We recently had some new books delivered and my kids were so excited. It warmed my heart so much to see and share in their excitement for the new books as I love, and get excited about, new books myself. As hard as it is to pick favorites, of anything, I want to share some that we've loved as not all books elicit the same excitement.
INFANT (0-1)
There are lots of good night books and sentimental picks for parents and baby; you're going to read it to them so pick something you like. Small soft books are great to throw in the diaper bag or give in the car. A+ if it's easily washed. Flap books are good in theory but they will rip them unless you're able to find felt ones to really challenge your baby's strength.
Some Favorites: 
Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
The Big Night-Night Book by Georgie Birkett
They have lots of different cities and states (even other countries) that are fun to collect while traveling or as gifts from out of town family members.
Indestructibles (rip proof, chew proof, washable) and any bath books
Classic Disney and Sesame Street Characters
TODDLER (1-3)
They're developing their own interests and opinions, even if they can't always communicate them nicely. Whether you're going to read to them, or] they'll look at themselves/play with, I prefer board books at this age.
Toddlers can easily grab and rip a page during story time, bedtime, or anytime when in reach. They can, and will, use books as weapons. It is your job to teach them we do not throw or hit with books.
Size-wise, I like them all. Smaller ones are good for little hands to look at themselves and easy to take on the go or when traveling. While larger ones lend themselves nicely to great illustrations and beginner look and find books.
Some Favorites:
Sandra Boyton books
My First Library Board Books - With lots of different themes, these small books come in a carrying case with a handle that kids love to play with! These sets make excellent first birthday gifts.
Books with sounds and songs
PRESCHOOL (3-4)
They are into learning and exploring the world around them at a whole new level. They like to learn, and tell adults, random facts about insects and stars and the ocean.
They also likely have some favorites shows or movies they like to watch now and characters they're familiar with. These character/series/movie branded books are easy crowd pleasers and often do have many good teachable lessons.
They are learning more about how to be a friend and the social nuances that are, scarily, already at play at school and/or daycare.
Some Favorites (aside from TV/movie characters):
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book Series
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
Kids think this book is hysterical! "...makes grownups have to say silly things."
Todd Parr books
Once they start learning to read there are tons of options in various learn to read and easy to read series, small paperbacks with assigned levels for type of reader (ie. beginner/needs lots of help to reading independently). I have found that the levels are not necessarily consistent across series/brand. It may say 'easy' and then still have more lengthy content than a new reader can tackle right away without fatigue (them and us.)
I recommend getting a basket, or two, for these paperbacks.
Familiar characters from TV and movies, even other books you've read them, can help bring out the interest and excitement for reading.
Once they start learning to read it's still good to have a variety of other books to read to them. It's good to have time with books where the newer readers can relax and just listen, a time to enjoy books without the possible frustrations that come along with learning to read. Kids can still follow along but not feel like it is 'homework' time as, for some, it can start to feel like that if reading doesn't come easily. (They may also not be interested in the book choice.)
Bottom line, keep the fun in spending time with books! Studies (cited by our teachers and reading specialists) show that any time spent reading is excellent for children.
Some Favorites (aside from TV/movie characters):
What Should Danny Do? and What Should Darla Do? by Adir Levy and Ganit Levy
We recently discovered these books and love them so much! The reader helps Danny and Darla make choices throughout their day. The reader then sees where the choices lead and how their days are impacted by the different choices they make. Very well done.
Short biographies of ground breaking figures.
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker - Managing emotions.
Beginner chapter books!
We are still new to this genre but so far:
Alvin Ho series
Junie B Jones series
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
I hope you enjoyed reading about some of our favorites as much as we enjoyed sharing them!
(and the kids arranging books on the couch for a special photo-shoot haha)
Happy reading and book giving!!
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