As a parent, I’ve always believed in the power of books to open up new worlds for children. Even though I didn’t grow up surrounded by books, I was determined to create a different experience for my son. When he was a baby, I went through a phase of buying board books like there was no tomorrow!
Cyd’s father, an avid reader himself, wasn’t quite on board with my book-buying frenzy. He worried that our son might become too “bookish.” But with my background in Education, I knew that early exposure to books was essential for Cyd’s mental and spiritual development. (Plus I secretly enjoy reading aloud sessions as I get to play different character voices.)
Fast forward to today, and I’m happy to say that my efforts have paid off! Cyd may still love his screen time, but he has also developed a love for books. It’s now routine to see him munching on snacks while listening to me or Rose, his nanny, read a story. Sometimes, if neither of us is available, his father will read to him.
So, what kinds of books are good for toddlers, and why? Here are 15 books that Cyd has adored over the years, along with the surprising things they’ve taught him:
Pete the Cat: Too Cool For School by Kimberly & James Dean
- Age Range: 3-6 years old
- What the book is about: Pete the Cat learns a valuable lesson about individuality when his quest for the coolest outfit for his first day of school goes hilariously awry.
- What my child loved: The book’s catchy and funny illustrations of Pete’s costumes, and how the book ended (something easy to guess).
- Lessons: Embracing individuality and not worrying about fitting in.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Age Range: 2-5 years old
- What the book is about: A caterpillar eats his way through a variety of foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly.
- What my child loved: Cyd loved listening to this story on Spotify and YouTube, so I got the book version. He liked its interactive holes in the pages and the bright, colorful illustrations.
- Lessons: Counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly.
Bears in the Bath written by Shirley Parenteau and illustrated by David Walker
- Age Range: 1-4 years old
- What the book is about: A group of playful bears resist taking a bath, but eventually, the fun of bubbles and getting clean wins them over. (A quick note on this odd selection: there was a time when Cyd hated bath time, and it was a battle to get him in the tub. This book, with its silly rhymes and adorable illustrations, made bath time a fun adventure for my little one.)
- What my child loved: The rhyming text and the anticipation of the bears getting clean.
- Lessons: The importance of hygiene and the fun of bath time.
Bluey: The Pool
- Age Range: 3-5 years old
- What the book is about: Bluey and her dad playfully tease Mom about being “fussy” as she packs for a family trip to the pool. But when they arrive with a single towel and no snacks, they quickly learn that Mom’s careful planning was essential for a fun and stress-free day.
- What my child loved: Seeing beloved characters from the TV show come to life in the book. The scene where Dad gets overwhelmed by the kids’ whining at the pool had Cyd giggling uncontrollably.
- Lessons: The importance of preparation, teamwork, and appreciating the different roles family members play (even if they are a bit “fussy” sometimes!). The book also sparked imaginative pool-themed play at home.
Octonauts and the Whale Shark
- Age Range: 3-7 years old
- What the book is about: This is the Octonauts’ first underwater adventure as they rescue Dashi from the belly of a giant whale shark. This exciting story is based on the premiere episode of the popular Netflix series, which my three-year-old couldn’t get enough of!
- What my child loved: The exciting rescue story, the colorful illustrations of the underwater world, and spotting all his favorite Octonauts characters. He also loved learning fascinating facts about whale sharks along the way.
- Lessons: Teamwork, problem-solving, and respecting and caring for all creatures, big and small.
Usborne Phonics Readers: Ted in a Red Bed
- Age Range: 4-6 years old
- What the book is about: Ted’s casual shopping for a cozy bed turns into a magical adventure.
- What my child loved: Cyd was tickled by the simple, repetitive text and the vibrant illustrations that brought Ted’s dream adventures to life.
- Lessons: While this book is a fantastic tool for practicing early reading skills and phonics, it’s also a delightful story that celebrates the power of imagination.
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
- Age Range: 2-5 years old
- What the book is about: Rosie the hen sets out for a leisurely stroll around the farmyard, completely unaware that a hungry fox is hot on her tail. The fox’s attempts to catch Rosie result in a series of slapstick mishaps as he encounters rakes, haystacks, and even a beehive!
- What my child loved: While Cyd was intrigued by the minimal text and the suspenseful story, it was the fox’s comical misfortunes that really tickled his funny bone. He would giggle uncontrollably at the fox’s repeated failures to catch Rosie.
- Lessons: Beyond the humor, Rosie’s Walk introduces young readers to positional words (over, under, through) and the power of visual storytelling, where illustrations convey a narrative that goes beyond the simple text.
The Runaway Train by Benedict Blathwayt
- Age Range: 3-6 years old
- What the book is about: Duffy the train driver forgets to put on the brakes, and the Little Red Train takes off on a thrilling adventure without him. Can Duffy, with a little help from his friends, catch up to the runaway train before it’s too late?
- What my child loved: The heart-pounding chase scene as Duffy and his friends race after the runaway train. He was completely absorbed in the story, cheering them on every step of the way.
- Lessons: Problem-solving, teamwork, and the importance of safety.
It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr
- Age Range: 3-6 years old
- What the book is about: A celebration of individuality and differences, reminding us that it’s okay to be who you are, no matter what makes you unique.
- What my child loved: Cyd was drawn to the bright, playful illustrations and the simple yet powerful messages about accepting ourselves and others.
- Lessons: Embracing diversity, fostering self-acceptance, and building confidence in being yourself.
Freddie’s Fears by Hilary Robinson and Ross Collins
- Age Range: 3-5 years old
- What the book is about: Freddie’s fears of frogs and snakes disappear when his dad helps him face them in this fun, rhyming story perfect for new readers.
- What my child loved: Seeing Freddie’s fears come to life and how he overcomes them.
- Lessons Facing fears and developing coping mechanisms.
Let’s Go Home Little Bear by Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth
- Age Range: 3-8 years old
- What the book is about: In a snowy forest filled with mysterious sounds, a comforting Big Bear guides a frightened Little Bear home, proving that sometimes the unknown is nothing to fear.
- What my child loved: Cyd found comfort in the way Big Bear soothed Little Bear’s fears with gentle explanations and a reassuring piggyback ride. The illustrations of the cozy cave at the end of the book always brought a smile to his face.
- Lessons: The importance of facing fears, the comfort of a loved one, and the warmth of home.
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
- Age Range: 4-7 years old
- What the book is about: A tiny snail with a thirst for adventure hitches a ride on the tail of a humpback whale, traveling the world and seeing amazing sights. But when the whale gets stranded on a beach, it’s up to the little snail to find a way to save the day.
- What my child loved: As a fan of The Gruffalo, I knew Cyd would enjoy another Julia Donaldson book. He was absolutely thrilled by the snail’s ingenious rescue plan, proving that even the smallest creature can make a huge difference.
- Lessons: The power of friendship, the importance of helping others, and the idea that size doesn’t matter when it comes to bravery and resourcefulness.
Pete the Cat and the Supercool Science Fair by Kimberly & James Dean
- Age Range: 3-7 years old
- What the book is about: Pete the Cat and his friends face unexpected challenges as they build a volcano for the school science fair, but Pete’s positive attitude and a surprise twist might just save the day.
- What my child loved: My son was fascinated by the volcano experiment and the creative problem-solving Pete and his friends used. The colorful illustrations and free stickers were a big hit too!
- Lessons: The importance of teamwork, perseverance, and embracing the unexpected in the face of challenges.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
- Age Range: 3-7 years old
- What the book is about: A tiny seed embarks on an epic journey, facing countless perils, but through resilience and perseverance, it ultimately triumphs, blossoming into a beautiful flower.
- What my child loved: Cyd was captivated by the tiny seed’s transformation, eagerly awaiting the moment it finally bloomed into a beautiful flower.
- Lessons: Resilience, perseverance, and the power of nature to overcome challenges and create something beautiful. The book also sparked an interest in gardening and growing plants.
The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor
- Age Range: 2-4 years old
- What the book is about: Mama, Papa, Brother, and Sister Bear head to Doctor Grizzly’s office for their check-ups. This classic Berenstain Bears story gently introduces children to the sights and sounds of a doctor’s visit, making it less intimidating.
- What my child loved: As you can tell from my previous posts, we’re big fans of the Berenstain Bears series! Cyd loves the relatable stories about everyday life, and this book was no exception. He enjoyed following along with the Bear family’s doctor’s visit and the silly antics of the litte bears.
- Lessons:Taking care of your body, the importance of regular check-ups, and how to be brave at the doctor’s office.
Book Buying Saving Tips:
Since many of the books mentioned in this post are popular titles, you can often find them in secondhand bookshops or online marketplaces like Carousell or Facebook Marketplace. This is a great way to save money while still providing your child with a wonderful selection of books.
Remember, reading aloud isn’t just about the words on the page – it’s about connecting with your child, sparking their imagination, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the books that ignite your child’s unique interests. Happy reading!
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