"When is it good to read picture books to babies?" To parents who have such questions. In this article, we'll thoroughly explain the best time to start storytelling and its amazing impact! It is a good thing, such as skinship that deepens the bond between parents and children, and improves vocabulary that promotes language development. Why don't you incorporate it as an important aspect of parenting?
We also teach the points of choosing picture books for 0-year-olds. Choose large, well-colored illustrations, short and rhythmic lines, a lot of repetition, and a device that allows you to play with your fingers... Introducing recommended picture books by age and picture books supervised by early childhood education experts! From the popular picture book "Moimoi" to picture books that stimulate the five senses, we will support you in choosing according to your development.
In addition, we will also pick up long-selling picture books filled with developmental stimulation! "Gatan Goton Gatan Goton" and other masterpieces that are loved in the childcare field are also available. If you read this article, you will be a master of reading to you today! Let's dive into the heartwarming world of picture books with your baby!
When should I start reading to my baby?
The timing of reading can be started even when the newborn is born. Reading to your baby is an important opportunity to deepen the bond between parents and children and convey their affection. From the time when they cannot speak yet, babies naturally absorb words by listening to their mothers and fathers through picture books. Let's take a closer look at how reading aloud can be a time for parent-child skinship and how vocabulary naturally grows by being exposed to words by ear. Reading aloud for a short time as a daily habit can build a stronger relationship of trust.
Reading aloud becomes a time for parent-child skinship
Reading aloud is an important time to deepen the physical contact between parents and children.
Storytelling is not just about telling a story, but also about exchanging words while feeling warmth, fostering a bond between parents and children.
< Skinship Effect>
- Gives a sense of security
- Convey affection
- Build trust
Listening to and interacting with parents can help babies feel secure and emotionally stable. Feeling love also fosters a sense of self-esteem. And the relationship of trust between parents and children will be the foundation for subsequent growth. Please spend an irreplaceable parent-child time through reading aloud.
By bathing in words with your ears, your vocabulary naturally grows
For babies, reading picture books is an important time to promote language development. Language development is naturally stimulated through the reading of picture books. Even if you don't understand the meaning yet, the sound of words spoken in the gentle voice of an adult will be a pleasant stimulus for the baby and the foundation for enriching his vocabulary. In this sense, reading picture books is very effective as the first step in education at home.
< elements that grow vocabulary>
- Interest in sound
- Parental affection
- Communication
- Nurturing imagination
- Improved concentration
By combining these elements, the ability to understand and express words will naturally be nurtured. By repeating the warm contact between parents and children through picture books, not only words but also hearts will grow richly.
Welcome to the beautiful sekai|Special birthday picture book with your name
Perfect for your first birthday.
It is a personalized picture book that delivers "Thank you for being born" and nurtures sensitivity.
You can also add echo photos, original messages, and photos from when you were born.
4 points for choosing a picture book for 0 year olds

Choosing picture books from the age of 0 is an important time to nurture your baby's growth. By keeping in mind the key points of choosing a picture book, you can draw out your baby's interest. Choose a picture book that stimulates the senses, such as large, colorful illustrations, rhythmic and short words, repetitive phrases, and gimmicks that can be touched and played with with your fingers. These elements engage the baby and encourage the development of language and cognitive skills. Also, as a precaution when choosing a picture book, check whether the material is safe for your baby to chew. Now, let's take a closer look at the key points on how to choose each.
How to choose a picture book for babies: large, well-colored illustrations
When choosing a picture book for babies, it is important to choose large, well-colored illustrations.
Because, newborn babies have a developmental stage of vision and are still difficult to recognize small things and light colors. Therefore, in order to get people interested in picture books and provide visual stimulation, it is necessary to devise a method.
Points to consider when choosing a < picture>
- Contrast: Use of clear colors
- Simple: fewer colors and lines
- Size: Bold illustration
Picture books with these characteristics are more likely to attract the baby's attention and support the development of visual functions.
Choose picture books with large, well-colored illustrations to enrich your baby's first picture book experience.
How to choose a picture book for babies: short and rhythmic lines
When reading picture books to babies, choosing picture books is very important. Picture books for 0-year-olds are especially effective with short and rhythmic lines.
Short words can help keep your baby focused and keep them entertained. Rhythmic words reach the baby's ears with a pleasant sound and trigger interest in words.
< advantages of short and rhythmic lines>
- Concentration UP
- Interest in words
- Fun for parents and children
- Memorable
- Communication
Short words and rhythmic lines are very effective in helping babies become familiar with picture books and remember words. Let's have a fun reading time while deepening communication between parents and children.
How to choose a picture book for babies: those that are often repeated
When choosing a picture book for babies, it is very important to choose one with a lot of repetition.
This is because picture books with a lot of repetition promote the development of language and memory in babies. The appearance of the same words and phrases over and over again makes it easier for babies to remember the sounds and rhythms of words, and also develops the ability to predict the content.
The effects of repetition are as follows: < repetition effect>
- Gives a sense of security
- Memorable
- Increased concentration
- Easy to remember words
- Parents and children can enjoy it
These effects make it easier for babies to immerse themselves in the world of picture books and enjoy their reading time more. For parents, picture books with a lot of repetition are easy to read and help facilitate communication with their babies.
Therefore, when choosing a picture book for babies, it is recommended to choose one that uses a lot of repetitive stories and phrases.
How to choose a picture book for babies: Something that you can play with with your fingers
When choosing a picture book for babies, we recommend a picture book with a device that allows you to play with your fingers.
Babies try to recognize various things by touching them. Through contact with picture books, it can be expected to stimulate the sense of touch and promote brain development.
< types of devices that can be played with your fingers>
- Cloth picture book
- Flipping device
- Sound comes out
- Refers to a human figure
These gimmicks can help your baby become interested in picture books and get them actively involved. The action of pinching, flipping, and making sounds with your fingers also leads to finger training.
Finger play stimulates your baby's intellectual curiosity and helps develop a rich mind.
Supervised by early childhood education experts, picture books for 0-year-olds by month

From the perspective of early childhood education, reading aloud from an early age has a positive impact on brain development. Picture books for 0-year-olds, supervised by early childhood education experts, feature content tailored to the developmental stage of each age. Considering the abilities you want to develop at each age, we support the development of language and cognition. Reading picture books has a deep meaning. It is not only about children's language skills, but also about emotional development. In addition, the tips for reading aloud are carefully explained, so you can rest assured even if you are reading for the first time. It also includes a variety of gimmicks that stimulate the senses of sight, hearing, and touch, providing an experience that nurtures the five senses. We will deliver such a picture book that gently watches over your child's growth.
Commitment to picture books for 0-year-olds by month age 1: Content perfect for development by month age
When choosing picture books for 0-year-olds by age, it is important to have content tailored to their developmental stage.
- Promote visual and auditory development
- Supports language development
- Deepen communication between parents and children
For example, picture books supervised by the University of Tokyo's Akachan Lab include "Moimoi" and "Urushi". These picture books are designed to support their development by incorporating colors, shapes, and sounds that are easy for babies to recognize. These picture books are introduced in detail in the following sections, so please refer to them.
"Moimoi" [Supervised by the University of Tokyo Akachan Lab]
"Moimoi" is recommended as a picture book to support the development of babies' visual cognition. This picture book, which has become a hot topic on social media, is supported by many parents and children. The reason for this is that it is supervised by the Aka-chan Lab at the University of Tokyo, and uses shapes and colors that babies like and are interested in based on research. Babies tend to prefer contrasting colors and simple shapes.
Characteristics of < Moimoi>
- Visual stimuli
- Sound resonance
- Parent-child time
These characteristics attract the baby's attention, promote visual development, and enrich parent-child communication.
"Moimoi" is one of the best options for your baby's first picture book, stimulating your visual and auditory senses and encouraging warm contact between parents and children.
"Urushi" [Supervised by the University of Tokyo Aka-chan Lab]
I will explain about "Urushi" [supervised by the University of Tokyo Akachan Lab].
Visual stimulation is important for the development of babies.
The reason is, newborn babies still have weak eyesight and gradually develop the ability to recognize colors and shapes. It is important to choose a picture book that suits your developmental stage.
< points to promote visual development>
- Contrast
- Use of colors
- Design to focus on
By considering these factors, you can effectively promote your baby's visual development and support their brain development. "Urushi" is thought to have been made with these factors in mind.
Proper visual stimulation can greatly support your baby's growth.
Commitment to picture books for 0-year-olds by month 2: Generous support for reading tips
In the 2nd Commitment of Picture Books for 0 Years Old by Month, we will provide generous support even for reading tips. For example, in "Mokomokomoko", the rhythm of Shuntaro Tanigawa's words is pleasant, and with the cooperation of early childhood education researchers, the development of language is devised. In addition, "Appuppu" is published by Nagaoka Shoten and is supervised by nursery teachers and clinical psychologists to support the development of babies' facial expressions and emotions. I will introduce these picture books in detail later.
"Mokomokomoko" [Shuntaro Tanigawa / Cooperation of Early Childhood Education Researchers]
"Mokomomoko" is a picture book with fun sound of words and movement of pictures, and can be expected to have the effect of enriching the baby's sensitivity. This "Mokomomoko", which continues to be loved across generations, is truly a bestseller.
The reason for this is the unique way of expression that this picture book has. The combination of Shuntaro Tanigawa's rhythmic words and Motonaga's colorful drawings allows babies to enjoy the sound and color changes even before they understand the meaning of words.
< the charm of "Mokomoko">
- The fun of onomatopoeia
- Richness of colors
- Stimulation of imagination
These elements help stimulate your baby's senses and develop a sense of words and colors. In addition, reading aloud by parents can also provide an opportunity to deepen communication between parents and children. It is a picture book that babies respond well and will be happy to read aloud.
"Mokomomoko" can be said to be a special picture book that allows you to experience the joy of words and pictures with your baby.
Commitment to picture books for 0-year-olds by month 3: A variety of tricks that stimulate the five senses
Picture books that stimulate the senses are an essential element of a baby's growth. There are various ingenuity such as materials that are fun to touch, sparkling gimmicks, and pleasant sounds. For example, "Kirakira Naani?" contains elements that stimulate the visual senses, and "Hello" contains elements that stimulate the hearing. Through these picture books, babies will become aware of the world and develop rich sensibilities.
"Akaaka Akakuro" [Gakken Plus/Infant Visual Development Researcher Supervision]
"Akaakakuro" is the perfect picture book to stimulate your baby's visual development.
This is because this picture book uses colors and shapes that are easy for newborn babies to recognize.
< points that stimulate visual development>
- Contrast: Distinct color contrast
- Simple shapes: easily recognizable shapes
- Repetitive Patterns: Visual Reassurance
- Thick paper: easy to turn over and safe
- Durable Binding: Durable
These elements stimulate your baby's vision and promote their development. "Akaakakuro" deepens your interest in the world for the first time. Parents and children will be able to spend a rich time interacting with each other.
Extra: Picture books recommended for 0-year-old babies
I really recommend it to 0-year-old babies! ! It is important to stimulate and encourage parent-child interaction according to the developmental stage.
Among the picture books selected according to the growth of babies, we will introduce a work that is highly supported by experts and experienced childcare, "This is not to be missed!" The important thing when choosing a picture book is that the content is suitable for your baby's development. Choose picture books that promote visual and auditory development and foster interest in words.
Reading to your baby is a valuable time not only for language development but also for deepening the bond between parents and children. The timing of reading can be started immediately after birth, and making it a daily habit will increase the effect. Storytelling has educational significance beyond just sharing stories and is an important aspect of parenting.
<Points for choosing a picture book>
- Color use: clear color
- Story: short sentence
- Rhythm: Pleasant rhythm
- Material: Safe material
- Device: Stimulate the five senses
Picture books that incorporate these elements support the development of the baby's mind and brain. Please enjoy the world of picture books together with parents and children and spend a rich time.
A long-selling picture book full of developmental stimulation
A long-selling picture book filled with developmental stimulation is a strong ally that gently supports your baby's growth. For example, a picture book with a pleasant rhythmic sound of words teaches the joy of repetition. In addition, picture books with strong contrasting color schemes are devised to promote visual development. Both picture books will stimulate your baby's curiosity and develop a rich sensibility. At the same time, choosing picture books according to age will support your child's growth.
"Gatan Goto Gatan Goton" [Gospel Museum Bookstore/Many Adopted in the Infant Care Field]
"Gatan Goton Gatan Goton" is the perfect picture book to read to babies.
The reason is that the repetition of rhythmic words can be pleasant to the baby's ears and promote language development. Simple drawings can also help capture your baby's attention and help them concentrate.
Why is < popular>
- Good rhythm
- The picture is simple
- The development is interesting
This picture book depicts a train running with various things on board, and along with the rhythmic sound of "Gatan Goton", bananas, apples, cups, etc. appear. The scene where a drink is offered at the end of the story encourages communication between the adult and the baby who is reading aloud, and also serves as an opportunity to deepen the bond between parents and children.
"Gatan Goton Gatan Goton" is a recommended book that not only promotes the development of language, but also creates a time of warm interaction between parents and children.
"Aunan" [Gospel Museum Bookstore/Many Adopted in the Infant Care Field]
"Ah-an" is a picture book that gently accompanies the child's emotion of "crying" and gives a sense of security.
Picture book writer known for his stickers, Sena Keiko This work, which was created by Mr. , warmly and humorously depicts the movements of young children's hearts, such as loneliness and anxiety at nursery school.
The story begins with a scene where the main character, a boy, bursts into tears, saying, "I'm sad to be away from my mother, ah-an." The tears spread to the children around her, and eventually they become like the sea...? At the end, a relieving ending awaits you, when your mother comes to your aid with a bucket and a net.
Points to promote < development
- Understanding and Expressing Emotions : Crying = not a bad thing, but I accept crying as a "means of conveying feelings".
- Reassuring ending : After feeling anxious, there is always a composition where "it's okay" is prepared.
- The rhythm of repetition : The repetition of simple words supports both language development and a sense of security.
This work is Expert supervision is not specified However, it is a work backed by Keiko Sena's many years of observation of children and creative activities. Highly rated by many childcare providers, psychologists, and parents I am receiving it.
A gentle book that conveys the message that "it's okay to cry" to babies. It is a picture book that shortens the distance between the hearts of parents and children. It stimulates the cat's vision and promotes development. "Akaakakuro" will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen communication between parents and children as your first picture book.

Summary: The wonders of storytelling in picture books
The charm and effect of picture book reading
Reading picture books is a special time to deepen the bond between parents and children beyond just sharing stories. It can be started immediately after the birth of the baby, making it a very valuable habit in parenting. Daily reading has a wonderful impact on children's development, including vocabulary development, improved imagination, and improved concentration. From the perspective of early childhood education, this time is a very effective activity to promote children's brain development.
Changing Storytelling as You Grow
When children become 1 year old from a baby, they will respond more actively to picture books, and the joy of reading will increase even more. As children grow, their understanding will deepen, and from the age of 2, they will be able to enjoy more complex stories. For babies under 1 year old, picture books that emphasize visual stimulation are recommended, but even if they can read on their own, reading time should be cherished as a special parent-child communication.
When to start reading and choosing a picture book
It is important to choose a picture book that is appropriate for your age, but it is never "too late" to start reading. You can start at any age, and it's never too late to start today. By starting from the infancy period, children will naturally have more opportunities to come into contact with topical picture books and best-selling picture books, and the range of children's interests will be expanded. No matter how many picture books are best for reading to children, there are never too many, and they will be an important element that supports children's development as the foundation of education at home.
Our Family Storytelling Experience
I myself have had such an experience that I don't know how many picture books my mother read to me when I was young. The experience fostered a rich imagination and a love for words in me. Currently, I read many picture books to my son and daughter. When I see my son, who is in the upper grades of elementary school, happily listening to him when he reads to his sister, I realize the power of picture books.
In my house, reading picture books has become a special time for parents and children. The moment before my son and daughter go to bed, the time when the three of us lie in bed and immerse ourselves in the world of picture books that I read aloud, is an irreplaceable time. I hope this experience will be an irreplaceable source of food for the growth of children.

