Board books are a wonderful invention for toddlers and babies. These strong, sturdy books are resistant to rough play and teething. They are filled with bright colors and wonderful pictures. Board books bring the joys of language and books to even the smallest people. Every baby should start life with a collection of board books.

Need help starting a collection for a baby you love? Here are some suggestions.

Dancing With Degas by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober is one of a fantastic collection of board books called "Mini Masters". Each books features pictures of famous artwork by various artists. The books also have flowing, easy text to go along with the pictures. Dancing With Degas is filled with Degas' stunning paintings of ballerinas.

Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton is a fun story about loving our pajamas. Small children enjoy the rhyming words and funny pictures of animals in their pajamas. If you and your child like Pajama Time, be sure to check out Boynton's other great board books.

Olivia by Ian Falconer is the story of a precocious pig and her family. The Olivia stories are available in both board book and regular book form. Children will enjoy Olivia's adventures on an average day as she visits the museum, goes to the beach and reads stories with her mother.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd is a beautiful classic loved by children everywhere. Its text is simple and soothing, perfect for a young child's bedtime story. The pictures are recognized by almost everyone. This is truly a must for any child's library.

Babies love Baby Faces by DK Publishing. This little book is full of babies of all ethnicities showing their feelings with their faces. Very small children love to look at other children, and many babies will stare at this book again and again. You can use this book with toddlers to talk about feelings.

Peek A Who by Nina Laden is a great animal story for the youngest readers. Turn the pages to discover which animals are hiding behind the holes, and find out what those animals say. At the end of the book, children will be delighted with the mirror that announces the last animal found is "YOU!"

Books are so important to early childhood, and every baby deserves a collection of great books. If you have a baby or toddler in your life, make sure he or she is exposed to books just as soon as possible.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Macon-Steele.
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