Funny Baby Books

With the impending approach of my first grandchild, I have begun to build him a library. There are, of course, the classic baby books. There are kind of books that are active. You know, the ones where baby can touch,listen and chew on. I am also collecting the books that were his mother's favorites. That got me thinking. My stongest memory and probably a good part of the reason why my kids love books today, is the laughter. To this day, I don't believe that there is any sound sweeter than the laughter of a baby. And when you laugh with your child, all is right with the world! It doesn't hurt that reading to your baby will aid in his development.

I know we would all like to think that we are raising the next Albert Einstein.While we very well may be, it is important to keep in mind that young babies react to the sound of us reading to them, more than the content. If the caregiver is reading a book and making silly faces and sounds, the baby is going to laugh. When he gets older, he will begin to form his own sense of humour but until then, we love to make them smile and laugh.

The preceding video illustrates perfectly that it is not the contents of a story that engage your baby in the book. It is the fun and ritual surrounding the story.

"There are many ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all."

When choosing baby books,look for:

• What's appealing to you. You're going to be the one reading it!
• What you think you can stand hearing over and over and over again.
• Rhymes or songs. they can be so much more fun to read!
• Durability. You want the baby to be able to hold it and play with it.

• Put aside a dedicated time for stories. Many people use the common bedtime or naptime but it can be anytime.
• Have a specific place in your house.
• If your child has a "blankie" or doll who reads with you, make sure it is along when you are reading
• Sometimes you can read while you enjoy a snack.
• Talk about what you are doing:
• "Its storytime!" "Who wants to read?" "Time to see what peter Rabbit is up to!"
• Be consistent. Make this a part of their day to look forward to. Books are a great way to bond with your baby and instill a respect and love for them at an early age.

Your local library is a great resource for good books. They stay current and often offer a story hour. Check it out! (Pun intended!)

These are just a few of my favorite books or authors to get you started. All of these will carry into later years! There are many more great books out there and I encourage you to seek them out. Please use the comment section below to add any books to this list.

• Chicka, Chicka Boom Boom.....a rhyming alphabet story that is fun to read. Baby won't understand it in the beginning but will love hearing you recite it!
• Shel Silvestein.....anything Shel Silverstein will suffice. Great stories and poems with fun or inspiring messages. Again, your baby won't understand it but he will love it when he gets older
• If you Give a Mouse a Cookie....just plain fun with loves of activities to go along with it. We still use the cookbook at my house! (My baby is 20!)
• Dr. Suess....all Dr. Suess books are full of rhymes and silly characters.
• Eric Carle books are also popular with beautiful illustrations and toys to go along with them.
• Where the Wild Things are. There is so much opportunity for silly, dramatic voices in this one!

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents"

Just read!