20 Best Toddler Books to Stock Your Library

The best toddler books are made of a few key elements. A toddler book should be concise enough to suit their short attention spans. These pages cannot be covered in lengthy paragraphs. To keep their attention, little ones require the pages to be turned quickly. Picture books that rhyme are a great option. This makes it easier to read aloud, as most toddlers won’t be reading the book. This is the key element of a great book that toddlers will love: the ability to be re-read by adults. Toddlers are often very unpredictable and can latch onto books that are…less attractive to adult caregivers.

These are the best toddler books I have listed. Each book has something unique, be it a sweet storyline or a danceable rhythm or a surprise hidden behind flaps.

Some toddlers are starting to read picture books, the hardcover type with easily ripped pages. However, most of these books can be purchased as sturdy board books that can take some extra care.

CLASSIC TODDLER BOOKS

These classics are books that have stood the test and time. They might have been given to you (or gotten them). They might have been given to you at a Baby Shower, but this is because they are loved by so many people. They’ll be loved by your baby, too!

WHERE IS THE GREEN SHEEP? BY MEM FOX

Mem Fox is one such author whose books are so wonderful and extensive that it is difficult to pick just one. This book is about finding a little green sheep. However, you will first need to look at a whole flock of sheep swimming, playing, clowning and bathing.

THE SNOWY DAY BY EZRA JACK KEATS

This is the story of one boy’s adventure in his Brooklyn neighborhood that has been covered with a blanket of snow. Keats has a wonderful understanding of what it feels like to be a child understanding snow for the first time.

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR BY ERIC CARLE

Although The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a silly recommendation, it’s also silly to list books for children without it. This is the story about a hungry caterpillar who eats everything that he can over the course of a week.

CORDUROY BY DON FREEMAN

I wanted to ensure that the books on this list were short enough to keep a toddler’s attention. This book might be too short for toddlers with short attention spans, but it is perfect for older children who are starting to love more complicated stories. This is the story about a bear from a department store who loses his button but finds a new home.

EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM BY JANET AND ALLAN AHLBERG

This rhyming story by Janet Ahlberg and Allan Ahlberg will introduce your child to fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

Nothing is better than a baby’s laughter, and these silly books will make everyone giggle!

WHOSE TOES ARE THOSE? BY JABARI ASIM AND LUUYEN PHAM

Whose toes? This interactive, silly book will teach you how to count toesies and send little piggies to the market.

VEGETABLES IN UNDERWEAR BY JARED CHAPMAN

This is what the tin says: vegetables of all kinds, in underwear. Jared Chapman’s whimsical illustrations show vegetables in all shapes and sizes wearing undies of every kind. This book is a great addition for your potty-training library.

I LOVE YOU STINKY FACE BY LISA MACOURT

Would you love me if you were an alligator Would you fall in love with me if I was a super-smelly snake? You would, of course! This book is sweet, but it’s also silly.

I GOT THE RHYTHM BY CONNIE SCHOFIELD-MORRISON AND FRANK MORRISON

This book will teach your toddler how to dance! A young girl is overwhelmed by all the music around her when she goes to the park. There are street performers, butterflies wings, and everything else. The world follows her as she dances.

SHH! WE HAVE A PLAN BY CHRIS HAUGHTON

Four friends set out into the woods in search of brightly colored birds. Shh! They have a plan! Their smallest member may have a better idea. The simple and silly story is complemented by the stunning monochromatic illustrations.

BOOKS THAT DO THINGS

Doo-hickeys are a favorite with toddlers. You’re familiar with flaps, tabs and puppets. Each of these books, except one, have articulating parts to keep your child busy.

POKE-A-DOT BOOK: AN ALPHABET EYE SPY

These books are all about poke-a-dots. They’re little clicking dots that look like endless bubble wrap. Although the stories are a bonus, I love this alphabet eye-spy one!

PAT THE BOUNNY BY DOROTHYKUNHARDT and EDITHKUNHARDT

This book was the first to touch and feel, and it is still the best! This classic is simple in its simplicity, but it’s full of gentle actions.

GARBAGE RUCK TALES BY JACK REDWING

This book is one of many that explores the worlds of various vehicles. I prefer the book about garbage trucks! (As some of your children, I’m sure.) This book has real rolling wheels and three pull-out stories to teach your child about the day in life of sanitation heroes.

UNICORNS and RAINBOWS: A VERY BUSY BOARD-BOOK

This is what I mean: I have never seen a boardbook with so many flaps, pull tabs and wheels. This “very busy” book can be kept in your car, or pulled out for those times when someone is really busy. The series also includes Pirates and Narwhals , as well as a Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood book.

PRESSBY TULLET

This book is the only one on the list without articulating parts. However, your child can make it seem like it does with the help of his imagination. They’ll be able to see the pages change as they press the buttons.

SWEET BOOKS

These books are cozy and cuddly. These books are about affection and love for your child and their loved ones.

LITTLE YOU PHOTOS BY RICHARD Van CAMP AND JULIE FLEET

“Little You / little wonder/ Little wish/gentle thunder” is a simple and tender book about the love of a parent for their child. Julie Flett’s muted and beautiful illustrations will delight you.

BUNNY ROOO, I LOVE BY MELISSA MARIS

Although this story is about a baby’s first days in the world it’s also great for toddlers who love to look back on their childhood photos and talk about those times. This gentle story is about a mother who compares her baby to a little rabbit, a baby kangaroo or a lizard.

YOU’RE A LITTLE SWEET PIE BY ANNETTE BOURLAND

“Squishy cheeks, sparkly eyes / pure joy and perfect size” This sweet and tender ode to a baby’s parent is great for cuddle time. Sweet pea is my favorite term of endearment.

KINDNESS BOOKS

It is never too young to learn about kindness and how you can help others. These books are great for toddlers because they feature friendship, gratitude, and community care.

GRATEFUL BY FRANE LESSAC AND TRACEY SORREL

As these characters express gratitude to their ancestors and natural resources, follow the year-long celebrations of Cherokee.

What is light? It’s the smile you get when you see someone, the sparkle in a star or the feeling of giving a hug. This book teaches children how to spread their light.

KINDNESS HELPS US STAND BY SOPHIEBEER

What is kindness? It is helping, cheering, or giving a boost. Katie Beer’s bright, varied illustrations bring life to her inspiring, simple text.

YOU HOLD MY UP MONIQUE GRAYSMITH AND DANIELLE DANIEL

This book is gentle and thoughtful, teaching children how people can be kind to each other. Illustrations in folk-art style show families singing, comforting, and learning together.

COUNTING ON THE COMMUNITY BYINNOSANTO NAGARA

Count the many wonderful things that can be done in a community. These striking illustrations feature urban farmers, chalk drawings on sidewalks, community bands, as well as other interesting things. Make sure you find the duck at every page!