Bring on the Babies!

Did you know that the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library owns board books for our very youngest patrons? These books are not cataloged, so stop by your library to see what we have available to check out.

Need some suggestions? Try one of these staff picks:

Red, Blue, Yellow Shoe by Tana Hoban

Crisp, bright, simple photographs are the signature style of Tana Hoban. Introduce simple color identification and vocabulary to the youngest children.




Shapes (Little Scholastic) by Justine Smith

Very simple, bright books bring concepts like shape and color to babies. Visually appealing and stimulating for little eyes.




That's Not My Puppy... by Fiona Watt

This board book series by Fiona Watt for Usborne Books is a hit with little ones. Watt brings us simple plot lines, touch-and-feel sensory fun, and vocabulary just right for young children.



Blankie by Leslie Patricelli

One of the most treasured of all childhood things, this book celebrates the love between baby and blankie. Simple, cute illustrations and just the right amount of drama.



Country Babies Wear Plaid by Michelle Sinclair Colman and Nathalie Dion

These wonderfully illustrated board books celebrate babies of all styles - this one featuring the world of babies growing up in the country. Other titles include "Urban Babies Wear Black" and "Beach Babies Wear Shades" and "Eco Babies Wear Green"). Cute titles that parents will appreciate too.


Toes, Ears, & Nose! by Karen Katz

This lift-the-flap book offers a neat opportunity for babies to learn the names of different parts of their bodies. Babies love the interactive element of lift-the-flap books and Karen Katz's illustrations are gorgeous.



My Colores Mi Colores by Rebecca Emberley

Very simple, colorful illustrations identifying a variety of objects in both Spanish and English words. A great book to share with bilingual babies.




Baby Cakes by Karma Wilson

Author Karma Wilson brings a new board book full of adorable illustrated babies and loving rhymes - making this one a great bedtime, lap-sharing book!




Baby Dance by Ann Taylor and Marjorie Van Heerden

Rhythmic language and beautiful illustrations pair up for a celebration of song and togetherness with your small baby.




Baby Faces by DK Publishing

Babies love looking at other babies. These baby faces display a variety of emotions to read and talk about too!




Baby Pets by Margaret Miller

Margaret Miller is one of the best author/photographers out there for the smallest children. The Look Baby board books should be a welcome addition in every child's first library experience. Baby Pets, Baby Talk, Baby Faces, Peekaboo Baby, and I Love Colors are all titles in this series to look for. Gorgeous photographs and simple text make these great for an introduction to books for very young babies.


Out to Play by Michel Blake

Michel Blake and Candlewick paired to create Easy-Open board books that are just right for small hands to manipulate and turn the pages. Black and white photographs combined with bright colors make the illustrations pop in these simple board books that center around the environment of a baby and toddler.



Bear and Kite by C. Wright

Precious classic illustrations, rhyming text and the concept of opposites create a visually appealing board book to share with older babies.




Baby Talk by DK Publishing

Thick lift-the-flap pages and cute photographs are the highlight of this board book. As mentioned above, babies just love looking at other babies! The flaps are easy for little hands to lift (and won't tear as easily as many other lift-the-flap style books) and the question/answer format make great "conversation" starters for parents reading to their little ones.

Remember, you know your baby best. Look for the best times to share books with your little one throughout the day. Let her play with the books and if she show signs of disengaging with you, stop and try again another time. Keep the experience fun and a time for bonding!