Eight years ago, a Pittsburgh literacy group called Beginning with Books invited some experts -- including the late Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" TV fame -- to choose the best books for babies and toddlers published the previous year.

Since then, the group has published an annual list of the 10 best books for babies and toddlers. Each year, a committee of experts sifts through hundreds of books to find the ones most appropriate for little readers.

The group's annual list of "Best Books for Babies" is the only children's book award that focuses specifically on the youngest readers. While the prestigious Caldecott Medal is bestowed each year on the best illustrated book for children, the winning volume isn't always for very young readers. That's why the annual "Best Books for Babies" lists are such a valuable resource for parents. You can find the lists for previous years by going to beginningwithbooks.org.

Parents looking for good books for their babies and toddlers also might consider some of these other tips. First, board books are perfect for the youngest readers, but these "chewable" volumes also must be age-appropriate. Look for board books with a few words of text (or no text at all) as well as simple illustrations. Similar advice holds for regular (not board book) picture books for babies and toddlers: Look for clear, concise text and bright illustrations.

Also, even very young children often will sit still for regular picture books if you choose the right moment. Find a time when your child is winding down, and then cuddle up with a good book. It may be one you've read many times before, but remember that repetition is an important way that children learn.

Here's a closer look at Beginning with Books' Eighth Annual "Best Books for Babies," complete with judges' comments (note that the books were published in 2006 and are listed in alphabetical order according to the author's last name):

"Mama's Day" (Simon & Schuster, $15.95), written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Jan Ormerod. "Mothers in a variety of settings are shown bathing, rocking, teaching and loving their babies while additional illustrations of adorable babies frame each of the central pictures."

"Whose Toes Are Those?" (Little, Brown, $6.99), written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. "With bouncing rhymes and simple, softly colored pictures, this board book celebrates one special little girl while encouraging parents to admire their own babies' 'little piggies.' "

"Easy Street" (Dutton, $15.99), written by Rita Gray and illustrated by Mary Bono. "Intriguing illustrations created from clay, gravel, sandpaper and other materials make this straightforward story of the work involved in the creation of a road stand out from the crowd."

"Welcome Precious (Orchard, $16.99), written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier. "Although young babies may not understand the lyrical text or truly appreciate the amazing artwork, children of all ages appreciate the sense of being cherished, welcomed and loved ..."

"Look at You! A Baby Body Book" (Candlewick Press, $15.99), written by Kathy Henderson and illustrated by Paul Howard. "Babies love looking at other babies, so they're sure to enjoy this book's large appealing illustrations that showcase babies who are doing what they do best: playing, splashing, cuddling, eating and making a mess."

"Look at the Animals" (Dutton, $6.99), written and illustrated by Peter Linenthal. "With clear, vivid black-and-white illustrations that focus on familiar animals engaged in everyday activities, this board book is perfect for the very youngest listeners."

"Wee Willie Winkie" (Houghton Mifflin, $5.95), written and illustrated by Salley Mavor. "Embroidered fabric collages illustrate this nursery rhyme and offer lots of detail for parents and children to admire."

"Hush, Little Baby" (Greenwillow, $15.99), illustrated by Brian Pinkney. "This traditional song gains some new lyrics and an engaging background story in this warmly illustrated version that features an African-American family's attempts to entertain their youngest member while Mama is away."

"Cheep! Cheep!" (Bloomsbury, $9.95), written by Julie Stiegemeyer and illustrated by Carol Baicker-McKee. "Easy to read and fun to look at, this amusing story told with just seven rhyming words shows three chicks whose sleep is disturbed by the hatching of a new friend -- cheep!"

"Baby Cakes" (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, $7.99), written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Sam Williams. "Whether read straight through or enjoyed a few pages at a time, this charming board book offers plenty of opportunities for parents and babies to enjoy reading together."