We’ve learned a lot about early literacy over the years. And most of the research suggests that our goal of encouraging parents and other caregivers to read to babies right from the start is right on target. That’s because learning begins at birth.
We have also worked to recognize the authors, illustrators and publishers who focus on creating quality materials for babies ages birth to 18 months. Children’s books go out of print quickly, but demand can sometimes prolong the shelf life (pun intended) of a title.
Our committee members are librarians, child development specialists, educators, and others with an interest in promoting literacy and learning. They represent child-centered organizations across our area and bring their considerable expertise and experience to our process.
Some 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. (And they aren’t shy about sharing them, which can make the final voting pretty exciting.)
Our list of ten best books this year actually numbers 17, with five sets of books included. There’s a high-contrast tummy time selection, three titles with Spanish language, a set of rhymes galore, and more.
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, stop by your local library to pick up one (or a bundle!) of these titles soon and share them with a baby in your life. Read them again and again—repetition is a wonderful way to learn and the committee has done their best to find books that grownups will enjoy, too. While you are cuddling 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
100 primeras palabras
Edward Underwood
Essential words, colorful pictures and lift-the-flap fun appear on each page. In Spanish.
From the Catalog
Animal Rhymes
Ailie Busby
Pictures of young children with diverse abilities and identities decorate these collections of action rhymes and songs. Instructions included.
From the Catalog
Bedtime Rhymes
Ailie Busby
Pictures of young children with diverse abilities and identities decorate these collections of action rhymes and songs. Instructions included.
From the Catalog
Playtime Rhymes
Ailie Busby
Pictures of young children with diverse abilities and identities decorate these collections of action rhymes and songs. Instructions included.
From the Catalog
Weather Rhymes
Ailie Busby
Pictures of young children with diverse abilities and identities decorate these collections of action rhymes and songs. Instructions included.
From the Catalog
El gato y el pajarito
Cat and bird
Jo Empson
This simple, engaging story features unlikely friends, opportunities for giggles, and a fold-out ending. In Spanish and English.
From the Catalog
La zorra y el ganso
Fox and goose
Jo Empson
This simple, engaging story features unlikely friends, opportunities for giggles, and a fold-out ending. In Spanish and English.
From the Catalog
Get Dressed, Belly Button!
Lucie Brunellière
Board pages of different sizes, easy for baby to grasp and turn, build upon each other to outfit a child from head to toe.
From the Catalog
I Can Say Eat!
Stephanie Cohen
Appealing photos that show children pronouncing mealtime words encourage language development.
From the Catalog
I Can Say Moo!
Stephanie Cohen
Appealing photos that show children making animal sounds encourage language development.
From the Catalog
Let’s Make Pancakes
Jamie Oliver
Bold illustrations and simple action words show steps in preparing favorite foods.
From the Catalog
Let’s Make Pasta
Jamie Oliver
Bold illustrations and simple action words show steps in preparing favorite foods.
From the Catalog
Leo at the Farmer’s Market
Anna McQuinn
Say hello in several languages as Leo and his caregiver shop for food and greet friendly vendors.
From the Catalog
My First Black and White Book: Play!
Pascale Estellon
An accordion book designed for tummy time or lap reads. High-contrast, textured shapes engage baby’s developing eyes and encourage touch exploration.
From the Catalog
Whose Eyes?
Kristina Jones
Black-and-white art with spot coloring and a peek-a-boo theme offer an early look at animals.
From the Catalog
Whose Nose?
Kristina Jones
Black-and-white art with spot coloring and a peek-a-boo theme offer an early look at animals.
From the Catalog
A World to Meet
Katie Harnett
Calm, rhythmic text introduces babies to everyday wonders. Illustrated in soothing, warm colors.