Babies love to focus on bright colours and strong shapes. Alphabet and number books are a good place to start and will be of renewed use in the later years as the child enters pre-school years. Check for simply laid out book with one clear vivid illustration per page. Noisy' books are rambunctious fun to share at the end of the first year, sure to encourage the baby's delight in sound. The baby used to nursery rhymes, fingerplays and 'naming' books will be ready now for more sophisticated fare.
Illustrations can be more complex and subtle.
Toddler number books often introduce simple narratives like Ten, Nine, Eight, a sweet bedtime story, or the unspoken humour of Teddybears 1 to 10. Stories descriptive of everyday life, theme books, and guessing games are all good choices for the toddler. Rhythm, rhyme and song are also much beloved. Books can be a parent's invaluable ally at this stage, introducing the child to new experiences, strengthening his understanding of familiar situations, yet keeping him safe from harm's way.