Best Books for Babies: A Shared Reading Guide for 0 to 2 Years
Book Week belongs to babies too. Long before a child can talk, a book on your lap builds language, closeness and a love of story. This guide gives you the titles that genuinely work with the very young, and shows you how to share them.
I have read every book on this list many times, in real rooms and at home with my own children. These are the ones that hold a baby's attention, invite little hands in, and turn storytime into a moment of connection.
What's inside
- A curated list of the best board books and picture books for 0 to 2, sorted by stage, from high-contrast newborn books to first stories to grow into
- Why each book works, and simple ways to share and extend it
- Australian and First Nations titles woven throughout
- How to share a book with a baby, grounded in research
- How to set up a cosy book nook, at the centre or at home
- Puppets, storytelling baskets and props for sensory learners
- Traditional tales made for telling aloud
- Real storytelling set-ups from my own practice
- Scannable video links so you can watch me read
- Clear links to the EYLF, ready for your documentation
Who it's for
Early childhood educators, family day care educators, and parents of babies and toddlers who want reading to feel joyful, not like one more thing on the list. Whether you are setting up a nursery book corner or choosing a first library for your own baby, this will save you time and give you confidence.
Why it matters
Toddlers who are read to turn into preschoolers who read. The habit starts now, with the right books and a warm lap. Let's give our littlest learners the very best start.
Grounded in the EYLF. Made in Australia by an early childhood teacher.
