Teachers and Caregivers - Best Books

When choosing children’s books, keep in mind that the best books:

Encourage participation. Young children can lift a flap — and enjoy finding a surprise underneath. Older children can respond to questions or use their imagination.
Use interesting language, introducing children to new words. Include interesting pictures or illustrations to show children a variety of artistic styles that fit the words and the story.
Are free of stereotypes: gender, race or ethnic group, religious preference.

Best Books for Babies

Each year, Beginning with Books – Center for Early Literacy reviews newly published books for children from birth to 18 months of age. A selection committee comprised of literacy and early childhood development experts evaluates books on factors such as age-appropriate subject and theme, quality of writing throughout, and artistic merit of illustrations.

Look for the 8th Annual Best Books for Babies winners at a bookstore or library you’re visiting.

Mama’s Day

By Linda Ashman and Jan Ormerod

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2006

Whose Toes are Those?

By Jabari Asim; illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Little Brown and Company, 2006

Easy Street

By Rita Gray, illustrated by Mary Bono

Dutton Children’s Books, 2006

Welcome Precious

By Nikki Grimes; illustrated by Bryan Collier