Best Books for Toddlers
Books to engage your toddler (that you won’t mind reading over and over).
by Jess Wartinger
Nov 11, 2017
In our house, reading is just about on par with eating and sleeping. We love reading, we’re surrounded by books, and our children (of all ages) can often be found nestled up with a good story.
For each of our babies, we have a list of favorite board book authors that we love to read to them. Yet, as our children grow beyond the 18 month mark, they’re often more than ready for books with more substance to them.
Our toddlers become enticed with books that have clear storylines, lots of rhyme, and a healthy dose of silliness thrown in. They’re also looking for pictures that are a bit more detailed that they can really study at bedtime and see new things with each reading.
Over the years, we’ve found a great set of authors writing books that engage toddlers (as well as adults), no matter how often they’re read.
6 Favorite Authors of the Best Books for Toddlers
Each of these authors have written a series of books just-right for your growing toddler.
Favorite Author #1: Mo Willems
We were first introduced to Mo Willem’s Elephant and Piggie series while stuck in an airport with our two young children. From that first read five years ago, we’ve continued to enjoy every one of the (more than 25) books we could get our hands on. Conversational text, simple illustrations, and lots of humor make these books a fantastic (and fun) read for the whole family.
Favorite Author #2: Alice Schertle
We happened upon the Little Blue Truck books by accident and have enjoyed the antics of Little Blue and his toad sidekick ever since. Rhymes, colors, counting, and animal sounds round out these stories. For the older toddler, the sound words are color-coded and become a fantastic way to have your little one read along one of the parts with you.
Favorite Author #3: Divya Srinivasan
The Little Owl books are a newer addition to our favorites collection. Pictures that are easy to view with small details just right for a toddler, an understandable storyline, and language that flows smoothly make these stories a relaxing read. Concepts such as night, day, colors, and numbers fill the books in the Little Owl collection.
Favorite Author #4: Anna Dewdney
The Llama Llama books are fantastic for tackling a range of experience toddlers will face, including: going to bed, getting sick, missing Mama, and learning to share. With simple rhymes and concepts toddlers understand, these stories give the perfect opportunity to discuss the challenge that littles ones have big feelings too.
Favorite Author #5: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
You’ll want to add the characters Little Pea, Little Hoot, and Little Oink to your home library. Concepts that toddlers can relate to (eating veggies, getting messy, and bedtime) with a twist will make these stories a fun read time and time again.
Favorite Author #6: Sally Sutton
These Roadwork, Construction, and Demolition books are well-loved in our house. They show big scale projects start to finish, have detailed pictures toddlers (and older kids) enjoy studying, and use rhyme and sound words effectively. As board books, they’ll hold up well to repeated readings with toddlers.
These authors are family favorites for the book series they’ve written and, with over 50 titles to choose from, you’re sure to find a good number to enjoy with your little ones.
Looking for books for your baby 0-18 months? Check out our list of Best Board Books for Baby.
Jess Wartinger
Jess Wartinger resides in rural New York with her husband and five children. Formerly an early elementary teacher, Jess currently spends her time loving her kids and holding down the fort at home.
