Read Aloud Books for Toddlers
While I think a lot of people may search for “best books for toddlers” I hate claiming that I have the best of lists because books are so subjective and what might best for one person, might not be best for another. Instead, I’d like to suggest this list of titles that I think would be great read alouds for toddlers (and preschoolers, elementary school kids, and frankly, the whole family)!
To the caregivers out there, it’s not necessarily about what books you’re reading to the toddlers in your life, it’s that you’re reading to them. That’s what makes the difference. And I could go into a long dissertation on the importance of reading aloud to children of all ages, but this is not the time for that. I want you to find the books that resonate with your little reader, the books that make you snuggle, giggle, sigh, laugh, and yes, maybe even cry.
Just recently, my friends and I were reminiscing about the Christmas traditions we had growing up and we both said that we can hear our mom’s voice reading The Polar Express, because it was a tradition every year. There was a Sesame Street book my dad read to us every night for probably months and I can still remember when he’d try to change the story or skip a page.
The reading of the book is almost secondary to the memories you are creating with your kiddos. That’s the important part. So, find those books that work for you and read them over and over again and know that you are creating strong, positive impacts in your child’s life. And isn’t that what’s important? Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for a great list of read alouds for preschoolers!
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Read Aloud Books for Toddlers
Awake, Asleep by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Nadia Alam
A kiss, a blink, a dawn, a break. A yawn, a peep, a stretch, awake!
From sunup to sundown, a young child’s day is bursting with discovery and wonder-filled moments. Follow a day in the life of three diverse families and their little ones, as everyday moments like sharing breakfast and exploring the park are rendered full of love, exploration, joy, and wonder.
Fire Chief Fran by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
… lights begin flashing,
and—CLANG!—the bells blast.
They leap into action—
they need to move FAST!
If a puppy is in danger or a café is on fire, Fire Chief Fran is ready to help! Featuring a strong female role model, a huge fire truck, and an action-packed story, this read-aloud is a dynamic introduction to a day in the life of a firefighter. Follow along as Fire Chief Fran and her team respond not only to fires, but also to injuries, blocked roads, and more. With an irresistible rhyming text, acclaimed author Linda Ashman celebrates the many ways that firefighters help their communities. The book concludes with an author’s note that is packed with further fascinating information about firefighters, their equipment, their fire trucks, their training, and more.
Flock of Gulls, A Chorus of Frogs by Roy Henry Vickers, illustrated by Lucky Budd
Bright blocks of color and tactile embossed pages bring the natural world of the wild West Coast to life—an engaging way to learn about collective nouns. Accompanied by a rhythmic, rhyming text, this board book will entertain babies, toddlers, and adults alike as they discover that orcas leap and dive in a pod, a bunch of sea lions are called a bob, geese make up a wedge, a swamp full of croaking frogs form a chorus, a jumble of jellies are called a bloom—and more!
Hello Day by Charlie Mylie
Hello apple,
hello shelf
I can reach you
all by myself.
When a father and child finally get out of the house, the toddler says “hello” to everything from a snack to a squirrel to a sidewalk puddle. Meanwhile, Dad stays focused on getting the duo from point A to point B. But the eager and enthusiastic “hellos” from his kid remind Dad to pay attention to the here and now.
Told entirely in the child’s voice, and boldly illustrated in vibrant colors and joyful lines, this picture book from Charlie Mylie celebrates gentle parenting and invites kid and adult readers alike to get curious about the small wonders hiding in everyday moments.
Hello Hello Opposites by Brendan Wenzel
Say HELLO to learning fun!
Little ones will learn about opposites with the help of a heavy walrus and light butterfly, a tough rhino and gentle fawn, a loud tiger and quiet salamander, and many more delightfully different pairs!
A parade of wild animals walks, swims, and flies across the sturdy pages of this colorful book. Read the playful text. Find the opposites. Marvel at the incredible array of animals—big and small—that populate our planet. A key at the end of the book identifies each animal for those who want to learn even more.
Odd Beasts: Meet Nature’s Weirdest Animals by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Gareth Lucas
Barnyard animals—move over! Odd Beasts introduces babies and toddlers to more unusual species, including the glass frog with transparent skin and the pangolin—the only mammal with scales! Gentle rhyming verses provide the comforting repetition that little ones crave, even as their minds are opened to new and fascinating creatures from around the world.
At the end of the book, readers will find photographs of each animal, along with more detailed factual information. The eight animals featured are the pangolin, ocean sunfish, glass frog, anglerfish, long-horned orb-weaver spider, eastern snake-necked turtle, bush baby, and giant jumping stick.
The Pigeon Won’t Count to 10! by Mo Willems
The Pigeon won’t count to ten, and here’s why:
- Reasonably reasonable reason #1: He doesn’t want to!
- Practically perfect reason #2: He already did a bunch of counting yesterday!
- And perfectly obvious reason #3: He has THINGS to do! Also, counting is for the birds!
Do YOU think The Pigeon will count to ten? (Don’t count on it!)
Peek-A-Book Haiku by Danna Smith, illustrated by Teagan White
Warm breezes blowing,
pond open for summer fun—
slip, slide, belly ride!
(Peek-a-boo, OTTER!)
Each haiku in this lift-the-flap board book will have readers guessing the animal it describes—with the answer revealed under a flap on each page! With lovely text, sweet illustrations, and cute creatures, this lyrical and interactive book is a joy to read!
These Little Feet by Hayley Rawsthorne, illustrated by Briony Stewart
“These little feet, so tiny and new. The places they’ll go, the dances they’ll do. The mountains they’ll climb, The dreams they’ll pursue.”
Towed By Toad by Jashar Awan
“No time, Pop! Can’t stop!”
Toad and his tow truck are always on the move to lend a hand to anyone who needs help. Whether it’s a flat tire or engine trouble, it’s Toad to the rescue!
Pop does his best to try to get Toad to slow down and take care of himself, but there always seems to be someone else who needs to be towed by Toad. How can he say no?
Toad is so used to being the problem solver that when his tow truck breaks down, he does everything he can to fix it himself — and can’t! What happens when the helper needs help?
Up High by Matt Hunt, illustrated by Masud Milas
Going up high on Dad’s shoulders is the best way to feel BIG in cities that make you feel small. This tender, funny celebration of the bond between father and child will resonate with children and adults alike.
Join one child and their father for a stroll through their neighborhood as they spot lots of wonderful things-big and small-along the way.
Your Farm by Jon Klassen
This is your sun.
It is coming up for you.
This is your tree.
It can go under the sun.
With a minimal tableau of familiar objects and a gentle rhythm suited for reading aloud, a farm and all its items—a horse and its hay, a truck, a stool, a fence—are assembled, ending with bedtime as the sun goes down. This is a farm for a young child to have whenever they want to go there. One in a trio of board books focusing on safe spaces, comfort, and imagination, Your Farm signals both a departure for Jon Klassen and a story whose peculiar touches of whimsy stamp the book as iconically his.
