Best Books for a 1-Year-Old
Your baby is soaking up the world around them and learning every minute of the day. What books are good for a 1-year-old? Storytime needs to be engaging and fun which is why I made a list of the best books for a 1-year-old.
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, Jackie and I are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for interactive picture books, board books for bedtime, and so many more suggestions to help you raise little readers.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for a 1-year-old have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
The most important thing about reading to a 1-year-old is to make it fun and enjoyable for you and your baby. Go to the library and take out lots of books if you are not sure what your child will enjoy. There is no need to purchase a ton of books. One-year-olds will be able to show you what they love and you can find some books that you both love to read together.
The Best Books for a 1-year-old
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Counting Book
Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang – Jump to section
The Best Bedtime Book
Time for Bed by Mem Fox – Jump to section
The Best Alphabet Book
A to Z by Sandra Boyton – Jump to section
The Best Food Book
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg – Jump to section
The Best Daycare Book
Bye Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick – Jump to section
The Best Color Book
Little Green Peas by Keith Baker – Jump to section
The Best Nature Book
Spring is Here by Taro Gomi – Jump to section
The Best Rhyming Book
Jamberry by Bruce Degen – Jump to section
The Best Animal Book
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell – Jump to section
The Best Classic Book
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault – Jump to section
The Best Book for Motor Development
See, Touch, Feel by Rodger Priddy – Jump to section
The Best Books About Love
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney – Jump to section
The Best Family Book
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown – Jump to section
The Best Book About Feelings
The Crayons’ Book of Feelings by Drew Daywalt – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Counting Books for a 1-year-old
Ten, Nine, Eight
Author: Molly Bang
Illustrator: Molly Bang
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
I love this counting-in-reverse story that starts with 10 toes and ends with a child tucked in for bed. This award winner has been a classic bedtime story for more than thirty years! The story features a Black father and baby which is sadly a rare site in baby books.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m convinced this story is the reason my son is obsessed with math. The rhythmic counting is soothing and, with the calming illustrations, the perfect story for lulling your child to sleep.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for a 1-Year-Old / Bedtime Books
Plot
In this counting book for a 1-year-old, adorable dogs count with barks causing a cacophony of noise.
Why Jackie loves it
Sandra Boyton makes lots of appearances on our baby lists because she GETS IT! She makes educational books for babies that are as cute as they are informative.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for a 1-Year-Old
Ten Little Ladybugs
Author: Melanie Gerth
Illustrator: Laura Huliska-Beith
Year: 2000
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info:
Plot
This interactive book helps kids count from one to ten with little 3D ladybugs that appear on each page as you progress through the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that the raised ladybugs help tactile learners so it is a multi-sensory learning experience.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for a 1-Year-Old / Interactive Books for Kids
Goodnight Books for a 1-year-old
Good Night, Gorilla
Author: Peggy Rathmann
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
This book is hilarious and a favorite in our house to this day. The sweet animals and the completely clueless zookeeper are laugh-out-loud funny. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo” which says something about how amusing this book is.
Why Jackie loves it
This wordless picture book is perfect for making up new stories. It’s a creative exercise in storytelling that will delight over and over.
Find this book in: Zoo Books / Bedtime Stories for Kids / Best Books for 1-year-Olds / Wordless Picture Books / Animal Children’s Books
Llama Llama, Night Night
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2012
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 3
More info:
Plot
This sweet board book focuses on Llama Llama’s bedtime routine, including snuggles with mama, tub time, and putting on his famous red pajamas.
Why Kirsten loves it
Lots of people know Llama Llama Red Pajama, but it’s a little advanced for babies. This board book bedtime story is much more appropriate and the perfect way to introduce the book series to your baby.
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds / Bedtime Books / Llama Llama Books
The Going to Bed Book
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 1982
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
We read this book until it fell apart (which for a board book is difficult to do). The story makes no sense but that is part of the reason that we love it so much. If you are looking for hilarious bedtime stories for toddlers, Sandra Boyton has a few picks perfect for you, like Pajama Time.
Why Kirsten loves it
Boynton’s books are filled with humor, bright colorful pictures, and wonderful rhymes. I read this book every night to my boys and I can still recite it from memory. It’s a forever favorite.
Find this book in: Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books
Alphabet Books for 1-year-olds
Plot
Who doesn’t love Sandra Boyton? With her signature illustrations, this book goes through a list of animals on A to Z adventures.
Why Kirsten loves it
I will forever for a Sandra Boyton fan. This is the first alphabet book I ever read to my children and it’s one I know I’ll read to my grandkids someday.
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Plot
I love it when books have texture. That added tactile element can make the difference when it comes to engagement for some kids.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is tactile and a feast for the eyes. I think I enjoyed it even more than my kids!
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Eating the Alphabet
Author: Lois Ehlert
Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Year: 1989
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
Getting kids to eat new foods can be challenging. These great pictures have fruit and vegetables from A-Z. And who knows, it might encourage your little one to try something new too.
Why Kirsten loves it
The illustrations of the food are delightful and the end of the book provides a glossary of all the gorgeous illustrations.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-Year-Old / Alphabet Books / Kids Food Books
Food Books for 1-year-olds
Each Peach, Pear, Plum
Author: Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Year: 1978
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
This adorable eye spy book has wonderful pictures, featuring nursery rhymes and fairy tale characters. It’s a perfect classic children’s book for a 2-year-old.
Why Jackie loves it
The rhyming makes it memorable and easy to recite. This is my favorite book to gift to new parents.
Find this book in: Classic Kids Books / Best Board Books / Books for 1-year-olds / Food Books for Children / Rhyming Books
Indestructibles: Baby, Let’s Eat
Author: Amy Pixton
Illustrator: Stephan Lomp
Year: 2018
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
There are so many books for 1-year-olds in the Indestructible series. These books are perfect to take anywhere, read anywhere, and not worry that they will get ruined. I love this book because not only does it talk about food, but it is divided into colors as well. You can read the book and emphasize the foods, emphasize colors, or even talk about which foods are fruit and which are vegetables.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book lives up to its name by being indestructible. I love the great pictures as well as the colors and this book will really last! Your kid can chew it, you can put it in the wash and it won’t fall apart!
Find this book in: Kids Food Books / Best Books for a 1-Year-Old
Plot
With rhyming words and a taco-shaped finger puppet, this board book is sure to delight any little ones. The cute little taco in the story is trying to convince readers to eat something – anything – other than him!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is such a silly interactive book. Between the finger puppet and the silly anthropomorphic foods, I was charmed by this baby book.
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Food / Books for a 1-year-old
Books Set at Daycare for a 1-year-old
Bye Bye Time
Author: Elizabeth Verdick
Illustrator: Marieka Heinlen
Year: 2008
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
This story uses simple text to reinforce that goodbyes are going to be ok. It helps talk about transitions and can even help parents establish rituals for leaving their child.
Why Jackie loves it
This board book easily explains the process of saying goodbye at daycare, preschool, or even a grandparent’s house. Its simple language and cute illustrations are perfect for babies.
Find this book in: Books for 1-year-olds
Spot Goes to School
Author: Eric Hill
Illustrator: Eric Hill
Year: 1994
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Spot goes to school in this lift-the-flap book for 1-year-olds. If your child is getting ready for daycare, this is a great story to get them started!
Why Jackie loves it
Your kiddo can lift the flaps to see what Spot gets up to on his first day of school.
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds
Rosie Goes to Preschool
Author: Karen Katz
Illustrator: Karen Katz
Year: 2019
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Rosie, of lift-the-flap fame, is back with a story that introduces kids to preschool and daycare.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a marvelous way to go over the steps of the school/daycare experience in an easy-to-digest way for young ones.
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds
Color Books for 1-year-olds
What colors should my 1-year-old know? While kids can recognize colors, don’t be surprised if they cannot name them yet. Practicing colors is a great way to get them started.
Little Green Peas
Author: Keith Baker
Illustrator: Keith Baker
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 3
More info: The Peas #3
Plot
Like the alphabet book LMNO Peas, Little Green Peas is a charming walk through the rainbow with everyone’s favorite little green peas!
Why Kirsten loves it
This picture book has a nice rhythm and there is so much to point out to your 3-year-old when looking at the illustrations in this book about colors.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old / Books About Colors
Freight Train
Author: Donald Crews
Illustrator: Donald Crews
Year: 1978
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
This is another classic book for kids that has both trains and colors. What could be better? The simplicity of this book adds to the fun. If you have a child who can only sit for a very limited time, this book is a perfect choice.
Why Kirsten loves it
With high-contrast images, this story is the perfect introduction to colors for train-loving children. I love this
Find this book in: Color Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Classic Kids Books
Plot
A fun book that has all different color swatches in a given color family with an animal buddy to match.
Why Jackie loves it
I love looking at all the different shades of colors with my kids. This is a fun one to take out into the world and find the matching colors in the wild!
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old / Books About Colors
Season and Nature Books for a 1-year-old
Spring is Here
Author: Taro Gomi
Illustrator: Taro Gomi
Year: 1999
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
More info:
Plot
A wonderful tale that introduces the concept of seasons. Watch as the field changes through the year and the cow grows too! Beautiful illustrations make this a mommy favorite too.
Why Kirsten loves it
The bright colors and gorgeous minimalist illustrations introduce nature and seasons to babies through high-contrast images. It’s cleverly done with the seasons growing on the cow’s back.
Find this book in: Best Board Books / Best Books for a 1-year-old
Planting a Rainbow
Author: Lois Ehlert
Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Year: 1988
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Caldecott Honor-winner, Lois Ehlert, teaches kids about colors in this story about planting a garden and watching it grow.
Why Kirsten loves it
His artwork reminds me of Eric Carle. It will draw your child into the beautiful garden depicted within.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old / Books About Colors
My Tree and Me
Author: Jo Witek
Illustrator: Christine Roussey
Year: 2019
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
This book is a lovely journey through the seasons with chunky pages that make it easy for little fingers to grasp.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore Witek’s story on feelings, so I had to read this book. It’s a wonderful continuation of her Growing Hearts series.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old
Rhyming Books for 1-Year-Olds
Plot
The rhythm of the story and the non-sensical rhymes make the book completely captivating. A boy and a bear head out on an adventure to pick berries in this delightful classic kids’ book. Marshmallow Cattails? Waffle and butter lily pads? Yes, please!
As a bonus, there is counting and alliteration in this picture book. No list of books for kids would be complete without this adorable read.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my favorite book to read to her kids and as soon as you look at the pictures and start reading it, you will understand why. I have a video of reading this to my son when he was 4 months old and his face lit up as I read it. It will forever be in my home.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Counting Books / Rhyming Books / Best Board Books / Kids Food Books / Best Books for a 1-year-old
But Not the Hippopotamus
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Boynton
Year: 1982
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Animals are all playing together- cavorting in a bog, drinking juice etc. and the hippo is not joining them.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading this with my kids. It is utterly ridiculous and completely wonderful. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo!” It is a perfect classic children’s book.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for a 1-year-old / Rhyming Books / Classic Books for Kids
Sheep in a Jeep
Author: Nancy E. Shaw
Illustrator: Margot Apple
Year: 2016
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
These sheep are driving and get stuck in the mud. The entire story does not rhyme but there are many rhyming words from the same word family. It is funny and perfect for a young reader. Everyone in my family can still recite every word of this one!
This is a perfect book to include in a list of children’s books with alliteration because there are a few examples in this hilarious and silly book.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a perfect book to include in a list of children’s books with alliteration because there are a few examples in this hilarious and silly book.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Books for a 1-year-old
Animal Books for a 1-year-olds
Plot
The descriptions of the animals in this zoo book are so funny. The flaps are fun for little ones and as kids get older, they realize how silly it is to write to the zoo for a pet.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book was an absolute favorite in our house. Its lift-the-flap pages make it a fun interactive book for babies and toddlers.
Find this book in: Zoo Books, Best Books for a 1-year-old, First Books for Newborns
Plot
Striped fish meets other animals in the ocean as your toddler gets to lift the flap and see who is hiding!
Why Kirsten loves it
Giant flaps make this sturdy book easy for little hands to lift.
Find this book in: Books for a 1-year-old / Ocean Books for Kids
Plot
Sing along with this classic song as you turn the pages. Beautiful illustrations bring Raffi’s famed song to life.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored reminiscing about my childhood with this picture book. It’s a must-have book for a 1-year-old music lover.
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds / Ocean Books for Kids
Classic Books for 1-year-olds
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Author: Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Year: 1989
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Chicka Chika #1
Plot
Rhyming? check. Letters? check. This classic book checks so many boxes with the added bonus that it is fun to read with your kids. Even the name itself is a perfect example of alliteration in books.
Why Jackie loves it
If you have not picked up yet, it is a must-read for any preschool child and a perfect book to help with reading readiness as well.
Find this book in: Alphabet Books / Rhyming Books / Books for a 1-year-old / Alliteration Books / Classic Books for Kids
Owl Babies
Author: Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Year: 1995
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 4
Plot
This book subtly reinforces the fact that Mama (and Dada) come back. It also shows that sometimes animals get anxious feelings. For babies, the white owls and dark night forest are mesmerizing before they can see in color.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a great one for working parents looking to teach little ones about separation anxiety. I found read it to my children when I went back to work.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Books for 1-year-olds / Book and Game Pairings / Gender Neutral Baby Books
Bath Time!
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 2007
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
This squeaky bathtime book is perfect for little hands. It floats and can be interactive if you have your child wash the paint covered pig with their washcloth!
Why Jackie loves it
When your baby is in the bath, you are face to face and this provide the perfect place to play with your baby and talk to your baby. Having a book in the bath makes both bath time and books fun. You can use this as a chance to name body parts and count. Ex: ”I am washing your toes. You have ten toes…one, two, three……”.
Find this book in: Best Books for 1-year-olds
Books for a 1-year-old’s Motor Development
See, Touch, Feel
Author: Rodger Priddy
Illustrator: Rodger Priddy
Year: 2018
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 1
Plot
Everything is new for your baby. Colors, sounds, and sense of touch are all brand new. Each picture has a sensory activity that will stimulate your child’s natural sense of curiosity.
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this book gives your baby a chance to experience all these new things with great pictures. As you read to your child, you are helping them develop a language of their senses.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old
Barnyard Dance
Author: Sandra Boyton
Illustrator: Sandra Boyton
Year: 1993
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
This charming book is a favorite Boyton of every child I know. It features a group of animals dancing to a rhyme that your child can dance along to! Your toddler will want to read this on repeat.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sandra Boyton is a go-to author and illustrator for a reason. She writes the best books for young children!
Find this book in: Interactive Books for Kids / Best Books for a 1-year-old
Plot
These interactive baby books for 1-year-old fine motor development are popular for a reason! They keep kids occupied as they practice their motor skills by crinkling pages, pulling down flaps, and petting the critters.
Why Kirsten loves it
I think these are a great toy for babies. I would connect this to the stroller bag and it would keep my kids busy for hours. It’s a book and a toy all in one!
Find this book in: Books for 1-year-olds
Books About Love for 1-year-olds
Guess How Much I Love You
Author: Sam McBratney
Illustrator: Anita Jeram
Year: 2008
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 5
Plot
I love that this book is about a father and his son. The baby bunny is talking about how much he loves his dad who tells the baby bunny how much he loves him in return. “I love you to the moon and back”. Truer words are hard to find. I cannot think of a more perfect Father’s Day picture book.
Why Jackie loves it
This book coined one of my favorite lines from a book ever “I love you to the moon and back.”
Find this book in: Father’s Day Picture Books / Bedtime Books / Books for a 1-year-old / Rabbit Books for Babies
Plot
A little monkey is looking for a hug and asking all his little animal friends! When reading this book, ask your little one for a hug every time the monkey does.
Why Jackie loves it
My whole family loves this story! This was my favorite book to pull out when I wanted to snuggle my kids.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old / Best Infant Books
Love You Forever
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Sheila McGraw
Year: 1986
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 5
Plot
Over the course of this story, a mother explains to her child how she will love him until the day she dies. The repetitive saying and sweet illustrations bring her love to life for readers.
Why Jackie loves it
The words of this book run through my head and I cannot read it to my kids without crying at the end. I adore this book for 2-year-olds about the unconditional love a mother has for her child. “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old / Best Books for Baby Girls
Family Books for 1-year-olds
The Runaway Bunny
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator: Clement Hurd
Year: 2017
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
This book is a charming tale about a mother’s love. This bunny book is all about a young bunny who wants to run away and a mother explaining all the lengths she’ll go to find him again.
Why Jackie loves it
This a classic book for a reason! The sweet illustrations and lovely message remind me of my childhood. I hope one day my children will read this to their babies.
Find this book in: Books for 1-Year-Old / Rabbit Books
Plot
What a sweet rhyming book about a mother’s love (or father’s if you get that version too.) Featuring mama and baby pairings from the animal kingdom this book allows you to point out new species to your little one.
Why Kirsten loves it
With its rhyming words and darling message, I loved reading this one to my boys when they were babies. It’s a nice introduction to animals as well.
Find this book in: Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books
Dracula’s First Tooth
Author: Jen Arena
Illustrator: Betowers
Release Date: July 30, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0-3
Plot
Baby Dracula is growing in his first fang and it hurts! As he tries to get his pain to go away, his parents prepare to celebrate his baby milestone.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the idea behind this one! It’s a fun twist on explaining that growing teeth is a normal part of growing up.
Find this book in: Toddler Halloween Books / Best Books for 1-year-olds
Feelings Books for 1-year-olds
The Crayons’ Book of Feelings
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Year: 2021
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
A cute spin-off of the beloved Day the Crayons Quit series, this board book approaches feelings in a way babies and toddlers can understand. Each crayon expresses a different emotion on every page. The board book design is perfect for chubby fingers looking to turn pages.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s perfect for the list of books about feelings for toddlers because of its simple illustration of emotions.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Best Books for 1-year-olds
Plot
I mentioned this book in our essential first-year books post because babies love to look at each other. As they get older, they can start to vocalize the faces that the babies are making. They can also listen to you and make the faces the baby in the picture is making.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that this gives kids faces to mimic and teaches emotions. It’s wonderful for developmental learning.
Why Jackie loves it
You can use the book to prompt your baby. For example “That is yucky. Show me yucky.”
Find this book in: Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books
Plot
This is a classic feelings book for 1-year-olds for a reason! Todd Parr uses his signature colorful illustrations to showcase the range of emotions we all feel from time to time. Have your little one make the faces in the book for more fun.
Why Kirsten loves it
Simple words and pictures help even the youngest children identify emotions.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Books for a 1-year-old
Expert Tip
Reading to a one-year-old is very beneficial to help them learn how language sounds. You do not need a lot of books in your baby’s library. Unlike you, babies do not get bored with repetition. In fact, they thrive on repetition to help with learning language. Here are some helpful tips you can use when reading to your one-year-old:
- Point out different parts of the story when you read it. The first time, you can read the story. The next time, you can point out colors or label the objects in the picture
- If it’s a board book, let your child turn the pages
- Read with expression. Do not read in a monotone voice. You may sound ridiculous to yourself, but your baby loves to hear the sound of your voice and this is the best way to model language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read with a 1-year-old?
Be patient and be sure to let your child guide you. Engage them by asking them to point out images on the pages. Allow opportunities for lots of repetitions. This is why we chose these books! With endless re-reads of these books, you may like them as much as your child.
What book should 1-year-olds read?
You can read any book to a one-year-old but I would opt for a board book so that they can practice turning the pages themselves without fear of ruining the book.
Can 1-year-olds learn to read?
No. One-year-olds cannot learn to read but the path to reading readiness starts as early as possible. Spending time reading to your one-year-old is the best thing you can do to start preparing them early for reading.
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Epilogue
I hope that you love my list of books for a 1-year-old. What are your favorite books to read with your baby? I would love to hear your thoughts. I know that I had my favorites when my kids were little. It is so important to make the reading time enjoyable for both of you. If there is a book you love, go for it. Read it! Your 1-year-old loves to hear the sound of your voice more than anything.
