1. “Every Little Thing” adapted by Cedella Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Hands down our family’s favorite book. Bob Marley’s daughter has taken his song and turned it into a story that is relatable to kids and teaches a very important lesson. The beautiful illustrations depict all of the highs and lows of the main character’s day. It teaches that it’s okay to make mistakes and that “every little thing will be okay.” Words to live by. As a perfectionist and worrier, I find myself relearning this important lesson every time I read it.
2. “The Grumpy Monkey” by Suzanne Lang, Illustrated by Max Lang
We all know our toddlers have BIG feelings and sometimes it’s hard to teach them what to do about it in the moment. I have a hard time managing my own big feelings, let alone my toddlers. In this book, Jim Panzee is feeling grumpy but everyone around him keeps telling him to stop being grumpy because it’s a beautiful day- a totally relatable scenario. Jim Panzee learns that it’s okay to have big feelings sometimes and that they will pass.
3. “In My Heart” by Jo Witek, Illustrated by Christine Roussey
It’s important to not only teach toddlers to identify their big feelings, but also be able to describe them. This book is a tool for just that. The author perfectly describes different feelings by giving them color, shape, and size. The best thing about this book though, might be the playful illustrations that so accurately depict each emotion.
4. “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell
With simple language and pictures, this interactive book is great for really young toddlers. One of my daughter’s very first words were animal sounds, so every time she lifted the flap to reveal an animal we’d shout out the sound that the animal made.
5. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
Eric Carle has mastered the art of creating children’s books. This classic is a must-have, but make sure to invest in the the board book linked here. The size is perfect for tiny hands and the cut out pages can be used to teach counting skills and days of the week. There are a ton of extension activities you can do with this book as well. Check out these cute ideas to turn reading into a learning experience!
6. “Don’t Touch the Button” by Bill Cotter
Who knew a picture of a red button in a book could be so much fun! There are no pull-downs, pop-outs or flaps to lift. Just a picture of a big red button and a monster named Larry who tells you what to do and what NOT to do. This book is great for teaching direction-following and will spark your little one’s curiosity.
7. “What is Baby Going to do?” by Laura Knowles, Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo
The colorful pages give real-life examples of a baby’s typical day. Clues on each page prompt your toddler to guess what activity baby will do next. Your toddler will begin to learn inferencing skills with the engaging board book. There are two others in the series…”What is Momma going to do?” and “What is Dada going to do?”
8. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
There’s a reason this book is a staple in every classroom. The repeated phrases encourage little learners to read along and because my toddler knows what’s coming next she is eager to turn the pages. I believe this book is one of the best for teaching colors. Plus you can teach them to identify animals too. Check out these extension activities for added fun!
9. “I’ve Loved You Since Forever” by Hoda Kotb, Illustrated by Suzie Mason
This book makes a great gift for Mother’s Day. Okay, it may not be my daughter’s favorite book, but it’s definitely mine. The first time I read it to her, I cried. Hoda Kotb beautifully captures the powerful love between parent and child. She was inspired to write it after her adoption of her little girl. It’s a must have to add to your library.
10. “Poke-A-Dot: The Wheels on the Bus” – Melissa and Doug
Melissa and Doug do it again with this interactive series. I had never heard of these before until we got one as a gift. Poking the dots is as satisfying as popping bubble wrap and keeps my toddler entertained. Plus, you can use it to teach fine motor skills, counting, and language. Throw it in the diaper bag when you go out to eat or pack it for a travel day.
Would love to hear your favorite toddler books. Tell me in the comments below!
