It is never too soon to start sharing books with babies says Liz Attenborough, director of the 'Talk to Your Baby' campaign (National Literacy Trust).
Reading tips
Play and learn
An early introduction to books helps children understand what a book 'does' - that it has pages that turn, colours and shapes, and here, different elements to explore. Watch this to see just how amazing books can be! This eight month old baby is playing with an Amazing Baby 'Touch and Play' book.
Touching and tasting books
Books that have tactile elements that baby can touch / crush / stroke are particularly helpful in keeping them engaged as young children learn so much about their world through their sense of touch. Here, an eight month old baby is exploring a Ladybird 'Baby Touch' book.
Early start
This video shows how even the youngest of children enjoy an early introduction to books. Books that attach to buggies, like this, are especially useful for keeping youngsters entertained while you're out and about.