Great Childrens Books for your youngsters:

Having a degree in Early Chidhood Education has totally helped me choose excellent books for my own children. Now that my two bigger ones are getting bigger, I am not that versed in “good” book choices for them, since they now read chapter books, but they seem to find books they enjoy. My older child is more of a reader than my middle, having read all the Harry Potter series in about 6 weeks, she enjoys Fantasy like my husband, I am more of a Non-fiction type personally and my son, well, let’s just say, he enjoys reading the Geronimo Stilton series…funny, easy reading.

As far as baby and toddler choices, I can totally help you out. Here are a few of my baby’s favorite finds: The wonderful thing about board books is that they don’t rip easily (I did not say NEVER, my daughter manages to rip some that she reads over and over again) and they often have rhymes or repetition which is excellent for children learning to talk and communicate. Here are some great choices that my baby enjoys:

The Lady with the Alligator Purse (board book)

Miss Mary Mack (board book)

Skip to my Lou (board book) 

BIG RED BARN (board book)

Stop Train Stop!  (board book) She loves Thomas the Tank Engine, by baby, see, it is not just for boys! :)

This is the CHARLIE and LOLA stories, about a brother who takes care of his younger sister, Lola. My daughter adores these two stories. She says the words along with me.

This story in particular cracks my baby up every time she hears it. It is also a good way to show you how to be creative with healthy foods that your child doesn’t seem to want to eat.

She adores the numerous Sandra Boynton stories we have (there are a lot we don’t have, because there are SO many, but they are all terrific). I actually have always read books by also saying who the author as well as the illustrator is, I think it is important and good for children to know those facts. My daughter can tell me the last name of the author after I say the first name b/c she is use to hearing them over and over… Here are a few favorites:

But NOT the Hippopotamus!  

The Going to Bed Book  

Moo Baa LA LA LA!   

BLUE HAT, GREEN HAT    

OPPOSITES    

Lastly, I was curious, would you like to see me sell BABY BOOK GIFT SETS on the site? Please send your comments to info@startingoutsmall.com or leave a comment here, THANKS!

I will write some more great toddler choices another time, in the meantime, don’t forget, the best thing you can do for your child is READ, READ, READ!!!!