Young infants (birth–9 months old)
books for young infants should be:
illustrated with bold, simplistic pictures
durable and washable
constructed of heavy cardboard, vinyl, plastic, or cloth
made with pages that are easy to turn, such as board books
interactive, including folds, flaps, and textures to feel and manipulate
wordless or include one to two words on each page
mobile infants (10–17 months old)
when choosing books for older infants, remember that:
books for this age group should be sturdy
older infants are attracted to pictures of things that are recognizable and easily named
wordless books should show familiar objects that may be counted or named
older infants enjoy rhyming and repetition
older infants are beginning to choose books based on content
content should be simple, involving topics such as animals, babies, and families
books should include one to two words or one short phrase of three to five words on each page
toddlers (18–23 months old)
toddlers are ready for books with the following qualities:
simple plots and a few simple or short phrases (three to five words) words on each page
topics such as families, animals, feelings, or daily routines
pictures that introduce the concepts of size, shape, and color
the alphabet illustrated with uncomplicated, colorful pictures
familiar songs, stories, or finger plays that invite participation
stimulating activities such as finding and pointing out hidden objects
two-year-olds
when choosing books for two-year-olds, look for books that contain:
familiar songs, stories, or finger plays that invite participation
diverse characters
stories about themselves or children similar to themselves
more detailed pictures depicting the characters and their experiences
concepts such as size, shape, number, and color
one to two short phrases (three to five words) on each page