Our top 20 baby & toddler books
May 14, 2024 | Photo: Mikhail Nilov
We've gathered the best baby and toddler books for national authors day. These 20 books are best for young readers ages 0-5 (even if you're the one narrating), and will make lasting memories read after read. You may even find a story book here that becomes a fond childhood memory and is passed down to the next generation.
Our list tackles all kinds of topics–early learning, family life, animals, bedtime stories, folktales, and more. Each book is sure to be fun, educational, and a positive influence for little ones coming into and shaping the 21st century.
A round-up: The best baby and toddler books
Corduroy
by Don Freeman
The story of a teddy bear who lost his button and is waiting for someone to take him home. A book about first impressions, belonging, kindness, and love.
Ages 1-4
The very hungry caterpillar
by Eric Carle
A small caterpillar eats his way through everything in sight. A story about development and growth, with the caterpillar eventually turning into a beautiful butterfly.
Ages 1-3
There's a wocket in my pocket
by Dr. Seuss
From the classic storyteller comes this rhyming book about a little boy and the strange creatures that live in his house. The lesson is not being scared of the unknown.
Ages 1-5
Goodnight moon
by Margaret Wise Brown
A little rabbit tries to avoid going to sleep, saying goodnight to everything– noises, stars, the moon... eventually drifting to sleep. Promotes focus and self control.
Ages 1-3
Alexander and the terrible day
by Judith Viorst
From the moment Alexander wakes up, everything goes wrong. The theme is that everyone has bad days, with a hopeful message that all bad days come to an end.
Ages 3-7
Press here
by Herve Tullet
Simple, fascinating and engaging, this interactive and wordless book includes lessons around color, counting, size, pattern, listening skill, and participation.
Ages 2-4
The going to bed book
by Sandra Boynton
A board book that makes bedtime fun, with animal characters modeling healthy habits and teaching little ones the essential parts of a bedtime routine.
Ages 1-3
Paris: A book of shapes
by Ashley Evanson
From the Hello, World book series, this segment pairs early learning concepts and cultural appreciation with vibrant colors and fascinating shapes.
Ages 1-3
But not the hippopotamus
by Sandra Boynton
This is the story of a lonely hippo who is always being left out. Teaches young children about rhyming words, animals, and the importance of friendship.
Ages 1-3
Brown baby lullaby
by Tameka Fryer Brown
A loving and caring story of two parents busy day with their beautiful baby, with delightful musical rhyming and sprinkled in spanish words throughout.
Ages 2-6
The good egg
by Jory John
Fed up with the other eggs in his carton, the little egg embarks on its own journey. This book encourages balance, self-care, discovery and acceptance.
Ages 3-7
Black bird yellow sun
by Steve Light
The simple and colorful expedition of a graceful black bird and its tiny worm friend as they journey throughout the day, from yellow sun to blue moon.
Ages 0-3
Chicka chicka boom boom
by Bill Martin Jr.
A now classic read aloud alphabet picture book, it introduces uppercase and lowercase letters with the letters of the alphabet racing each other up a coconut tree.
Ages 1-4
Fry bread
by Kevin Noble Maillard
A modern Native American family shares joy, stories, and history as they come together to make fry bread. Highlights the importance of food and culture.
Ages 2-6
Opposites with Frank Lloyd Wright
by Mudpuppy
Colorful spreads and illustrations highlighting shapes and the concept of opposites, through the famous architectural works of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Ages 0-5
The snowy day
by Ezra Jack Keats
A story about a little boy named Peter, and his adventures of solitary delight, magic and wonder after waking up to his first snowfall in Brooklyn.
Ages 2-5
Where the wild things are
by Maurice Sendak
One of the most loved children's books of all time is the classic tale of Max. It's as much about a flight of fantasy on an island inhabited by the wild things as it is parental love.
Ages 1-5
Bark, George
by Jules Feiffer
A story about a little dog who just can't bark. He can meow, oink, and quack. So his mother takes him to the vet to find out what's wrong. A fun read aloud book of sounds.
Ages 2-6
Freight train
by Donald Crews
Featuring a childhood favorite-the train, this book pairs vibrant and blocky illustrations with the journey of a caboose exploring towns, tunnels, and train cars.
Ages 1-3
ABC universe
by American Museum of Natural History
An alphabet picture board book that introduces science and the universe to young readers through ABC's with comets, planets and more.
Ages 1-4
*Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.
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