Can Babies Really Learn New Words from Picture Books?
Walk into any nursery or reception classroom and you’ll see shelves lined with brightly coloured “first word” books. Some are photo-based, some full of drawings, and many come with furry patches, bumpy textures, or shiny flaps. But here’s the big question: are babies actually learning new words from them — or are they just having fun touching the pages?
The Baby Books Project, led by researchers at Royal Holloway, set out to test exactly that. And the findings are both reassuring and surprising for teachers and early years practitioners.
What the Research Found
1. Babies can learn words from picture books
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Even under-2s picked up some new vocabulary after repeated book sharing at home.
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Families who read the books regularly saw their babies add 1–2 brand new words to their vocabulary in just six weeks.
2. Photos aren’t always better than drawings
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Past research suggested realistic photos help babies connect words to the real world more easily than drawings.
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But in this study, realistic drawings worked just as well as photographs.
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The key takeaway? Don’t stress if your nursery library has drawings rather than glossy photo books — they can be just as effective.
3. Texture can help, not hinder
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In the lab, babies with textured books were distracted and didn’t learn the word well.
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At home, though, textured books actually helped keep babies interested — and may have boosted learning over time.
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The difference? Repeated, natural reading routines with a familiar adult.
4. Routines matter as much as book type
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Babies who started the project less interested in books became more interested by the end.
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Parents also reported feeling more confident about reading.
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It wasn’t just about the book itself — it was about creating a regular, shared routine.
What This Means for Teachers
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Encourage parents to keep it simple. Any book can be a learning book — whether it has photos, drawings, or a bit of texture. What matters most is the interaction and repetition.
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Use sensory books wisely. A furry patch on a jaguar or a shiny patch on a fish can keep a restless baby engaged. But don’t overload with too many distracting features (like pop-ups or flaps that hide different objects).
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Model shared reading in nursery. Show parents how to pause, point, and name objects in the book. Babies learn as much from the interaction as from the print on the page.
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Promote reading diaries. Just like this study used, a simple log can help families track when they’ve read, and notice small changes in their child’s interest and responses.
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Reassure parents. Many worry they “aren’t doing it right.” The evidence shows that regular reading — even a few minutes before nap or bath time — boosts both vocabulary and bonding.
Classroom Tips You Can Try
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When reading a new picture book, repeat the word multiple times and gesture or point clearly.
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Link book words to real objects where possible — e.g., after reading “apron,” show the child a real apron in the role play area.
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Keep sessions short but regular. Even a few minutes every day is better than a longer session once in a while.
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With babies who show little interest, start with textured books — the sensory element might be the hook they need.
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Share success with parents. A quick note like “today Ali pointed to the ‘sock’ in the book” helps parents see progress and encourages them to keep reading at home.
Final Thought
The big lesson from the Baby Books Project is this:
Babies learn best not from the “perfect” book, but from the routine, repetition, and relationship around the book.
So whether your setting has photo books, drawing books, or touch-and-feel books, what really counts is building a culture of shared reading — early, often, and joyfully.
