ABCs & 123

One Saturday afternoon, when my son's ever-competing tablet ran out of power, I redirected his attention toward a book.  I heard him chanting numbers to himself, so I felt it was the right moment to take a break from the task I was focused on and grab Cleo's Counting Book.  Afterwards, he said he wanted to count to twenty next and I was able to easily accommodate his request with another. 

Before a great selection of books were conveniently within reach, I'd pick them up while out shopping.  I'd search the shelves in the kid's section at Marshalls or Burlington Coat Factory, to make sure I didn't miss something special.  

It's hard to take a photograph!

On one such occasion, I began reading to my son right then and there as we sat on the floor.  I suppose this impromptu behavior wouldn't bat an eye at Barnes & Noble, but it probably raised an eyebrow or two at other stores.  Nonetheless, whenever I could, I purchased extra ones to have on hand-- and not just for birthday parties.  I like to give them as gifts at baby showers too.  I received children's books at my own and it was nice to have them available when I was ready (since reading to an infant was not my first concern as a new mother.)

But, there was actually no need to wait.  The American Academy of Pediatrics states that it's never too early to begin reading to a child.  In their 5Rs of Early Education, they make the following recommendation: 

Choose colorful and sturdy books.  As babies get older, they will reach out to hold a book and then put it into their mouths to explore it.

It happened just like this for us in the beginning too.  So, I was relieved they withstood my son's attempts to tear and rip into them as well, as he'd done with some of our paperbacks, unfortunately!

At the time, I didn't know I was buying the best format when I was selecting board books.  I just viewed them as basic for babies, and that's exactly who they're for. They're vivid, as they respond to high contrast colors and shapes, full of rhyme and repetition intended for learning.

Eventually, I discovered Barefoot Books also carries a wide variety and if budget is a concern, they're comparably priced.  During special sales and discount offers, they're quite economical.

In general, families who'd like to spare themselves a shopping trip can conveniently order great children's books online or with the help of their local ambassador.  

As an arts and crafts lover, their pages have also become an endless source of inspiration for us.  Many of them contain the sort of things I'd love to paint on a child's bedroom wall or reading corner, if I had such a talent.  (Any book illustrated by Clare Beaton contains the applique 3D images and One Moose, Twenty Mice, happens to fall in this category.) 

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Click on the titles above for more details or browse the full catalog.

You can read more information on the 5Rs shared above here.  

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