My baby turns one year old this week. I can’t believe he’s so old, and yet I can’t believe he’s only been in my life for one short year.

I’ve never really done Sunday Salon, but there are so many great books I’m finding at my local library for my son, I thought I’d share what I’m reading to him, with him, and about him these days.

A Book to Amuse Me

This week, I got Walk On! by Marla Frazee from the library. I noticed it after reading this review on Maw Books. Walk On! is a manual for babies to learn to walk. It is very amusing. I believe it is intended for adults, not babies. In fact, most Amazon reviewers suggest it as a gift for high school grads. (In fact, in terms of teaching walking, I got it a few weeks too late, as my son learned to walk two weeks ago. He’s already a pro!)

A Book with Illustration

I also found a lovely illustrated copy of The Little Red Hen by Heather Forest and illustrated by Susan Gaber. The hen doesn’t share the cake at the end, so the reader gets the lesson (unlike in some versions). (The dog, cat, and mouse help the hen the next time, though!) The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. I intend to find more children’s stories illustrated by Susan Gaber. Somehow, she was able to capture emotions in a hen, and yet still keep it a realistic-looking animal. She has an amazing painting talent! Visit Susan Gaber’s website here. A sample picture from The Little Red Hen is here on her site.

However, despite the gorgeous illustrations and a great story, my son won’t sit and listen to me read it. He has a hard time sitting still if I don’t let him eat, tear, or otherwise maim the book I’m holding. How does one read a child this age a lovely, illustrated book? Please tell me!

A Board Book

Natasha at Maw Books reviewed the board books by Leslie Patricelli. Since I’d never heard of Leslie Patricelli and they looked great, I picked up No No, Yes Yes. This is another one that is far above my son: he doesn’t want to sit still to hear the words, let alone examine the adorable pictures with me! Parents, when does a child start to examine the pictures and point at things in books? Is my son unusually squirmy?

A Book for All Moms

Since I’m thinking about my little boy and books relating to him, I want to share my absolute favorite book for parents: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five by The American Academy of Pediatrics.

My sister-in-law gave this to me when I was expecting my son, and I absolutely love it. It addresses all stages of child development, initially month by month, then by year. It has a section on first aid for young children. It’s informative and yet easy to read. I think it is a wonderful parenting resource and a perfect book for parents of young children. I suggest giving it to moms-to-be as a baby shower gift, because it is one I refer to all the time!

What are you reading your baby this week? Is he or she squirming?

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