Here Comes Peter Cottontail

I would be remiss if I did not mention some Easter related board books for this blog.  Ivy has been singing the old classic, "Here Comes Peter Cottontail!" to Atticus while showing him the pages to this book illustrated by Pamela Levy.  The colors are colorful and catching, and it is even fun to play the song along with the book. Atticus is more interested in Ivy singing, but at a month old....it is worthy of a blog mention!

Atticus received a lovely board book for a wonderful student of mine, Look Look by Peter Linenthal. Since all infants appreciate contrasts, this book is a great choice. Simple red words describe the black and white contrasting pictures - a cat stretches, flowers bloom, a car races, etc. A must have for any newborn!

Fancy Nancy

I was not expecting Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas to be one of the first books on Atticus's blog, but it is.  Ivy and I read this to him two days ago, and his eyes were glued to the pages.  The illustrations are just gorgeous in this book - explosions of color.  Although newborns can see color, they have trouble distinguishing like colors.  Contrasts are best.  Maybe there were enough contrasts, or maybe he just likes the plot.  Either way, Ivy and I had a blast reading this Jane O'Connor classic.  Fancy Nancy loves Christmas - it is the season of fanciness!  She is so excited to finally put her glass angel tree topper on the tree.  In the excitement of waiting for her grandpa, there is an accident and her tree topper is shattered.  Grandpa swoops in to save the day, teaching Nancy and JoJo about heirlooms along the way!

Helen Oxenbury

Ivy has been very excited to read Atticus Helen Oxenbury's Baby Love: A Board Book Gift Set. Oxenbury is famous for her illustrations of babies and young toddlers. She was one of Ivy's first favorites. Atticus can stay awake during these little books because there are only a few words a page. Included in this set are: All Fall Down, Tickle, Tickle, Say Goodnight, and Clap Hands. 

The Power of Dr. Seuss

Despite the length of any Dr. Seuss book for a newborn, the rhythmic flow of the words appeals to babies.  Both Atticus and Ivy were read a Dr. Seuss book the day they came home from the hospital.  Atticus heard Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?  He stayed awake for all of it - a commendable act for a three day old infant.  This book is great because it contains just a few of the many sounds a newborn infant will hear upon entering the world - a cow's moo, the frying of an egg, and the boom of thunder. It is just fun to read out loud!