Top 20 must-read books for curious toddlers.
Disclaimer: The content you’re about to read may contain affiliate links to products I love and recommend. This means I may earn a small commission from items purchased through these links (at no additional cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you. I appreciate your support.
Ok Mama’s, we’re going to dive into one of my favorite topics! Reading to our toddlers.
Reading to toddlers is crucial for their development! It enhances language skills, fosters a love for learning, stimulates brain development, and strengthens the parent-child bond. Additionally, it sets the foundation for literacy, improves concentration, and introduces them to new concepts and ideas at an early age.
Let’s dive a little deeper…
Language development: Exposure to words and language patterns enhances vocabulary and communication skills.
Cognitive skills: Reading stimulates cognitive development by promoting memory, comprehension, and problem-solving.
Early literacy: Builds a foundation for reading and writing, introducing concepts like letters, numbers, and basic literacy skills.
Attention span: Reading helps improve attention and concentration as toddlers engage in the story.
Imagination and creativity: Storytelling sparks imagination! This encourages creativity and the ability to visualize scenarios.
Social and emotional skills: Reading promotes empathy, understanding emotions, and strengthens the parent-child bond through shared experiences.
Listening skills: Reading aloud helps toddlers develop better listening skills and the ability to follow directions.
“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss
Sounds great, right?! It gets better, because that is just a few of the endless benefits to reading to toddlers. I’m excited to share this list of my top 20 favorite toddler books with you! But first…
Let’s talk a little about the best ways to read to toddlers. Truthfully, it’s not always as simple as it sounds.
While toddlers may enjoy “reading” independently, it’s still crucial for parents to engage in daily shared reading. Here are some tips to ensure reading time becomes one of their favorite times!
Let your toddler pick the book – It’s no surprise that toddlers love the feeling of being in control. This is an easy choice they can make each day, and an easy one for their parent to support.
Yes, you will read the same book over and over again! – Repeated readings are great for toddlers. They learn more about the book, text, and storyline.
Encourage your toddler to participate – Toddlers love repetitive text because they can “read” the words on the page. When your toddler knows phrases, let them say it and participate in the reading! My little boy is always so proud to “read.” It’s also great practice to let them hold the book.
Follow along with your finger – When you are reading to them, be sure to use your finger to follow along with the words. This will allow them to start associating the letters with the words you are saying.
FINALLY! Here’s our beloved list…. drum roll, please:
1. Corduroy – Corduray is my son’s absolute favorite book! The one he picks night after night. This sweet and classic story teaches about the adventures of friendship.
2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – Rhymes, bright colors, and silly antics will engage your littles and help them practice the alphabet and recognize letters.
3. The Wonderful Things You Will Be - This sweet book celebrates the dreams, love, and acceptance that parents have for their children. It’s brave and bold, and sends the message that our children’s dreams are endless.
4. Little Blue Truck – Little ones love Blue! When Blue gets stuck in the muck, his animal friends help him get back on the road.
5. The Pout Pout Fish – This rhyming and repetitive book teaches children about choosing to have a positive attitude! The fish is sad and spreading the grumpies, but changes his attitude when he meets his friends.
6. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Full of repetitive text and simple words, your little one will be so proud that they’re able to “read.”
7. The Wonkey Donkey - Full of repetitive text and patterns, this silly tongue twister is sure to be a favorite of your toddler.
8. I Love You Just Like This - “I’ve loved you all your life, every single day. I love you oh so much - I’ll tell you all the ways!” This is the perfect book to fill your toddlers cup.
9. Grumpy Monkey - Jim Panzee’s friends try to figure out why he is so grumpy. This story teaches your child that it’s ok to have a grumpy day.
10. Love You Forever - This is an international best seller and an absolute classic. It sends the message that no matter what, the love we have for our littles is so strong. Unconditional.
11. My Magical Choice - This book teaches 13 “I choose” statements that empower children to take responsibility for their days and inspires them to choose to be calm, forgiving, brave, honest, friendly, and much more.
12. I Love You, Stinkyface - The message behind this book is so powerful. A son turns himself into a meat-eating dinosaur, a swamp creature and more before being satisfied with the fact that no matter how stinky he is or how slimy of a creature he could possibly be, he is loved and nothing will change that.
13. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site - A book that encourages your little energizer bunny to turn off their engines and rest their wheels. This book will also teach your little one all about bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, cranes, and cement mixers!
14. P Is For Potty - The perfect mix of fun and learning for toddlers learning how to use the potty. This book is full of surprises and flags to keep your little one entertained while getting used to sitting on the big throne!
15. Giraffes Can’t Dance – Encourage children to dream big like Gerald the giraffe! Gerald the giraffe wants to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. However, with some advice from a wise cricket, Gerald learns to dance to his own sweet tune.
16. Guess How Much I Love You - A book about the endless love between a child and their parent! Little But Brown Hare and his father compete to see who loves the other more.
17. What To Do When You Feel Like Hitting - This book helps toddlers understand that hitting is not allowed and shows them how to react to their feelings with actions that are safe and kind.
18. Manners Time - What can I say, manners are important! Set the stage for social skills that will last a lifetime.
19. The Potty Train - If you’re potty training, I totally recommend! We struggled with my little guy until we started hopping aboard the potty train!! Chugga chugga poooo pooooooo!!!
20. The Very Hungry Caterpillar - A hungry caterpillar eats his way through a large quantity of various foods until he’s finally full. He forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep. When we emerges from the cocoon, he is a beautiful butterfly.
Reading time is one of our favorite times each day! Honestly, I enjoy it just as much as my little boy because I know this is our special quality time. I encourage you, Mamas, make this a habit! You will not regret it, I promise.
“From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover you have wings.” - Helen Hayes
Let’s give those babies wings!