Books to Sink One's Teeth Into...

Admit it. If you are a reader, one of your first thoughts when you heard you were going to be a grandparent was, "I am going to NEED more books!" Not that true bookaholics ever need an excuse, but what better reason to bring new books home than to entertain the next generation of readers in your family.

If your daughter or daughter in law agreed to your reading Shakespeare or Dr. Seuss, (depending on your preference of in utero influences), to her ever expanding tummy that is wonderful, but most grandparents content themselves with browsing through the children's book section and revisiting old friends from their childhood. For your new addition, you'll want board books. That way whether they are chewing or viewing you will be in good shape.

For those of us of a certain age our board book du jour as babies was "Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt. Its still a great choice for your grand baby and one you will share together often. Paul and Judy haven't changed a whole lot and they are still trying on rings and playing Peek a Boo! They even have a version that comes with a stuffed bunny so your grand baby cannot not only "Pat the Bunny", they can cuddle with it as well.

 
The other consistent classic has to be "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown. There are lots of copycats and parodies out there, but the version with the little old lady whispering hush and the crazy bowl of mush on the window sill is the one to turn to when reading at bedtime.

Black and white books seem to hold the attention of newborns so for your first book purchases these are the perfect choice. Two that our grandkids have loved are "Look, Look" by Peter Linenthal

and Baby Animals Black and White: Black and White by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes.Both are high contrast black and white and sturdy enough to be gummed and/or teethed on as time passes. Even if you aren't reading to your grandbaby, these books can be entertaining open during tummy time or for someone to talk to in the playpen. Start them chatting with their books early and they will make life long friends!