top ten board books
before every nap, and at bedtime, and usually a few times throughout the day, Greta and i snuggle up to read together. i remember reading to her for the very first time when she was a week old, and choking back tears because i couldn't believe i was actually reading to my daughter like i'd been dreaming about for years (see also: postpartum hormones). now there is certainly no shortage of books in our house, but i'm a little picky when it comes to the ones we read aloud day in and day out. the text has to be colorful (and if it rhymes, the rhythm has to flow easily); the illustrations should be captivating. and of course, Greta has to love it too. the following board books fit the bill!
1. Little Blue Truck, by Alice Schertle / illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Such a fun read-aloud, with lots of animal (and truck!) sounds. The cheerful plot emphasizes community, but avoids veering into annoying Moral-of-the-Story territory. (Thank you to the Hoynes!)
2. Time for Bed, by Mem Fox / illustrated by Jane Dyer
The illustrations are deceptively simple at first glance, but every time we read the book, I notice new and beautiful details. Each page features a mother and baby animal pair, and the text reads like a lullaby. (Thank you to Sweetpea's godmother, Steph!)
3. I Am A Bunny, by Ole Risom / illustrated by Richard Scarry
This one's a classic, for a reason! The four seasons come to life with the vibrant illustrations. (Thank you to Nana and Pappy!)
4. Barnyard Dance, by Sandra Boynton
Pure fun to read aloud, with words you don't often encounter in the board book genre: "skitter", "promenade", "prance", and "do-si-do". Greta loves to put her hand through the cut-out window in the front cover and point to the animals (particularly the cow, who has a rollicking time throughout the book).
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5. Hello World! It's Me, Greta!, by Jennifer Dewing / illustrated by Holli Conger
This sweet book is personalized with your baby's name, date of birth, birth weight and length, city of birth, and a photo. Greta loves pointing out "the baby", and it's such a fun way to commemorate the details of her birth! (Thank you to Cousin Ryan & Kelley!)
This sweet book is personalized with your baby's name, date of birth, birth weight and length, city of birth, and a photo. Greta loves pointing out "the baby", and it's such a fun way to commemorate the details of her birth! (Thank you to Cousin Ryan & Kelley!)
6. Giraffes Can't Dance, by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
The lilting text begs to be read aloud, and the whimsical illustrations keep us both laughing. Our version of this book also has tabs on the side, for easier page-turning.
The lilting text begs to be read aloud, and the whimsical illustrations keep us both laughing. Our version of this book also has tabs on the side, for easier page-turning.
A supremely silly take on the "Runaway Bunny" storyline of a mother's unconditional love. This is another book that lends itself well to dramatic reading, and always makes Greta smile!
8. Ten Little Ladybugs, by Melanie Geith / illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
Greta has loved this book ever since it arrived (as a birthday gift from Grammy Kim!). She especially likes to "pet" the ladybugs and poke her fingers through the holes in the front cover of the book.
Greta has loved this book ever since it arrived (as a birthday gift from Grammy Kim!). She especially likes to "pet" the ladybugs and poke her fingers through the holes in the front cover of the book.
9. The Napping House, by Audrey Wood / illustrated by Don Wood
The natural rhythm of this sweet story builds through repetition, and then cascades pellmell to a lighthearted finish. (Thank you to the Hoynes!)
The natural rhythm of this sweet story builds through repetition, and then cascades pellmell to a lighthearted finish. (Thank you to the Hoynes!)
10. Jane Eyre: A Counting Primer, by Jennifer Adams / illustrated by Alison Oliver
Words can't express my love for this book. I'm fairly sure there's never been a classier (or nerdier) way to count to ten! (Thank you Amelia!)
Words can't express my love for this book. I'm fairly sure there's never been a classier (or nerdier) way to count to ten! (Thank you Amelia!)
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