The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging parents to start reading out loud to their children every day, starting in infancy.

Several Canadian libraries offer "Ready for Reading" programs, to help parents and caregivers encourage young children from birth to five years to love books and reading. Here are some of the titles they recommend.

 

Baby books recommended by the Toronto Public Library:

  • Splash! by Flora McDonnell
  • Come Along, Daisy! by Jane Simmons
  • Good night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
  • Maybe My Baby by Marilyn Janovitz
  • Mommy's Best Kisses by Margaret Anastas

The Ottawa Public Library recommends:

  • What Will We Do With the Baby-o? by Theo Heras
  • Willoughby Wallaby Woo by Dennis Lee
  • My First Signs by Annie Kubler
  • I Kissed the Baby by Mary Murphy
  • Hug by Jez Alborough

For preschoolers, the Toronto Public Library recommends:

  • The Dark by Lemony Snicket
  • Toads On Toast by Linda Bailey
  • I Dare You Not to Yawn by Hélène Boudreau
  • Noisy Poems for a Busy Day by Robert Heidbreder
  • Welcome Baby by Reid, Barbara

The Ottawa Library recommends for preschoolers:

  • The Little Red Hen by Byron Barton
  • The Complete Adventures of Curious George by Margret and H.A. Rey
  • Drumheller Dinosaur Dance by Robert Heidbreder
  • Max’s ABC by Rosemary Wells
  • I’m Not Cute! by Jonathan Allen