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 Stage 1 |
 Stage 2 |
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Stage 5 |
Stage 6
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Characteristics of Stage 1 Books – The Listener
Although newborns' limited range of vision allows them to look at bright bold patterns, we mainly selected books for rhymes and rhythms so your baby could hear your voice. Having heard you in utero, your baby is comforted and secure when you speak. Any children's book you particularly like will probably be welcomed by your newborn. Some books, like Chicka Chicka Boom-Boom, may become a favorite for the next few years.
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The Baby's Lap Book
Author: Kay Chorao
Hardbound
Dutton Children's Books, Penguin Books, 58 pages, 1990
We love this book because of the sweet, happy illustrations and the many traditional nursery rhymes that we heard from our parents. For starters, who can resist "This Little Pig" when you look at your newborn's tiny toes. We can sing "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" or chant "It's raining, it's pouring." Your newborn will love the sound of your voice and be comforted by it. Barbara's newborn looked at her face as she sang or chanted from this book. At first he preferred mainly listening, rather than looking.
These nursery rhymes are part of the European tradition handed down for generations. Every culture has its own version in its own language. Maintain your family's traditions by singing, chanting or saying your own nursery rhymes in your native language. As your child grows, nursery rhymes form a staple of lyrical language, content, and beloved memories found nowhere else.
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Time for Bed
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Jane Dyer
Board Book Harcourt Brace & Co., 27 pages, 1997
If you look at the book cover, it says "Ages one to three years." Whoever made that recommendation hasn't read this wonderfully illustrated, soothing book to newborns. You can start reading it even before birth and continue through toddler years. The gentle rhymes about mother animals and their babies are sure to have a soporific effect on your baby. It begins, "It's time for bed, little mouse, little mouse, darkness is falling all over the house. It ends, "The stars on high are shining bright--sweet dreams, my darling, sleep well, Good night!" Mem Fox is one of the world's greatest authors of children's books for all ages. As your baby grows, he will enjoy her many other titles.
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Hey Diddle Diddle and other Mother Goose Rhymes
Author: Tomie dePaola
Paper
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 32 pages, 1988
Mother goose books come in a variety of formats and have been illustrated by various artists. One of our favorites is Tomie dePaola's version. This paperback is lightweight and easy to hold while reading to your newborn. He will be soothed by the sound of your voice as you read, sing, or chant many favorite Mother Goose rhymes. Tomie dePaola is a prolific author-illustrator, a favorite among preschool and primary school teachers. Tomie's Little Mother Goose is also available in Board book form.
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