The Big Busy House ® ©1998 HarperCollins Publishers

Choose from the following age levels for suggestions on reading to babies and toddlers. Babies and toddlers are born loving language. Think about how your baby's face lights up when you say her name or the way your toddler laughs when you recite silly poems to him. Babies and toddlers love to hear simple rhymes and songs, and imitate interesting words and phrases. The latest research in brain development has proven what parents already know: The first three years of life are extremely important. You can help your child's emotional and intellectual growth by providing a nurturing, language-rich environment. Talk to your child, sing to your child, read to your child! Establish a Reading Routine Sharing a book is one of the most effective ways to establish a close bond with your child. Reading is portable and not just for bedtime. You can read to a child on the bus, at the beach, or waiting in line at the market. A fussy baby can be calmed by a lullaby or nursery rhyme; a book before bedtime can help a busy toddler change tempo. Afternoon story hour with a three-year-old can provide quiet quality time for both of you. Age-Appropriate Books It's not always easy to know which books are appropriate for a very young child. Harper Growing Tree is a new line of quality books for babies and toddlers, from newborn to three years. Created in consultation with early-childhood experts, this program features six color-coded age levels that correspond to a child's natural development. Of course, each child develops on an individual schedule. The level on the back of each Harper Growing Tree book is meant only as a guideline to help parents know when to introduce a book to their child. Chances are your child will continue to love certain books for several years. Your instinct and your child's interests are the best guides for selecting books to share together. Back to Harper Growing Tree