I was looking for new books for Bella one day and realized something—finding good toddler books isn’t just about cute covers. At this age, books help kids fall in love with reading, build language skills, and learn everyday concepts through stories that feel fun, not forced.
So I decided to put together this list of the best books for toddlers—stories that are engaging, interactive, and honestly enjoyable even after the tenth reread (because yes, that will happen).
15 Best Board Books for 1–3 Year Olds
Here are the toddler books I truly love and want Bella to grow up with.
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A tiny caterpillar eats its way through the week before turning into a beautiful butterfly. Simple counting, days of the week, and bright illustrations make this a must-have toddler classic. This is one of those books kids never seem to outgrow.
Why it’s great: This book helps toddlers learn counting, days of the week, and cause-and-effect in a simple, visual way. The bold illustrations hold short attention spans, while the predictable structure makes kids feel confident as they “know what comes next.” Get book here.
2. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
Spot is missing, and toddlers get to help find him by lifting flaps along the way. It’s interactive, playful, and perfect for little hands that love surprises.
Why it’s great: Lift-the-flap books like this encourage curiosity, memory, and fine motor skills. Toddlers love the surprise element, and the repetitive question helps with early language development. Get book here.
3. Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Rod Campbell
Looking for the perfect pet? Each flap reveals an animal sent by the zoo—until the right one appears. Toddlers adore the repetition and the lift-the-flap element.
Why it’s great: This book teaches toddlers animal recognition, descriptive words (big, scary, tall), and problem-solving. The flaps keep little hands engaged while reinforcing learning through repetition. Get book here.
4. Where Is Baby’s Belly Button by Karen Katz
This peekaboo-style book teaches body parts in the sweetest way. It’s interactive, simple, and always gets giggles. This one is already a favorite in our home.
Why it’s great: Perfect for body awareness, this book helps toddlers identify body parts while enjoying peekaboo play. It also supports early self-recognition and interactive learning. Get book here.
5. Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli
A fun and relatable way to teach toddlers the difference between what’s yummy and what’s… definitely not. The illustrations are bold, funny, and very toddler-approved.
Why it’s great: Toddlers are learning preferences and boundaries, and this book helps them understand choices in a fun, non-judgmental way. It also introduces early categorization skills. Get book here.
6. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin
This rhythmic story introduces colors and animals through repetition. Toddlers quickly start “reading” along, which makes it great for early language development.
Why it’s great: The rhythmic text supports memory, listening skills, and early reading confidence. Toddlers often start “reading along,” which is a huge early literacy win.Get book here.
7. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
A calming bedtime classic that gently winds little ones down. Soft language, familiar objects, and a soothing rhythm make this perfect for nighttime reading.
Why it’s great: This book helps toddlers transition to sleep by creating calm through repetition. It also builds vocabulary through familiar objects toddlers recognize from their own environment. Get book here.
8. Shake My Sillies Out by Raffi
This one encourages kids to move, dance, and shake out all that toddler energy. A great choice for active little ones who don’t want to sit still during storytime.
Why it’s great: Movement-based books help toddlers release energy, develop coordination, and connect music with language. Great for kids who learn best through action. Get book here.
9. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
A sweet story about a baby bird searching for his mother. It gently introduces emotions like curiosity and reassurance in a way toddlers can understand.
Why it’s great: This story supports emotional development and attachment awareness. Toddlers relate to the idea of searching for comfort and reassurance. Get book here.
10. Llama Llama Nighty-Night (Llama Llama Board Books) by Anna Dewdney
A comforting bedtime book that walks toddlers through their nighttime routine. Short, simple, and soothing—perfect for winding down before sleep.
Why it’s great: Toddlers thrive on routine, and this book reinforces healthy bedtime habits. Familiar actions help kids feel secure and prepared for sleep. Get book here.
11. Cookie Count by Robert Sabuda
Counting cookies has never been this fun. The pop-up elements make learning numbers exciting, though this one is best enjoyed with gentle supervision.
Why it’s great: This book introduces basic counting and number recognition while keeping learning exciting through pop-ups. It’s great for toddlers ready for early math concepts. Get book here.
12. Baby Beluga by Raffi
Based on the beloved song, this story introduces marine animals and friendship. Singing along while reading makes it even more enjoyable.
Why it’s great: Music-based books improve language rhythm, listening skills, and memory. Singing along also strengthens parent-child bonding. Get book here.
13. Where’s My Teddy? by: Jez Alborough
A clever and heartwarming story where a boy and a bear accidentally swap teddy bears, each thinking theirs is too big or too small. Funny, sweet, and memorable.
Why it’s great: This story introduces comparison (big vs small) and gentle humor. It also helps toddlers understand that different perspectives exist—even in a fun, simple way. Get book here.
14. The Napping House by: Audrey Wood
A beautifully illustrated story about a house full of sleepers. The repetition and gradual buildup make this a cozy read that toddlers enjoy again and again.
Why it’s great: Repetition and cumulative storytelling help toddlers anticipate patterns and sequences. The illustrations also encourage observation and attention to detail. Get book here.
15. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
An adventure filled with rhythm, repetition, and movement. Toddlers love joining in, and the pop-up version makes it even more exciting.
Why it’s great: This book supports imagination, sensory language, and participation. Toddlers love acting out the journey, making storytime active and memorable. Get book here.
My goal now is to get all the books on this list for Bella—wish me luck! I already have Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?, and if the rest are half as loved, our bookshelf (and bedtime routine) will be very happy.
If you’re building your own toddler library, this list is a great place to start. These books aren’t just fun—they help create those quiet, meaningful moments kids remember long after storytime ends.
Why Reading Books to Toddlers Matters More Than We Realize
Reading to toddlers isn’t just about teaching them words—it’s about building connection, confidence, and curiosity in the earliest years. Even when toddlers can’t fully understand the story yet, their brains are already doing important work.
Builds Early Language and Communication Skills
Toddlers absorb words faster than we think. Hearing stories helps them learn new vocabulary, sentence patterns, and sounds, which later support speech and reading readiness.
Creates a Love for Reading (Before School Even Starts)
When books are associated with warmth, cuddles, and fun voices, toddlers begin to see reading as something comforting—not a chore. This emotional connection often carries into preschool and beyond.
Supports Brain Development
Listening to stories helps strengthen memory, attention span, and imagination. Repetition in toddler books also helps children predict what comes next, which boosts cognitive skills.
Encourages Emotional Understanding
Stories introduce toddlers to feelings like happiness, fear, curiosity, and comfort in a gentle way. Books help them recognize emotions—both their own and others’.
Strengthens Parent–Child Bonding
Storytime is one of those quiet moments where nothing else matters. Reading together builds trust, security, and connection, especially in busy days filled with screens and schedules.
Helps With Routines and Transitions
Books about bedtime, eating, or daily activities help toddlers understand routines. Reading the same book regularly can make transitions feel safer and more familiar.
A Little Reminder From One Parent to Another
You don’t have to read perfectly. You can skip pages, change voices, or stop halfway through. What matters most is showing up and sharing the moment.
Even five minutes of reading a day makes a difference—and those little moments add up in the best way.
My kids still love the Very Hungry Caterpiller, Brown Bear Brown Bear and Good night moon! What a great listing of books!
Thanks Jen! I'd love to get those books too but I have to look for them here in our place. 🙂
These are some of the best books!!!!! A few I have never heard of, so I'll have to remember them next time we are the library later in the week!
Oh my gosh, what a grat list! We love Yummy Yucky and brown bear brown bear! Goodnight moon is also excellent – a classic!
A few of these I don't know. I'm definitely pinning this post!
Thanks so much for the ideas and also for linking up with us at the MOmmy Monday Blog Hop! I think I have friended you on all your social media, but will check just to make sure.
Spot the Dog books are a huge favorite in our home! We've got about half a dozen of them.
You have created a great list of interesting books and well managed the lists. We are going to bear hunt is my cousins favorite. I really show this blog post to him. Thanks