Babies will start to show interest in books earlier than you may think. They will reach for and explore board books and bath books as soon as they can reach for a toy. From birth and beyond, when a child explores a book with a loved adult, they are hearing the rhythm of language, expression and emotion, and building a rich and diverse network of words. Vocabulary building starts at home, and books are one of the best ways I know to experience new words and concepts and begin to understand how meaning is made and ideas are communicated through language and print.

Books really are the gift that keeps on giving – and with books for babies, the parents will gain as much from the books as the babies will so I always choose books which I think will have wide appeal! The list below are my ‘must-haves’ so add them to your shopping lists pronto.

My list of ‘Best Books for Toddlers' is here.