It is never too early to read to a child. Organizations dedicated to the healthy development of children, such as Every Child Ready to Read, Reach Out and Read, American Academy of Pediatrics and Zero to Three offer resources to parents on how to support early literacy. The easiest way to begin is to develop a bedtime routine with a favorite board book. According to Zero to Three, routines play an important role in the developing child. Besides nurturing healthy social skills, facilitating smooth transitions between activities, acquiring self-control, achieving a sense of emotional security and safety, routines schedule time for learning. Introducing board books as part of the bedtime routine early on will strengthen healthy vocabulary and it will only take about 20 minutes a night. Over time, baby will grow to ask for the same story repeatedly. Here are some timeless favorites adored by parents and children.
Time for Bed by Petr Horáček (Candlewick Press, 2013)
Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown & Felicia Bond (HarperFestival, 1995)
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown & Felicia Bond (HarperFestival, 2007)
Good Night by Dessie Moore & Chevelle Moore (HarperFestival, 1994)
Say Goodnight by Helen Oxenbury (Little Simon Merchandise, 1987)