Terrific Toddler Book Recommendations The Whole Family Will Enjoy

I’m a reader; always have been.

When I was a tiny tyke, think middle school years, I plowed through the entire series of the Babysitters Club and fantasized about creating my own. I even lined up a gig until my mom put the kibosh on working for complete strangers; probably smart in hindsight. (Way to keep me alive, Mom.)

I discovered the magic of mystery in an old clock and a girl detective (Well hello there, Ms. Drew, so lovely to see you again). I grew up, along with Elizabeth and Jessica from Sweet Valley, leaving behind high school and moving into university, well before my collegiate years. At some point, I dipped my toes in R.L. Stine’s poltergeist pond and came out on the other end of Steven King.

I have no idea when I took such a drastic literary left, but I do know I love to read and I will skim, peruse, and immerse myself in almost anything that comes between two covers; the Hubby included (no need for surprise baby number two, am I right?). When it comes to my own books, I am not particularly picky; I did read Fifty Shades of Grey after all and went back for seconds.

The same cannot be said for the tiny human. I monitor that kid’s intake like someone should have been watching the Catholic clergy. I pick her books with care and edit them whenever I deem necessary, which is more often than I care to admit.

(Oh Dr. Seuss. No, just no.)

As every parent of a small child knows, there are some great reads out there and also a whole lot of crappy books; ones with seemingly no point or purpose. Ones that make me want to poke my pupils out with a freshly sharpened number two pencil (only a slight exaggeration).   

Since I would like nothing more for you to keep your eyes intact and your child surrounded by reading material, I’m sharing my Top Toddler Literary Picks today.

Terrific Toddler Book Recommendations The Whole Family Will Enjoy

Big Words for Little Geniuses by Susan and James Patterson

This book is silly, fun and shares a word for every letter of the alphabet. It’s also why my tiny human calls crooked things “cattywampus.”

Be Who You Are by Todd Parsons

Illustrated with bright and bold colors, this one is all about self love and acceptance. Be still my hippie heart.

Bomba The Brave by Denise Dufala

A book about how to handle bullying behavior and forgiveness, the lesson here is obvious.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

A light-hearted and silly story about the shenanigans snowmen (and women) get into during the witching hours.

Swimmy by Leo Lionni

This book teaches self-reliance, problem solving and teamwork, all while following a fish who doesn’t always fit it.

Big Mama by Tony Crunk 

A fun story about carefree living. This tale showcases inclusion without making it the focal point, something I’d love to see in more children’s books.

Last, but certainly not least:

Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler 

Given my avid love of green things and gardening, I had to share this one. Beautifully illustrated, it identifies how things grow and follows seeds through all the seasons.

What are some of your favorite children’s books? What books do you like to read? Please share this post all over the interwebs so we can promote reading (and me (wink, wink)).