As you folks probably know, I'm a huge children's book nerd. I love reading to my kids and I cannot overstate how awesome it is for your kids and for you to read to them early and often! Finding good board books for babies and toddlers, however, can be a little overwhelming. There are so many board book choices out there and narrowing down some Montessori friendly choices takes some work.
But, if you look, there are a bunch of really great choices. Many of them are part of a series of books perfect for Montessori babies and toddlers. Here are a few of my favorites:
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Andrew Zuckerman Creature Series -- This series is so awesome and features simple text and stunning real pictures of animals. It was one of Gus' very favorites from babyhood and he will still happily read these at 20-months.
Series includes: Creature Colors; Creature Baby Animals; Creature Sounds; Creature Numbers
Helen Oxenbury "I..." Series -- This sweet series features very simple text and the sweet illustrations that Helen Oxenbury is known for! I love these books, and babies and toddlers are very attracted to the simple and realistic topics.
My First {Sport} Book Series -- This series is newer to me now that Gus loves all things sports and ball related. The series features real pictures and simple words describing different aspects of a particular sport. I love the diversity featured in the pictures and that the books feature children playing the games.
Series includes: Baseball; Basketball; Tennis; Soccer; Football; Hockey
Roberta Grobel Intrater Baby Faces Series -- This is my ABSOLUTE favorite series of books for babies. It features simple real pictures of babies doing a variety of activities. The pictures feature a diverse range of adorable babies and simple rhyming text. They have been some of my children's favorites well into the preschool years.
Helen Oxenbury Action Series -- Another sweet series from Helen Oxenbury. These feature simple rhymes instead of just words. The illustrations also include a variety of babies and adults playing together. Again, it's in that charming Oxenbury style that is so appealing.
This series also comes in a mini-set which is perfect for the car or diaper bag.
Roger Priddy My Big Board Book Series -- These are a little busier than the other series that I typically recommend, but for toddlers that love language and want to hear words over and over again, these are great! They feature tons of real pictures.
Elizabeth Spurr "In the..." Series -- These lovely books feature simple rhyming stories about children out in the world being independent. They often feature children doing practical tasks which is so relate-able for Montessori toddlers. The prose is very simple and the illustrations are fantastic. They are a great young toddler book with the realistic and simple scenes.
Series includes: In the Rain; In the Garden; In the Woods; In the Wind; At the Beach; In the Snow
Tana Hoban Black and White Series -- This series is perfect for the youngest babies, featuring only black and white shapes.
Do you have a favorite board book series?
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