2026 Blogging A to Z Challenge: You & Me
It’s the penultimate letter – Letter “Y”. (I absolutely love the word penultimate and I think it sounds better than ultimate or final!) It has been a very busy month for the 2026 Blogging A to Z Challenge and while I love this challenge, it definitely snuck up on me this year! But, I’m glad that I was able to participate and here we are with You & Me – a closer look at family and friendship for babies and toddlers.
There is no lack of board books about family love – you’ll find gobs and gobs of books! I tried to find a diverse list of families with all different types of set-ups! Plus, I also sneaked in a book about the human body and the fact that need to love themselves and what makes them unique! So, if you’re looking for some great titles to read while you snuggle, grab a book off this list!
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2026 Blogging A to Z Challenge: Vocabulary
Alma and Her Family by Juana Martinez-Neal
I play with my cousins. / Juego con mis primas.
I sing to Pajarito. / Le canto a Pajarito.
How much does little Alma love her family? She kisses her daddy, squeezes her mommy, laughs with her grandma, and . . . paints on her artist grandpa (such a good sport!). Juana Martinez-Neal’s bilingual board book brings back familiar characters and introduces new ones in a conversational narration (shown in both languages on every spread) as well as gentle illustrations exuding whimsy and warmth.
The Family Book by Todd Parr
Some families are big. Some families are small.
Some families live near each other. Some families live far from each other.
Whether you have a big family or a small family, two moms or two dads, a clean family or a messy one, Todd shows readers that every family is special in its own unique way. With its bold, bright colors and silly scenes, The Family Book encourages readers to celebrate and be proud of their own families.
Global Babies: Grandparents by Maya Ajmera
Grandparents all over the world have a special connection with their grandbabies. They play, sing, read, eat, and cuddle together. Most of all, grandparents give lots of kisses and so much love!
Adorable photos of babies and their grandparents from all around the globe make this book the perfect first read for the toddler in your life and a heartwarming gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day, and baby showers. Part of the proceeds from this book’s sales will be donated to Global Fund for Children to support innovative community-based organizations that serve the world’s most vulnerable children and youth.
I Love Us!: A Book About Family illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Families can be big, small, silly, adventurous, loud, or messy, but they all have love in common. I Love Us! is all about the little ways families show they care: breakfasts made, play times shared, hurts soothed, and good times celebrated. This special book makes a wonderful gift for children and the people who love them on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day—every day!
Me and the Family Tree by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
I’ve got my brother’s ears
And my sister’s big bright eyes.
I’ve got my grandpa’s hands
Though mine are a smaller size.
As a young girl reflects on the characteristics she shares with members of her family, she also notices and appreciates what makes her unique. This sweet and inclusive board book is the perfect way for kids to reflect on the love and security of family and to celebrate the many wonderful features and qualities that make us each special!
My Family, Your Family! by Kathryn Cole, illustrated by Cornelia Li
This book includes a diverse array of characters and celebrates gay parents, single parents, blended families, and other family groups rarely seen in board books.
The Nose, Toes and Tummy Book by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Gosia Herba
This is your nose. What happens when we press it? BEEP!
From fingers that tickle to bellies that need to be gobbled up, toddlers will love playing and laughing, as they learn the names of their body parts.
Sometimes Families… by Charlotte Trounce
Say hello to all these animal families — from big blue whales gliding through the ocean to soft, fluffy bunnies hopping home to their burrow. With shiny blue foil on the cover and stylish animal artwork on every page, this irresistible board book will brighten any bookshelf and is the perfect way to celebrate families everywhere.
We Can’t Wait to Hold You by Richard Van Camp
So begins this sweet love letter to a baby-to-be. Accompanied by adorable photos, this book speaks directly to the baby, anticipating all the moments they will have together―from walking together under the same moon to kissing baby’s tummy and toes, and from sharing hugs and snuggles to blooming and growing together as a family.
2026 is my eleventh year participating in the Blogging A to Z Challenge! This year, my theme is Board Books for Babies with a focus on providing book suggestions that parents and caregivers can share with, of course, babies, but also toddlers and preschoolers! Each letter of the alphabet will focus on a different subject and will provide nine titles for each subject. While there are dozens of classic board books out there, this list includes titles published in the past 5-6 years, so you’ll get to learn about new titles, authors, and publishers! Stop by daily to check out the new books and other posts that I’ll be sharing in April.
