Sassy Mama’s Favourite Baby And Children’s Books

Our list of baby and children’s books that are age-appropriate and fun to read

Reading books aloud is a fabulous way to entertain your baby, but doing so also helps your little one develop and learn. Once a child likes a book, you’ll be reading to them over and over again, and the last thing you want is one that you wish you’d never read once! If you find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed while perusing the baby book aisle for fun-to-read ones, fear not – we’ve rounded up our favourite baby and children’s books suitable for every parent. Some teach manners, some are great for bonding and some have lyrics that are so catchy you and your child will love reading them again and again. Enjoy!

Experts suggest reading to babies as early as at birth, but finding the right books to read aloud to them can be tricky. We think these beautifully crafted board books by Bespoke Baby Books are just what will grab their attention! Bespoke Baby Books allows parents (and grandparents!) to select from different templates and use their own photos to design unique, engaging books made especially for your child (and you!). These will become cherished timeless items your child will keep forever, and because you are the one writing them, you’ll know they will have the quality you want in a piece of literature.

Sassy readers will receive a 20% discount by using the code ‘Sassy20’ at checkout.

Available at bespokebabybooks.com, www.facebook.com/bespokebabybooks

Lamaze’s Peek-A-Boo Forest is a toy as much as a book for babies. The brightly coloured forest animals will keep your baby entertained. Each page features a fun peek-a-boo flap that reveals an animal underneath. Because it’s a small and soft book, babies can also grab hold of it and play with it without risk of getting hurt. In addition, this baby book is machine washable which means you can keep it clean.

Available at Amazon from $11USD

From the Gossie & Friends series by Olivier Dunrea, Gossie is a book about a little yellow gosling and her favourite pair of red boots. One day, Gossie couldn’t find her red boots and had to go search for them. Great for curious and adventurous children who will delight in helping Gossie find her boots.

Board book available at Amazon for $5USD

The Touch and Feel series by DK Publishing aims to develop your baby’s tactile senses. The textured pages are fun and captivating, and your bundle of joy will love learning more about animals and developing an interest in them.  (This book is for babies and very young toddlers.)

Board book available at www.amazon.com for $6USD

Let your wee ones join a Frog who cried “Wheeeee!” and dance by the pool of the cool with other animals while learning different noises and moves. Giles Andreae created rhythmic text that will, for sure, keep your young ones interested and happy, and the plot isn’t too complicated even for the youngest children. The award-winning illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees are another bonus.

Paperback version is available at Amazon for $2USD

On the market for more than 50 years and a steady favourite among both teachers and parents, we couldn’t ignore this one by Dr. Seuss. The sing-song lyrics, the fun storyline as it follows someone who very intently insists he doesn’t like “green eggs and ham” (although he discovers he does!) is simple enough for introducing both English as first and a second language. You’ll like this, you’ll like this, Sam I Am!

The book with a CD is available at Book Depository for $68

With all the amazing things one can do before going to bed, who wants to sleep?H.A. Rey created the beloved Curious George and we can’t get enough of his silly adventures. Let your child follow along as George goes through his bedtime routine and prepares for a good night’s sleep.

The board book version is available at Amazon for $5USD

If you’re looking for a fun, useful and interactive book to help your baby or toddler to start learning simple ways to express their feelings, this book by Ed Emberley is a great one. Glad Monster, Sad Monster features cute and funny masks which help to develop a child’s ability to identify and explore their own emotions and needs.

Hardcover version available at Amazon for $8USD

From the Little Critter series, Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer is a story about a father-and-son camping trip. Despite the many mini catastrophes, little critter and his dad manage to have a great time together. The book has minimal text but the adorable illustrations will, no doubt, be an enjoyable read for babies. It’s also the perfect book for dads to read to their young ones.

Paperback version available at Amazon for $3USD

Author Leslie Patricelli introduces appropriate (and not-so appropriate) behaviour by discussing common issues such as, ‘Yanking cat by tail: no NO. Gentle pat on back: yes YES’. The adorable displays of opposing actions and reactions is meant to help your baby develop favourable habits (e.g. eating with a spoon instead of dumping it on the floor). No No Yes Yes is a hilarious way to get your point across!

Board book available at Amazon for $6USD