There are endless benefits when it comes to reading to your little ones. It bolsters language development, encourages the advancement of literacy skills, and makes them better readers, writers, listeners, and speakers in general. Our parents are always asking for book recommendations, and we have plenty of favorites. Picture books are becoming more and more involved, advanced, and immersive – three qualities that are vital in engaging children while simultaneously fortifying their literacy skills and overall comprehension It’s an exciting time for children’s literature – but the classics remain our favorites for the littlest readers, particularly for mothers-to-be. Reading to baby before he or she is born has proven benefits for language development, as well as prenatal bonding with mommy and daddy.
Our very own founder and director, Miss Rina, is currently expecting her first little one! As an educator for the past 15 years, Miss Rina understands the importance of reading at every stage of development. Research shows that babies begin to understand and absorb information in the final stages of pregnancy – as well as begin to distinguish their parents’ voices from the voices of strangers. By talking, reading, and singing to your little one in utero, they begin to develop language and are building their knowledge prior to even having the ability to speak. Soothing sounds, as well as lyrical or repetitive language such as poetry, helps to calm and relax baby and mom alike. Additionally, the baby becomes sensitive to certain sounds, meaning that postpartum they may respond positively to sounds heard in utero.
We have compiled a list of some of our favorite books for the later stages of pregnancy and the early stages of infancy. These books are wonderful for a baby’s development, as they use repetition and rhythmic, flowing language to further baby’s sense of perception and tranquility as they grow and learn. Rhythm is very important at this stage of progression and literacy enrichment, and continues to enhance their understanding as it is implemented at various stages of development.
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Traditional Books to Read While Pregnant
Oh, Baby, the Places You’ll Go by Tish Rabe & Dr. Seuss
Goodnight, Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
My Very First Mother Goose by Iona Opie
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Traditional Books to Read to Newborns
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse & Barbara Lavallee
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
Guess How Much I Love You? by Sam McBratney & Anita Jeram
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
Contemporary Books to Read While Pregnant
I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
This Is Sadie by Sara O’Leary and Julie Morstad
Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan
Day Dreamers: A Journey of Imagination by Emily Winfield Martin
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Tom Lichtenheld
Contemporary Books to Read to Newborns
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry
The Crayons Book of Numbers by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers
Jane Foster’s Black and White by Jane Foster
Press Here by Herve Tullet
What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada & Mae Besom
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Do you have any favorites or recommendations? Let us know what your baby is loving these days. 🙂
Happy reading!