Books & Early Literacy

Our Big Book of First Words

4.9(917 reviews) 0-3 years

Board book by a speech-language pathologist with 100+ foundational words, calming watercolor illustrations, and back-of-book activities. #1 Best Seller in Children's House & Home Books.

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How to Use This Toy for Talking

Let your child explore first — follow their lead. Watch what they look at, copy what they do, and add words to their ideas rather than directing the play. Then weave in the goals below for your child's level. A few minutes of shared, chatty play beats a long structured session every time.

Speech Goals by Level

Pick your child's level — not sure? Read the level guide. Each level shows goals for understanding (receptive language — what your child takes in) and using words (expressive language — what they say). Understanding usually comes first, so it's completely normal for the two to be at different levels. And every card has a step down and a step up — meet your child where they are on the day.

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Bronze · First Words

Understanding · receptive

Point to pictures when named: 'Where's the dog?'
Turn pages on request

Using words · expressive

Name familiar pictures
Attempt new words by pointing and vocalizing

Key concepts

First 100 words
Everyday objects
Animals
Actions

Finding it tricky? Drop all demands. Just play side by side and say the words for them — hearing words with zero pressure to speak is still powerful learning.

Too easy? If they copy words easily and use lots on their own, peek at Silver: take their word and add one of yours ('pop!' becomes 'big pop!').

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Silver · Phrases

Understanding · receptive

Find items by category: 'Show me something you eat'

Using words · expressive

'Big dog!'
'I see a cat!'
'More words!'

Language structures

I see + article + noun
Adjective + noun

Finding it tricky? Step back to the Bronze single words. Say their word, then add just ONE more ('ball' → 'big ball') — no need for them to repeat it.

Too easy? If two-word phrases are flowing, start modelling the Gold sentences during play and leave a pause — many children will surprise you.

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Gold · Sentences & Stories

Sentences to model · expressive

'The baby is eating a banana at the table!'
'I can see three animals on this page!'

Higher language

Describing scenes in detail
Comparing items across pages
Creating stories from pictures

Finding it tricky? Shrink your sentences back to the Silver phrases and slow right down — long sentences are harder to process in the middle of exciting play.

Too easy? Move into storytelling: ask 'what happened?' after play, retell it together, or explore the final bands of the Talking Journey.

Julia's Parent Tip

You don't have to read the book 'correctly' — the best thing you can do is follow your child's eyes and name what THEY are looking at. This is called 'responsive labeling,' and research shows it's significantly more effective for vocabulary growth than directing your child's attention to what you want them to look at.