Crossing the 1 year mark....with a book in hand!

So little Miss A turned One, and we had a fun Barnyard Bash to mark the occasion! (A separate post coming up soon on the makings of a successful theme party.) 

Of course the hunt for the perfect first birthday gift had been on for some time. Interestingly, my sister and I chose the exact same gift (a personalized book), and so I decided to make a book hamper for the little reader instead - choosing the books I had been selecting and researching for Alekya's collection as she crosses the 1 year mark. 

I have realized that Alekya no longer damages books, and has started to enjoy feeling different textures too. She is also able to flip pages without tearing them, and is looking at content much more closely than before, identifying things from the world around her. Hence I picked the following 7 books to satisfy her increasing curiosity, and to mark her first birthday! (If you are looking for books for the baby's first year, see here)

1. The book that is also a toy....and a favorite nursery rhyme!

The wheels on the bus has got to be one of the most loved rhymes of all times! And when it meets the uber-cool Peppa Pig....magic is bound to happen. I chose this book for its sturdy board construction and fantastic moving wheels. It was an instant hit with my little one and has the potential to keep babies engrossed for a long long time. 

2. The Alphabet, number, color,...everything book!

Since we are always trying to include some learning into our playtime, I was thrilled when I chanced upon this fantastic Roger Priddy book which has everything you would want to show a 1 year old. It introduces the alphabet, counting, opposites, shapes, colors.....(phew!), and has a fantastic, sturdy build. Alekya's copy has survived all her meal times and has become a quick favourite especially for pointing out things that she is starting to identify, for e.g., bhow bhow (her version of dog!). 

3. Touch and Feel Nursery Rhymes from Ladybird

These books from Ladybird are perfect for 1 year olds - the pictures are bright and beautiful and the textured patches amazing fun. They are also really sturdy and extremely reasonable hence solid value for money! I am looking for more in this series and if I find them - you will definitely hear about it. 

4. Ladybird Touch and Feel big Board Books 

You might have seen some big Ladybird board books in my earlier list of books for the first year of your baby. The two I picked for Alekya's first birthday are slightly different in that one is focused exclusively on Colors, and the other has a very specific farm theme to it. Both have fantastic touch and feel patches that Alekya has quickly come to love. 

As always, these Ladybird books are reasonably priced and really well constructed on thick board. I am also very happy with the use of new, interesting words such as, 'prod' instead of touch. You can pick one or both of these, and you won't regret it! 

5. The 'That is not my........' Series 

Alekya and I have been enjoying this series for some months now - but I wasn't able to find another book as good as the puppy one for her. My search finally ended with, ' That is not my Train!'

Since the book is about a train and not another animal, it is different than the other more common titles from this series. It also has fantastic colors and textures, minimal text and, and huge textured patches. Plus it is something your child can identify in real life too! I loved this one. If you are looking for a second book from this series - pick this. Puppy still remains my firm favorite on the No. 1 spot! 

6. A personalised book for your baby!

This is the book my sister and I both ended up choosing as Alekya's first birthday gift! It is a fantastic concept and really exciting for the baby! The book's story features the baby losing her/his name and the quest to find it. The illustrations are fantastic, and the plush toy, 'Dabi' is icing on the cake! Alekya simply loves her book and this is now mandatory bedtime reading for us, every night! 

There are many options available online for personalized books, and we picked, 'Oh my name' out of these for its attractive illustrations, good story line, the value for money appeal, and because the creator is approachable and flexible! Pick this as a gift or for your little one and I am sure you will start enjoying it even more than your baby! 

So these are my top additions to your 1 year old's library! Please let us know if you have a favourite we have missed - and as always, Happy Reading!!!