Hello Jacks,

I have a ten month old grandson so I'm VERY interested in this topic myself.

I've found that board books and bath books are the best because he wants to chew the pages!!

Books with just a few words on each page, or wordless books, are good.  Also good are books that have large pictures you can point to and talk about.  Plus, choose books that use repeated words to give children the enjoyment and rhythm of language.

There are some lovely baby picture dictionaries available.  Because your child is starting to connect pictures in books with real-world objects, you could choose a dictionary that included pages about food, clothes, animals, vehicles, etc.

My grandson really enjoys books about babies.  He's interested in them whether they include illustrations or photographs of babies.  He especially seems to like looking at the expressions on the baby's faces.

The words in books can be real words or made-up words.  For example, my grandson always laughs when we start reading "Rub-a-Dub Dub, Three Pigs in a Tub".

Reading nursery rhymes, singing silly songs, and using books that "play" with words are wonderful ways to laugh together.

Your child will certainly let you know what she likes, as well.

Have fun together!!!

Sylvia HS
Reading Specialist, Author