Reading to toddlers is an essential part of their development, and having the best books at hand is crucial. Not only does it provide quality time with your child, but it also helps with their language, social-emotional development, and cognitive function. The benefits of reading increase with exposure, so adding some favorites to your home library is a great idea.
My Heart Is Like A Zoo by Michael Hall
My Heart Is Like A Zoo is an early-reader book that is perfect for toddlers who love animals. With recognizable shapes and heartwarming animal illustrations, the book has received critical acclaim from both parents and authors. Michael Hall’s use of more than 300 hearts for toddlers to count and learn has made it a favorite among preschools and daycare centers. Its popularity is evident in the fact that it is always found on their shelves.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Big Book by Laura Joffe Numeroff
The If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Big Book, written by Laura Joffe Numeroff, is one of the most popular toddler books available. The story revolves around a mouse who gets easily distracted, much like a typical toddler.
This heartwarming tale is the first book in a series of stories that follow Mouse. With nearly 12,000 ratings on Amazon, the book has earned a 4.9-star average rating. It is the perfect book for children between the ages of one and four. Every child’s bedroom should have a copy of this beloved book.
The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson
The Gruffalo’s Child is a children’s book by Julia Donaldson that tells the story of a clever mouse who invents a fictional monster to stay safe in the woods. The book has a 4.9 rating on Amazon, with nearly 15,000 ratings.
It is considered a Teacher’s Pick due to its witty and easy-to-follow writing, as well as its bold illustrations. The story is a fun take on monsters and fears, helping young children feel safe and secure at bedtime.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
In My Heart is a beautifully illustrated book that helps toddlers learn about emotions. It covers a range of feelings including happiness, anger, sadness, and bravery. This book aids in emotional development in early readers ages 2 to 5. Many reviewers have also noted that it helped their children learn how to express themselves after pandemic isolation.
There’s A Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Monster In Your Book is an interactive children’s book that aims to alleviate toddlers’ fear of monsters. The book is designed to put the child in the center of the action, making it a great bedtime story to ease their worried minds or a mid-day adventure to have a little fun. The book’s interactive nature allows children to engage with the story and help the monster escape from the book’s pages.
Are You A Ladybug? by Judy Allen
Are You A Ladybug? is an easy-to-read book that takes young readers aged 3-6 on an exciting journey through the eyes of a ladybug. The book is designed to help toddlers learn to read and follow along with the story. With its accessible language and engaging content, this book is sure to capture the imagination of young readers.
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Love You Forever is a heartwarming children’s book that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw, this timeless tale tells the story of a mother’s unconditional love for her growing son.
The book has been praised for its beautiful writing and has been listed as one of the best toddler books of all time. With over 15 million copies sold since its original release in 1986, this book is a must-read for parents and children alike. Share the touching story with your little one to show them that they will always be your baby.
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Parents looking for a great bedtime storybook for their young ones who are into trucks and machinery should check out Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker.
The book is highly rated and a bestseller, with thick board pages that make it easy for toddlers to hold. The rhyming text is perfect for helping children read aloud, and there are other construction-themed books in the series for kids who love it.
This Is Gus by Chris Chatterton
Gus is a grumpy character that kids will love. In his story, he learns how to embrace new friends when a new puppy comes around.
The heartwarming story is accompanied by adorable illustrations and simple text, making it perfect for young readers. They will want to take Gus with them to their toddler pillows to re-read the story all over again. It’s a good takeaway for kids of all ages to learn about embracing new friends.
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection is a classic set of books that introduces toddlers to the whimsical world of Seuss’s characters. The beginner text allows children to read on their own or with their parents.
The collection has a 4.9-star average rating and over 22,000 reviews, making it a bestseller. It is a must-have bed book story collection as parents can rotate each night’s story. This set is perfect for children’s first library and can be enjoyed for years to come. The books can be read at a toddler table and chairs set or anywhere else.
My First Library by Wonder House Books
Wonder House Books has released a boxed set of 10 animal-focused board books that are perfect for toddlers who love animals. The brightly-colored pages and easy-to-read text help build vocabulary quickly. With over 63,000 ratings, this set makes a great gift or addition to any toddler’s nighttime routine. Add a couple of teddy bears and it becomes a brilliant gift idea for a three-year-old.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
The Story of Ferdinand is a classic children’s book about a bull who prefers to smell flowers rather than participate in bullfighting. The book, which was first published in the United States in 1936, has never been out of print and has been adapted into a cartoon and movie.
This Amazon Teacher’s Pick is perfect for toddlers on the older side and can even be enjoyed by adults as a quick bathroom read. The heartwarming tale is a great reminder to embrace individuality and not conform to societal expectations.
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Press Here by Herve Tullet is an interactive picture book that offers an adventure for toddlers and their parents. The book provides instructions on each page that guide the reader through interactive play, allowing for a bonding experience between parent and child.
With its popularity, Press Here has become the longest running picture book on the New York Times bestseller list. This book provides a fun and educational way for children to learn to read.
Poke-a-Dot: Old MacDonald’s Farm by Melissa & Doug
Poke-a-Dot by Melissa & Doug is a simple yet engaging toddler book that encourages interaction on every page. Featuring farm animals, pop-up buttons, and sing-along songs, this book is perfect for toddlers of all levels.
Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll by Mr. Jay
Ricky The Rock That Couldn’t Roll is a popular children’s book that has been on Amazon’s bestseller list for five years. The book tells the story of Ricky, a rock who cannot roll, and his friends who help him find a way to move. Written in verse, the book is recommended for children ages three and up. It teaches the valuable lesson of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
“The Rainbow Fish” is a children’s book written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister in 1996. With over 16,000 positive ratings, this book has remained a classic for young readers. The story features a beautiful fish who learns the importance of sharing and friendship. The illustrations are colorful and captivating, making it a great addition to any child’s library. The simple language and cute characters make it a fun and easy read for children.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a popular children’s book that has received over 36,000 ratings and an average rating of 4.9 stars since its release in 2012. The book, written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, teaches young children the alphabet through a fun rhyme as they climb up a coconut tree. It is designed for children between the ages of 1 to 4 and comes in a sturdy board book format that is more durable than a paperback.
Summary
The best toddler books are those that engage the child’s imagination and promote early literacy skills. They should have colorful illustrations, simple text, and be durable enough to withstand rough handling.
Some of the most popular books for toddlers include “Goodnight Moon,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” and “Where the Wild Things Are.” It is important for parents and caregivers to read to their toddlers regularly to help develop their language, cognitive, and social-emotional skills.