Newborn babies' vision is not highly developed. High-contrast patterns or pictures are easiest for them to see in the first few months of life. Tana Hoban's black & white board books are terrific choices.

A highly appealing, colorful story that the baby will enjoy for years. It's visually appealing, simple enough to engage babies and toddlers, with counting, memory, and day-of-the week elements that will appeal to the child in the toddler and preschool years.

Together with Tickle, Tickle, Say Goodnight, and All Fall Down, a lovely set of books showing babies having fun together. Sweet, simple illustrations are just right for little ones. Oxenbury's babies look like they could toddle right off the pages!

This terrific series of songs and rhymes combines baby/toddler-friendly illustrations with an interactive song to sing with baby. Rhymes and songs help build phonological awareness, an important pre-reading skill. Series also includes Ten Little Fingers; Row, Row, Row Your Boat; If You're Happy and You Know It; and Ring Around the Rosie. Any of Kubler's board books would be a terrific choice.

A terrific modern twist on nursery rhymes. Traditional Mother Goose rhymes, illustrated with photographs of modern kids in urban or semi-urban settings. An award-winning book and a unique (and delightful) choice.