The Best Toddler Books to Get Kids Started on a Lifetime of Reading

These are the books kids love—and that parents don’t mind reading again and again.

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Three books for toddlers arranged on a blue and yellow background

Parents / Alli Waataja

Everybody knows that reading to children is a great way to settle down before bed, but the best toddler books (at any time of day!) can also encourage a love of reading and help your child develop language skills from a young age. Before selecting a book for your toddler, start by making sure it’s age-appropriate—both in subject matter and ability. Toddlers have a brief attention span, so selecting a book that’s quick, lighthearted, and filled with engaging images will ensure that they stay interested until the last page. 

“It’s all about meeting your kid where they are and keeping it interactive,” said Rebecca Mannis, PhD, learning specialist at IvyPrep.com. If your little one likes to interact by turning the pages themselves, opt for a board book that’s made from more durable material than thin paper. 

As parents, we also highly recommend choosing books that you enjoy reading too—because if you have a book that truly annoys you in your child’s library, there’s a very good chance they’ll make you read it over and over again.

An engaging and calming book can help even the wiggliest toddlers settle down, whether it’s before bed, on a long car ride, or even in the waiting room of a just-a-little-bit-scary doctor’s office. In search of the best toddler books of all time, we spoke to literary experts and utilized our own experience as parents to compile this list of our favorites. 

Our Favorites

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Amazon The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Amazon

Toddlers can’t seem to get enough of this simple book filled with bright, bold images. It features some exciting foods—like lollipops, strawberries, cupcakes, and oranges—that most kids love to eat, each with a caterpillar hole burrowed straight through the page. The simple storyline depicts the life cycle of a caterpillar in an approachable, easy-to-follow format that sticks with young kids. One of Eric Carle’s most popular hits, this timeless story has already been a classic for decades, and it’s sure to be one for years to come. 

Moo, Baa, La La La!

Moo, Baa, La La La!

Amazon

Sandra Boynton’s whimsical, fun-to-read stories are beloved by toddlers and parents alike. This lively story describes the sounds animals make—something toddlers are for some reason trained to do from an early age—but it also subverts expectations. The surprises align just right with toddlers’ sense of humor, too. 

Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race

Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race

Amazon

Teaching kids about race is challenging at any age, but if you start when they’re young, the concept of acceptance will always be in their minds. This toddler book by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, experts who specialize in early childhood and activism against injustice, touches on concepts like race, body positivity, consent, and gender, with illustrations by Isabel Roxas, Though these might sound like big topics for a toddler, the research-backed read-along book gives parents a safe place to discuss tough topics at an early age. 

Dragons Love Tacos

Dragons Love Tacos

Amazon

Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri’s best-selling book is a hilarious read for toddlers and grown-ups. Dragons may love tacos, but if they get a bite of salsa with spicy jalapeño peppers—it could be a disaster. Kids will be laughing through every page of this fun book, so it’s a great option for daytime reading. 

Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

Walmart

One night when Max is busy making mischief, his mother sends him to bed without his supper. Moments later, an ocean tumbles by and the ceiling hangs with vines. Max is transported through his imagination to the place where the wild things are, and he becomes the king of all wild things. Maurice Sendak’s story is packed with adventure and big, vibrant illustrations, but the best part is the gentle reminder at the end. Sometimes, no matter how big and grand the adventure is, it’s better to be back at home where someone loves you best of all. 

Everyone Poops

Everyone Poops (Turtleback Binding Edition) School & Library Binding – October 1, 2001

Amazon

While an elephant may make a big poop—and a mouse may make a tiny poop—the truth is everyone poops, and Taro Gomi’s modern classic seeks to be a fun but matter-of-fact guide to all things number two. If you’ve started the potty training process and you’re looking for some amusing reading material to help move things along (pun intended), this book serves as both inspiration and entertainment. The cute illustrations are filled with animals and silly depictions of where they poop and what it might look like. 

Feminist Baby

feminist baby book

Fearless, funny, and smart, Loryn Brantz’s book dismisses gender stereotypes while empowering your pint-sized peanut to be exactly who they are. This simple board book explores feminism in a way that’s approachable for young children. It’s an inspiring reminder that girls can be anything, do anything, and feel anything that they want—regardless of societal boundaries or expectations. 

Madeline

Madeline

Amazon

When orphan Madeline has to be rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, Ludwig Bemelmans well-loved story shows young children that even scary events—like getting your appendix out—don’t have to be so scary when there are toys, candy, and visits from friends involved. Once all the other little girls see how much fun Madeline is having in the recovery room, they all want to have their appendix out too. Full of rhyming fun and colorful images of Paris, this classic story is appropriate for kids ages 1 to 5. 

Goodnight Moon

Good Night Moon

Amazon

This poetic piece has been a classic among children and parents for generations. The calming, quiet imagery by Clement Hurd is combined with simple, repetitive text by Margaret Wise Brown that’s a pleasure to read and relaxing to listen to. While some pages are simple black and white, others show a cozy, colorful bedroom. To get your child to follow along every page, have them search for the tiny mouse that moves around the room from page to page. 

The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo

Amazon

A clever mouse convinces all the other animals in the woods to fear him by creating a phony monster, the great-big-gruffalo. That works well until the mouse stumbles upon the very monster he created. Then he tricks the gruffalo into fearing him too, in a way that will amaze kids and make them giggle. Julia Donaldson’s book is packed with talking animals and vibrant images by Axel Scheffler for kids to enjoy. 

It's Okay to Be Different

It's Okay to Be Different

Amazon

Written by best-selling author Todd Parr, this is a reassuring book about embracing who you are. Building confidence, compassion, and empathy is important at any age, but this little board book makes it easier to do it from the start. Toddlers will love the bright, vibrant colors and simple illustrations. Each page features a meaningful thought, like, “It’s okay to say no to bad things,” to help toddlers build confidence in their differences from a young age.

Olivia

Olivia (Hardcover)

Amazon

Parents of busy toddlers will love Ian Falconer’s story about Olivia, a little piglet who is very good at wearing people out. Whether at the beach, in a museum, or at home eating dinner, Olivia is always on the go, and her family does their best to keep up with her. The sweet story with beautiful images of Olivia, her brother, and all of her activities is an easy read before bedtime—it’s heartwarming, silly, relaxing, and quick. Parents will also sympathize with Olivia’s loving but very worn-out mother.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Amazon

Almost every kid can relate to the anxiety of saying “good night” to their caregiver before bedtime—even parents remember being scared of those first moments alone in a dark room. That’s why we love how Anna Dewdney’s sing-songy rhyming tale comforts reluctant sleepers. It’s a reminder that your loved ones are always near, even when they’re not in the room with you. The expressive illustrations help even little toddlers follow along with the emotions in the story. 

Press Here

Press Here

Amazon

When it comes to crafting an interactive story for toddlers, Herve Tullet does it in one of the most creative and out-of-the-box ways in Press Here. Instead of relying on flaps or pop-up pages, this instructional book acts almost more like a game than a story. Each page features a series of small, solidly colored dots and a simple instruction for your child to follow, like, “Press here” or, “Rub the dot.” The following page reveals a magical result that will wow your young one every time. This book continues to excite kids, no matter how often you’ve read it to them.

Love You Forever

Love You Forever

Amazon

This classic story written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw will pull on your heartstrings every time you read it. While a bit of a tearjerker, the super-sweet message is one that we hope every parent shares with their child. Many adults might even remember reading this story of family, life, and the unifying power of unconditional love when they were young. In the book, a new mother passes her undying love on to her newborn child and continues to do so through every stage of life until ultimately, roles reverse and the child becomes the caregiver. 

Little Blue Truck

Little Blue Truck

Courtesy of Amazon

Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry’s story about friendship and support is loaded with fun pictures of recognizable characters like a cow, sheep, pig, horse, and duck. Appealing to animal lovers and vehicle lovers alike, every page features a great rhythm for reading aloud plus an opportunity for silly noises like a beep, moo, quack, or oink. The story imparts the importance of helping friends, and it shows how it pays to be kind. 

The Story of Ferdinand

The Story of Ferdinand

Amazon

First published in 1936, Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson’s tale describes Ferdinand, a bull who would rather sit and smell the flowers than fight in the ring in Madrid. For some, it’s just a story about being true to yourself, but it can also be more than that: Ferdinand was lauded by civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi as an important, thought-provoking example of pacifism and nonviolence.

Yummy Yucky

Yummy Yucky

Candlewick 

Leslie Patricelli’s silly book with simple, emotive illustrations is sure to make your little one giggle. Each page depicts two opposites—one yummy and one yucky—while showing a toddler’s reaction to eating each one. It’s a humorous way to learn about opposites that we can find, and it keeps your toddler engaged whether you’re reading to them or they’re flipping through it themselves.

Where's My Teddy

Where's My Teddy

Amazon

If your toddler's got a lovey, then there's a good chance they will relate to Jez Alborough’s book, which involves a search for a missing teddy bear. This simple story will tug at their heartstrings just enough to usher in a wave of relief at the end. The deep, dark woods are illustrated with bright and vibrant colors, and each page uses just enough text to entertain while keeping the story moving. 

Counting Kisses

Counting Kisses book

Amazon

Nothing’s better than a kiss from your loved one before bedtime, and Karen Katz’s toddler book is an easy way to encourage lots of sweet snuggles. It’s a lift-the-flap that’s filled with emotion, so kids will immediately recognize the happy, sad, and affectionate faces on every page. 

Baby Happy Baby Sad

Baby Happy Baby Sad

Amazon

One of the best things about reading to children is that it can help them learn important skills like identifying different emotions in other people. Leslie Patricelli’s illustrations are appealing to kids and easy to interpret, which makes it a great option for younger toddlers who are just learning about feelings and opposites. It’s no secret that a toddler’s moods can easily swing, and we love that this book creatively helps them understand their most common emotions.

The Book That Makes No Sense

The Book That Makes No Sense

Amazon

Adults who've spent the day trying and often failing to attend to the whims of a toddler will appreciate how this book captures that feeling with alarming accuracy. The book, written by Melanie Berliet and illustrated by KJ Parish, joyfully celebrates the silliness of toddlerhood and puts a fun emphasis on the way they often make absolutely no sense at all. Toddlers themselves will just be tickled by its nonsense. 

Green Eggs & Ham

Green Eggs & Ham

Courtesy of Amazon

Try as you might, you cannot resist Sam-I-Am and his green eggs and ham. This wacky rhyming classic is as fun now as it was the first time you read it. A classic for generations, Dr. Seuss’ sense of humor is splashed across every page, with illustrations that will delight and puzzle your toddler. Kids will love to try to follow along with the rhyming cadence of the book, whether they understand the cleverly made-up words or not.

Corduroy

Corduroy

Barnes & Noble

Everybody needs a friend, and Don Freeman’s classic is a good reminder of that. As it says on the first page, “Corduroy is a bear who once lived in the toy department of a big store.” But when a sweet little girl comes in one day to shop with her mother, Corduroy finds a home, a bed, and a friend. Your toddler will love to follow Corduroy on his adventures throughout the store looking for his lost button, and the loving story of friendship and hope is a great way to settle down before bedtime. 

Pat the Bunny

Amazon Pat the Bunny

Amazon

If you have a grabby toddler who loves to touch every page of the book you’re reading, then you need this interactive favorite from Dorothy Kunhardt. Available in spiral-bound (which does make it easier to put together when your little one rips a page out), the book is fun and approachable. With unique materials and textures and an array of pleasing colors, each page has something for your child to do—like pat the bunny, scratch daddy’s beard, or put their finger through mommy’s ring. Whether you read it together or your little one tackles it on their own, it’s a timeless classic that’s sure to please.

The Family Book

The Family Book by Todd Parr

Amazon

No two families are alike, and this fun book by Todd Parr is a great way to celebrate our differences. Adopted families, stepfamilies, one-parent families, families with two parents of the same sex, and families with a mom and a dad are all represented here in a silly and accepting way. It's a terrific tool for teaching children about differences, which is essential in raising a child who is accepting and empathetic. The vibrant colors and simple illustrations will engage your little one from start to finish. 

Are You My Mother ?

Are You My Mother By P.D. Eastman

Amazon

This P.D. Eastman book is ideal for the restless toddler who relishes audience participation. Each time the confused young bird asks a strange animal, "Are you my mother?" kids will knowingly answer, "No!" And they might even explain why not. It's a wonderful teaching tool that gets children involved in the reading process on every page. The repetitive, easy-to-follow narrative finishes with a warm-and-fuzzy ending. 

Diary of a Worm

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin

Amazon

This is a hilarious book about the surprisingly intriguing life of a young worm, written in diary form by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss. Our worm observes the differences between being a worm and being a human. He laments that he can't have a dog or chew gum but is relieved that he doesn't have to visit the dentist. ("No cavities. No teeth either.") We can all relate, and your little one will love the opportunity to see the world through a worm’s eyes.

Walter the Farting Dog

Walter the Farting Dog

If the word "fart" is taboo in your house, maybe all of you need to read this book. Author William Kotzwinkle follows Walter through some embarrassing escapades, all to show him that gas might be kind of funny. The hilarious story is an easy way to make your child laugh out loud, especially if they love dogs. The best part? Parents can join in on the fun—the story is silly enough to make even the biggest kids crack a smile, too.

The Monster at the End of This Book

The-monster-at-the-end-of-this-book

Amazon

If your child can’t get enough of Sesame Street, they’ll love following along with huggable Grover in this fourth-wall-breaking story by Jon Stone, with illustrations by Michael Smollin. As you turn the pages, Grover confronts his fears—with a little prodding from the reader—and discovers the unknown isn't as scary as he imagined. The fun and interactive story is a great way to teach your kids about dealing with scary things.

Baby Beluga

Baby Beluga

We love this board-book version of Raffi's most popular tune about a baby whale and his animal friends. Singing the pages adds a little bit of fun and engagement, and it’s a great way to encourage a child’s language and listening skills. It’s fun and brief, and Ashley Wolff's lighthearted illustrations bring the song to life.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Amazon

Rhyming has long been used as a tool to help children learn to read, and this book by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle combines brief, easy rhymes with bright, vibrant imagery. The timeless classic is a must-have for newborns, babies, and toddlers, so it makes a great baby gift or baby shower gift. Easily identifiable animals are present on every page, so the board book is perfect for letting little ones read by themselves.

A Pocket for Corduroy

A Pocket for Corduroy

The follow-up to Don Freeman’s original classic, this book tells us what happens after Lisa and Corduroy meet in the big department store. After spending every day together, the duo head to a laundromat where Corduroy decides to look for a pocket of his own. A soapy adventure ensues that is sure to deliver tons of giggles.

There Was an Old Monster!

There Was an Old Monster!

Amazon

Kids will get a good laugh out of every page of Rebecca, Adrian, and Ed Emberley’s bright and funny twist on “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly.” Read the rhymes as prose or sing it as a song and enjoy the escalating silliness with each animal the monster swallows. Bright, bold colors make up the simple illustrations, and toddlers will love searching the monster’s belly for each animal.

Bluey: Sleepytime

Bluey: Sleepytime

Amazon

From Joe Brumm, the creator of Bluey—arguably the most parent-approved toddler show on TV—comes this creative read-along version of one of its most popular episodes. The picture book features fold-out pages for kids to follow along with Bluey and Bingo as they tackle bedtime at the Heeler house.

The Pout Pout Fish (A Pout-Pout Fish Adventure, 1)

The Pout Pout Fish

Amazon

If your toddler has a frown that you’d like to turn upside down, then a reading of Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna’s The Pout Pout Fish might be just the thing. A gloomy fish swims around with a consistent pout, spreading his “dreary wearies” all over the place, but with the help of some friends and a little inspiration, things turn around for him. 

Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book

Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book

Barnes & Noble

For younger children, Rod Campbell’s flap book is a fun way to build anticipation and let them show off their expert knowledge of animals. It’s a quick read, and curious kids will love finding out which animal is hiding behind the flap on every page. 

Hot Dog

Hot Dog (Winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal)

Amazon

The city can get hot in the summer, and one hot dog has had enough. After he plops down in the middle of the sidewalk, his owner scoops him up and heads out to the beach. Every page is filled with lyrical text and fluid art by Doug Salati. It’s a reminder of how important it is to find the simple joys in life each and every day.

Blueberries for Sal

Blueberries for Sal

Amazon

While out picking berries with her mother, Sal veers off the path and begins to follow someone else—with her head in the blueberry patch, she doesn’t realize she’s started following a mama bear. At the same time, Sal’s mother continues on picking berries, and feels reassured by the consistent “kaplunk” she hears when a new berry hits the inside of her bucket, thinking Sal is behind her. Robert McCloskey’s adorable story of mixed-up mamas has stood the test of time since it was first published in 1976.

All of Those Babies

All of Those Babies

Target

This fun picture book introduces your little one to babies all across the animal kingdom while teaching them all the funny different names babies in the world have. I’m sure your child knows that baby dogs are called puppies, but did they know that baby puffins are called pufflings? Mylisa Larsen and Stephanie Laberis’ book is educational, fun, and an easy read for animal lovers from newborn to 8 years old. This book comes out in February 2024, but you can preorder it now.

Our Experts

We picked many of the books on this list based on research, our childhood favorites, and experience with our own kids. But we also reached out to the following experts for their picks, to find out what makes a book good for toddlers, and to learn how reading with very young children helps their development:

  • Rebecca Mannis, PhD, learning specialist and founder at Ivy Prep
  • Carol Denby, children’s librarian and elementary school educator with Emma Clark Library in Setauket, New York, (and mother of the author of this article)

Factors to Consider When Buying Toddler Books

Toddler books differ from older children’s books in subject matter, imagery, and length. Due to their limited attention spans, toddler books should be brief, easy to follow, and include fun and engaging illustrations. 

  • Age Appropriateness: Whether you’re picking out a book for a toddler or a teenager, keeping the appropriate age level in mind is essential. Toddlers have a brief attention span, so books for them should have enough words to craft an engaging story without so much text they tune out. Dr. Mannis recommends considering your child’s language development before selecting a book. This will tell you if your child can follow a storyline and if the vocabulary makes sense to them, she says. She also says to consider the time when deciding what to read with a toddler. Read more complex, advanced books while they’re awake and alert and save repetitive, relaxing books for bedtime. 
  • Eye-Catching Photos or Illustrations: When selecting a book for your toddler, make sure they can follow along with you by looking at the pictures. This is a great way to encourage reading skills from an early age and can also help them gain a deeper understanding of concepts like emotion and relationships. “​​Picture books for toddlers are important because the pictures help the child understand that the words have meaning,” says Denby. She adds that pictures help children connect meaning to different words, which can aid in their reading comprehension as they get older. When selecting a book, try to find one that has images of characters and objects your child is interested in—like animals, trucks, or fairies. 
  • Engaging Topics: You want to make it through the whole book without them losing interest. Rhyming books are particularly helpful for young children because the sing-songy cadence helps them follow along. Denby says that rhyming words help children develop phonological awareness, the ability to hear and manipulate the different sounds in our language. Denby says that rhyming also helps children develop word “families” (like bat, cat, and rat), which is an important foundation for early reading. Dr. Mannis adds that books with brief, memorable phrases that repeat—like in Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?—help children anticipate what’s coming next, so they can follow the story. “These predictable, engaging, concrete books serve as the canvas against which kids can increase their association between words and concepts, and where their parents can use the books as a way to make sense of the world and interact through these wonderful classics,” Dr. Mannis says. Lift-the-flap books are also a great way to encourage curiosity in your young reader.
  • Something Parents Don’t Hate: Keep in mind that if a toddler finds a book they love, it means you’ll be reading it over and over until they move on to the next favorite. Don’t forget to keep adult readers in mind when shopping for a book. Are there certain topics you like or characters that you were fond of at a young age? Finding a book that you won’t mind reading on repeat is essential in being an enthusiastic part of your child’s reading journey. 
  • Durability: Select a book that can hold up to the thrashing, tossing, and tearing of toddlers who don’t know any better yet. If you’re buying a book for a toddler, try to avoid pretty pop-up books or valuable first editions. Toddlers tend to reach and grab for pages, which means they can easily rip them off or rip off the pieces of a pop-up book. Instead, select board books or heavy-duty hardcover books that you can monitor and keep safe. 

Your Questions, Answered

What are the benefits of reading to toddlers?

Reading to toddlers can help lay the groundwork for reading comprehension at an early age. Dr. Mannis says that reading to toddlers is a great way to help expand their language abilities, practice listening, and understand the world around them. She adds that storytime can also be a great way for toddlers to settle down at the end of the day, and it’s the perfect time for parents and kids to reconnect. 

How often should I read to my toddler?

Dr. Mannis says that when it comes to reading to your toddler, more is more. She suggests keeping a stash of books readily available at all times—whether in your child’s backpack, in the car, or in your purse. She adds that the more opportunities there are for children to engage with the world around them through books and get some quality time with their caregivers, the better.

How can I make reading time more fun?

Making reading an interactive activity always adds to the fun. Denby suggests having your child help you find something in the illustrations throughout the book. For example, Denby suggests having your little one find the tiny mouse in a book like Goodnight Moon. The mouse appears in every page, so having your toddler track it down is a great way to keep them involved from start to finish, she adds. 

Who We Are

Laura Denby is a food, parenting, and lifestyle writer who is also the mother of a very active and curious 2-year-old. She aims to help her audience become more informed shoppers by selecting products that are functional, educational, and affordable. Laura’s work can be found in FoodNetwork.com, Food & Wine, Forbes, and Taste of Home. For this piece, Laura spoke with librarians and literacy experts to determine the best books for toddlers.

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