Read, Read, Read, said the baby: Baby Loves a first book of favorites; photographs by Molly Magnuson

This photographic board book was recommended in several blogs and definitely lives up to the hype. Smiling babies, three white and three with darker skin and two with textured hair, are pictured individually with an item that they love. On the facing page, a circle of related items are shown and readers are encouraged to find what the baby is holding.

So a brown baby with curly, textured hair in a yellow onesie is shown clutching a red sippy cup with the text, “When Baby is thirsty… Baby loves a full SIPPY CUP.” The opposite page says “Find the SIPPY CUP! and pictured are the red sippy cup, a purple bib, yellow mug, red bowl, blue-handled spoon, and lime-green plate.

Readers will find a banana among fruit, puppy amidst familiar animals, ball with classic toys, and red sweater with other pieces of clothing. The book ends with a reiterated picture of all five babies from the story and a new baby holding up their arms and inviting a hug, “babies love to feel LOVED!”

Part of the genius of this, besides the clear, simple layouts and nice mix of races and poses shown in the babies, is that it truly is designed for babies and toddlers; it doesn’t matter if the child doesn’t know the names for things or is still working on recognizing their colors. They can match the correct item to the one being held by the baby in the picture. Caregiers can also expand the book by discussing the other itmes in the pictures.

Verdict: A must-have for your board book shelves.

ISBN: 9781419737367; Published October 2019 by Abrams; Purchased for the library