If it were up to me, I would own every single children's book out there - the good, the bad, the old and the new. However things like budgeting and a mortgage exist, so I don't - haha. That being said, there is still a heavy rotation of books in our house so we never get bored (but we also love rereading our top faves).
Our sweet babe is now 7 months old and although she mostly loves a good book chew, she also really enjoys being read to and makes it known when she likes/dislikes a story! Of course, there are tons of fabulous board books - here is but a small collection of our current favourites. These are the ones that hold Mila's attention the best; the ones that are engaging, fun to read, and maybe one or two that are a bit sentimental and sweet.
1. Goodnight Owl (Dwell Studio) - a lift-the-flap book, with a goodnight theme. Mila loves the 'whooo whooo' part (that I do in my very best owl voice), and squeals with delight when the flaps are lifted and reveal the sleepy animals.
2. Dada (Jimmy Fallon) - hubby loves this one, (obviously). It's silly, repetitive and the illustrations are cute. We also have Mama, but it hasn't come out in board form just yet.
3. Yawn (Sally Symes) - try not yawning when you read this book! Written in rhythmic verse, this one will be memorized before you know it. Each page has a peek-through hole which is fun for a little one too! We recite this one before bed now, every night.
4. Have You Ever Tickled a Tiger (Betsy Snyder) - Mila loved this one from a very early age... and I'd go so far as to say that this is the best 'touch-and-feel' book out there. Most of them have really simple, plain textures while this one has some exciting ones: feathers, fishing line, and fur. The illustrations are beautiful and bright.
5. Hand Hand Fingers Thumb (Al Perkins) - an oldie but goodie. It's a fun, silly poem about monkeys drumming with a very catchy stanza ("dum ditty dum ditty dum dum dum"). This one leaves me drumming my fingers every. single. time - haha! Our babe loves this one!
6. Toot (Leslie Patricelli) - TOO cute! We love all of Patricelli's board books for their bright + bold colours, their adorable little diaper-wearing protagonist, and their simple and playful wording -- but Toot is definitely a front-runner. The book says it best, "toots are always funny."
7. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (Mem Fox) - we were reading this one to her since she was a tiny wee babe... and we'd even fight over who got to give her the "three little kisses on the tip of her nose" to go along with the ending of the story. This one is so sweet and definitely a classic!
8. The Bus Driver (Todd H. Doodler) At first glance, I wouldn't have ever guessed that she'd be into this one... but the shape of the book (a bus), along with the colours and the rhythmic pace of the words is a winner, in Mila's eyes!
9. Vegetables in Underwear (Jared Chapman) - a newer one, and oh so silly! The illustrations are instantly giggle inducing - I still can't get over the potato wearing his tiny undies! Simple, child-friendly text makes this one a fun, quick read.
10. ABC Baby Signs (Christiane Engel) - if you're interested in teaching (and learning) baby sign language, this book is a great starting point! Written as an ABC book, its illustrations demonstrate the sign and each is accompanied by a cute verse to explain its meaning.
Which board books do your babies love? I'd love to know!
