Ten Books For a Baby's First Library

How do you teach a child to love to read? By starting a baby off with a good foundational library of picture books and board books, parents can help to instill the love of reading in their child. Early picture books are meant to be read aloud, with the parent taking time to explore the illustrations with the child, and asking questions that prompt the child to think in terms of story: what will happen next? Who is that? What is she doing? This list covers ten of the best must-read picture books that are sure to delight both parent and child.

1. Goodnight Moon - This is the quintessential bedtime book, in print for over 50 years. Author Margaret Wise Brown lulls children to sleep with her soothing story about a bunny who attempts to say "goodnight" to everything he can think of - and perhaps stay awake for just a little while longer. Illustrated by Clement Hurd.
2. Owl Moon - Jane Yolen's poetic masterpiece sets the stage for a nighttime adventure between a girl and her Pa, as they go owling late one night. Owl Moon has been in print since 1987, winning the Caldecott Medal in 1988. It has a sense of timelessness and wonder that makes this book a true pleasure to read aloud, for both parent and child. Illustrated by John Schoenhurr.
3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? - Author and illustrator Eric Carle's concept book about colors and animals, with a little multiculturalism thrown in for good measure. Stunning artwork makes this highly visual book a favorite of babies as well as older children.
4. Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? - No library is complete without at least one Dr. Seuss title. Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? is just plain silly fun. Babies on up will laugh at the funny sounds that come out of Mom or Dad's mouth as they try to imitate all the sounds that Mr. Brown can do.
5. Bear Snores On - This New York Times bestseller by Karma Wilson uses delightful alliteration, rhyme and repetition in telling the story of a hibernating Bear, who is oblivious to the growing activity going on in his winter den. Illustrator Jane Chapman completely captures the innocence and wonder of little woodland creatures and the great big snoring Bear
6. The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder - author and illustrator Peter Brown's picture book about the dog that doesn't quite fit in is a funny and meaningful tale that older kids will relate to. Baby will enjoy the bright illustrations, the fabulous dogs of various shapes and sizes, and the humorous details as Chowder goes off to Fabu Pooch Boot Camp in his attempt to be like the other dogs.
7. Madeline - Author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans' classic tale of "twelve little girls in two straight lines, they left their house at half past nine...the smallest one was Madeline..." is a must-have for any child's library. This is story-telling at its most compelling - a strong-hearted little girl seemingly unafraid of anything, not even the tigers at the zoo, a riveting plot with plenty of action, and a humorous twist of an ending. Young babies may not find Madeline terribly interesting at first, but as listening and language skills increase, Madeline will quickly become a favorite.
8. Goodnight Gorilla - This almost wordless board book by author-illustrator Peggy Rathmann helps to establish a foundation for baby's love of reading. Meant to be an interactive experience between parent and child, Goodnight Gorilla tells its story through vibrant illustration and few words. Parents can "read" this one with baby by asking questions - What's Gorilla doing? What do you suppose he will do with those keys? - and by pointing out the animals and their adventure as it unfolds page by page.
9. ABC - A Child's First Alphabet Book - If you only buy one ABC book, consider this brilliant edition by author-illustrator Alison Jay. Clever illustrations tell mini stories beyond simply conveying the letters of the alphabet: look for images that appear over several illustrations and then connect the actions to unveil the stories. This is a book that grows with the child, and continues to be relevant for many years.
10. Where the Wild Things Are - Every child's library should have a place for at least one book by author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. Where the Wild Things Are was first published in 1963, won the 1964 Caldecott Medal and remains in print to this day. Parents and grandparents may have fond memories of Max, the "Wild Thing" boy sent to bed without supper for causing mischief, and of the imaginary world that grows in his room as he sets off in search of the Wild Things - and becomes their King!