Check It Out:

It is never too early to start reading to your baby. Little ones enjoy the special bonding time with parents, and are soothed by the repetitive sounds in children’s storybooks.

While they might not have the ability to grasp the concepts yet, the rhythmic sentences and varying sounds do pave the way for future vocabulary development.

Additionally, the bright contrasting colors that adorn the pages of children’s books help to develop babies’ sense of sight. These benefits and more make developing a nighttime reading routine a necessity for all parents and small children.

By starting a reading routine during your child’s infancy, you are sure to set your child on a path toward a lifelong love and appreciation of reading. Before you know it, your little one will be pointing out the pictures and reading these classic favorites to you.

The Newport Beach Public Library has a whole collection of books geared toward infants. Board books are available for you and your child’s enjoyment at each location. These special books are smaller, sturdier and shorter than regular children’s picture books, and will leave lasting impressions well beyond the childhood years.

Here are a few favorite board book titles. Be sure to check them out today:

“Where’s Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz: The big, colorful illustrations that fill the pages of this “peek-a-boo” lift the flap book will capture the attention of really little ones, and help you teach growing babies and toddlers how to identify their ears, hands, belly buttons and more.

“Go, Dog, Go!” by P. D. Eastman: With great illustrations and simple repetitive vocabulary, Eastman provides an interesting title that explores the travels of a variety of different dogs. The repetitive text with accompanying illustrations makes this title a must have for all little ones.

“The Three Bears” by Byron Barton: Goldilocks is at it again in a remake of this classic title. The three little bears want to know who has been sleeping in their beds, eating their porridge, and enjoying the comforts of the bear family’s home. The illustrations in this title are done in bright and bold colors making this classic fun to read again and again.

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown: “Goodnight” says the little rabbit to everything in sight, as he makes his way toward a peaceful night of slumber. This is a perfect title for little ones who are about to fall asleep. They can relate to the little bunny and will begin saying good night to everything, too. The rhythmic pattern of words and the dark illustrations create a perfect read for a peaceful ending to the day.

“Moo Baa La La La!” by Sandra Boynton: “A cow goes Moo, a sheep goes Baa, and three little pigs sing LA LA LA!” This catchy little story will stick in your child’s head as you repeat the noises that each animal makes. The bright colors of the illustrations and the rhythmic pattern of words bring excitement to all who read this board book.

Find these titles and so much more at all Newport Beach Public Library locations.

Also, be sure to check out our “Books & Babies” story times. For more information check out www.newportkids.org.

Newport Beach Public Library locations will be closed for the holidays beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday through Jan. 1 as part of a cost-saving measure recently approved by the City Council.

All libraries will reopen Jan. 2 and resume regular service schedules.

The library has made adjustments to borrowing schedules to ensure that no items will be due during the closure period.

Book drops at all library locations will be available for customers to drop off items at their convenience.

The website will also be available.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.