What books are best ?

In Rhythmical language books.
Books with rhythmical language may be the first books children encounter. Very young children focusing on the comforting voice of the reader enjoy "Mother Goose"� rhymes and lullabies, which allow even the youngest child to explore the rhythm and music of language. Some other rhythmical book choices include The Three Little Kittens, by Lorinda Cauley and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault.

Point-and-say books.
As the name implies, these books are best used with children as they begin to focus on pictures. This happens around the ages of four to six months and continues into toddlerhood. These books should have simple, uncluttered illustrations that allow the reader to point to the familiar pictures such as animals or toys and clearly name them. Some good point-and-say books with familiar objects include Tana Hoban's What is it? or any of Helen Oxbury's books, such as Family, Friends or Playing.

Board books.
This type of book is designed to take the abuse of the youngest reader and last through teething, when everything is put into a child's mouth, as well as the exploration and testing of new-found skills of grabbing, tearing, and throwing. The thick laminated cardboard of the board book endures more child handling than does the traditional paper book. Some excellent choices in a board book would be Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown or Bye Bye Daddy!, by Harriet Ziefert and Lisa Campbell Ernst.

Early picture storybooks.
As children approach their first birthday, many become interested in looking at pictures and listening to short, simple stories. These selections should have few words per page and simple illustrations. At this stage, a child's interests center around self and the familiar. They need books that can be shared a few pages at a time or in a brief sitting.

Guidelines for reading

Here are some guidelines from early childhood professionals to help you experience successful infant and toddler book reading sessions:

Choose a book that is not only appropriate for the youngster but also is one you like. Enjoying the book you choose makes the experience more pleasurable, and you'll probably do a better job!.

Timing is really important.
Don't expect a book to quiet a fussy baby or rambunctious toddler. The child must be ready to hear a story.

Have a special reading routine established.
Although books can be read at any time, having a special reading time helps children know when to expect a story. Routines are important in the lives of young children.

Position the child so that pictures can be easily seen.
For the newborn, your voice is more important than the pictures. However, as very young children reach the point at which holding up their heads is possible, pictures do become interesting.

Allow the child to assist you in the reading experience.
Particularly with board books, very young children can help turn pages if you keep all the pages in your right hand, except the one to be turned.

Point to and identify things in the pictures as you read.
As children get older, you can encourage their pointing to the pictures as you name objects and read about them.

React positively to all of the child's attempts in naming objects, turning pages, or attempting any form of verbalization.
Remember, even the smallest attempt is a step in the right direction, and positive reinforcement does make a difference even with babies.

Use your voice as a tool, which makes the reading exciting and interesting.
In general, using a quiet soft voice is best, but there are time when your voice can show excitement, surprise, or any number of other emotions.

Tune into the developmental stages of children.
If you know that from about five to nine months of age a baby usually will attempt to handle a book as he or she does most things by mouthing, hitting, tugging, twisting and pulling, you will not be surprised when this happens. Have something else ready for the baby to chew, pull, or tug on while you maintain possession of the book.

Be responsive to your audience.
This should be an enjoyable time for adult and child alike! If, for whatever reason, both child and adult cannot enjoy the experience - stop. Watch for the visual cues children present that tell you they have had enough.
Babies and toddlers are enriched by books. Equally important, the relationship between the child and adult is enriched. So, the next time you are considering sharing a book with an infant or toddler, think no more. Do it! Both reader and listener will be glad you did!

Tips for Infant and Toddler Book Selection
Does the book appeal to you, the reader?
Is the book well constructed and durable?
Is the book safe? Does it have any pointed, sharp corners or small, removable parts?
Are the pictures simple and clear on uncluttered background?
Does the book use bright colors that contrast each other for easier focusing by the young child?
Is the book accurate in content? (puppies should not be purple and bunnies should not be green).
Are the pictures predominantly familiar objects in the child's environment, mixed with a few unfamiliar objects to stimulate the young child's curiosity?
Does the book invite the child to participate and interact?
Is the book short enough for an active child with a short attention span?.