Life
I read at least five books a day to my daughter; more if she's feeling particularly snuggly. My toddler is a huge bookworm and absolutely loves every book, pamphlet, magazine, and DVD insert she can get her hands on. Anything with words is fair game, but she definitely has her favorites. There are just some books your toddler will be obsessed with from the first line and, no matter what else you try to read to them, they'll have their own list of favorites.
Luckily, most children's books are pretty incredible. In fact, building your toddler's library should be easy with the number of amazing books out there. Barnes & Noble Jr. is one of my favorite places to be these days, especially when I have my little girl with me. Toddlers may be drawn to bright, happy illustrations, but they are also drawn to words and stories. The older my girl gets, the more she understands of each book, and introducing new ones is so fun. You can instantly tell when your kid has latched on to one book in particular, and it usually happens within the first couple of lines, like with these 17 books. If you want your little one to have a favorite from the start, pick any of these titles to get their collection going. I promise, you'll be reading each of these books several times over the course of toddlerhood.
1
'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom' by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
If you need a book that will keep your kid occupied and happy at Chipotle, you need Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. I bought this one on a whim last Christmas and I've read it at least a billion times. It jumps right into the story and has a sweet rhyme your toddler will love.
2
'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle
All of the books by Eric Carle are timeless and classics, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar is no different. The opening line pulls your toddler in, but the rest of the story keeps their attention, too.
3
'Where The Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak
Are you noticing a theme with adventure books here? It's because their text will make your child absolutely smitten. When I tell you that Where the Wild Things Are is one of my daughter's top ten favorite books, I'm telling you that you will read this at least a dozen times a day. And you will love it.
4
'Olivia' by Ian Falconer
I'm going to be honest here. I can't tell you exactly what it is about Olivia that draws toddlers in, but I am so thankful there are more books about this sweet pig. It's time to read about some new Olivia adventures, because my toddler has worn this book out.
5
'Goodnight Moon' by Margaret Wise Brown
It's the sweetest story in the world and an instant classic. Toddlers love Goodnight Moon, and you will, too. It's adorable and the very first line makes your little one excited to see what else is in store in the great, green room.
6
'Corduroy' by Don Freeman
The illustrations in Corduroy will obviously pull your toddler in, but so will the sweet story of a little bear on an adventure. The opening line sets the scene, and with the words 'bear' and 'toy', you're bound to get your toddler obsessed.
7
'Madeline' by Ludwig Bemelmans
I can recite Madeline, OK? Again, I don't know what it is about this book; whether it's the cute rhymes, the story of a brave little girl, or the fact that it flows like a perfect prose, but my kid is seriously obsessed. Luckily, it's fun to read and a classic, so I don't mind too much, and neither will you.
8
'Gaston' by Kelly DiPucchio
A fairly new book, but one that will quickly become timeless in your house. Gaston is an adorable story about four puppies and the adventures of one of them trying to find his way back home. I'll just go ahead and say it — you can't go wrong with a story about puppies when it comes to toddlers.
9
'The Monster At The End Of This Book' by Jon Stone
Did you read The Monster At the End of This Book as a kid? If you did, you'll know why this is such an easy obsession. If you didn't, pick up a copy and find out for yourself. Sweet Grover is so scared of the monster at the end of this book that he'll do anything to keep the reader from reaching it, and it is absolutely adorable and hilarious. Your kid doesn't have to be a Sesame Street fan to appreciate it, but you may get them interested anyway.
10
'One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish' by Dr. Seuss
You know there had to be a Dr. Seuss book somewhere, right? One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is a mouthful of a title, but the book will draw your kid in immediately with its perfect rhymes. I mean, it is Dr. Seuss.
11
'Little Blue Truck' by Alice Schertle
Any book that personifies inanimate objects is fine by me, but Little Blue Truck is so much more than that. With lots of animal noises, beeps, and sweet rhymes, any toddler would fall in love with this cute book.
12
'The Wonderful Things You Will Be' by Emily Winfield Martin
Another one of my daughter's favorites, The Wonderful Things You Will Be is perfectly sweet and will make you cry every time your toddler requests it. (So like, every day.) It has a great rhyme to describe what all parents see when they look at their kids and think of them, but it's also creative and fun to read.
13
'Eloise' by Kay Thompson
I know, another book staring a precocious girl? Look, my toddler lives for Eloise, so you have to buy it for your own kiddo, OK? There are no rhymes, but the story is told in the style of a very talkative, mischievous 6-year-old, so it's easy to get swept up in the words.
14
'On The Night You Were Born' by Nancy Tillman
All of Nancy Tillman's books are incredible, but On the Night You Were Born is my daughter's favorite. Our copy is so worn, it's nearly falling apart, but we just keep flipping the pages. You will cry your eyes out as the book describes how the world rejoiced when your little one was born, and they'll love how important it makes them feel.
15
'The Very Cranky Bear' by Nick Bland
With perfect rhyming text and a fun story about sharing, The Very Cranky Bear will quickly become your toddler's latest obsession. It also gives you plenty of opportunity to work on your character voices.
16
'Whistle For Willie' by Ezra Jack Keats
Remember what I said about toddlers and dogs? Well that's just part of the reason your kid will love Whistle For Willie. The sentences are short and sweet, and they flow easily for your little one to understand.
17
'Harold And The Purple Crayon' by Crockett Johnson
Another classic, Harold and the Purple Crayon should be on every kid's bookshelf. It's another adventure story that jumps right into the fun with the very first line and will keep your toddler engaged and excited.
