The Best Books to Give Toddlers
Updated: Oct 9
A good toddler book gets read every single night for a month, and the grown-ups still do not mind. These are the classics we keep coming back to.
Picture books are the gift we give most often. They are easy to wrap, they last for years, and reading together is one of the best things you can do for a toddler's language. Every book below has rhythm, repetition or something to touch, which is what keeps little ones coming back.
Our book picks
1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Why we like it: A rhythm toddlers learn by heart after a few readings. Bold animals and a repeated question make it perfect for little ones who want to "read" along.
Try this: Pause before each animal and let your toddler say the name.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Why we like it: Counting, days of the week, and holes for little fingers to poke through. It is a classic for a reason, and it fits our Apple Week too.
Try this: Count the foods together on each page.
3. Llama Llama Red Pajama
Why we like it: A bedtime story about the big feelings that come when a grown-up leaves the room. It is reassuring for toddlers who struggle at bedtime, and it is fun to read aloud.
Try this: Talk about what helps your toddler feel safe at night.
4. Little Blue Truck
Why we like it: A rhyming story about friendship and helping, with animal sounds to read along. Toddlers love shouting "beep!"
Try this: Make each animal's sound together.
5. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
Why we like it: A groovy story about rolling with whatever happens. It is a great way to talk about staying calm when things go wrong, and it is easy to sing.
Try this: Sing the song together on every page.
6. Press Here
Why we like it: A book that asks your child to press, shake and tilt it, and the dots seem to respond. It feels like magic to a toddler and needs no batteries.
Try this: Let your toddler do every action on every page.
7. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Why we like it: The whole alphabet climbs a coconut tree in this bouncy rhyme. It is perfect for practicing the letter of the week.
Try this: Find this week's letter on each page.
8. The Snowy Day
Why we like it: A quiet, beautiful winter classic about a boy exploring the snow in his city. It is perfect for snowy evenings.
Try this: Read it, then look out the window for snow.
9. Bear Snores On
Why we like it: A cozy rhyming read-aloud about friends gathering in a sleeping bear's cave. The repetition makes it easy for toddlers to join in.
Try this: Pretend to snore like the bear every time he sleeps.
10. Giraffes Can't Dance
Why we like it: A gentle story about a giraffe who finds his own way to dance. It is a sweet message about being yourself.
Try this: Get up and dance together at the end.
Write a short note on the inside cover before you wrap it. Years from now, that note is the best part.
Shop the whole list
Want it all in one place? Shop this whole list on our Amazon storefront or on ShopMy. Every pick is also in our Store, along with the books and supplies we use on the show.
More gift guides
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