My daughter has read over 1,000 books now and she is only 20 months old. Through library children’s books and books we own, each time she reads it builds her vocabulary and strengthens language skills.
Here are a few of the books that Emily has really loved the most.
You can check out these fun children’s books either at your local library or buy them online.
Best Books For Infants
Even as a baby, research has shown that infants pick up on lots of words that you say. They may not be able to communicate all their needs at this stage, but they are listening and absorbing the information.
Even if it seems like your baby is not following the story or has no patience for books, it is worth it to keep reading to her every day. She will eventually catch on and learn, especially if you read like you are the character in the book, add sound effects or movements to help her better understand.
DADA by Jimmy Fallon
This book is fun for infants because of all the animal noises. When she was 8 months old, my daughter excitedly started saying “Dada” for the first time after reading this book.
It’s Pumpkin Day Mouse! by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
This book is good to read to your child because it teaches about emotions and how to read facial expressions such as happy, sad, and silly.
One, Two, Three! by Sandra Boyton
This board book teaches numbers in a cute and funny way. “One is good for a quiet walk. Two is good for a quiet talk. Three is nice for having tea–or counting, 1, 2, 3!” All of Sandra Boynton books are worth checking out from the library or purchasing from a store.
Best Books for Toddlers
Reading with your toddler at this stage is exciting because they can start to say many of the words and recognize objects in the books. Sometimes, they may even have parts memorized and shout out the word when it comes up the story.
The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Hungry Caterpillar is a classic story that I grew up with as a child. I was a bit surprised that my daughter loves this book so much, pointing at the different fruits and touching the cut-out holes in the paper.
AlphaBlock by Christopher Franceschelli
This is my favorite alphabet book to read with Emily now that she is learning the alphabet. The letters pop out of the book and there are lots of bright colors to catch her eye.
I Love You Just Like This! by Sesame Workshop
This is book weaves in learning about numbers, colors, and seasons into the storyline of why Elmo’s mom loves him.
Toad on the Road by Stephen Shaskan
Skid! Screech! Bam! This book is fun to read and also has a good safety message of telling your child to avoid being in the middle of the road.
Shapes by John Reis
This book as a lot of bright and bold colors. Emily was very drawn to it and interested in learning all the shapes.
Boo! by Leslie Patricelli
This is a great book for Halloween. The story goes through picking out a costume, carving pumpkins, and the process of trick-or-treating with dad. All the books by Leslie Patricelli are simple and easy to read for toddlers.
Babytown My First Words by Thomas Nelson
Babytown My First Words is a comprehensive vocab book that has all the words your toddler would want to know laid out in pictures grouped by themes. My daughter is very into learning vocabulary so that she knows what food to ask for at the high chair. She loves practicing her pronunciation and learning all the fruits and vegetables as well as bath time items, seasonal clothing, and animals.
