The Best Baby Books You’ll Love to Read to Your Little Book Worm.

We’ve all heard that reading to young children can help jump-start learning, but did you know that reading to a newborn is just as important? Even though it may seem silly to talk to a baby who has no conversational skills whatsoever, research shows that “the number of words an infant is exposed to has a direct impact on language development and literacy” according to a recent article published in the New York Times.

While your infant may not understand what you're reading “he can still begin to pick up the rhythm, tones and inflections of your voice” explains Kenneth Wible, MD via Parents Magazine. Babies start to learn language skills long before they say their first word; talking to baby every day is the best way to give them a head start.

It is the importance of reading that inspired our WavHello team to stock the latest version of our VoiceShare app with book content for families to share together. You can get the entire family involved – ask your mom to record a story in the app to play at bedtime for your little ones. Even if she is living across the country, your child can still hear her voice every night. VoiceShare also features original albums, lullabies, as well as unique prompts to record family memories. All great tools to use when thinking of what to say to baby.

So, what’s the moral of the story? Read! Start early and do it often. Do it in the morning and in the evening; at bedtime and during playtime. A good way to get started is to build up baby’s first library with classic and new favorites that you will both love for years to come. Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a list of our favorites for your inspiration.

Alphabet Books

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara - This new favorite covers everything from feminism and worker’s rights, to education and environmental issues. It’s great for parents who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism.

Letters in Their Own Words by Barbara Gorder - An alphabet book designed to help want-to-be readers discover the wide variety of sounds letters can make with quirky visuals. Available exclusively on the VoiceShare app.

Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers creates interconnected stories around 26 letters that will delight young and old. Illustrations are by same artist from the bestseller The Day the Crayons Quit.

Classics

Goldilocks and the Three Bears by WavHello Studios– one girl, three bears, a whole lot of trouble. Our version features our adorable Benji the Bear SoundBub speaker at the center of this classic story.

Corduroy by Don Freeman - A young bear in need of a button for his overalls and a forever home finds what he is looking for in this sweet tale.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - A simple story combined with interesting mixed media collages focused on a caterpillar munching his way through tasty snacks. We can all relate.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown - A young rabbit says goodnight to everything in his room and the outside world. Seasoned parents will be able to recite this tale by heart.

Guess How Much I Love You  by Sam McBratney – Prepare to get hit with all the feels. A young bunny and his dad one-up each other with how much they love one another.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle – This book features unique illustrations from same artist as The Hungry Caterpillar. The fun Q&A format encourages little ones to participate.

Where the Wild Things Are  by Maurice Sendak - Can you believe this book is 50 years old?  Inspire your little adventurer with this classic that is a must-have for your little one’s book shelf.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – A poignant story of the gift of giving. Another tear jerker- do not attempt to read without tissues nearby.

Unique

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell – A boy whose vocation is to deal out hugs – how adorable is that? Great illustrations and easy to understand story make this book a must-have.

Big Rabbit’s Bad Mood by Ramona Badescu - Whether you’re hungry or angry (or even worse, hangry) we’ve all experienced a bad mood. A great book to read and discuss with kids.

Maya and the Dream Clouds by Mabel Welch - Beautiful photography and imagination come together to create a one-of-a-kind picture book. Maya ventures out to fly a kite with her daddy and imagines she sees fantastic animals and shapes in the clouds. Available exclusively in VoiceShare.

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri – I mean, who doesn’t love tasty tacos? This New York Times Best seller features irresistible humor for kids and adults alike.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt - A little boy Duncan wants to color, but is surprised to find that his crayons have had enough! Makes a great back to school gift for your little ones; they will be imagining their own hilarious conversations while coloring!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems - When a bus driver decides to take a break from his route, a pigeon is quick to raise his hand to volunteer! Your little ones will love reading along with this new classic.

Luck = Chance: A Forever Home for One Cool Kitty by Mabel Welch – We all have that friend who’s first baby was their cat; this is the perfect gift for them to share with their child. Join Chance on his journey to find a forever home in this modern-day cat fantasy for young readers. Only available on our VoiceShare app. 

Flora the Flamingo by Molly Idle - Even though this book doesn’t have any words, it sure says a whole lot about friendship. Flora and her Flamingo friend explore the trials and joys of friendship through synchronized dance.

Star Wars Epic Yarns by Jack and Holman Wang - Star Wars fans, prepare to let your nerd flag fly while instilling a love of this epic series in your kids. Simple words, felt characters, sturdy pages – this book was made just for them.

Books don’t have to just be for babies – they can be for mom too! Keep reading for some books that will help mom record memories and feel connected throughout pregnancy and beyond.

For Mom and Baby

The first 1,000 Days  by Nikki McClure – This journal is one of the only ones on the market that does not confine parents to traditional mom and dad roles.

Hello Little One by Curtis Mark Williams -  A unique book written for mom to read to baby in the womb. Written in a sweet sentimental style that helps mom express hopes and dreams for baby and celebrates the mom and baby bond. Available in the VoiceShare app.

Purple Leaves, Red Cherries by Tania Elfersy - Not like any other baby book, this journal also features thoughtful stories and poems about motherhood to inspire and help mom connect to this journey.

Baby’s First Tattoo by Jim Mullen- The alternative baby book set on documenting real baby milestones -  like baby’s first tantrum in a crowded grocery store and baby’s 10,000 dirty diaper!

Q& A a Day for Moms: A 5-Year Journal by Potter Style – Not much for journaling? Answer one short question a day to celebrate connection to baby.