The very first thing I bought for my baby was books. New books. Thrifted books. Anywhere we went, I gravitated toward the children’s section. I used to imagine the moment we would finally sit down and read together — it was what I looked forward to the most.
I was a big book kid growing up. I loved sitting cross-legged while our teacher read aloud. I remember the big pictures facing us, the stories and the excitement.
Because of those memories, reading to my own baby has always felt especially meaningful to me.
Since the day we came home from the hospital, books have been part of our day. Even when he had no idea what was happening, we kept reading to him.
Those small reading moments became my favorite.
We keep a separate little basket of books just for him — his favorites. If I’m tidying up and pick one up, he immediately screams, expecting me to read it. That’s how much these books have become part of our routine.
These aren’t necessarily “the best” books according to a list online — these are just the ones that work for us.
What He’s Drawn To
As I follow his interests, I’ve started noticing patterns in the books he gravitates toward most.
1. Pop-Up Books
These grab his attention instantly. The 3D elements feel magical to him. He studies every fold and shape, and they never seem to get old. They invite him to slow down and explore each page.
2. Pull-Tab & Lift-the-Flap Books
Books with sliding tabs, flaps to lift, or pieces that move are always a hit. Even before he understood the pictures, the movement kept him engaged. He loves discovering what’s hidden underneath — and I love watching his little “aha” moments.
3. Sensory & Touch Books
These give his hands something to do. I’ve noticed how strong his memory is becoming — he goes straight to the exact texture on each page. Feeling different materials builds curiosity and supports sensory exploration in such a natural way.
4. Sound & Button Books
These bring him pure joy. He bursts into laughter at certain sounds, and it fills my heart every time. He’s also learning cause and effect — pressing a button and hearing a response. We use these sparingly, but they’re so fun to enjoy together.
5. Bright, Colorful Pages
Bold colors like red, blue, and yellow immediately catch his eye. High-contrast and vibrant pages keep him visually engaged and interested in turning the next page.
6. Repetitive & Animal Sound Books
Some of his absolute favorite books are the ones that combine repetition and animal sounds.
He loves hearing the same phrases over and over again — like in Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. The predictability makes him light up. I can see him anticipating what’s coming next, and that excitement turns into giggles every single time.
Animal sound books are just as big of a hit. The exaggerated “cock-a-doodle-doo!” or silly farm noises grab his attention immediately. Even before he fully understands the story, he responds to the rhythm, tone, and repetition.
These types of books feel the most interactive for us, and they make reading feel so joyful.
If you’re building your own little reading rhythm at home, I’ve linked some of our favorites below ❤️