Child research suggests thatbabies see images inblack-and-white moreclearly than coloured ones– and of course it’s easy tosee why, even as an adult.The simplicity and clarity of black-and-whiteis visually more striking; colour can confusethe eye and the mind. In Art for Baby, 12black-and-white artworks from pre-eminent,contemporary artists appear boldly on thesturdy, board pages to tantalise the viewer.

It introduces babies to basic shapes in acreative and unique way; not just one circleon a page but, as in Julian Opie’s ‘Natasha’,two piercing eyes in a mesmerising face.Sharing this book with your child will notonly be a lovely bonding experience, but willnurture their visual skills and stimulate theirminds. What cultured babies you will havewhen they can recognise iconic artists fromsuch a young age! Forget the cutesy farmanimals and bring on Keith Haring; let themchew on Damien Hirst or be hypnotised byBridget Riley’s zig-zags.

However, for me – and, I suspect, parents –the highlights of this book are the threefriezes that accompany it, each with a briefmonograph on the artist and their work. Artfor Babies is a collaboration between amaternity nurse, the artists and theirfoundations (who freely donated theimages), and the publisher. Fittingly, apercentage of the sales go to societies in theUK that support vulnerable children.

Alexa Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn