Babies Need Books: Sharing the Joy of Books with Children from Birth to Six

A girlfriend sent Babies Need Books to me when my son was already six months old - thankfully we had been reading to him since his birth - but Dorothy Butler's facts, anecdotes and recommendations only served to strengthen our commitment to reading as a family. Now 17 months old, our son routinely brings us books, sits in our lap and waits for us to begin reading. Friends and family members have commented on his behaviour and deemed it exceptional for his age - not according to Dorothy! The reviews that indicate the recommended reading lists are out of date are missing the point in my mind. Yes some of the books are not easy to find, but we have found almost all of them, and the concepts contained therein are the meat of the lists in any event. A must have for people hoping to impart a love of reading to their children.

This book is a great firestarter for parents of infants. It shows how important the reading process is and it also points out how easy it is for parents to read to their babies. Dorothy Butler does a wonderful job with this topic and proves herself a knowing expert who can impart information to a group that is often overwhelmed with advice -- new parents.

Details the central role that words (concepts) have in the development of a capable child; Advocates reading to children from their earliest moments to make reading and thinking in words a core mental skill. Contains numerous recommendations of specific books, giving reasons, and concentrating on the features that will develop critical thinking skills, not political correctness.

I found this book invaluable because Dorothy Butler, a teacher, mother and now grandmother, sensibly explains why babies are never 'too young' to enjoy the shared experience of books and reading. As a first-time mother who's often short of time, I felt quite lost looking for books which would stimulate both my baby and me! Butler provides synopses of the titles which she has tried and tested on many children and useful booklists according to your child's age. (up to 6) I have bought almost all the recommended titles for my toddler and without exception, he's loved them all. Among her suggestions for babies and toddlers are classics like "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" to the "Spot" series and new authors like Molly Bang and Sian Tucker. This book is listed 'hard to find' but it's worth the effort!