It’s that time of year again – the time for “Best Of” lists (like this one, which just happens to have a certain Wild One on it).
This isn’t one of those lists. It’s simply a list of some of the picture books I’ve used in babytime recently and quite enjoyed. It’s been a while since I’ve written about my weekly storytimes, so what better place to start than with a booklist! Most of these books aren’t new – in fact, many of them have followed me from branch to branch to branch. They’re that good! It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully you might discover a new-to-you title or two.
This Little Chick by John Lawrence
Great rhythm, rhyme and repetition, plus fun animal noises make this a read-aloud winner.
Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett
A rhythmic chant that perfectly inspires caregivers to participate.
Jump! by Scott M. Fischer
It’s so much fun to get caregivers to lift their babies up into the air every time we say jump!
I Went Walking by Sue Williams, illustrated by Julie Vivas
This barnyard chant offers a welcome alternative to Brown Bear, Brown Bear featuring familiar farm animals, with a great repetitive text.
Peek-a-Pet! by Marrie Torres Cimarusti, illustrated by Stephanie Peterson
I have several of these lift-the-flap books on my story time shelf. When I have small groups I like to walk the book around and give every baby a chance to peek-a-boo with the different animals. Books like Peek-A-Baby and Baby Says Peek-A-Boo are all favourites, too. Pretty much anything with a flap is going to be a babytime winner!
Old Macdonald Had a Farm by Jane Cabrera
I love using singable picture books in my babytimes, and Jane Cabrera makes some of the best. Her charming versions of The Wheels on the Bus and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star are also on my babytime shelf.
The Baby Goes Beep by Rebecca O’Connell, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max
What a great rhythm! Repetition and a fun, driving beat make this such a fantastic read aloud.
A Kiss Like This by Mary Murphy
Oh Mary Murphy, creator of so many babytime staples. This one is just as sweet as you’d expect, making it perfect for babytimes.
Baby Parade by Rebecca O’Connell, illustrated by Susie Poole
Cute, cute, cute – follow along with a parade or adorable babies as they all arrive for baby storytime! Another winner from Rebecca O’Connell.
What are some of your babytime favourites? I’d love to know – and add them to my rotation!