It's never too early to start reading with your kids! Whether you're looking for a classic, a new favorite, or something that will help your toddler learn and grow, we've gathered together some of the best books for toddlers age 1-2. With stories about animals, colors, numbers, and more, these books will help your child develop their love of reading while having fun.
Please join us as we take an adventure in reading together with "Little Blue Truck Leads the Way," a charming story about kindness and manners; or explore outer space with "8 Little Planets," an adorable book full of bright colors and fun facts about our solar system, and each of the rest of the 10 books we're recommending to you today.
There's something here for every toddler! So let's just jump right in!
"Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Say Good Night" by Sanja Rescek
Are you looking for a way to get your energetic toddler excited for bedtime? We may have just the solution for you: Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Say Good Night and Other Bedtime Rhymes! This adorable collection of rhymes features new and traditional rhymes with a fun dinosaur twist. If you have a dino lover in your home, this one will be a hit, and might just become your child's favorite bedtime story! With colorful illustrations and playful language, this book will put your kid in a good mood real quickly. So don't wait - grab a copy today and make bedtime a breeze!
"Moo, Baa, La La La" by Sandra Boynton
Get ready to bring your child’s love for animals to life with Moo, Baa, La La La! Written and illustrated by the deservedly popular and beloved Sandra Boynton, this book is sure to be an instant hit. It's full of funny little rhymes, and colorful pictures and might even get you reading with a sing-song voice as you go through it! It will have your little ones laughing, singing and learning all at once. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent looking for a fun read-aloud book or a teacher looking for engaging material for the classroom - Moo, Baa, La La La has something for everyone! Plus it makes a perfect gift!
"8 Little Planets" by Chris Ferrie & Lizzy Doyle
Ready to take your child on a galactic adventure? 8 Little Planets is both a fun and educational way to introduce your 1-2 year old to our solar system! With charming illustrations and rhymes, this book will have your kids learning about the planets of our solar system while smiling along. Perfect for bedtime stories or long trips in the car - pick up 8 Little Planets today and get ready for some interplanetary fun!
"Around the Farm" by Eric Carle
Get ready to explore life out at the farm in the most fun way possible (from home of course, because the real deal WOULD be more fun) with Eric Carle's Animals Around the Farm! This interactive book comes with an impressive 30 sound buttons that bring your child's favorite animals to life. Your little one will learn about the animals and their sounds while they giggle and explore, thanks to stunning illustrations and simple lines. Perfect for self-directed play or a lazy Sunday afternoon!
"Big Shark, Little Shark (Step into Reading Level 1)" by Anna Membrino
Ready for an underwater adventure your kiddo will love? Big Shark, Little Shark is a great Step 1 Reader book for introducing toddlers to the concept of opposites! With colorful pictures and a playful tone, kids will have a blast learning about the differences between big and small, slow and fast, and other opposites all as they hang out with some cool sharks.
"Dino Potty" by Rainstorm Publishing
Potty time just got a whole lot more fun with the Dino Potty book! This is the perfect way to get your young child excited about potty training. With its colorful illustrations, catchy rhymes, and helpful instructions, this book will help make potty time a breeze. Plus, it's small enough to fit in your diaper bag so you can take it with you wherever you go!
"Indestructibles: Baby, Let's Eat!" by Amy Pixton
Introducing Indestructibles: Baby, Let's Eat! With chew proof, rip proof, nontoxic and 100% washable material, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your baby and toddlers alike will explore this book without any worries. Created by Amy Pixton, this book introduces a rainbow of delicious foods in color-coded groups, in a format perfect for tiny hands to explore.
"Everything Is Mama" by Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon, Everything Is Mama! This fun and lighthearted book will have your tiny tot pointing out all the things they recognize in the pictures. Each page has a new everyday vocabulary word appropriate for the littlest of speakers. It's a short and simple book, but the illustrations are great, the words used are age-appropriate, and most reviewers agree that little kids just love it.
"Dr. Seuss's Lovey Things" by Dr. Seuss
Are you looking for a board book that your little ones will love? Look no further than Dr. Seuss's Lovey Things! This book features Thing One and Thing Two from The Cat in the Hat, making it perfect for Valentine's Day or any day (because love is great every day)! Written in a super-simple rhyming style, this sweet and sturdy board book is sure to be a hit with your kids. They'll love learning about all the things "Things" love, including sharing, caring, and playing together.
"Little Blue Truck Leads the Way" by Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck is an adorable country truck who loves to explore the world around him. One day, he finds himself in a big city full of noisy cars and trucks. Everywhere he looks, he sees them rushing around in a hurry. But Little Blue Truck knows that there's more to life than just speed - it's also important to use your manners, be kind, and help others. Kids of all ages love Little Blue Truck, and this part of the series isn't an exception. It has a great message about manners that children will enjoy while joining Little Blue Truck as he teaches all the other vehicles how to slow down and be kind.
In Conclusion
We hope you've found at least one gem to pick up from our list of must-read books for your toddler. Just remember, reading with your toddler is not only a great way to bond and create lasting memories, but it's also a powerful tool to help them develop their language and cognitive skills, and to introduce them to the wonderful world of the written word. Now go forth and read to your heart's content (or your child's satisfaction if that comes first), and don't be afraid to have some silly fun with it... Because let's be honest, when it comes to toddlers and books, the sillier the better!
Persistent Parent
Questions And Answers
What types of books are best for 1 to 2 year olds?
When it comes to books for 1-2 year olds, board books are great because they're durable and easy to hold. Picture books with large, vibrantly colorful illustrations and simple text are also good. Interactive books like lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel books are great for keeping toddlers engaged and helping them develop their fine motor skills. Books focusing on things like daily routines (tooth brushing, dressing, potty training etc), emotions, and basic concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers are also great for this age group.
What topics should I look for in books for 1 to 2 year olds?
When it comes to picking out some books for 1-2 year olds, there are a few main things to look for. First, books that introduce basic concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers, and letters are great for helping your toddler develop their language and cognitive skills. Books with simple and repetitive text, and bright and bold illustrations are also great for this age group.
Another thing to look for are books that feature animals and vehicles, just because they're usually loved by toddlers. These kinds of books can also help your toddler develop their vocabulary and knowledge of the world around them.
You may also want to look for books that focus on daily routines and activities, such as getting dressed, eating, and going to bed, as a tool to help you with teaching your little one new expectations.
Lastly, books that focus on emotions and feelings can be great for helping your toddler understand and express their own emotions. (Another key value to a parent here is that when your child gets better at expressing their thoughts and emotions, it usually results in less temper tantrums!)
Remember, at this age, toddlers are still learning and growing. Reading with them is a great way to bond and make memories together, so don't worry if they don't sit still for very long or if they lose interest part-way through the book sometimes, just focus on trying to make it a fun experience for both of you.
How often should I read with my 1 to 2 year old?
Reading with your little one is a great way to bond and help them develop their love for books and learning! It's recommended to read with your toddler at least once a day, for 15 minutes or more, but you can't read with them too much! Even if it's just a few minutes at a time, it's a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.
What are some good books for 18 month olds?
The good news is that all of the books we recommended in this article are good choices for reading with an 18 month old. However, some additional classic books that are recommended for this age include:
"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr.
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle
"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown
"Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes" by Mem Fox
"Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt
Where can I find good books for 1 to 2 year olds?
If you're wondering where to pick up some good books for your toddler or child, then you're in luck because you can find them just about anywhere! You can check out your local library or bookstore, or even browse online retailers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Target.
And don't forget, you can also find some hidden treasures at thrift stores, garage sales, and even your own attic. You never know what literary gems you might discover!
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