Books to support developmental milestones

Celebrating all the clever things young children can learn to do – from clapping and waving, to saying their first words

Recommendations

Babies’ brains develop incredibly quickly and sometimes it seems they have learned a new skill every week.

These books, hand-picked by our team, celebrate all the clever things many children learn to do from birth to around the age of two. From lying on their tummies, clapping and waving, to recognising familiar sights, eating real food and saying their first words. And of course, they enjoy being read to at any age!

  • Babies Laugh at Peekaboo

    by Dr Caspar Addyman, illustrated by Ania Simeone 

    2023 0 to 2 years 

    • Board books

    Play baby’s favourite game of peekaboo with this adorable grab-and-pull board book.

  • 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.

  • The Nose, Toes and Tummy Book

    by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Gosia Herba 

    2023 0 to 2 years 

    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    This is your nose. BEEP! What a noisy nose! A delightful, interactive book for babies.

  • Pat-a-Cake!

    by Annie Kubler 

    2005 0 to 9 years 

    • Board books
    • Classics
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme
    • Deafness
    • Disability
    • Visual impairment

    Part of a series introducing well loved games and rhymes.

  • Can You Say It Too? Woof! Woof!

    by Nosy Crow, illustrated by Sebastien Braun 

    2014 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Touch and feel books

    Lift the big flaps to reveal which animal is hiding and the noise that they make! A brilliantly colourful and interactive board book for babies.

  • How to Say Hello

    by Sophie Beer 

    2022 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books

    From a high five to a fist bump, from a wave to a kiss, there are so many wonderful ways to say hello. A joyous and easy-to-follow read for babies and toddlers, which explores communication and consent in a fun, vibrant and inclusive way. 

  • Mirror Baby: Hello You!

    by Campbell Books 

    2021 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    A striking and fun board book that celebrates diversity and takes baby through the day with a fold-out mirror and plenty of interaction.

  • Time For Bed, Panda

    by Jo Lodge 

    2021 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books

    It’s time for this adorable googly-eyed panda to get ready for bed – that means having a bath, brushing her teeth and reading a story! A delightfully cuddly and sweet board book for little ones.

  • If You’re Happy and You Know It

    by Annie Kubler 

    2001 0 to 7 years 

    • Board books
    • Classics
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    On every page of this board book are attractive, colourful illustrations of babies clapping their hands, rolling about on the floor and hugging their friends.

  • Getting Ready

    by Child’s Play, illustrated by Cocoretto 

    2016 0 to 4 years 

    • Interactive
    • Touch and feel books
    • Visual impairment

    Time to get up! Pull back the covers and choose your clothes. Getting ready for the day is made both fun and interactive in this touch-and-feel book. An irresistible tactile treat.

  • Tummy Time!

    by Mama Makes Books 

    2021 0 to 2 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    This lovely stand-up book contains pictures of a variety of baby faces and two mirrors. Ideal for tummy time, babies can look at the book as they lie on their tummies, building body strength so that they can roll over, sit and crawl. 

  • I’m Hungry!

    by Rod Campbell 

    2021 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Touch and feel books

    The hungry mouse likes eating cheese, the rabbit likes carrots and the monkey likes bananas, but what about the hungry tiger? Find out in this fun and inventive touch-and-feel book from Rod Campbell, the author of Dear Zoo.

  • Imagine if… Veggies

    by Aya Watanabe 

    2023 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Discover different ways to look at veggies in this delightful board book with sturdy tabs to push and pull. Irresistible interactive fun for babies and toddlers.

  • It’s Mine!

    by Emma Yarlett 

    2022 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    A mystery thing has appeared. No one is quite sure what it is, but they each want to keep it for themselves. A funny read-aloud picture book with a surprise ending.

Find a child’s next read

Use our Bookfinder tool to find the perfect book for the children you work with or care for. Search hundreds of hand-picked children’s book recommendations by age, category and theme.

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Programmes

Our programmes are delivered via health, library, schools and early years practitioners, and are supported with books, resources and guidance to encourage the reading habit.

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