The Best Books for Babies Committee has been meeting annually since 2000 to select and celebrate excellent books for the very youngest listeners.

The list is meant to encourage parents and other caregivers to read to babies right from the start—because learning begins at birth. We also want to recognize the authors, illustrators and publishers who focus on creating quality materials for babies ages birth to 18 months.

Among the committee members are librarians, child development specialists, educators, and others with an interest in promoting literacy and learning. Some members have participated since the beginning. Others joined for the first time this year. Whatever their tenure on the committee, all committee members have valuable insights and opinions to share.

Our list of ten best books actually numbers 16 this year with several sets of books included. Among these are two companion books about an energetic, beaming baby, four nature-themed board books, and a pair of foldout books that feature colorful patterns. We believe that these and the other books on the list will delight and engage babies age birth through 18 months and the adults who care for them.

So, pick up one (or more!) of these titles soon and share them with a baby in your life. While you are enjoying some cozy time together, you’ll also be doing the important work of preparing your baby’s brain to learn and grow.

You can sign up for a free library card here.

If you need help using our Digital Media tools to access these selections, visit our Online Resources Support page.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org. You can find additional ways to contact us on the Need Help? page.

In the Catalog

Baby Says

Baby Says

Flowerpot Press

Bright, clear photos of adorable babies illustrate familiar experiences from smelling something “Stinky!” to laughing and playing.

From the Catalog
Tummy Time

Tummy Time

Flowerpot Press

Bright, clear photos of adorable babies illustrate familiar experiences from smelling something “Stinky!” to laughing and playing.

From the Catalog
Bear Has A Belly

Bear Has A Belly

Jane Whittingham

Appealing photographs of animals and children focus on different body parts while the straightforward text encourages interaction.

From the Catalog
Grandma and Me

Grandma and Me

Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrations by Ashleigh Corrin

A variety of young children celebrate their grandmas in this board book with simple child-like illustrations.

From the Catalog
From Libby
From Hoopla
Hat On, Hat Off

Hat On, Hat Off

Theo Heras

Getting ready for an outing is pure fun in this look at all the choices a cheerful child has for bundling up.

From the Catalog
I'm up

I’m up

Antoinette Portis

Energy radiates from the words and pictures in this funny pair of stories about getting up and (however reluctantly) going to bed.

From the Catalog
From Hoopla
I'm Still Up!

I’m Still Up!

Antoinette Portis

Energy radiates from the words and pictures in this funny pair of stories about getting up and (however reluctantly) going to bed.

From the Catalog
A Kiss Is Coming

A Kiss Is Coming

Marilyn Janovitz

Cuddly animals and rhyming words fill this cozy story meant to prepare listeners for bedtime and remind them of their parents’ love.

From the Catalog
Listen Up!

Listen Up!

Train Song

Victoria Allenby

Crisp photographs and rhythmic words highlight all kinds of trains.

From the Catalog
Meadow

Meadow

Find the Hidden Animals!

Sarah Dellow

Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.

From the Catalog
Ocean

Ocean

Find the Hidden Animals!

Sarah Dellow

Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.

From the Catalog
Rainforest

Rainforest

Find the Hidden Animals!

Sarah Dellow

Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.

From the Catalog
River

River

Find the Hidden Animals!

Sarah Dellow

Vibrant patterns will draw the attention of young infants; clever cutouts create images of animals that offer plenty to talk about as baby grows.

From the Catalog
Sea

Sea

Charlotte Archer

These books can be enjoyed page by page or folded out for playtime or tummy time; varying textures and patterns encourage touching as well as viewing the brightly colored designs and pictures.

From the Catalog
Sky

Sky

Charlotte Archer

These books can be enjoyed page by page or folded out for playtime or tummy time; varying textures and patterns encourage touching as well as viewing the brightly colored designs and pictures.

From the Catalog
You Are Getting Sleepy

You Are Getting Sleepy

Lori Alexander, illustrations by Monica Mikai

Charming soft illustrations focus on a smiling infant who is enjoying familiar bedtime routines with loving parents.

From the Catalog