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Books as Gifts
2009 Buying Guide
Books for 0-4 year olds
Colorful pages to turn, a warm lap to sit on, and the familiar voice of a mom, dad, brother or sister - no wonder books are associated with love among young children. The 13 books below are read-aloud books for kids ages 0-4, and are recommended for their gentle stories, award-winning illustrations, and lyrical language.
Browse through the recommended books below or download the guide as a one-page handout you can easily take to the library or store.
- Download the 2009 guide for 0-4 year olds >
(372K PDF)
From head to toe, this baby is showered with affection — so who loves this baby? Each member of the family, of course! Cheery illustrations and a bouncy rhyme make this book ideal to share and play with young children.
A girl tells readers about the birds she sees around her, describing size and color in spare, almost lyrical language. Richly colored paintings accompany the text to enhance and build the concepts presented in the narrative.
A teddy bear and a small dog share a great friendship in these three satisfying short tales. Young listeners and new readers will appreciate the gentle humor and vivid, boldly outlined illustrations in this latest Dog and Bear installment.
The round little dog has a colorful ball but no one to play with; all of the farm animals have excuses. Dog is forlorn until a pair of human hands picks up the ball — and fun can start. Simple language in an easy rhyme combines with colorful, gentle illustrations for a satisfying story.
Short rhymes introduce out-of-the ordinary animals and invite readers to touch a part of the illustration to feel such things as an octopus' textured tentacles. This could be a colorful companion to the much-loved classic, Pat the Bunny.
Highly textured, realistic collages on uncluttered backgrounds combine with rhythmic, rhyming, and repetitive text to introduce a range of animals. Ranging from very familiar to lesser known, young listeners will meet creatures and language in this compelling and participatory book.
While parents may be miffed when young dinosaurs test limits, they are always reassured of their parents' cunfailing love. Told in rhyme, this latest addition to the series by this talented writer/artist team is sure to please young children as they cuddle with their parents.
Maisy's favorite animals are introduced in both English and Spanish accompanied by Cousin's signature illustrations on sturdy pages. Other books in the series for the very young include toys and food.
The arctic environment contrasts with the warmth of a mother polar bear and her cub who emerge from their den for the first time. The mother's encouragement allows her child to build confidence as he grows and explores his wintry but safe surroundings. This gentle, handsomely illustrated story makes a comforting bedtime book.
The familiar rhyme continues all the way to 20 as a rabbit helps the farm animals get ready for a party. A small chick on each page encourages young readers to look closely as chicks are hidden on each spread. Bright, boldly lined illustrations are appealing and child-like.
Each sturdy page begins with "peek-a-boo" in words and a die-cut page that folds over to reveal the hidden object. Clues are included before the flap opens and provide lots to point to and talk about with young children in this rhyming, playful, and colorful board book.
A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother pouch, each time going a little farther, but each time returning after meeting an unexpected animal. Like children, however, Joey, finally recognizes itself in another and leaves his mother's safety for a bit longer. Repetition and lively illustrations make this an engaging story.
Hard hat Pete and his dump truck dutifully execute their work, from hauling rocks to traveling to another worksite. Other trucks they meet along the way have personalities as well, shown in crisply lined illustrations on sturdy pages and described in spritely, repetitive text.
Move over Mother Goose! These cheerfully illustrated ditties not only take off from the earlier rhymes, but add a decidedly contemporary feel with likely appeal especially for truck and grit lovers. The rhymes can be shared aloud or even read aloud with more traditional offerings.
A young owl decides to stay awake during the day and discovers a range of colors, from pink dawn to yellow sun to blue sky. But the small owl decides that the nighttime stars are the most beautiful of all. A color wheel is included and displays the same vibrant colors used throughout the story.
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