The 20 Best Black and White Baby Books for Newborns
By Lily | Published 2 June 2023 | This post may contain affiliate links.
As parents, we strive to provide the best opportunities for our children's growth and development. One crucial aspect of their early years is fostering a love of reading. In this article, we explore the world of black and white books, particularly for newborns and young children.
We will discuss the impact of high-contrast images, the advantages of bold patterns, and the importance of early exposure to literature. Join us on this journey to discover the benefits of incorporating these high-contrast books into your child's reading routine.
The Power of High-Contrast Black and White Books
In the early months of a baby's life, their vision is still developing, and they have limited vision capabilities. However, research suggests that newborn babies are highly responsive to high contrast images, particularly black and white patterns. These bold patterns and large contrasts provide optimal visual stimulation for their growing visual system.
Visual Stimulation and Cognitive Development
White baby books and board books with bold black images are designed to be visually appealing and engaging for little hands during tummy time and beyond. The simplicity of the images allows babies to focus their attention, enhancing their ability to track objects and improve their visual tracking skills. As they engage with the bold lines and simple patterns, their brains are actively making connections, which lays the foundation for future learning.
Captivating Design and Clever Features
"Black and White Book" by Peter Linenthal is a shining example of a high-quality black and white book designed to captivate young children. Its clever design incorporates accordion-style pages that can be easily propped up during tummy time or folded for little hands to hold. The simplicity of these books allows young children to focus on the contrasting images, promoting greater concentration and visual exploration. As they grow, their limited vision expands, and high-contrast black and white illustrations pave the way for a smooth transition to more complex visuals.Benefits of Black and White Books
i. Stimulating Infant Development**: High-contrast books provide the sensory input of the wider world, allowing babies to explore and engage with the visual system that is still adapting to the typically blurry world they perceive. The bold images and contrasting colors stimulate their visual development, supporting their cognitive growth.
ii. Enhancing Attention Span**: The simplicity of black and white books captures a baby's attention, promoting longer periods of focus and engagement. This increased attention span lays the foundation for improved concentration and comprehension as they grow.
iii. Early Exposure to Reading**: Introducing black and white books at an early age creates a positive association with reading and sets the stage for a lifelong love of books. By incorporating reading into your baby's daily routine, you create a nurturing environment that fosters language development and imagination.
Choosing the Right Black and White Books
When selecting black and white books for your little one, consider factors such as:
Quality and Durability
Opt for board books or soft baby books that can withstand the exploration and handling of little hands. Look for sturdy construction and high-quality materials that ensure the book will last through many reading sessions.
Variety
Explore different black and white books with varying patterns, images, and styles. This variety keeps your baby engaged and curious, offering new visual experiences that continue to stimulate their developing visual system.Author and Publisher
Consider renowned authors and publishers known for their expertise in early childhood development and educational materials. Usborne Books, for example, offers a wide range of high-contrast black and white books that are loved by parents and educators alike.
The Best Black & White Development Books for Babies
Black & White, by Tana Hoban
Tana Hoban’s books are beloved by teachers, librarians, parents, and readers. A perfect gift for new parents and babies. “A friend recommended this book for baby showers. Every time I’ve given it, always hear back from the moms how wonderful, babies love it!!” – Amazon review by Suzanne S.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
2. Jane Foster’s Black and White
“This is one of my favorite baby books. I wish I had purchased it earlier, as the black and white designs are perfect for newborns. The designs, colors, and textures are lovely and it is definitely one of my go-to books for reading to my baby and letting her feel the pages. The black and white animal pictures are very smooth/shiny, and the colorful background is more matte look/feel.” – Amazon review by R.M.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
3. Hello, Baby Animals, by Julissa Mora and Duopress Labs
When babies are first born, they can't distinguish between colors the same way that older babies can. But studies show that babies can see high-contrast black-and-white shapes and patterns from the very first days of life. “Our 3 month old daughter loves this daily read, very entertaining. She can stare at the pages for a good 10 minutes which my husband loves as he gets to spend quality time with our baby girl.” – Amazon review by Evelyn
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
4. Hello, Animals, by Smriti Prasadam
A charming introduction to ten of baby's best-loved animals, featuring high contrast black-and-white illustrations. “This is a perfect high contrast book for my daughter who just turned 4 months. She has been interested in high contrast books since she was a month old. I foresee us using this book for months to come. “ – Amazon review by Sarah C.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
5. Baby’s Very First Black and White Little Library, by Stella Baggott
This is a mini boxed set containing four titles from the beautiful, high-contrast 'Baby's Very First Black & White' series; 'Animals', 'Going Out', 'Babies' and 'Faces'. “I bought this as a gift for a relative with a new born, he had received many gifts from everyone but he said that this is the best and most creative gift he had received, his newborn had take a liking to the black and white pages and kept staring at them.” – Amazon review by YN
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
6. Look, Look!, by Peter Linenthal
Striking and stylish, Look Look! is the ideal first board book for babies just beginning to look and learn. Peter Linenthal is an illustrator who has taught art in elementary schools for twenty years. “I purchased this for my grandson based on the high reviews and it was a hit! Even at just a couple months old he was interested at the pictures when we "read" this book. He is older now and it is still a favorite. Great tummy time book. Highly recommend.” – Customer Amazon review
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
7. Face: Baby Touch First Focus, by Ladybird
This book contains a range of bright, happy characters and faces in high-contrast black, white, and yellow colors to help stimulate a baby's developing eyesight from birth. “It's useful for newborn babies. My baby gets excited whenever I show him this book.” – Review by Amazon customer
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
8. Hello, Animals! Board Book, by Smriti Prasadam
“This is one of my favorite baby books. I wish I had purchased it earlier, as the black and white designs are perfect for newborns. The designs, colors, and textures are lovely and it is definitely one of my go-to books for reading to my baby and letting her feel the pages. The black and white animal pictures are very smooth/shiny, and the colorful background is more matte look/feel.” – Amazon review by R.M.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
9. Hello, Animals! Board Book, by Smriti Prasadam
A charming introduction to ten beautiful little bugs, featuring high contrast black-and-white illustrations. “This book was beloved by my grandson so I am gifting it to my grand nephew who will make an appearance early next year. It's a sweet book with illustrations that appeal to very little ones.” – Amazon review by Melinda C.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
10. Hello, Ocean Friends, by Violet Lemay
Using simple greetings like "Hi there, starfish" and "Hola, jellyfish" alongside black-and-white art by Julissa Mora, Hello, Ocean Friends is the perfect building block for babies just beginning to look around and learn about their world. “This book captivated my daughter when she was a newborn and for a few months later. Highly recommended.” – Amazon review by Orlando A.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
11. Black Cat & White Cat, by Claire Garralon
Black cat and white cat are friends. But in a world of black and white, someone is always hard to see! Can they find a way to play together without someone disappearing? “We love Black Cat & White Cat! Most high contrast books don’t contain a storyline, which makes this book very unique. We’ve read this book over and over, and especially love the surprise at the end! I love that my daughter can enjoy it now, but also for several more years as she learns to read.” – Amazon review by Rebecca
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
12. Hello Baby, by Roger Priddy
The high-contrast pictures and colors in this illustrated book from Roger Priddy will captivate babies' attention and stimulate their developing sight as they look at and learn about their very first animals. “Our 11 month old son has a vision disorder where he sees contrast better and lesser images better than books with a lot of stimuli and colors on the pages. He loves this book and it actually calms him down before bedtime!” – Amazon review by B. Lee
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
13. Hello, Garden Bugs, by Julissa Mora
Ladybugs, snails, and butterflies! Oh my! This charming introduction to ten garden bugs, paired with friendly text and bold, basic patterns, provides a great high-contrast experience for young developing eyes. “There's not a ton you can do with a fresh newborn, but you gotta fill those wake windows somehow! Black and white books are genuinely one of the best options because kiddo can actually see them. Very simple, very effective.” – Amazon review by Lauren
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
14. Hello Baby, by Roger Priddy
The high-contrast pictures and colors in this illustrated book from Roger Priddy will captivate babies' attention and stimulate their developing sight as they look at and learn about their very first animals. “Our 11 month old son has a vision disorder where he sees contrast better and lesser images better than books with a lot of stimuli and colors on the pages. He loves this book and it actually calms him down before bedtime!” – Amazon review by B. Lee
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
15. My Animals, by Xavier Deneux
The adorably illustrated animals, unexpected splashes of bright colors, and animal name labels on every spread with delight young readers again and again. “You will love revisiting these books again and again. Fun and resiliently made. Everything Deneux has produced I have bought for as gifts. The imagination is boundless.” – Amazon review by GalwayK.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
17. Baby’s Very First Black and White Book, by Usborne
A delightful mini boxed set containing four titles from the popular Baby's Very First Black & White series: Animals, Going Out, Babies and Faces. “These are cute books but they are extremely small! I had read previous reviews that they were small but didn't realize just how tiny that meant, so just a heads up. For that reason they stand out/alone on the book shelf, but baby enjoys them though.” – Amazon review by Kaci
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
16. Spots and Dots, by Chez Picthall
Designed for babies 6 weeks to 6 months, these books use high-contrast images to provide visual stimulation as babies begin to make visual connections with the world around them. “I don’t do reviews often, but this book is amazing. “My son LOVES this book and has fascinated him since he was about a month old. He coo’s at the pages and makes excited noises and really concentrates on the designs. At 4 months old he loves touching the pages and I will forever recommend this products for newborns.” – Amazon review by H.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
20. It Had to Be You, by Loryn Brantz
This sweet and playful board book features bold, high-contrast black-and-white illustrations that babies can actually see! “I have yet to be able to read it to my kids without crying, very touching. I also like the black and white color which makes it a nice bed time story.” – Amazon review by Anita
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
18. Baby Animals Black and White, by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes
This charming, best-selling board book introduces eight adorable baby animals, featuring high-contrast black-and-white illustrations perfect for babies from birth to age two. “This was the first book that made our baby stop and stare. We used it for tummy time or to calm him down. Simple clean life-like pictures and thick pages. Would recommend.” – Amazon review by JF
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
19. Baby Loves Sports, by duopress labs
Making connections between images on a page and the real world is an important building block for your baby's communication skills―and this charming introduction to sports in bold, basic patterns, provides a great high-contrast experience for young developing eyes. “I bought a few of these high contrast books for my son who is currently 11 weeks old. He loves them! He smiles and laughs and coos everytime we go through them. He stays engaged and locked on the images. My only complaint is I wish there were more of them!” – Amazon review by Sarah M.
Goodreads Rating: 3.68
