We started reading with Abigail pretty young. I would say it was once I knew she could focus on things clearly, maybe 2 months? Shorter books were better because they matched her attention span, about 2 minutes!  One of the first books she seemed drawn to was Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? At first I thought she just got excited because it was a book. She seemed to get excited even at the sight of a magazine. However, when I would present the book later in the day, or fresh altogether, her eyes would light up, she would squeal, and grab the book with her little fingers. I actually had to prevent her from falling into her own lap as she reached for it.  Maybe it's the repetition as it asks each animal what it sees and that animal references another and passes the question on. At the end of the story, the teacher asks the students what they see, and they list all the animals and colors that were in the story.  Sometimes she would only make it halfway through the book, ha, but now she can make it to the end unless she's tired. I want to try to find a mini version of the book so I can put in into a travel bag if we are out. It's a little piece of familiarity to tote around or visit Grandma and Grandpa with. This book would make a nice gift for a new parent, or even the collection.  While she likes her other books and has other favorites, none have yet topped the enthusiasm this one brings out. 

I am sure, and hoping, her taste matures with age. Just yesterday, I dug out a box from the basement I had saved of my favorite classics my mom would read to me before bed. Fancy suade covers with painted pictures. I can't wait until she's old enough to hear Beauty and the Beast, the original story. No, it never gave me nightmares.=) For now, I am trying to share with her sturdier books that can withstand some drool and scratches. I try to keep the great storyline books on hold so they are in fair enough shape when she's ready to appreciate them!

Right now, Brown Bear and some others are doing a great job!