Reading before bedtime is a great habit. And if it has become your daily ritual, keep going and replenish your home library with modern bestsellers or unforgettable classics. Check out the following best books for toddlers!
There are not just a dozen excellent books for toddlers. There are DOZENS of them. Their covers are so fascinating, and the illustrations are so bright.
The choice of book is really huge. And to make your life easier, we narrowed down the selection to the 100 best books for your toddler.
These terrific stories are a perfect introduction to the rich world of literature. And if you get at least a part of this collection, no doubt it will help your kiddo develop a love of books.
So, now, onto the 100 best books for one-year-olds.
- 10 Minutes Before Bedtime
This one will become a hilarious introduction to reading before bedtime because it is literally about going to bed. The writer depicts the whole community of hamsters and a small boy with his hamster getting ready for sleep.
- 100 First Words
- Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book
- First Words (Bright Baby)
- My Big Book Of Lift And Learn: 100 First Animals
- Welcome To The Zoo
Wow, these are really fantastic and educational. Yes, the books will help your toddler learn and pronounce their first words. And amazing illustrations will teach them to distinguish objects, animals, colors.
- Blue Hat, Green Hat
One more great classic to teach kids colors. And the plot itself is pretty engaging. You and your kiddo will love how the author depicts animals, clothing, colors, and a twist at the end.
- Are You My Mother?
An easy-to-read story about a baby bird searching for his mom. Toddlers are never tired of this book. So do parents — a perfect option for every day indeed.
- God Gave Us You
- Guess How Much I Love You
This marvelous story is about the treasure of being a parent — a must-have for every family.
- Baby Touch And Feel: Animals
- Big Red Barn
- Bear Snores On
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
You are welcome to check the books about animals that will become your favorites. Each has bright illustrations of animals and cute stories or rhymes about them. So, the child learns how animals look, what they do, and how they are called.
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
- Chuga Chuga Choo Choo
- Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
The selection of books above is rhyming stories. They are fun to read and create. They have repetitive phrases that make these books special and engage kids in accurate listening. They develop speech, pronunciation, and techniques. Kids adore such books. So do parents. Reading rhymes and listening to them is pure enjoyment.
- Clifford Collection
Colorful. Minimum wording. Absolutely adored by kids and their parents. This is a story about the big red dog named Clifford and his friends. The story is perfect for the youngest readers and involves them in a fantastic world of adventures.
- Corduroy
It is a sweet story that talks about a sweet teddy bear that no one wants. Still, Corduroy finds a home willing to accept the bear with all his imperfections.
- Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book
The book is lovely. Kids adore lifting the flaps to see each animal in the zoo: a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant. And while reading, make animal sounds to add more amusement to the story.
- Dinosaur in Trouble
- Dinosaur Roar!
Both stories are short but do a lot!
The rhyming flow of the story amuses kids a lot, especially if you act like a dino while reading. You can make noises and voices, and the illustrations are brilliant.
- Doggies
- Go, Dog, Go!
This is a classic story with classic animal characters, but it will never become old-fashion. This whimsical book fits all ages. And if you have a dog at home, reading will be even more fun.
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
This Pigeon wins everyone’s heart, whoever reads the stories. Such a fun reading experience. You will see how creative and captivating the illustrations and the story itself are.
- Doodle Bites: A Tilly and Friends Book
Such a funny story about the bitey alligator. In general, the book tells about friendship and finding a compromise. That may sound too complicated for children’s books, but it is easy to read and get the main idea.
- Five Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed
The storybook is amusing and tells about cute monkeys falling off the bed. Still, the best part is the repetition flow that allows kids to memorize the rhymes quickly.
- Freight Train
Stories about the train tend to be popular all the time. “Freight Train” is not just captivating but educational as well. It brings in concepts such as colors, numbers, location, and speed.
- Good Night, Gorilla
- Good Night, Moon
- Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site
- How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
- The-Going-To-Bed Book
- The Goodnight Train
These are the best bedtime children’s books. Every detail is thought out to make kids fall asleep: the plot, the rhyme, and even the illustrations that are getting darker as bedtime approaches.
- Gossie and Friends Board Book Set
This is a set of four amazing stories that tell about the adventures of everyone’s favorite goslings.
- Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb
- Horns To Toes and In Between
- Ten Little Fingers Ten Little Toes
- Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?
Cute characters explain body parts to a young reader. The reading is short and quick, but the rhyme makes it so entertaining.
This storybook is an excellent attention-holder for kids and parents as well. You will never get tired of reading it.
- Harold and the Purple Crayon
This is one of the best imaginative books for kids. Seriously, it will sparkle even the adults’ imagination, either. Harold goes to the North Pole armed with a giant crayon. Imagine how excited your kid will be if you get the book at Christmas?!
- How To Catch A Star?
This is a terrific story about how a little boy wants to catch the start and how he goes about trying to do it. The book is friendly, helpful, and brings in the concept of space.
- I Like It When…
- I Like Myself!
- I Love You Through And Through
- I Love You, Stinky Face
Love is a strong feeling that you cannot explain with simple words, but you can show it. And these stories depict how to show your love and affection.
The books are about the unconditional mama’s love that goes through all these hypothetical scenarios where mom declares her love for her cute little ones.
- I Was So Mad (Little Critter)
Let’s teach emotions! The message of the book may seem negative, but it is not. It depicts how kids can find little things disappointing, but in the next minute, everything is OK. The story is just a small reminder that being angry is worthless and temporary.
- If Animals Kissed Good Night
This story is freaking adorable! The rhymes are melodious. The illustrations are marvelous and not overwhelming. It is about how different animals would kiss goodnight. Curious already, aren’t you?
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
It is a great tale about a mouse for your 1-year-olds. If you see a hungry mouse on your doorstep, you might give him a cookie. After the cookie, the mouse can ask for some milk. And what is after milk? Let’s keep an intrigue. You will read the continuation.
- It’s Okay To Be Different
- The Very Cranky Bear
It is a child-friendly engaging format to show that it is totally fine to be different. Remember that it is never too early to develop self-esteem. And this book is a perfect introduction.
- Jamberry
This is a story about two friends: the boy and the friendly bear, who have so much fun and adventures together. You will be impressed by its gorgeous illustrations. The plot may seem simple “silly,” but it is completely beloved by children.
- Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
It is a hilarious book based on actual events. Yes, the plot is exciting, but there is even more written between words. And illustrations demonstrate a huge amount of emotions.
- Little Blue Truck Leads The Way
- Little Blue Truck
The author and the illustrator created a marvelous series of books. The first part is simple but fun enough (animal sounds mostly). The second part is more advanced (kids meet various cars in the city traffic).
- Little Elliot, Big City
Life is beautiful in trifles. And little elephant Elliot proves it. He is in a big city with all its hustle and bustle. He faces so many troubles but still sees so much good in the world.
- Little Monster’s Bedtime Book
- Love Monster
- The Monster At The End Of This Book
Books about monsters are always special. Yes, monsters are a bit weird, but they are friendly, and funny, and cute. Check it out!
- Little Pea
This is a set of 3 clever classic books. And there are three obedient characters: a pea, a pig, and an owl. These funny stories about behaving at dinnertime, bedtime, and clean-up time will definitely draw the kid’s attention.
- Llama Llama Red Pajama
- No, David!
- The Wonderful Things You Will Be
- Where The Wild Things Are
This is a nighttime drama that will charm every reader and listener. The message is good, too: parents never stop loving their kids, no matter what has happened. And parents always support their kids’ efforts.
- Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar
You have never encountered anything more lovely than this book. Every page is the reflection of the love that makes everybody feel needed.
- Maisy 7 Picture Books Collection
Each book is easy to read and understand. The plot is about everyday life, but illustrations make it so bright.
- Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now
It is probably the most unusual story you’ve ever read. The main character is asked to leave by any possible means of transport. He can go on the lion’s tail or even stamp himself and go by mail.
- May I Please Have A Cookie
A cute story about an alligator who tries to sneak a cookie but learns how to ask for it nicely. A great way to teach your kiddo politeness.
- Mouse Paint
- One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
Wow! You will spend a big deal with these two amazing books. It is a must-have to learn colors, numbers and develop kids’ creativity from an early age.
- My First Busy Book
This is a fantastic book to hold toddlers’ attention. Each page has a different topic (colors, shapes, numbers) and a different texture (raised shapes, mirrors, animals).
- My Nest is Best
An easy story proves that whatever is yours is the one. The stories are quite short. It is a plus because it keeps toddlers’ attention during the whole reading.
- Olivia
Olivia is a cute, intelligent pig who has a lot of hobbies, from soccer to drama. This is a funny story that teaches us to handle life with humor.
- Owen
Owen adores his blanket so-so much that he takes it everywhere he goes. But how do you deal when the time comes to go to school? He cannot take it there…
This is a story for those who have a sort of a security object which cannot let it go, but they must.
- Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
An excellent book for cat lovers. And if you want to teach your kiddo to memorize rhymes/songs and do finger math, this book is the thing!
- Pat The Bunny
The book’s title speaks for itself. Yet the best part is that this is a touch-and-feel book. A real win-win.
- Please, Mr. Panda
One more amazing storybook that teaches politeness. Mr. Panda is very generous and offers a doughnut. The only rule is to say “please” if you would like to get one.
- Press Here
- Where’s Spot?
An engaging way to teach not only colors but also the concept of pressing, turning, shaking; the meaning of movement (hard, a little bit, gently) and directions; spatial concepts (under, behind).
- Put Me In the Zoo
The plot is as amazing as the interactive part of pressing the dot and seeing how they change their colors.
- Potty Time For Chickies
It will be your favorite potty training book. The story familiarizes kids with the concept of going potty in such an easy way.
- Shark VS. Train
Shark or Train? Who will win this time? Read this captivating story and find out who, why, and what for.
- Something Good
This is a funny story about parents and kids in the shop. If your kiddo likes sweets, you can easily relate this to the story and show how great it is to buy something good, but not candies and ice-cream.
- The Book With No Pictures
At first glance, it may seem too serious. How come? No pictures at all? – That’s the raisin. The rule is the reader must say everything written on the page, even if it is BLORK or BLUURF.
- The Boss Baby
This funny story is probably more instructive for new parents rather than for the kid. A new baby in the house is like working with a new boss, who you can hardly communicate with. Oh, you will love it.
- The Day Louis Got Eaten
You will be surprised how toddlers adore adventure books. Luis and his sister go out for a walk, but the little boy gets eaten by a monster. This monster gets eaten by a bigger one and so on. Sister is a real hero and must rescue her brother.
- The Gruffalo
A cute story about the friendship of a mouse and a creature named Gruffalo. Kids like the story about the adventures of these two friends.
- The Kissing Hand
If you have to leave for a while or get ready for preschool soon, this storybook will help you to get your kiddo ready for a new stage in your life.
- The Little Engine That Could
This is an inspiring classic. If you want to show your kiddo how it is important never to give up (even at such a young age), this book is just the right thing.
- The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, And The Big Hungry Bear
That is the best book that shows your kids how to find a compromise and share what they have with each other.
- The Pout-Pout Fish
Oh, it is a lovely story for kids. It shows that being happy is so easy and pleasant. The cute, fun rhymes will make everybody smile.
- The Runaway Bunny
One more amazing story about kids and parents. Your little young listener will be charmed by the reassuring words and lovely pictures in the book.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
A hilarious story about an always hungry caterpillar that will teach your little one counting and days of the week.
- Toddle Waddle
It is an easy, funny story about the friendship between people and animals. And it is great for teaching sounds, words, and phrases.
- There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly
A nice take on an old classic. An old lady swallows animals to have a home full of pets.
Kids easily memorize the rhyme, and very soon, they will be the storyteller, not you.
- Waiting Is Not Easy
This is a simple, easy book with simple illustrations. Like most stories, it teaches a good life lesson and focuses on feelings.
- The Watermelon Seed
Crocodile loves watermelon but is afraid to eat the watermelon seed. What if he does? Will it come out of his belly?
This is a comic story that all children love. And so do parents.
- We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
This adventure book will win your little one’s heart. Pages are brightly illustrated, and the story is captivating. Kids will be ready to listen to the story all day long.
- What Color Is Your Underwear?
You get a lot of giggles when you read the story to your kiddos. It is amusing and teaches colors and the importance of wearing underwear.
All these amazing books are not just simple children’s stories. They teach, show, and make everybody smile. Seriously, this collection is a set of gorgeously illustrated and brilliantly innovative books.
Did you have fun reading these 100 best books for toddlers? Are you looking for an article like this one? Check this out!
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