Best Books for Babies 2005

A group of Pittsburgh librarians and child development experts selected the Best Books for Babies published in 2004. Share them with a baby in your life!

Baby Danced the Polka

An energetic baby jigs, polkas, and cha-chas with a variety of stuffed animals hidden behind flaps in this rhyming story that will likely inspire both participation and imitation on the part of little listeners.


Duckie's Rainbow

A cleverly designed book with pages that grow ever smaller, this story follows a bright white duck as she travels homeward and eventually sees a beautiful rainbow.


Little Bo Peep

A wakeful toddler tosses her toy sheep from her crib (a game that will be familiar to many parents) in this amusing board book update of a familiar rhyme.


Snug in Mama's Arms

Celebrating the comfort found in cuddling on mama’s lap, this soothing picture book uses soft, somewhat dark colors to evoke the dreamy drowsiness of a lullaby.


Te Amo, Bebe, Little One

Playful rhymes and colorful pictures describe baby’s first year, punctuated regularly by Mama’s repeated declaration of love and devotion.


Tomie's Baa, Baa, Black Sheep: and Other Rhymes

This brief board book collection of four traditional rhymes, decorated with illustrations by popular author-illustrator DePaola, provides a perfect introduction to Mother Goose for babies and their parents.


Wynken, Blynken, and Nod

Field’s classic poem is brought to vibrant life by McPhail’s exquisite, oversized paintings that excel at capturing both the elements of fantasy and the coziness of being tucked safely in bed.