Books about developmental milestones from 0-2

Pat-a-Cake!

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

This selection of books celebrates all the clever things many children learn to do from birth to age 2 or thereabouts, from lying on their tummies to clapping and waving, all the way 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

    Author: Dr Caspar Addyman Illustrator: Ania Simeone
    Publisher: Campbell Books

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

  • Mirror Baby: Hello You!

    Author: n/a
    Publisher: Campbell Books
    Interest age: 0-3

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

  • Pat-a-Cake!

    Author: Annie Kubler
    Publisher: Child's play
    Interest age: 0+
    Reading age: 4+

    Part of a series introducing well loved games and rhymes.

  • How to Say Hello

    Author: Sophie Beer
    Publisher: Little Tiger
    Interest age: 0-3

    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. 

  • Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

    Author: Mem Fox Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
    Publisher: Walker Books

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

  • It’s MINE!

    Author: Emma Yarlett
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 2-5

    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.

  • Can You Say It Too? Woof! Woof!

    Author: Nosy Crow Illustrator: Sebastien Braun
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 0-3
    Reading age: 0-3

    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.

  • I'm Hungry

    Author: Rod Campbell
    Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
    Interest age: 1-3

    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.

  • Bigger! Bigger!

    Author: Leslie Patricelli
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 0-3

    A clever concept, imaginatively shown in bright and chunky illustrations with minimal text. This could inspire some creative play at home, and it's lovely to see a little girl shown in a construction role.

  • Time For Bed, Panda

    Author: Jo Lodge
    Publisher: Campbell Books
    Interest age: 0-2

    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.

  • Getting Ready

    Author: Illustrator: Cocoretto
    Publisher: Child’s Play
    Interest age: 0-4

    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.

  • What’s That Noise? Tap! Tap! Guess the Toy!

    Author: Child's Play Illustrator: Cocoretto
    Publisher: Child’s Play
    Interest age: 0-1
    Reading age: N/A

    This bright little board book approaches sound-making with a new angle that focuses on the sounds that various toys make, helping children to learn sounds that are relatable and fun. 

  • Imagine IF… Veggies

    Author: Aya Watanabe
    Publisher: Templar Books
    Interest age: 2-3

    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.

  • Tummy Time!

    Author: n/a
    Publisher: Mama Makes Books
    Interest age: 0-1

    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. 

  • If You're Happy and You Know It

    Author: Annie Kubler
    Publisher: Child's Play
    Interest age: 0+
    Reading age: 3+

    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.

  • The Nose, Toes and Tummy Book

    Author: Sally Nicholls Illustrator: Gosia Herba
    Publisher: Andersen Press
    Interest age: 0-1

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