Reading aloud introduces new words, grammar, and concepts that you may not use during regular talking. An average children’s picture book may have around 500 words. These add up fast! (readaloud.org

As school ends and summer begins, it’s typical to see summer reading lists and campaigns roll out for school-age children, but what about the babies? These initiatives are promoted with the hopes that we can work to prevent the “summer slump” or academic regression that can occur between grade levels. The best way to proactively fight regression is to begin during infancy. Regular reading helps keep our brains sharp, and I’m sure we can all agree that literacy is vital to our kids’ success. However, literacy begins EARLY, which is why babies should not be left off the summer reading train. Whether it’s a morning, afternoon, or bedtime activity, reading can be an integral part of your baby’s day and produce a lifetime of benefits. 

Here are some of the newest attractions for summer reading for babies:

Local Finds

1. W is for Weird: An Austin Alphabet by Lori Otto Samocha

2. Goodnight Austin by Allison Amador

I was excited to snag these local finds at BookPeople here in Austin (they also have regular story times where you can take your little to hear local authors read their books- check their calendar of events for themes and times). These two books are a must for any Austinite baby as they give a peek into what makes “Austin” Austin. Also makes for a great keepsake for your little one as well as some cool Austin adventures. We plan to take our son to some of the locations and landmarks mentioned in both books when he’s a bit older for a fun family bucket list!

Love + People

3. One Love: Based on the song by Bob Marley adapted by Cedella Marley

4. Happy by Pharrell Williams

5. Shades of People by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly

6. Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Exposing our son to great messages and diversity is important to us. We want him to grow to have a heart for others and also be one who embraces ALL people. These books convey those messages through songs, vivid images, and descriptive vocabulary. Great reads that promote love and people!

The Baby Canon

7. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A BabyLit ® Fairies Primer by Jennifer Adams

8. The Odyssey: A BabyLit® Monsters Prime by Jennifer Adams

9. Moby Dick: A BabyLit Ocean Primer by Jennifer Adams

Who says babies can’t read Shakespeare, Homer, or Melville? I love the BabyLit series and how they place well-known literature into baby board books. Talk about vocabulary exposure. It’s never too early to get started on the classics. 

Science.Technology.Engineering.Math- STEM Books

10. Rocket Science for babies by Chris Ferrie

11. Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering by Ruth Spiro

12. ABCs of Mathematics by Chris Ferrie

12. Goodnight Numbers by Danica McKellar

STEM topics and concepts are important for boys AND girls. Love these BabyUniversity books that put rigorous skills and academic vocabulary into baby terms. 

Oldies but Goodies

13. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

14. The Velveteen Rabbit Margery Williams

15. The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Kate Toms

16. The Wheels on the Bus by Kate Toms

These “oldies but goodies” are cute, fun versions of some childhood favorites. Books filled with rhyme, repetition, and song are winners for infant readers. It’s always great to have some tried and true stories in your collection. 

It goes without saying that reading is fundamental, and the sooner we begin to model the love of reading; the better. Babies are sponges waiting to absorb every morsel of language we have to offer, and their appetite for reading is dependent on their exposure in the early years. Keeping a reading schedule can be easy and low maintenance. Pick a time of day or week to regularly read, and make a goal to expose your little one to as many great books as possible. 

What are some of your favorite baby reads?

 

Check out readaloud.org, your local libraries, and bookstores to find more resources for early literacy.

 

 

 

LaToya Morrison
LaToya is a North Austin transplant by way of Fort Worth, is happily married to Brandon, and a proud mama to their son Griffin (2017). Her greatest passions are writing and education which lead her to the classroom. After 10 years of teaching middle school English, she is currently an Assistant Principal of Instruction for IDEA Public Schools. A proud Aggie grad and Pinterest loving mama, her love for kids and writing drew her to the Austin Moms Blog Team. You can also follow her musings on her CraftyMorrison blog and The Educator's Room.

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