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The Journal

Research-backed answers for the questions that keep you up at night

Early Learning & Parenting Research

What Speech-Language Pathologists Look for in a First Words Book (And the One Thing Most Books Get Wrong)
Speech-language pathologists look for specific features in a first words book. Most books miss one of them entirely: whether your toddler can actually say the words yet. Read more...
Why Real Photos Beat Cartoons in Early Learning Books (The Research)
The real developmental research behind why photographs teach toddlers words more reliably than cartoons, and what that means for choosing books. Read more...
How to Choose a First Words Book (What Actually Works, Not Just What Looks Cute)
The four things research actually shows matter when choosing a first words book, and why most of what's on shelves gets at least one of them wrong. Read more...