Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase the chances of conceiving. Get to know each phase of your cycle to get pregnant faster.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY

    6 Easter Egg Science Experiments for Kids

    Smarten up your annual Easter tradition with these easy, educational egg dyeing ideas.
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Parenting
  3. 13 Best Books for Babies' Brains

13 Best Books for Babies' Brains

By Tina Donvito
December 21, 2017
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: George Rudy/Shutterstock
New research shows that reading stories with named characters gets young brains working. Here's how to pick the best books for brain development. 
Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Credit: George Rudy/Shutterstock

Think of your child's favorite books: If they feature characters with names, your baby is getting a brain boost. That's because when babies are read stories with characters who have names, it leads to increased focus, longer attention span, and better brain responses than when read stories without, says a recent study published in the journal Child Development.

"This study tells us books that name multiple individual characters, animals, or objects may lead to higher quality shared book reading experiences, and result in learning and brain development benefits," study author Lisa Scott, PhD, a University of Florida psychology professor, tells Parents.com. "It could be that individual names lead parents to talk more, point more, or lead infants and parents to attend to the same thing at the same time and be more in sync with one another." Interestingly, actual names ("Buster," "Spot") rather than labels like "Dog" or "Cat" seemed to be most effective, perhaps helping infants tap into the important skill of face recognition. So if you're reading Pout Pout Fish for the 50th time (this week), try introducing him with a fun new name, like Ronald.

Although the study used special books developed for research purposes, we gathered some stories you can read that will have the most benefits for your baby. Also consider a few of our favorites!

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bedtime, Ted!

Credit: Peter Ardito

by Sophy Henn

What it's about: Before this sweet toddler by the name of Ted is ready for bed, he has to do his nighttime routine which includes: taking a bath, having a snack, and brushing his teeth (just to name a few). 

Why we picked it: This book will resonate with any little one who is too busy for bedtime. Each spread has a gatefold with big flaps that beautifully display what Ted is up to before calling it a night! 

Ages birth to 3, $9. Amazon.com

2 of 14

3 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Snowy Day

Credit: Peter Ardito

by Ezra Jack Keats

What it's about: This book follows Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, perfectly capturing a child's wonder. 

Why we picked it: This 1962 classic is timeless for its beautiful illustrations and storyline that help build language and literacy skills. 

Ages 2+, $8. Amazon.com

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Clive Is a Nurse

Credit: Peter Ardito

by Jessica Spanyol

What it's about: This story follows Clive and his friends as they role-play all the duties a nurse's job encompasses.

Why we picked it: Not only does this book celebrate diversity and challenge gender stereotypes, but it is a funny and thoughtful story all kids can enjoy.

Ages 1 to 3, $5. Amazon.com

4 of 14

5 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pat the Bunny

Credit: Courtesy of Random House Children's Publishing

What it's about: This touch-and-feel book asks infants to copy youngsters Paul and Judy in playing peek-a-boo, patting a bunny's fur, and more.

Why we picked it: The named characters in this book and others in the series ("Pat the Puppy" features kids Tom and Sarah) get infants interacting. Dr. Scott says these were her daughter's faves.

Buy it: Barnes & Noble

5 of 14

6 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dear Zoo

Credit: Courtesy of Little Simon/Simon & Schuster

What it's about: A kid asks the zoo to send him an animal, but each is not quite right for a pet! Babies can lift flaps to discover which animal is behind it.

Why we picked it: This book doesn't actually have names for the creatures, but that's OK—Dr. Scott says parents can just make them up! The story presents "different animals that parents can label and name," she says. "Dear Zoo is interactive and also promotes motor development."

Buy it: Amazon

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sophie the Giraffe

Credit: Courtesy of DK

What it's about: Your child probably already has the popular Sophie toy—in the books, the giraffe and her friends like Lazare the cat and Gabin the bear teach basic concepts.

Why we picked it: "These books are great and are very similar to what we did in our study," Dr. Scott says. "I particularly like Peekaboo Sophie!, Playtime with Sophie and Sophie's Colors."

Buy it: Barnes & Noble

7 of 14

8 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baby Faces: A Book of Happy, Silly, and Funny Babies

Credit: Courtesy of Workman Publishing

What it's about: Baby expressions are explored with a colorful cast of baby faces. There's not a lot of text, but the faces are big and bold.

Why we picked it: "The books in this series are indestructible, so it's a good choice for before six months of age," Dr. Scott says. "However, it is up to parents to describe the pictures and name the faces."

Buy it: Walmart

8 of 14

9 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gossie

Credit: Courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

What it's about: Gossie the gosling searches for her bright red boots, only to find them on her friend Gertie's feet!

Why we picked it: The book series introduces Gossie and her many gosling friends: Gertie, Ollie, Gideon, Jasper, Joop and more. "Parents can pair this with other books and talk about the different individuals in the various stories," Dr. Scott says.

Buy it: Target

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Leo Can Swim

Credit: Courtesy of Charlesbridge

What it's about: Leo and his daddy go to swim class. They change for class, play in the pool, then dry off before Leo falls asleep in his stroller.

Why we picked it: "This is a great book to read if you are introducing your little one to swimming early," Dr. Scott says. "Parents can talk about Leo and how he went swimming." In addition, you can make up your own names for the other babies in Leo's class.

Buy it: Amazon

10 of 14

11 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Credit: Courtesy of Penguin Young Readers

What it's about: Llama Llama has a bit of trouble going to bed, but Mama Llama comforts him.

Why we picked it: The beloved Llama Llama book series introduces young readers to Llama and his friends, including Gilroy Goat and Nelly Gnu, while teaching important social skills. "Parents can go back and talk about the characters after reading through the rhyming words once," Dr. Scott says. Plus, rhyming helps young children learn about language.

Buy it: Llamallamabook.com

11 of 14

12 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Blocks

Credit: Courtesy of Nosy Crow

What it's about: Benji and Ruby have to learn how to share red and blue blocks.

Why we picked it: "This book looks great because they have two characters and it also teaches colors," Dr. Scott says. "I would say this is great for nine months plus."

Buy it: Target

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Whistle for Willie

Credit: Courtesy of Penguin Young Readers

What it's about: Peter tries to whistle for his dog Willie, but he can't figure out how!

Why we picked it: A companion to the award-winning classic The Snowy Day, this book follows Peter as he explores his urban environment. Dr. Scott recommends this for toddlers over 12 months who are also exploring their surroundings.

Buy it: Barnes & Noble

13 of 14

14 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Corduroy

Credit: Courtesy of Penguin Young Readers

What it's about: Corduroy the bear lives in a department store, until Lisa decides to take him home.

Why we picked it: The Corduroy books feature the strong bond between the bear and his human companion. "This book is definitely for older kids, I would say 18 months plus," Dr. Scott says. There are also board books that feature Corduroy teaching numbers, colors, shapes, and more for infants.

Buy it: Corduroybook.com

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 14
2 of 14 Bedtime, Ted!
3 of 14 The Snowy Day
4 of 14 Clive Is a Nurse
5 of 14 Pat the Bunny
6 of 14 Dear Zoo
7 of 14 Sophie the Giraffe
8 of 14 Baby Faces: A Book of Happy, Silly, and Funny Babies
9 of 14 Gossie
10 of 14 Leo Can Swim
11 of 14 Llama Llama Red Pajama
12 of 14 Blocks
13 of 14 Whistle for Willie
14 of 14 Corduroy

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

View image

13 Best Books for Babies' Brains
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.