In the spirit of encouraging readers of all ages, this post is a compilation of books my 1 year old adores. Of course there are many more that we enjoy as well, but these are the ones she usually brings me when I ask her if she wants to read. All except for the last three are board books, which I don’t have to tell you is preferable for toddlers who want to turn their own pages. Click the images for more info on each book.
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Llama Llama Hoppity Hop
By Anna Dewdney
Penguin Young Readers Group, 2012
An interactive book of rhyming motions that are fun and easy for toddlers to perform. I like pretty much all the books in the Llama Llama series, but this is one of my favorites.
The Foot Book
By Dr. Seuss
Random house Children’s Books, 1968
All the fun and nonsense of a Dr. Seuss book, but short and sweet for little ones. Who doesn’t love Seuss?
Ladybug Girl Says Good Night
By Jacky Davis
Penguin Young Readers Group, 2014
We get a peak at Ladybug Girl’s bedtime routine – bath time, PJ’s, and good nights, all with her ladybug flare and her best friend Bingo.
Bedtime for Baby
By Grosset & Dunlap
Penguin Young Readers Group, 2014
Another bedtime book, this one is simpler and shorter and also suitable for babies younger than 1 year old.
Let’s Count! A First Book of Numbers
By Grosset & Dunlap
Penguin Young Readers Group, 2014
A lift the flap book that teaches counting from 1 to 10 with easy vocab words and simple, brightly colored illustrations.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
By Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
Little Simon, 2006
A perennial favorite, the letters come to life with catchy rhymes and bright artwork.
Goodnight Gorilla
By Peggy Rathmann
Penguin Young Readers Group, 2000
A bumbling zookeeper locks up the zoo for the night, not even noticing all the animals that follow him home and straight into his bedroom, thanks to the gorilla that swipes his keys. But his wife notices, and somebody has to take those animals back to the zoo.
Read to Tiger
By S. J. Fore
Penguin Young Readers Group, 2010
A young boy wants nothing more than to read his book in peace, but he can’t because there’s a tiger distracting him at every turn of the page. This book is so cute. It’s actually intended for ages 3 and up, but my 1 year old loves it.
So there you have it. I think books are great gifts, especially for kids, and any of the books on this list would be a good choice for gifting. I even like giving books as baby shower gifts. They are a fun add-on to go with something ultra practical like diapers and wipes, and you can personalize it with a little note if you know the parents pretty well. Giving a kid a book is also great conversation starter and a wonderful way to pass on memories.
My kids when I give my grandchildren a book one day: “Oh, I used to love this book! Do you remember?”
Me: “Of course I remember. We read it so many times we all had it memorized.”
And so the torch is passed.
