A picture book can be an excellent educational tool for babies tired of soft toys and cuddly animals. Experts in child development say these books help with language development and cognitive skills, and they also foster a love for reading.
Talking with a child about the pictures and words in a book can make reading a fun experience. It teaches children that books can be as entertaining as toys. The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) suggests picture books that encourage active participation for infants (birth to 1 year) and toddlers (1 to 3 years). "Touch-and-feel" and "lift-the-flap" books, especially sturdy ones that small hands can easily grasp, are highly recommended. It's also important to let the child hold the book and turn the pages themselves.
Books with bright colors, big pictures, and rhyming or repetitive themes are also great recommendations. And sitting with a child on your lap and reading together makes the experience enjoyable and inviting. Reading together regularly helps children learn to stay focused and enjoy stories.
Aside from teaching reading skills, a good picture book stimulates the imagination and helps children appreciate art. Anthony Browne, a British children's book author and illustrator, emphasizes that picture books often serve as a child’s first introduction to visual art.
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Picture: Scarlett, 9 months, reading with Mom (ChildUp.com)
