Book Nook

It is never too early to open a good book and read with your child. Even in the early stages of infancy, bright colored pages can catch the eye of your baby and engage your child. For infants 0-6 months, SharpMoms reccommends touch and feel books like Touch and Feel Farm by DK Publishing. Infants love to look at themselves in the mirror. Bring that joy to them with a book like Baby Einstein: Mirror Me! By Julie Aigner-Clark. Lift the flap books are a great way to engage your child in reading and are best suited for children 9 months-3 years. SharpMoms likes Baby Einstein: Jane’s Animal Expedition by Julie Aigner-Clark, My First Word: Lift the Flap Book by DK Publishing, and The Cat in The Hat’s Great Big Flap Book by Aristides Ruiz . As your child grows, so will their habits. SharpMoms likes Excuse Me! A Little Book of Manners by Karen Katz. Does your little one have the first-day-of-school-jitters? Try easing their fears with this wonderfully animated story, Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes. As your child becomes older, and a more avid reader, you can choose books that fit their interests. Some great book series for early readers that SharpMoms likes are The Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Clifford by Norman Birdwell, and Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant. More experienced readers can begin chapter books. SharpMoms likes Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Clearly, The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, and Horrible Harry Series by Suzy Kline.

Looking to add an extra touch to that special baby shower gift? A book is a great “extra” to any gift basket and can help an expectant mother grow her child’s library. Some SharpMom favorites are Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Guess How Much I Love You? by Sam McBratney, and Hickory, Dickory, Dock and Other Favorite Nursery Rhymes by Sanja Rescek.