\u2019s the perfect bedtime story, cuddle up at bedtime with the accompanying plush rabbit in this gift set.<\/p>\n

4.<\/strong>\u00a0 Fourth, the lyrical language and playful quality of We\u2019re Going on a Bear Hunt <\/a>by Michael Rosen is always a crowd pleaser.\u00a0 It could be fun to act this one out with the supplementary plush bear in this gift set.<\/p>\n

5.<\/strong>\u00a0 Fifth, is an exceptionally written and illustrated tale of maternal love in Owl Babies <\/a>by Martin Waddell, which also comes with a plush owl toy. This book will easily follow children into their pre-school and early reading days.<\/p>\n

6.<\/strong>\u00a0 Sixth, is another classic tale most will remember\u2014naughty Peter Rabbit<\/a>, who wanders into Mr. McGregor\u2019s garden, despite his mother\u2019s warnings.\u00a0 The exquisite text and illustrations by Beatrix Potter, all accompanied by this plush toy version of Peter, are the ideal gift.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0<\/strong> Seventh, another recognizable, timeless text is Pat the Bunny <\/a>by\u00a0 Dorothy Kunhardt.\u00a0 You may remember that this book is already tactile in nature, yet it still comes in a gift set with a plush bunny for additional play.<\/p>\n

8.<\/strong> Last, for bedtime, I would recommend snuggling up with either Time for Bed <\/a>by Mem Fox, or Tell Me Something Happy Before I go to Sleep<\/a> by Joyce Dunbar.\u00a0 Both come with book-themed night lights in these gift sets.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Cloth Books<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another often over-looked option to the more popular board books are cloth books.\u00a0 Cloth books are simply not as prevalent as board books, but they are nonetheless a great option, since they\u2019re soft, cuddly, and washable.\u00a0 As with anything else, I would be careful of choking and suffocation with these items, but cloth books provide an excellent tactile experience for infants and toddlers.<\/p>\n

If you decide to go the cloth book route while shopping, I would suggest a popular book such as P. D. Eastman\u2019s Are You My Mother?<\/a>\u00a0 This fun, playful, repetitive text captivates young children.\u00a0 When I was a full-time babysitter and child day care provider in my college years, I had this book memorized!<\/p>\n

Book Sets<\/strong><\/p>\n

On a special occasion, such as a milestone birthday, or a religious service such as a baptism\/christening, please consider a slightly pricier option for book gifting, such as the following book sets.\u00a0 As the impractical friend and fabulous aunt, I have been known to show up to baby showers with heavy armfuls of book sets, instead of with blankets and pacifiers.\u00a0 Book sets tend to be slightly more expensive, so please shop with care, and follow the suggestions of others and your own instincts to ensure you are purchasing classic books and books of significant quality.\u00a0 Perhaps most importantly, see these book sets as important, meaningful investments.\u00a0 Book sets are items that families will cherish for years, and are far more poignant than lots of other gifts.\u00a0 Children will grow into these books, and will treasure them for decades.\u00a0 Remember, by buying the books as a set, you are purchasing several books in one keepsake box, often by the same author.<\/p>\n

Here are some suggestions:<\/em><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong>\u00a0 Years ago, when my older cousin and his wife had their first child, I showed up at the baptism with the World of Peter Rabbit Box Set <\/a>by Beatrix Potter.\u00a0 While it\u2019s certainly easier to throw some cash in a greeting card, I am confident this classic box set created unparalleled memories.<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong>\u00a0 One of my frequent purchases for baby showers is Jan Brett\u2019s Little Library Box Set<\/a>.\u00a0 Since the set comes with three of Brett\u2019s most famous books, in board book format, it\u2019s an excellent price, and Brett\u2019s artwork is superb with its delicate details.\u00a0 This one never disappoints!<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong>\u00a0 Even if my other suggestions have not been familiar, here is one everybody will recognize.\u00a0 Consider the Pooh Library <\/a>original 4-volume set.\u00a0 With the beloved, wisdom-filled text of A.A. Milne and Ernest H. Shepard\u2019s unmatched, elegant illustrations, you\u2019ll be the hit of the party with this gift!<\/p>\n

4.<\/strong>\u00a0 Trust me\u2014I used to teach 1st grade, and my next suggestion will not only tantalize an infant or toddler with its rhythmic language, but will also be a new reader\u2019s best friend.\u00a0 The Brown Bear & Friends Board Book Gift Set <\/a>is perfect for children of many ages and stages.\u00a0 You can\u2019t go wrong with any of Bill Martin and Eric Carle\u2019s classic texts.<\/p>\n

5.<\/strong>\u00a0 One way to create lasting memories with the children in your life is to read nearly any text by Maurice Sendak.\u00a0 There are too many to name, but I would suggest the Nutshell Library <\/a>(Caldecott Collection) Box Set by Maurice Sendak, which includes four memorable books that will entertain children for years.<\/p>\n

6.<\/strong>\u00a0 My final suggestion is the only recommendation that may be gender-specific to girls, although there is absolutely no reason a little boy cannot enjoy the Madeline’s House Book Set <\/a>by Ludwig Bemelmans.\u00a0 Children adore the exciting adventures of Madeline and her friends from the girls\u2019 school in Paris.<\/p>\n

In conclusion\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

The next time you (or one of your friends) organize a baby shower, instead of the typical wishing wells and silly games common to showers, consider having a book-themed shower, and have a box devoted just to book gifts.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Furthermore, I would just like to re-emphasize that I am as frugal as the next person, and I am far from being a \u201cbook snob.\u201d\u00a0 As a child, I adored the simple, formulaic books my mother would purchase me from grocery stores, and I still own all of the inexpensive Little Golden Books that loved ones gave me over the years.\u00a0 Also, don\u2019t forget the library, where the books are borrowed for free!\u00a0 Owning the books is certainly not imperative!<\/p>\n

Obviously, there are far more classic picture books than I could ever name in one, simple article. I will write future articles about additional picture books to follow children into their growing years.\u00a0 Last but not least, I never even mentioned the array of playful, fun counting books and alphabet books that are currently on the market.\u00a0 In short, have fun when browsing in the children\u2019s book section, and select titles that resonate with you.\u00a0 Just remember that a book is a far more powerful gift than a toy the child will quickly forget.\u00a0 When you buy a book, you create a sincere memory.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

** This article originally appeared on QueryCat.com. ** Although I am not a mother, I am a proud aunt and a literacy specialist, so I am frequently asked my all-time favorite question\u2014what should be in the baby\u2019s library?\u00a0 Whether you are a parent, friend, or family member to the new bundle of joy, I encourage […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[5,4,9,19],"class_list":["post-15","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reading","tag-childrens-books","tag-childrens-literature","tag-newborn-reading","tag-reading"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christinewoodcock.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}