2005 Best Books for Babies

Buenos Dias Baby! Ellis, Libby. Chronicle Books : 2004 
Familiar objects, pictured one per page in appealingly simple illustrations and soft colors, are identified in both English and Spanish in this charming miniature board book.

Tomie's Baa Baa Black Sheep and Other Rhymes. DePaola, Tomie. Putnam Publishing: 2004
Popular artist DePaolo illustrates four traditional rhymes in this brief board book, providing a perfect introduction to Mother Goose for babies and their parents.

Little Bo Peep. Pearson, Tracey Campbell. Farrar Straus Giroux: 2004
A wakeful toddler tosses her toy sheep from her crib (a game that will be familiar to many parents) in this amusing board book update of a familiar rhyme.

Truck Duck. Rex, Michael. G. P. Putnam Son’s Publishing: 2004
Animals and vehicles are paired in humorous rhyming combinations; bright, bold illustrations add to the fun.

Baby Danced the Polka. Beaumont, Karen. Illustrated by Jennifer Plecas. Dial Book for Young Readers: 2004
An energetic baby jigs, polkas, and cha-chas with a variety of stuffed animals hidden behind flaps in this rhyming story that will likely inspire both participation and imitation on the part of little listeners.

Te Amo, Bebe, Little One. Wheeler, Lisa. Illustrated by Maribel Suarez. Little, Brown & Co: 2004
Playful rhymes and colorful pictures describe baby’s first year, punctuated regularly by Mama’s repeated declaration of love and devotion.

Duckie’s Rainbow. Barry, Frances. Candlewick Press: 2004
A cleverly designed book with pages that grow ever smaller, this story follows a bright white duck as she travels homeward and eventually sees a beautiful rainbow.

Me Baby You Baby. Wolff, Ashley. Dutton Children’s Books: 2004
Colorful paintings and cheerful rhymes showcase a delightful day in the lives of two families, as two toddlers and their mothers head off to the zoo to admire the baby animals.

Snug in Mama’s Arms. Medearis, Angela Shelf. Illustrated by John Sandford. McGraw Hill children’s Publishing: 2004
Celebrating the comfort found in cuddling on mama’s lap, this soothing picture book uses soft, somewhat dark colors to evoke the dreamy drowsiness of a lullaby.

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. Field, Eugene W. Illustrated by David McPhail. Cartwheel Books: 2004
Field’s classic poem is brought to vibrant life by McPhail’s exquisite, oversized paintings that excel at capturing both the elements of fantasy and the coziness of being tucked safely in bed.