Here are 10 of the best books for babies published in 2010, chosen by librarians, teachers, early childhood experts, and parents.
Baby Baby Baby!
Baby Baby Baby! by Marilyn Janovitz (Jabberwocky)
A loving family catalogs all the fun things their smiling baby can do—from clapping and crawling to splashing in the tub and kissing good night.
Dancing Feet
Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig, Illustrated by Marc Brown (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Textured collage illustrations show a variety of animals stomping, creeping, and clapping their way through this rhyming action tale.
Fiesta Babies
Fiesta Babies by Carmen Tafolla, Illustrated by Amy Cordova (Tricycle Press)
Bold colors amplify the festive fun in this rhyming story about babies and toddlers enjoying a neighborhood celebration.
Hip, Hop
Hip, Hop by Catherine Hnatov (Star Bright Books)
High contrast black and white images alternate with simple, brightly colored pictures of familiar animals, highlighting their typical sounds and movements.
I Like Fruit
I Like Fruit by Lorena Siminovich (Templar)
Unusual textures and vivid colors combine to create clear pictures of tasty treats in this sturdy board book.
Switching on the Moon
Switching on the Moon compiled by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, Illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Candlewick)
Perfect for sharing at bedtime, the beautifully illustrated poems in this collection are sure to become family favorites.
Pocketful of Posies
Pocketful of Posies by Salley Mavor (Houghton Mifflin)
Mavor uses intricate needlework to create whimsical, detailed illustrations for a wide variety of rhymes, making this an appealing collection for families even if they already own one (or more) Mother Goose collections.
Tuck Me In!
Tuck Me In! by Dean Hacohen, Illustrated by Sherry Scharschmidt
(Candlewick Beach Lane Books)
Young listeners can participate in this soothing bedtime ritual, turning half-pages to cozily cover a cast of baby animals.
Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy
Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy by Denise Fleming (Henry Holt and Co.)
Distinctive illustrations in warm, rich colors accompany rhythmic words designed to lull listeners into sweet sleep.
One Pup’s Up
One Pup’s Up by Marsha Wilson Chall, Illustrated by Henry Cole (Margaret K. McElderry)
Feisty puppies tumble and frolic across the pages of this charming picture book that features energetic, upbeat descriptions and enjoyable word play.
Tips for Reading Success
Turn the pages slowly. Say the names of a few things in the pictures. Choose the ones your baby knows, like truck and dog and cup, or just talk about the pictures. Hearing you say the words will help your baby learn to speak and understand the world.
For more tips about reading aloud to babies, visit Best Books for Babies.
Source: The Fred Rogers Company, The School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC); Best Books for Babies.