by Catalogs.com Info Guru Angela K. Van Winkle

Think babies are too young for a bedtime story?

Think again! While this tiny new addition to the family may not understand the words on the page, he or she gets a lot out of the sound and rhythm of your voice as you read aloud, as well as the colorful pictures. This is bonding time for you and your little one, and it is never too early to start encouraging their love of reading.

10. The Real Mother Goose

It’s hard to beat a classic, and The Real Mother Goose is about as classic as you can get. With its timeless themes, simple rhythms, and colorful images, this is the quintessential collection of nursery rhymes every child should have in their library.

9. Goodnight Picture and Word Book

The Goodnight Picture and Word Book is a great starter book for introducing simple picture and word associations. And with cardboard “pages” and a soft squishy cover, this is one you won’t have to worry about baby destroying if she gets a hold of it while you’re not looking.

8. Where is My Soother

Where is My Soother is perfect for very tiny babies who, let’s just say, are as happy to “eat their words” as they are hear them. It is the story of a puppy who’s lost his favorite blanket, and it comes printed on cloth pages which rattle and crinkle, and a soft soother for baby. Babies are tactile, and this ingenious little tale caters to all of their senses.

7. The Bedtime Sh’ma

If you (or the parents you’re buying for) are Jewish, or you want to introduce multicultural values to your little one at a young age, then The Bedtime Sh’ma is for you. Interpreted from the original Bedtime Sh’ma, this magical tale includes blessings for safety and peace, and is sure to help establish a bedtime routine to send baby off to blissful sleep.

6. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

This soft covered board book is sure to delight as it teaches early counting skills and beautiful sing-song verses. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes is illustrated with images of babies from across the globe, imparting an appreciation for all children everywhere.

5. Goodnight Little Me

The Goodnight Little Me Storybook is a personalized bedtime story with your little one’s name danced across the pages. Beautifully illustrated by the award winning illustrator of the Harry Potter series, Mary GrandPre, this delightful tale is sure to be a favorite for years to come.

4. Lullabies Songbook & CD

Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lullabies pairs classic artwork from well-known artists with a collection of traditional and endearing lullabies from all over the world. The book contains the lyrics and the accompanying CD plays the tunes so you can sing your sleepy baby to sleep.

3. Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon is the American bedtime story. With simple words, instantly recognizable illustrations, and soothing repetition, this is the book your sweet pea will want you to read again and again.

2. National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry

Just as it’s never too early to inspire the love of reading, it is likewise never too soon to spark a passion for nature. The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry pairs both classic and contemporary poetry – both award-winning and previously unpublished – with breathtaking images of our natural world. This is one book which will grow with baby and become a part of her permanent collection.

1. On the Night You Were Born

This is the magical story, from children’s book author and illustrator, Nancy Tillman, of how the world celebrated on the night your precious child was born. From dancing bears to a smiling moon, this tale will capture your heart and your little one’s imagination. The On the Night You Were Born/Wherever You Are Set, which contains both of her New York Times best sellers, would make a fantastic gift for new parents.