Favorite Books for Toddlers

I’ve previously shared my lists of favorite books for babies and preschoolers. And here is my list of books for toddlers.

Note: This post contains affiliate links and images meaning if you click any product link and make a purchase, Beyond Mommying may receive a small commission which is used for the upkeep of the website; however, it will not affect your purchasing experience in any way. Read more about our use of affiliate links.

Toddlers are such a curious bunch and learning so rapidly.  They love exploring their world and learning how everything works.  My favorite books for toddlers are still on the shorter side but start to get into stories and silliness but also help to reinforce basic concepts.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Classic Board Books)

by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury 

I first heard this story my first summer teaching preschool in Oklahoma and thought it was just a silly song another teacher was singing.  It’s now become a family favorite because who wouldn’t want to pretend o go for a bear hunt through the grass, water, etc!

Let’s Go Learning: I Love Animals

I got this book for Honeybun before she was even born and we read it every day when she was a toddler (it is now out of print but there are tons of other great animal collection book available).  I would point and name animals, she would point and I would name, I would point and she would name and eventually she would point and name.  It was a great way to help her recognize her animals in a low-key way and I’m (trying) to do the same with Doodle.

Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3

Most people know about Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (another great book) but Chicka Chicka 1-2-3 has always held our hearts.  I love the story of a courageous 0 who saves the day and all the counting up.  Plus we use the front/back covers to help learn to count to 100.

Put Me in the Zoo (I can read it all by myself’ Beginner Books)

This was a childhood favorite of mine.  I always loved the way the book moved through the colors and the silly things the main character did but also how he found his special place in the end.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Who doesn’t love The Very Hungry Caterpillar?  There’s not much to say about it other than this is a classic every child needs in their library.

One Duck Stuck: A Mucky Ducky Counting Book

This was one of my favorites when I was working in a toddler classroom in Oklahoma.  I love the silly sounds and all the animals coming together to solve a problem in the end.

Colour Me Happy

This is a gem of a book I picked up at the discount book store in Dublin.  The book matches colors to emotions and describes them in a way that is not negative as many emotions books can get.  Definitely worth digging up!

1, 2, 3 to the Zoo: A Counting Book

Another great Eric Carle classic, this book has no words but is great for counting as well as color and animal recognition.  My kids love to just look around the last fold-out pages and see what’s going on at the zoo.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

We discovered this gem when Honeybun was a baby and have loved it ever since.  The silliness of a pigeon driving a bus just puts toddlers over the edge!

Silly Sally (Red Wagon Books)

Another favorite from my toddler teaching days, the silly rhymes and outrageous story always pleases little ones.

What makes your list of favorite books for toddlers?