I absolutely adore Karen Katz. Especially her lift the flap books create a role for your child in the reading process. Our son loves to wait, listen for his cue, and then lift the corresponding flaps. I cannot say enough good things about these simple, adorably illustrated books.

This is another Karen Katz book but what is a bit different about it is that it encourages your child to actually speak the words the baby says. Our son likes to say words like Ma Ma, Goo Goo and Uh Oh which are the simple toddler speak featured in the book.

This is of course a classic known to many and I must include it here. The illustrations are in unique, primary colors that from early on have appealed to my son. This is one, I often find him flipping through this one himself.

This book has pictures of objects found on a farm and its a great one to point to each object, say the word out loud and then repeat.

This is another My First book but I love the way it shows different objects of the same colors. Its very bright and allows you to put two words together and point to objects, ie the Blue Fish, the Yellow Flower. Simple and yet highly effective concepts for small children learning to talk.