Best Books for Babies
Best Books for Babies is an initiative to highlight the vital importance of reading to babies. Research demonstrates that a child's first years are critical to language development. Reading to infants is one of the best ways to encourage that development.
Each year, a selection committee comprised of early childhood and literacy experts review books for babies published in the prior year. The committee looks for:
- Age-appropriate subject, format, and theme
- Clear, uncluttered illustration
- Distinguished writing (when applicable)
- Easy physical manipulation
- Interactive potential
The goals of the Best Books for Babies list are to:
- Assist parents, teachers, and others in selecting outstanding books for the babies in their lives
- Highlight the importance of sharing books with babies
- Honor publishers, authors, illustrators, and designers who create outstanding books for our youngest children
- Encourage the publication of more high quality books for infants