Published by mom365.com

Reading to your baby is an important job — one that should be fun for you both. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite classic children’s books that we recommend you read to your baby. Pick up one — or all ten — and enjoy!

1. Pat the Bunny

The simple and wonderful book, Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt, has been entertaining little ones since 1940. The interactive pages, simple sentences, and boldly printed words make this the perfect first book for any baby.

2. Corduroy

Published in 1968, the Don Freeman book Corduroy follows the adventures of a lonely bear who needs a button and a home. With a sweetly written story and touching illustrations, this classic story is sure to touch your heart.

3. Goodnight Moon

Margaret Wise Brown’s simple book about saying goodnight has been sending children to sleep since 1947. Goodnight Moon is the charming narrative of one little bunny taking tally of his little room, saying goodnight to everyone and everything before sleep. The bold illustrations and easy prose make it a great first bedtime story for any baby.

4. Guess How Much I Love You

Relative newcomer, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, has been letting little ones know we love them since 1994. The story of Big and Little Nutbrown Hare outdoing each other to show who loves whom more is adorably written and a sweet way to let your little one know that your love for them is bigger than they know.

5. Are You My Mother?

This cute story by P.D. Eastman follows a newly-hatched bird on his quest to find his real mother. The baby bird’s conversations with dogs, cows, and even construction equipment, make this story both funny and sweet. Are You My Mother? was first printed in 1960 and has held a beloved place in many home libraries ever since.

6. The Snowy Day

In 1962 the racial landscape of America was quite different than it is now. Modern families will read about Peter’s adventures in The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and see rich colors and fun adventures–in 1962 it was controversial to depict the fact that an African-American boy in the city enjoyed the snow just like everyone else. Delightful and bright illustrations make this book a classic worth keeping in your bookcase.

7. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

It’s tough constantly being told you can’t do the one thing you really, really want to, but that’s the reality of being a baby. Turn the tables and let your little one tell the pigeon, “No!” when you read Mo Willems’ modern classic Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!. Pigeon is cute, cranky, and a fun character to yell at (nicely).

8. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Since 1989, the sing-songy book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has been a childhood standard. With zanily-colored illustrations and big, bold letters, this book is visually appealing and fun to recite. Read this one normally, make up your own song, or sing along with the funky version found here.

9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been eating his way through book pages since 1969. With fun holes for little fingers to explore, this book is definitely a must-read. Don’t read this one before lunchtime, otherwise you might find yourself craving cupcakes.

10. Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak’s popular children’s book was first published in 1963. Over the course of 50 years 19 million copies of Where the Wild Things Are have been sold. This short story follows Max on his imaginary adventure to see The Wild Things after being sent to bed with no supper. It’s a great tale to help your child learn how amazing imagination can be.

By mom365.com