Be Bold

...with your pattern choices - in fashion and board book illustrations.  I love how eye-catching a sharp houndstooth or a retro chevron stripe can be. The authors of Amazing Minds would have us adopt this style sensibility when choosing books for very young babies.  Here's why: "When babies stare at strong contrasting edges, they're determining where objects begin and end.  The bolder the edge, the easier it is to determine, hence the attraction toward strong and obvious contrast of black-and-white stripes, checkerboards, and bull's-eyes."  This title expertly combines scientific studies on child behavior with useful tips and tricks for parents.  What babies are capable of, even in the first few hours of life, will astound you!

So, resist the urge to fill your baby's bookshelf solely with soft pastels and Pat the Bunny look-alikes.  Instead, opt for bold black and white books and ones with bright colors in both the negative and positive space. Peter Linenthal's newest Look Look Outside! is the gorgeous houndstooth scarf of board books.

Cuddle Close and Have a Look

I love reading books to children and I love when parents or grandparents later tell me how they have storytime at home, just like Miss Pam does it. The children delight in singing "open-shut them" or "cuddle close and have a look" in front of their favorite stuffed animals or dolls. Then they begin to read - either they've memorized the story or they "read" the pictures to their small, quiet audience. What a joy! These things don't just happen - children who have this devout interest in books have been read to since they were born. They have been allowed to play with, chew on, and look at board books since a very early age. Their parents probably bring them to the library for storytime and allow them to pick out their own books. These are the children who will start school already reading or will pick it up very easily in the first months of Kindergarten.

Start your babies on this path - pick up some wonderful board books. We have hundreds to choose from! Let your child get acquainted with them. Board books are so great - they're made of sturdy stuff and can withstand being chewed on, walked on, or thrown around. They are just the right size for little hands, purses, or diaper bags. Choose ones with bright colors, pictures of babies, or things children can easily recognize - dogs, cats, balls, trucks, etc. Find ones with textures to feel or flaps to peek under - it's all fun! It's something wonderful to do for our children and the enjoyment will last a lifetime. Check out the great board books available at the library! Guest post by Pam R.

Tuck Me In!

This gem is perfect for those looking to bridge the gap between board books and picture books. The pages are sturdy, interactive, and simple, but not too simple. In this story your almost-ready-for-picture-books-listener gets to be the grown up who “tucks in” a variety of adorable animals beginning with a very wakeful-looking zebra.

A perfect choice for debuting tonight at bedtime. After the last page is turned, your little animal will surely be the one who needs the tucking.

Slobber Not Included

Babies explore their environment by touching, tasting and playing. This includes books! Our library children’s room has specially designed book displays that hold our books low to the ground for your children to explore. We also have a pretend book drop to encourage imaginative play.

Because board books have sturdier pages, they are designed to withstand the inquisitive hands (and slobber) of a baby or toddler. It’s OKAY if your baby bangs his/her book on the floor, tastes it or puts it enthusiastically in our book drop! These positive interactions will help your child become familiar with and learn to enjoy books. Look for the The Baby Hustle  for its unique interactive elements!

Hint: If you are ever trying to locate books with flaps or moveable parts, search for Toy and Moveable Books as a keyword in our catalog - we have hundreds!