Reading to your children can be one of the most enjoyable parts of parenting, but it’s also one of the most important activities you can do with them. Reading to kids as babies not only helps them learn language, but it also teaches them about emotions and relationships through stories about friendship, empathy, and teamwork. As they grow older, your kids will continue to benefit from reading stories with you, especially if those stories are really fun and funny! Here are some great books that can give you and your child hours of enjoyment together while teaching them valuable lessons at the same time.
I am Fearless
Simple rhymes and colorful artwork capture a toddler’s sense of daring. In I am Fearless, Isadora struggles to put on her red boots in her bedroom, where a menacing lion stands at attention. She looks around for courage—her mouse-sized dog, a friendly cow and more animals—and finds it at last when she sets out across a high bridge to pick fresh berries. All goes well until she climbs back over that same scary bridge—one wrong step could be disaster!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
This board book, written by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle, is one of our favorites. It’s a fun way to show young kids colors and animals in an engaging format they can understand (I see a red bird looking at me!). Since kids learn best through repetition, we think it helps them get to know colors and animal names in an effective way.
Little Blue Truck
A perfect toddler story! This is a simple story about a blue truck that drives around, doing what trucks do (deliver eggs, pick up rocks, and more), while teaching kids an important lesson about friendship. Written by Alice Schertle and illustrated by Jill McElmurry. Add to your cart right away!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This adorable book has been a favorite with kids and parents alike since it was first published in 1969. The colorful illustrations make it a favorite, but there’s also something so sweet about seeing a caterpillar eat its way through every food group, only to turn into an attractive butterfly on page 31. What’s not to love?
I am Rainbow
This little book was created by Tad Hills, and it’s a top pick of many librarians and teachers. In simple verse, it tells a story about how we all have our own colors that make us who we are. It’s colorful and fun to read. While some may worry that it doesn’t teach kids what race is or why they should not be discriminated against, others love its celebration of diversity and how each person can stand out.
It is Ok to Feel
Your toddler is starting to develop his own feelings and emotions. Make sure he knows it’s ok to have these feelings and that you will help him work through them. It’s not always easy for children, especially toddlers, to express their feelings. Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel sad or angry sometimes, as long as he doesn’t hurt himself or others. And make time every day to spend with him and talk about his feelings.
