In a previous post I talked about my New Year’s resolution to read to my toddler everyday. Today, I want to discuss which books I’m choosing for our reading journey. I love the library, it’s one of my favorite places! However, if you are reading everyday, it is essential to own a few good books that stand the test of time and deserve to be read over and over. Here are five types of books that every toddler parent should own:
- Books you can read over and over
- Books with beautiful illustrations
- Books for children of different ages and stages
- Books that tell your child I love you
- Good night books
Books you can read over and over
Obviously if you’re reading every day you need a large selection of books, but also some quality books you can read over and over. Luckily, children love repetition (although you might get tired of it!) Here are some books that both of you will be happy reading for the 100th time.
The Monster at the End of This Book: this Sesame Street book features Elmo imploring the reader not to turn the page because there is a monster at the end of the book! It’s humorous and interactive (and not at all scary, don’t be put off by the title!)
Jamberry: I’ve read Jamberry so many times I could recite it from memory. I started reading it to Ava when she was days old, and she still enjoys it.
Fox in Socks: the draw of this book is the tongue twisting sentences written by Dr. Seuss, and trying to read the whole book without messing up.
Books with Beautiful Illustrations
Books with beautiful illustrations are worth owning because you will constantly come back to read them. Gorgeous pictures stay with you and draw you into the story. Beautiful illustrations are especially important for young children who are still learning the language because they give the child something to connect with listening to the story.
One of the most popular children’s book authors and illustrators is Eric Carle. He has a distinct style with bright colors and simple drawings made from collage. He has illustrated over 70 books!
A current favorite is Jan Brett. Her most famous book is probably is The Mitten, but growing up, my favorite was The Wild Christmas Reindeer.
I remember looking at the intricate side illustrations as the book was read aloud. Her pictures are complex and in-depth. You could stare at each page for hours finding new and hidden details.
Jan Brett is especially known for her Christmas books, but she also has several wonderful non-holiday books you can check out.
Another favorite book with beautiful illustrations is Through Your Eyes: My Child’s Gift to Me, written by Ainsley Earhardt.
It is a lovely story about how spending simple time with your child is fulfilling, but the real treasure in this book are the gorgeous watercolor illustrations by Ji-Hyuk Kim that feature a mother and daughter spending a day at the park. This book is recommended for children ages 4-8, however, I started reading this to my baby at age 1 and she loved staring at the pictures and pointing out dogs and boats and kites.
Books for children of different ages and stages
If you have multiple children you might need books that appeal to kids of different age ranges. Usually a young child is happy to listen to an older child’s book. Having books that appeal to children of different ages is also great because that book will hold your child’s interest for years to come, hence a great investment! Here are some books that appeal to children of all ages.
The Giving Tree: little kids will love following the pictures as the tree and little boy age, while older children will appreciate the story of selfless love.
The Story About Ping: this book is a classic, it was published in 1933. A great book for kids of different ages, it shows little duck Ping going on a grand adventure on the Yangtze River. Some older books don’t age well, and become unconnected with current generations. This book remains relevant and a great read.
“Tikki Tikki Tembo no sa rembo chari bari ruchi pip peri pembo!”
Tikki Tikki Tembo: back in high school I babysat a little girl and this was her favorite book. I must have read it a million times! (Maybe I should have put it in the books you can read over and over category?) This is a re-telling of an ancient Chinese folktale, set long, long, ago in China where first born sons were given long, distinguished names, and poor second born sons were given short, non-important names. This book is great for all ages because it’s a compelling story that has a very satisfying ending.
Books that tell your child I love you
Books that tell your child that you love them share a great message, and are worthy of owning!
Love You Forever goes through the stages of a young boy’s life into adulthood and shows the enduring nature of a mothers love. This book came out in 1986 and is still going strong with over 15 million copies sold.
Mama, Do You Love Me? is about unconditional and everlasting love between a parent and child. Set in the Artic, the book features an Inuit mother and daughter and different animals like polar bears, whales, and puffins. I like how the book showcases a different culture while also showing themes that are similar across all cultures.
Guess How Much I Love You – what can I say about this book? It’s one of the most popular baby books of all time. And for good reason! It has a great message of love between a parent and child.
Good Night Books
Odds are, if you’re like me, you are reading to your baby at bedtime. It’s one of the easiest times to read a book, and gives the child time to wind down before going to sleep. A great way to help your child calm down and relax is by reading a bedtime themed book. Here are some great ones that we continuously pull out for bedtime.
Goodnight Moon: I already mentioned Goodnight Moon in my Essential Books for Your Newborn’s Library post , but I couldn’t leave it out of this list. It’s a bedtime classic I’m sure everyone is familiar with. I love how the room gradually grows darker and darker as the sun sets and bedtime approaches. By the end of the book the room is dark, and the bunny is fast asleep. It’s a subtle clue to children that it’s time for them too to go to sleep.
The Going to Bed Book: I like how this book lays out the going to bed routine. It’s a great way to let the child become familiar with the going to bed process.
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site: I just bought this book on recommendation from my brother-in-law. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site is about the hardworking crane truck, cement mixer, dump truck, bulldozer, and excavator all finishing up their long days work at the construction site and getting ready to rest for the night. I love how the wording on each page is just the right amount to let the child soak in the pretty pictures before it’s time to turn the page. I do enjoy a good board book with some meaty language! I also appreciate the book telling me the names of all the trucks, I don’t know the names of these trucks! I’d be calling them red truck or big truck.
So if you are looking to build your toddlers library, keep in mind these five categories of books that every toddler parent should own. Thanks for stopping by!