Books for sharing with newborns

A selection of books for sharing with newborns, but many can be enjoyed by older babies, toddlers and even preschoolers

  • Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

    by Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury 

    2011 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    With beautiful illustrations of babies born all over the world and gentle rhyming text, this charming book is perfect for sharing with little ones.

  • Guess How Much I Love You

    by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram 

    2014 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics

    This modern classic is a wonderful story about love between a child and a parent, which is never too early to share with your baby. The repetitive text lends itself perfectly to a soothing bedtime read.

  • Baby’s First Days: On the Move

    by Pat-a-Cake, illustrated by Mojca Dolinar 

    2017 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    The visual black, white and red design of this lovely board book about transport will fascinate toddlers. It’s been specially made with high contrasting colours and simple patterns to stimulate a baby’s developing vision.

  • Making Faces: A Book of Emotions

    by Abrams 

    2017 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    Babies can be sad, angry, happy, surprised and silly – can you tell which is which? A fun and absorbing game of Snap”, this book encourages little ones to study faces and think about feelings and how to identify them from a very young age.

  • Peepo!

    by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg 

    2011 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme
  • It’s A Little Baby

    by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb 

    2016 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    This is a really simple and fun book to read, encouraging interaction between the book and the child, and the reader and little one. And there’s a bonus: the words are also a song, which can be downloaded or found on the It’s A Little Baby website.

  • Baby Touch: Food

    by Ladybird Books, illustrated by Lemon Ribbon Studio 

    2021 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Non-fiction
    • Touch and feel books

    Whether it’s soft ice-cream, messy pasta or bobbly rice cakes, food to babies is all about texture and fun, and this bright and appealing touch-and-feel board book lets them explore without making a mess!

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    by Eric Carle 

    1994 2 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Little fingers will love to follow the very hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through the pages of this classic, colourful, interactive picture book.

  • Baby Touch: Playbook

    by Ladybird, illustrated by Lemon Ribbon Studio 

    2022 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Touch and feel books

    A larger format board book that encourages little ones to play.