Why Babies Need BooksBabies respond not only to the visual stimuli of books, but to the intimate act of storytelling. By Julie Michaels  When my daughter was an infant, she had a book that was the treasure of our evening routine. It was called Pat the Bunny, and each evening before bed, that’s exactly what we did. I would hold Lily on my lap and read to her about Paul and Judy, who could play peekaboo, smell the flowers, or pat the soft, furry bunny that appeared on its pages.
Pat the Bunny, by Dorothy Kunhardt, was first published in 1940, and ever since, it’s been one of those books that are beloved by non-verbal children. Why is this kind of book so important?
According to Alison Gopnik, Andrew Meltzoff, and Patricia Kuhn, authors of The Scientist in the Crib, “Babies learn a great deal about language before they ever say a word.” Numerous studies confirm that reading to infants not only boosts speech and language development, but increases overall intelligence as well.
There are other advantages to starting early with a regular reading routine. Reading with a child on your lap builds a bond that is as important as the language skills you’re teaching. For those who adopt older infants—my daughter was eleven months old when I brought her home from China—early reading sessions help children relax into a new language, and a new relationship.
The World in Black and WhiteNewborns see best from a distance of approximately one foot. That’s why babies’ first books should be simple and bold. Choose books with patterns (stripes, polka dots) and with black-and-white illustrations or photos. No need for words just yet.
Show What They KnowThe next step is to look for simple books with pictures of things your baby loves. Dogs, perhaps, or trucks. Or even pictures of other babies. Keep it simple. These books will help a parent start teaching language. “Ball, look at the ball.” Babies may be too young to repeat these phrases, but you can be sure their brains are hard-wiring not only the words, but also the sense of turning pages from right to left.
Chew on ThisIn the second half of the first year, babies begin to participate actively in the reading process—first by chewing, later by pointing and cooing. This is when interactive books, like Pat the Bunny, become favorites. You might also consider cloth books that feature horns that honk or material that shines. A child is absorbing information from all of his senses, not just the visual.
Baby BooksMy daughter is 12 years old now, but I still remember the titles of the early books that most delighted her, and me. Here’s our list:
- Pat the Bunny Dorothy Kunhardt
- Good Night Moon Margaret Wise Brown
Her most marvelous book, of course, and perhaps the best bedtime story ever written. But The Runaway Bunny finishes a close second.
- Moo, Baa, La, La, La! Sandra Boynton
- Tickle, Tickle Helen Oxenbury
- Good Dog Carl Alexandra Day
- A Pocket for Corduroy Don Freeman
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric Carle
- Where’s Spot? Eric Hill
- Love You Forever Sheila McGraw
Julie Michaels lives with her family in Massachusetts. Back To Home Page ©2009 Adoptive Families. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. |
