Best First Words Book (2026): 5 Books Compared

A baby pointing at pictures and naming them out loud is learning first words, and the best first words book turns that pointing game into a daily habit. The board books below were compared on page count, reading age, flaps and textures.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	My First Words by DK	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	First 100 Words by Priddy	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	First 101 Words by Highlights	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Baby Touch and Feel by DK	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Babies Love First Words by Wing	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

My First Words by DK

DK·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For babies and toddlers learning first words by theme, with photos to point at and name; skip it if you want flaps.

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Pros

• 28 pages stated
• Reading age 1-3 years, marked as from customers
• Themed sections with photos

Cons

• Ideal for ages 0-3 differs from the reading age of 1-3 years
• No lift-the-flap pages stated
• No tactile elements stated

2

First 100 Words by Priddy

Roger Priddy·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For toddlers who learn by lifting flaps and naming photographs; skip it if you want textures.

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Pros

• Over 35 flaps to lift
• Over 100 photographs with big, bold labels
• Grade level Preschool and reading age 1-3 years stated

Cons

• Publication date September 17, 2013, an older edition
• No tactile elements stated
• Reading age marked as from customers only

3

First 101 Words by Highlights

Highlights·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For babies and toddlers who like lift-the-flap puzzles and hidden pictures; skip it if you want more pages.

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Pros

• Lift-the-flap puzzle on each page
• Hidden pictures element stated
• Reading age 1-2 years, marked as from customers

Cons

• Only 14 pages stated
• No grade level stated
• Reading age marked as from customers only

4

Baby Touch and Feel by DK

DK·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For babies who learn through touch, with textures on each page; skip it if you want flaps.

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Pros

• Tactile elements for motor skills
• Board book with bold, bright pictures
• Reading age Baby-2 years, marked as from customers

Cons

• No lift-the-flap pages stated
• No grade level stated
• Reading age marked as from customers only

5

Babies Love First Words by Wing

Scarlett Wing·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For babies starting with ten first words in a chunky lift-a-flap book; skip it if you want more words.

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Pros

• Ten first words, including dog, ball, bug and cat
• Chunky lift-a-flap pages
• Grade level Preschool and reading age 1-2 years stated

Cons

• Only 11 pages stated
• Only ten words stated
• Reading age marked as from customers only

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More picks to compare

• My Words Book by AndersonA speech therapist's first words book for toddlers ages 1-4.Check on Amazon
• First Words by PriddyA Priddy board book of essential first words for babies and toddlers.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. All five picks list a reading age, and two also list grade level Preschool. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best first words book

Reading age and grade level

Reading ages run from Baby-2 years to 1-3 years, all marked as from customers, so treat the age as a listing note. Two picks also list grade level Preschool. For more toddler reading, see the Easter books for toddlers 1-3 list.

Flaps, textures or photos

Flaps suit a child who likes to lift and reveal: the Priddy pick has over 35 flaps, and the Babies Love pick has chunky lift-a-flap pages. Textures suit a child who learns by touch, which is the DK touch and feel pick. For a first holiday book, see the first Christmas books for babies list.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age: Baby-2 years to 1-3 years, all marked as from customers.
• Check the format: all five picks are board books.
• Check the page count: 11 pages to 28 pages, longest at 28 pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is a first words book for?

The picks list reading ages from Baby-2 years to 1-3 years, all marked as from customers.

Are first words books board books?

All five picks are board books, and the Babies Love pick adds chunky lift-a-flap pages.

How many words does a first words book teach?

The Babies Love pick teaches ten first words, while the Priddy pick shows over 100 photographs with labels.

Still deciding? Our top pickMy First Words by DK

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Related lists

See every picture books list and all kids and teens books lists.

More lists: Easter books for toddlers 1-3, first Christmas books for babies, sight words for beginner readers, 100 nursery rhymes.