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My son loves to read, ok, be read to (he is only 20 months after all). But he will run into his room and point cheerfully up at his book selection yelling “boook, boook”. Sometimes, he simply wants to sit and flip the pages of one his board books on his own (which he is very clear and bossy about), other times we spend sitting and reading together. But, either way, he knows which books he wants to read. Check out his must-read list below!
The first four books on this list are a MUST before every nap and bedtime. Usually, he will select 2 sometimes even 3 other books which vary, then we start to make our way through the top 4. Reading time started with 1-2 books but he enjoys story time so much, I do not want to discourage this by limiting books so we have allowed for more time before bed. Luckily, these are still all toddler books so even after 7 or 8 books story time is about 15-30 minutes.
Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book – This is a short little board book with flaps and is definitely his #1 pick. His little “roar” and I know exactly which story he wants! Lift the flaps and see what animals the zoo has sent over as a pet! It might take a few tries to get the right fit.
If Animals Kissed Goodnight – This book is so sweet and is actually my personal favorite on this list. It sweetly goes through several animals and how they would kiss each other good night. *Spoiler Alert* there are wolves in here and my son will let out a little howl for this book “OWOOO”
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie – This story is a classic and also makes the top of this list. “Ookie” is a fun little book to read together. For a special treat, enjoy with some cookies and milk like our little mouse friend! Also, check out If you Take a Mouse to School.
Lift-the-Flap Shapes – A short flap book with animals and shapes. My son loves cats and the cover of this is a “kitty” in a train and some of his other favorite animals, add the flaps and it becomes a top pick.
Five Little Speckled Frogs– This sweet little book has a fun tactile element with the little 3D rubber frogs which gets this book on the list. It is a cute, short little story and the art and frog characters get him excited for this book. So take the journey with these five little frogs and check out their story.
Itsy Bitsy Spider – Your regular nursery rhyme with a few extra versions and some fun cut outs get this book on the list. He really enjoys the images and rhyming in this book. P.S. It is impossible not to sing to the tune as you read this rhyme!
Danny and the Dinosaur and the New Puppy – What more can a boy ask for? Puppies and dinosaurs, two of my son’s favorite things. Danny and his friends spend a great day together, read to enjoy along with them. Plus, this incredibly simple to read book will be great as he gets older and starts to learn to read on his own.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Another classic. Again, this book features cut outs and some of the pages are different sizes. Cute story which helps work on counting.
Where the Wild Things – I actually thought this book would not be popular until he was a little older but, lately this classic has made the list even though it doesn’t have any cut outs or gimmicks to offer.
Guess Who? Ocean Friends – This is a new favorite! Ocean animals and open flaps have put this on the favorites list. Short and sweet way to get to know some of our favorite ocean animals!
P is for Potty – I bought this specifically because I thought it would help us along with potty training, and I think it did help to get him to understand the concept a little better. But, with so many flaps, this book has also become a popular selection and a popular choice for story time.
Eric Carle Set – Any small board books are also really popular. This Eric Carle set was a great gift and is also helpful as we continue to learn words and animal sounds.
Does your toddler enjoy story time? What are some of their favorite books?
