The Baby's Catalogue: questions to ask and activities to try
Mums and dads, breakfasts and bedtimes, toys and swings! The Baby's Catalogue is a classic picture book of everyday life to point at, name and talk about.
What age is it for? The Baby's Catalogue is best from birth to age 3. Good for: First words, and the busy life of a family with a baby.
The Baby's Catalogue (Janet and Allan Ahlberg)
- Age
- 0-3
- Best for
- First words, and the busy life of a family with a baby
Don't read it front to back: point and name things together. It's wonderful for building first words and for spotting what's the same as your home.
What it helps with
- Building first words
- Pointing and naming
- Everyday routines
- Different families
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Can you find a cup?”
- “What do the babies eat for breakfast?”
- “Which toys can you see?”
- “Which family is most like ours?”
- “What do you do in the bath?”
- “What’s your favourite toy on this page?”
5-minute activities to try together
Our catalogue
Take photos of your child's everyday things and make your own baby catalogue.
Point and say
Play a game: you name something, your child points to it.
Free printables: The Baby's Catalogue worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Peepo! (Janet and Allan Ahlberg)
- Best for
- Peekaboo, rhyme and noticing details
- Age
- 0-3
Each Peach Pear Plum (Janet and Allan Ahlberg)
- Best for
- Playing I spy, rhyme and favourite nursery characters
- Age
- 0-5
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury)
- Best for
- Babies around the world, and what we all share
- Age
- 0-3
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.