For Other Professionals
Books as Gifts
2010 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, sibling, or grandparent — 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 2010 guide for 0-4 year olds >
(283K PDF)
Simple sentences connect babies from diverse backgrounds, each portrayed in a full-color photograph on sturdy pages.
A simple, rhyming text and crisp, bright illustrations introduce bears from around the world. Brief information at the end of the book provides a bit more information making this a book that can be used as a story or to introduce a variety of bears.
Two children go outdoors to collect musical instruments for a joyful parade and are joined by friends. The children march, play, and sing to the delight of their families. Simple words in English and Spanish combine with soft illustrations for a satisfying story.
Five ducks ride on bicycles for an apple-picking adventure. The rhyming text and gentle illustrations create a playful, satisfying, everyday adventure.
A young child gets to know the new puppy. Simple questions followed by straightforward responses are accompanied by realistic illustrations for a winning effect.
Crisply lined and clearly placed illustrations of different fruits are arranged by color on sturdy pages. Embedded in illustrations on each double-page spread is a textured part that suggests how the fruit feels when touched.
From going to the potty to using utensils, the many things that young children can do everyday are affirmed in bright, open, and cheerful illustrations and simple text.
The little owl searches for his mother when separated from her, but his descriptions aren't very clear. At last, a concerned squirrel helps reunite baby and mother. Muted colors and broad shapes are used in this appealing story.
Four board books are included in a well-built cardboard case with a handle. Each concept is clearly, briefly presented in minimal text and cheery illustration, just right for young hands or for sharing.
The blue hippo dad does everything wrong — much to the delight of his young son who knows how to do many things, from getting dressed to giving hugs. Parents and children will enjoy the fun though adults may appreciate father hippo's technique the most.
The animals in a pet shop decide to put on a show to attract visitors when no one is coming in to meet them. Children will enjoy the imaginative illustrations and simple text.
A little boy loves to push buttons and they're everywhere: on the telephone, on his umbrella, on toys, and more. But when his finger is sore, he discovers books and blocks don't involve buttons! Signature illustrations are used in this rhythmic book.
A mother and her child get the ingredients for soup on a snowy day and then add everything to the pot. The pair plays snug and warm while the soup simmers until Dad comes home when they enjoy soup together. Crisp collage and a simple text make for a cozy read.
Baby and parents share a full day from the time the baby awakens until bedtime — with recognizable activities along the way. Lively, rhythmic language and bright illustrations appear on sturdy pages.
Tiny Little Fly sees many things and lands on something quite large: a series of bigger animals. No matter, Tiny Little Fly won't be caught and zooms away. A large format and textured illustrations combine with a rhyming text for a simple, satisfying saga.
Join the parents of a bald little baby as she (or is it he?) plays imaginatively in the bathtub and grows out of diapers in two charmingly simple board books. Each is sure to engage both adults and children as they grow.
Proceeds from the sale of books purchased at Amazon.com help support the Reading Rockets project. Thank you!
