The Ultimate Guide To 50+ Books for Babies And Toddlers

By researching books for babies, you are already showing your devotion to helping your child develop! Some parents might intuitively think the idea of reading books to non-verbal infants is silly. After all, do really young babies even understand what they are hearing? Turns out, it doesn't matter! If they don't then you are teaching them by exposing them to books, which is where our ultimate guide to books for babies and toddlers comes in handy.

To put it simply, reading to your baby is one of the very best things you can do to help your baby develop. Not only is reading a wonderful way to bond with your infant, but it is also proven to help them in the long run. And f you're looking for gift ideas for new parents, books are a wonderful way to go!

Time Magazine reports, “the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommends pediatricians advise parents to read aloud to young children ‘beginning in infancy,’ to encourage word learning, literacy and positive family relationships.”

Another plus? Children whose parents read to them at home are more likely to be successful in school. Students who are more successful in school tend to do well in their careers. You get the idea. Reading is so important for future success that neuroscientists and the AAP recommend reading to your children daily.

Now, there are also those who simply do not like to read, so they struggle with reading to their children. I’ll let you in on a little secret – children’s books are short and easy to read! By simply reading the few words on the page of a board book and allowing your infant to look at the pictures and hear you speak the words, you are helping a young brain develop. We are not saying you have to sit down and read Charles Dickens – a simple board book with less than twenty words can do the trick!

Now that we’ve got all the reasons why you absolutely must-read books to your babies, let’s jump right into the books to build your baby’s library.

The Beginning: Books for Baby Showers

A popular trend in baby showers is book-themed baby showers. If you have not heard of this trend or been to one of these events, it is just as the name suggests, a shower designed around books for babies. At these events, the host may do an entire book-theme, such as Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are.

In addition to book-themed décor and foods, the guests are typically asked to bring a book as a gift. Then, they may be asked to sign the book instead of giving a card. (The book works as the card.) The purpose of these showers is to build the baby’s library.

Now, some people may find this concept strange. Why does a baby need this many books? Why plan an entire shower just to build a baby library? Well, ask any parent and books are lifesavers for little ones! Even if your baby does not sit still long enough to read an entire book, your little one will still enjoy flipping the pages and chewing the corners of the books.

For those planning to attend a book baby shower, here are several suggestions for books to give out during baby showers:

The Indestructibles Series – Babies love to put books in their mouths. These books are baby-proofed and indestructible. Parents, rejoice!

Welcome by Mo Willems – A clever and playful introduction to world for babies.

Feminist Baby by Loren Brantz – If the pregnant mom-to-be is a proud feminist, this is the books she wants and needs.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin – This is a perfect baby shower gift for soon-to-be parents as it celebrates parental love.

- Baby Lit Series – If the mom-to-be is a book lover or was an English major, she will love adding any of the unique Baby Lit series to her collection. Baby Lit = Baby Literature.

- This Little Series – These unique board books are perfect for history fans who want to introduce their baby to scholarly books from the start. Start with This Little President.

- On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman – This beautiful book celebrates the special moment baby entered the world. Guaranteed to make parents cry.

- Love You Forever by Robert Munsch – Another book sure to bring tears to any mother’s eyes.

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner – This book celebrates the unique qualities of each child while encouraging them to use their uniqueness for good.

Classic Books for Babies You Must Have in the Nursery

Of course, another great way to build your baby’s library is to include the classics. This list includes stand-alone classic children’s books, as well as suggestions for classic series or characters that are always in style.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown – The quintessential children’s classic that is a hit at bedtime

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – Children for decades have enjoyed watching the caterpillar eat his way through many foods on his way to becoming a butterfly.

- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak – This imaginative book is well-loved by audiences of all ages.

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown – A book that celebrates a mother’s love and commitment to her child.

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson – Using only a purple crayon and his imagination, Harold has taken readers on a great adventure for over fifty years.

Curious George Classic Collection – Children have always loved Curious George, the silly monkey, and his various adventures.

The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh – A.A. Milne’s beloved classic deserves a spot on every child’s bookshelf.

Seuss Books – Pick and choose your favorite Dr. Seuss books to add to your child’s library. No matter what you pick, you will have a winner!

Big Book of Berenstain Bears – Many parents have fond memories of the Berenstain Bears, and their children can share their love in this treasury.

- Richard Scarry Books – If you want to build your baby’s vocabulary, then add some Richard Scarry books to your collection.

Mercer Mayer Little Critter Series – Using silly critters to teach relevant lessons, Mercer Mayer’s books are still loved today.

The Best Books to Read Aloud to Babies

In addition to books that make perfect baby shower book gifts, there are several books designed to be read aloud to babies. With bright, colorful illustrations and sing-song rhyming texts, your baby will love hearing you read and looking at the pages of these fun books.

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney – Take cues from the rabbit parent in this book and turn this into an interactive story time.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle and Bill Martin, Jr – This may very well be the first book your child recites from memory.

Every book written by Sandra Boynton – Sandra Boynton is the queen of funny children’s books. They are short, fun, and filled with animals.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow – This book brings the well-loved tale to life.

You Are My I Love You by Maryann Cusimano Love – This lovely poem has been turned into a book celebrating parental love.

All of Baby Nose to Toes by Victoria Adler – Easy to turn interactive, this book is also a great way to begin teaching body parts.

Counting Kisses by Karen Katz – Another interactive board book that encourages kissing your baby and introducing numbers.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae – This book is rhythmic and has a positive message, but the colorful illustrations will capture your baby’s attention.

Books Your Toddler Will Want to Read Over and Over Again

As your little transitions from baby to toddler, you should plan to move on to books that are slightly longer. Once your baby starts talking and even more aware of the world around him or her, look for books that will appeal to their unique personalities. In general, the sillier the book, the better.

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Buskey Rinker – If your toddler loves construction vehicles, this is a must-have.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. – A sing-song, silly introduction to letters.

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans – This classic is a hit with its illustrations and a rhyming story about poor Madeline’s trip to the hospital.

Olivia by Ian Falconer – Toddlers love this sassy pig and her adventures.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems – If you want to hear your toddler laugh out loud, read this silly book.

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle – Animals and trucks are the perfect combinations in this popular children’s book.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney – Toddlers love this book because the adorable llama communicates the things they are feeling.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen – Kids love this book’s clever use of onomatopoeia.

Monsters Love Underpants by Claire Freedman – If your toddler is afraid of monsters, get rid of nighttime fears with this silly book.

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood – This clever book forces a mouse to come up with ideas to protect his strawberry.

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone – Children who love Sesame Street will love this classic that features Grover and other characters.

Click Clack Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin – Another silly book that is a hit with toddlers, this book also puts animals in funny situations.

The Books Even Parents Don’t Mind Reading

There will come a day when your child starts to request that you read the same book over and over again. It is enough to make you go a little crazy. The good news is you have already instilled a love of reading, and there are many children’s books that even adults find entertaining and don’t mind reading repeatedly.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox – Count those little fingers and toes aloud and bond with your little one.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – This moving story will resonate with parents and be a book that is repeatedly read.

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann – Looking for a book that doesn’t take long to read? This board book is basically all illustrations.

Tails by Matthew Van Fleet – Van Fleet is the master of the modern pop-up book. His children’s books are full of humor and unique interactive elements.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff – This circular book will have parents and kids laughing.

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin – Kids love tacos; parents love tacos; dragons love tacos. This book is hilarious!

Love Monster by Rachel Bright – This sweet story is short, easy to read, and has a wonderful message.

I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt – Combining humor, ridiculous situations, the author helps kids understand a mother’s unwavering

Count the Monkeys by Mac Bennett and Kevin Cornell – This is a fun, interactive book that will have the reader and listener laughing.

The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak – This book makes the reader/parent read aloud tons of silly things. Even without pictures, kids find this book wildly entertaining.

Headstart For Your Library

You can find most of these books online, used, or at the library. Plus, several of the classics have even better converted to e-books or interactive apps. But, you can build your baby’s library without breaking the bank.

Dolly Parton created the amazing Imagination Library program to provide FREE children’s books to children across the United States (and beyond). The program begins at birth and continues until the child’s fifth birthday. While enrolled in the program, your child will receive one free new children’s book each month. This is a free way to build your child’s library and develop their love of reading.

What children’s books should we add to our list? Let us know in the comments!