I started reading to my children soon after they were born. I also talked to them a lot during pregnancy. There's something about mom's voice that brings out the warm "fuzzies" for infants and toddlers. Now that my children are independent readers, they still remember reading a few select board books. The best board board books combine beautiful, colorful artwork with words that have a certain flow to them that is not easily forgotten. I'd like to recommend some board books that my children asked me to read to them again and again.
The first book is one that I remember taking with me everywhere we went when my son was between the ages of 1 and 2. It's called, Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?, by Nancy White Carlstrom. It's easy to read this book with enthusiasm, because it has a rhyming pattern that is so perfectly matched with Bruce Degen's bright, vivid illustrations. This board book takes the youngest of children on a day's journey that he or she can relate to. In addition, the fact that Jesse Bear's mother stays home, and only the father works, gives parents an opportunity to talk about how parental roles have evolved, and that not every family is the same. You don't want to miss out on reading this adorable book with your child.
You'll recognize the beautiful artwork in another book that I always had on hand, Jamberry, which is written and illustrated by Bruce Degen. There's something about this children's book that makes it perfectly normal for a bear and a boy to be dancing around looking for berries! It might explain why my children love raspberries and strawberries. For a fun, memorable read, and one that is sure to spark your child's imagination, this book is a must have. For another recommendation of this book, and for more information on how to raise a reader, click here.
Only new parents would not be familiar with Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, but I had to include this unforgettable board
book. There's just something about it's simplicity
that is captivating. The illustrations are simple, yet detailed enough to really make younger children want to stare at them. The words are carefully chosen to complement the artwork. It's almost like an early, but very unique, version of the I Spy series, by Jean Marzollo, because children will want to look for the items mentioned on each page. The flow of the wording is soothing to listen to. It's an essential item on your bookshelf.
Especially in this economy, you can't buy every book that you read with your children. That's what the library is for. But there are certain books that are worth buying if you're going to read them over and over again. I've kept my worn out copies of these three board books for years now, and they still bring a smile to my face. When I'm having a particularly difficult day, all I have to do is to pick up one of them, and it reminds me of what's really important in life. I hope you and your children enjoy them as much as our family has.