Choose cloth books in black and white as newborn babies can’t see that well so this type of book will help them see patterns more clearly.

 

When your baby reaches three months, he will show an interest in grabbing at the books.  Cloth books are soft and squashy so your baby can have fun feeling the different textures whilst you explain what each page reveals.

 

Board books with colourful pictures can be used from six months. Subjects which might interest your baby include animal sounds, nursery rhymes and other babies.

 

Toddlers learn the meaning of words through pictures so first word books with pictures of familiar objects are good for this age group. 

 

Simple stories with clear pictures and few words from the age of two and books that use rhyme are easier for your toddler to remember and you will find that they will join in when they begin to remember the story.

 

Your child will be learning to read at school, so you may want to speak to the teacher about any reading materials that will help at home.

 

Picture books, comics and activity books such as dot-to-dot or spot the difference are fun activities as well as encouraging learning.

 

Your child will begin to read independently from the age of seven and parents are encouraged to listen to their children read as part of their homework. Your child may like a particular author or type of book such as fairytales or myths and legends and you should encourage trips to the library.

 

Borrow books, DVD’s and more by joining one of our libraries. Find your nearest library and come join us.