From the 8,000 or so kids' books published this year, we've chosen the best of the lot  -- for babies on up  -- with the help of moms and kids across the country, and our expert panel

Birth to 2 years

First books give babies and toddlers plenty to chew on (often quite literally  -- few little teethers can resist the al dente allure of a tasty board book): eye-opening colors and shapes, new words, and appealing pictures of faces and things that tickle with the joy of recognition.

Orange Pear Apple Bear
Emily Gravett

With just five simple, rhyming words, juggled and rejuggled, and lively watercolor illustrations, this dashing book puts on quite a show. A quick, clever read. ($13, Simon & Schuster)

"This book is delightful! I don't even mind reading it aloud over and over, which my kids keep begging me to do."
 -- Lori Boyko, mom of Carson, 4, and Grayden, 8 months, Simsbury, CT

Buy it!

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