Looking for the best story books for toddlers? These engaging picture books are perfect for ages 2 and 3!
Story books might be my favorite thing. After 15 years of teaching elementary school, they are somewhat of an obsession. I think they’re a super important tool for kids of any age, and I also think kids always enjoy reading when the books are age appropriate. So this list? I’m starting at the bottom. These are the best story books for toddlers……and bonus? They’re all available on Amazon!
The key to a toddler friendly book? INTERACTION. Rhyming, flaps, something to DO. Toddlers don’t have a very long attention span and let’s be honest…..sitting for an entire traditional book? Unlikely if it’s long. These are all books I own in my personal library and books that Lydia loved as a toddler.
The Best Story Books for Toddlers
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- Pajama Time!: This adorable story is literally the perfect bedtime book for toddlers. It’s funny, it’s catchy, and it reminds them that it’s bedtime.
- Moo, Baa, La La La: Got an animal lover? This silly story lets your toddler make animal noises galore and ends with a funny twist!
- Where’s Spot?: This book is a total classic. In fact, it’s celebrating it’s 30th anniversary. It’s also the first ever lift the flap books. Toddlers love lifting the flap on each page and looking for Spot the dog.
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Another classic, this is a perfect birthday gift and I can guarantee you’ll be chanting “We’re going on a bear hunt” all day after reading it.
- The Little Engine That Could: If you don’t already own this book, order it immediately. This story was originally published in 1930, and has been one of the best story books for toddlers ever since.
- The Runaway Bunny: The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning and the story is the sweetest. This 75 year old story is written by the same author as Goodnight Moon, and is just as great.
- The Snowy Day: This beautiful story won a Caldecott Medal in 1963, and it’s a favorite among all story books for toddlers generation after generation. It’s stunning illustrations show the magic of the first snow, and are relatable to all kids.
- Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site: This Amazon top seller is super popular for a reason, it’s always a hit with machine loving toddlers! This adorable story shows what the machines do AFTER a work day.
- Make Way for Ducklings: This beautiful book won the Caldecott Medal in 1941 and is the sweetest story of a duck family making their way in the world (moms this one is a must read).
- The Pout Pout Fish:This silly book tells the story of a pouty fish who gets all the help he needs to turn his frown upside down. It’s got a ton of repetition and is sure to keep your toddler entertained.
- Guess How Much I Love You: This sweet story goes way beyond toddler. My six year old still loves to read it. The book tells the story of a baby bunny sharing JUST how much he loves his dad.
- The Feelings Book: Got a toddler who has a broad range of emotions (hello temper tantrums)? This silly story is a great way to talk about feelings, and how normal they are.
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: This silly chanting story is the story of a group of letters, and it’s absolutely adorable!
- Press Here: Each page of this adorable interactive book asks the reader to push the button, shake it up, tilt the book, and go on a magical adventure! Toddlers will love the interactive quality of the story!
- Giraffes Can’t Dance: This sweet story portrays an unlikely dancer, the most awkward of giraffes with a dream.
- Corduroy: This was my favorite story growing up, and was the first book I learned to “read”. What toddler doesn’t love to see a teddy bear come to life?!?
- Green Eggs and Ham: Who doesn’t love this Dr. Seuss classic? Want to make it an event? Make a green breakfast to match!
- Goodnight Moon: The best story right? This is one of my top picks for baby shower gifts, first birthdays and more. It’s a classic story, and toddlers love love love the pictures!
- Pat the Bunny: This touch and feel book is perfect for younger toddlers!
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Who doesn’t love this story? Toddlers love seeing the caterpillar literally eat his way through the book!
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See? : This chanted story has a ton of call and repeat patterns that are perfect for younger kids!
- Dear Zoo: This adorable lift the flap book reveals a ton of favorite zoo animals!
What are YOUR favorite story books for toddlers?!?
