The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 13, 2009
It’s the baby’s first Christmas and you need some books to celebrate! This is his first introduction to a very special time of year: the beginning of many festive holiday traditions. There are a few things to look for when selecting holiday books for this age group:
- Simple illustrations with patterns and contrasting colors.
- Babies are fascinated by faces, especially babyfaces.
- Interactive books with touch and feel textures.
- Sturdy pages so baby can hold the book to get the full sensory experience — this is the beginning step of reading.
by DK Publishing
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: DK Preschool (August 18, 2008)
TCBR analysis: The photographs of real babies and the lift-the-flap peekaboo game make this book a true winner.
Publisher’s synopsis: Babies love playing peekaboo from about six months onward-and once they latch on to this simple game, they can’t get enough of it! DK’s Peekaboo books make the most of this fun interactive activity with flaps that open to reveal appealing babies and toys.
Add this book to your collection: Christmas Peekaboo
by Fiona Watt
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 10 pages
Publisher: Usborne Books (January 2008)
TCBR analysis: Super sturdy pages and select textures. This series of books is fantastic for throwing in a diaper bag for vacation travels.
Publisher’s synopsis: This delightful series of board books is aimed at very young children. The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers will love turning the pages and touching the feely patches.
Add this book to your collection: That’s Not My Reindeer
by Karen Katz
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Little Simon; Brdbk edition (October 6, 2009)
TCBR analysis: Solid shapes, vibrant colors, and hide-and-seek lift-the-flaps to entice baby to interact.
Publisher’s synopsis: Baby is looking everywhere for the Christmas present—but where can it be? Little ones will love lifting the large, sturdy flaps to reveal special, holiday surprises: Christmas cookies, candy canes, ornaments, and more! Babies are sure to love this Christmas treat!
6 5/8 X 7 3/8 board book has rounded corners. Includes 6 large, sturdy flaps.
Add this book to your collection: Where Is Baby’s Christmas Present?
by Klaatje Van Der Put
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 28, 2006)
TCBR analysis: Small enough for baby to hold, appealing enough to hold her attention. Older babies will enjoy attempting to operate the finger puppet.
Publisher’s synopsis: An adorable finger puppet peeks through a die-cut hole on each page making this book an excellent way to read and play.
Add this book to your collection: Little Reindeer
by Edith Kunhardt Davis
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 18 pages
Publisher: Golden Books; Bk& Acces edition (October 25, 2005)
TCBR analysis: This classic staple for baby’s library goes all “holiday” on us! A sweet, tactile keepsake.
Publisher’s synopsis: The perfect Christmas gift for pat the bunny fans! Children and parents will love all the touch-and-feel elements in this ultra-adorable Christmas story as well as the huggable plush Christmas bunny ornament that comes in the boxed set–an amazing value at $12.95!
Add this book to your collection: Pat the Bunny Christmas Gift Set
by Roger Priddy
Reading level: Ages 0-4
Board book: 10 pages
Publisher: Priddy Books (August 19, 2008)
TCBR analysis: Kids can’t seem to get enough of this tenacious series. Whether it’s the vibrant colors or the amusing sounds that captivate your baby, it’s sure to be a hit.
Publisher’s synopsis: Rhyming story about Santa Claus and his unusual Christmas adventures, which is fun to listen to and read.
Features lights and touch and feel cover.
Noisy surprises at the end of the book make it even more fun!
Add this book to your collection: Funny Face Santa Claus
by Sandra Boynton
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 18 pages
Publisher: Little Simon (October 1, 1999)
TCBR analysis: A great choice for the older baby. Boynton’s masterful rhymes truly appeal to the auditory part of babies brain.
Publisher’s synopsis: I have a tiny reindeer. He says his name is Bob.
The winsome tale of Bob opens this book of seven Boynton Christmas stories. Using the colorful picture tabs, little children can choose the story they want to hear:
* Bob
* Merry Christmas Party
* The Star
* A Big Box
* Eight Wishes
* Wake Up!
* Christmas Lullaby
Every perfectly silly selection is just right for snuggling by, all December long. And highly approved by Bob.
Add this book to your collection: Bob
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