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Back to Grow a Reader Guide |
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The Wonders of the First Year |
The first year of a child's life is filled with amazing and unforgettable firsts. The first smile, the first laugh, the first coo. In the early months babies learn to recognize and respond to familiar faces and voices. They learn to use their voices to express their needs. As they gain control over their movements, babies start exploring the world around them. Books with rhythmic texts and bright, clear artwork are ideal for babies.
Tips for Reading to a baby:
- Establishing a ritual takes time. Don't be discouraged if your baby grabs the book and wants to chew on it; try reading a bit each day.
- Choose books with a strong rhythmic quality; babies respond to the rhythm more than the actual words.
- Vary your tone as you read to help keep your baby focused.
- Reread books your baby loves again and again.
- Encourage other family members to read to your baby too.
Harper Growing Tree books for newborns:
- Maybe My Baby is a love poem from parent to child ideally suited for reading aloud. Babies are fascinated by photographs of other babies.
- Do You Know New? echoes baby's first cooing sounds in gentle verse. The illustrations are bright and simple, and a mirror creates a surprise ending.
- How a Baby Grows features the comforting, familiar objects in a baby's environment. The graceful text is paired with simple, adorable images.
- Goodnight Moon is the perfect first book for baby with its soothing text and comforting artwork.