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  6. The All-Time Best Books for Toddlers

The All-Time Best Books for Toddlers

Updated February 17, 2022
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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A Pocket For Corduroy
Credit: Courtesy of Viking Juvenile

With bright bold pictures, colorful characters, and engaging stories, these toddler books are perfect for little listeners.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar

very hungry caterpillar
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Eric Carle

Yup, the caterpillar's still hungry! And just like him, toddlers can't seem to get enough when it comes to this book.

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Press Here

press here book
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By Herve Tullet

Full of whismy and wonder, this New York Times bestseller will make your babe-un believe in magic. Seriously. This book is something special.

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Love You Forever

love you forever book
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By Robert Munsch

First published in 1986, Love You Forever has sold more than 30 million copies—and for good reason. This book is a beautiful, sentimental, and touching tribute to a parent's unconditional love for their child. But be warned: You may cry.

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Little Blue Truck

little blue truck book
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By Alice Schertle

The Beatles once said "we get by with a little help from our friends," and the characters in Little Blue Truck prove that is true. It's a fun story about friendship and support.

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Feminist Baby

feminist baby book
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By Loryn Brantz

Fearless, funny, and smart, Feminist Baby dismisses gender stereotypes while empowering your pint-sized peanut to be exactly who they are.

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Yummy Yucky

yummy yucky
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Leslie Patricelli

How often do you say "yucky" to the things your kid puts in their mouth? Read this book with your child to explain the difference between yummy and yucky—so they'll (hopefully) stop experimenting on their own.

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Goodnight Moon

goodnight moon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Margaret Wise Brown

From a black, rotary telephone to the room's (infamous) red balloon, Goodnight Moon is a classic children's bedtime book. It's a must-have for any toddler book collection.

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Where's My Teddy?

where's my teddy
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Jez Alborough

If your toddler's got a lovey, then there's a good chance they will relate to this book, which involves a search for a missing teddy bear.

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Counting Kisses

counting kisses
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Karen Katz

A countdown to bedtime and kisses, this best toddler book is sure to inspire lots of sweet snuggles.

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Everyone Poops

everyone poops book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Taro Gomi

While an elephant may make a big poop—and a mouse may make a tiny poop—the truth is everyone poops, and this books seeks to be a fun but matter-of-fact guide to all things number two. Perfect for potty training tots.

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Baby Happy, Baby Sad

baby happy baby sad
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By Leslie Patricelli

You know from personal experience how quickly your child's moods can swing. This book creatively helps toddlers understand their most common emotions.

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Green Eggs and Ham

green eggs and ham book
Credit: Courtesy of Target
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By Dr. Seuss

Try as you might, you cannot resist Sam-I-Am and his green eggs and ham. This wacky rhyming classic is as fun now as it was the first time you read it. Now, run out and get it!

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Corduroy

corduroy book
Credit: Courtesy of Target
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By Don Freeman

For any kid who has dreamed of having an empty department store all to themself, Corduroy is a dream come true. This adorable bear has terrific adventures on his way to find his missing button.

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Pat the Bunny

pat the bunny book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Dorothy Kunhardt

With unique materials and textures and an array of fun colors, Pat the Bunny is a great, interactive "first-reader."

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The Family Book

the family book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Todd Parr

Adopted families, stepfamilies, one-parent families, families with two parents of the same sex, and "traditional" families are all chronicled here in a funny, silly, and accepting way. It's a terrific tool for teaching children about differences.

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Are You My Mother?

are you my mother book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By P.D. Eastman

This book is ideal for the restless toddler who relishes audience participation. Each time the confused young bird asks a strange animal, "Are you my mother?" your kids will knowingly answer, "No!" And they might even explain why not. It's a wonderful teaching tool with a warm-fuzzy ending.

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Diary of a Worm

diary of a worm book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Doreen Cronin

This is a hilarious book about the surprisingly intriguing life of a young worm. Written in diary form, our worm observes the differences between being a worm and being a human. He laments that he can't have a dog or chew gum, but is relieved that he doesn't have to visit the dentist. ("No cavities. No teeth either.") We can all relate.

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Walter, the Farting Dog

walter the farting dog book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray

If the word "fart" is taboo in your house, this could be the perfect toddler book for you and your family. Author William Kotzwinkle follows Walter through some embarrassing escapades, all to show him that gas might be kind of funny. But in the words of Kotzwinkle's first book, "Everybody poops."

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It's Okay to Be Different

its okay to be different book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Todd Parr

Written by best-selling author Todd Parr, It's Okay to Be Different is a reassuring book about embracing who you are. Build confidence, compassion, and empathy with this powerful toddler book.

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The Monster at the End of This Book

monster at the end of this book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Jon Stone

Who doesn't love lovable ol' Grover? After all, he's one of the most beloved characters on Sesame Street. In this book, Grover confronts his fears—with a little prodding from the reader—and discovers the unknown isn't as scary as he imagined. 

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The Big Shiny Sparkly First Words Book

big shiny sparkly first words book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Willabel Tong

This is a great book for the curious preschooler who is just discovering that learning can be fun. There's plenty to do, with questions to answer, flaps to lift, and unique illustrations to teach children about their first words.

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Baby Beluga

baby beluga book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Raffi

We love this board-book version of Raffi's most popular tune about a baby whale and his Eskimo, walrus, and dolphin friends. Ashley Wolff's lighthearted illustrations bring the song to life.

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Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

brown bear book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Bill Martin Jr.

A blue horse, green frog, and yellow duck are some of the unforgettable animals your baby will spot in this colorful book.

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A Pocket for Corduroy

pocket for corduroy book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
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By Don Freeman

Lisa is warned by her mother to take everything out of her pockets before washing them. Corduroy, her teddy bear, hears this and after realizing he has no pockets, he searches to no end to find one.

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 24 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
    2 of 24 Press Here
    3 of 24 Love You Forever
    4 of 24 Little Blue Truck
    5 of 24 Feminist Baby
    6 of 24 Yummy Yucky
    7 of 24 Goodnight Moon
    8 of 24 Where's My Teddy?
    9 of 24 Counting Kisses
    10 of 24 Everyone Poops
    11 of 24 Baby Happy, Baby Sad
    12 of 24 Green Eggs and Ham
    13 of 24 Corduroy
    14 of 24 Pat the Bunny
    15 of 24 The Family Book
    16 of 24 Are You My Mother?
    17 of 24 Diary of a Worm
    18 of 24 Walter, the Farting Dog
    19 of 24 It's Okay to Be Different
    20 of 24 The Monster at the End of This Book
    21 of 24 The Big Shiny Sparkly First Words Book
    22 of 24 Baby Beluga
    23 of 24 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
    24 of 24 A Pocket for Corduroy

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    The All-Time Best Books for Toddlers
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