The All-Time Best Books for Toddlers

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.

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.

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.

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.

By Loryn Brantz

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

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.

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.

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.

By Karen Katz

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

By Dorothy Kunhardt

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

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.