I LOVE to read to Hudson. And don’t all mamas love to read to their babies? FREE SNUGGLES!
When he was itty bitty and I was trying to figure out what the heck you do to entertain a newborn, reading a book was my default. At the time, I’m sure it was nothing more to him than the sound of my voice and a blur of colors. But hey, the stories are cute so I found it entertaining. And now at almost a year, Hudson will go for a book just as often if not more than any of his other toys, so I’m calling that a mom win.
I must have read the “Pout Pout Fish” 100 times and one day, maybe around 6-7 months, he started to smile and bounce a little whenever I took that book out. And not only that, but he started engaging with the book—looking at the fish and smiling in anticipation of the repeat phrases. So I’m basically raising a mini-Einstein. 😉
But not all baby books are created equal: some of them are kind of a snooze. Babies are very intuitive little people and if I’m faking my enthusiasm, I swear Hudson can tell and is trying to wiggle his way off my lap and into the cat food (again.)
I have discovered a strong preference for rhyming books. I get way, way more into it if the story rhymes: we’re talking voices, hand waving, sound effects–I am ridiculous. But they’re easier to read, more fun and have the added benefit (or curse?) of being easier to memorize, so sometimes I’ll start reciting some of our favorite parts during a car seat meltdown or to keep him from crawling away mid-dipe change.
The other day my friend Lauren and her son Magnus were over for a play date and she recommended The Little Blue truck, which we’ve read about twenty times in three days now. Everyone loves a good rhyme! So while I’m sure there are probably thousands of great rhyming books for babies, I can personally guarantee these six will be winners if you’re looking for some new options. Without further ado, here’s our favorite rhyming books!
The Pout Pout Fish
“Hey Mr. Fish
you kaleidoscope of mope
How about a little smile?
A little joy? A little hope?”
The moral of the story: having a good attitude requires only a shift in perspective (and maybe a kiss from a silent silver swimmer!)
Mighty Dads
“Dumptruck Sturdy
teaches Dumpy to get dirty.
They go fill,
drive,
dump!”
The moral of the story: dads are always there to show their littles the ropes.
The Little Blue Truck
“Sheep said, ‘BAAA’
Cow said, ‘MOO’
‘Oink!’ said the Piggy
‘Beep!’ said Blue”
The moral of the story: being kind to those around you is critical for your karma!
Gerald the Giraffe
“Excuse me!
Coughed the cricket who’d seen Gerald earlier on.
But sometimes when you’re different
you just need a different song!”
The moral of the story: Everyone can dance! Be confident in yourself and walk to the beat of your own drum.
Flip Flap Fly
“Paddle! Quacks the baby duck.
Paddle and skedaddle.
So the mama helps the baby duck
polly,
wolly,
paddle.”
The moral of the story: there are many different kinds of babies in the world, but they all have mamas there to help them along the way.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
“But the next baby born was truly divine;
a sweet little child that was mine, all mine.”
The moral of the story: celebrating diversity and the differences that make us unique, while appreciating that underneath it all, we’re all the same.