Best Books for Toddlers
ANIMAL HOMES - interactive flaps to lift make this series a beloved introduction to nonfiction text. Definitely try Peek Inside a Plane before your first flight.
TIME TO BRUSH - this book is absolutely awesome! It includes reusable sticker toothbrushes for the child to use brushing the animal’s teeth and lots of rhythm and repetition which is great for language development. Practice matching the toothbrushes, sequencing, direction words. After your child gains familiarity, leave out a word to let them fill it in “Back and forth, up and ___. Clean, clean, ____.”
RED RED RED - it’s important for kids to see themselves in books and every toddler can connect with this relatable toddler meltdown, while learning a positive coping strategy to calm down. Plus, it rhymes!
WHAT IS POOP? - Did you know birds poop and pee at the same time? Or that wombats poop is square shaped? This book is full of fun facts with fun flaps for the child to lift and interact with. Loved by toddlers and adults alike, these lift-the-flap nonfiction books are 10/10!
ON THE MOUNTAIN - short, rhyming tale of 5 pop-out animals found in the mountains
THIS IS CRAB - if your toddler is always on the move, this book will surely keep their attention. Every page asks the reader to interact…clap three times, tilt the page, wipe off the crab’s shell…The more kids interact with books, the more brain connections, which make reading easier.
LIFT-THE-FLAP COLORS - more flaps! Do you see a theme here? Toddlers are full of independence and curiosity. Around 18 months, kids start to distinguish different colors and closer to two they can begin to verbally identify colors. No rush, ever, but this book is a fun way to practice and interact with books.
MAX & MILLIE COLLECTION - truly must have books for any two year old. This collection includes 7 books that cover the big and little transitions toddlers often have trouble with. Toddlers can easily relate to Millie & Max which makes them want to read more and cooperate like their fun new friends. Reading this series has truly made brushing teeth, welcoming a new baby, sharing toys, getting dressed, starting school, eating, and bedtime easier. Ahh, the power of good books!
SHINE-A-LIGHT - hands down the coolest books I’ve ever seen. You shine a flashlight behind each page to reveal a hidden picture. The content of these is best for older toddlers/preschoolers, but even as an adult I’ve learned new things and loved them.
GO, GIRLS, GO! - short, upbeat, rhyming story of strong females driving different vehicles, automobiles, boats, and planes
I LIKE MYSELF - I’ve enjoyed reading this silly, heartfelt, rhyming book over and over to help my girls absorb the gift of loving yourself
BABY GOES TO MARKET - rhythmic, engaging, and relatable for parents
POPPY & SAM FARMYARD TALES - we have easily read this 1,000 times. It’s a collection of 20 short stories. When the child gets older they can partner read with you. The text at the top is simpler for beginning readers.
IN MY HEART - help kiddos learn how to accept and name feelings
HELLO HELLO - color, pattern, shape, size, sound, this book is great for developing language, visual concepts, and following a child’s lead. Short, rhyming, beautiful, and voted best children’s book of the year.
GOODNIGHT, CONSTRUCTION SITE - classic
WOODLAND SOUNDS - make the story come alive with realistic sounds the child can push after you’re done reading the page
TOUCH & EXPLORE BUGS - a multi-sensory nonfiction journey! Touch the squirmy earth worm, silky butterfly, smooth beetle, and more. The more senses engaged, the more neural connections, laying a foundation for enjoyment with books!
GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE - love, love, love
TECHNICOLOR TREASURE HUNT - this is a seek and find book, excellent for learning various shades of a color and counting
