Best Books for Toddlers

Has your sweet little baby turned into a grumpy toddler? There’s a reason this age is known as the “terrible twos.” As your child’s vocabulary and skill set expands, she may feel frustrated that she’s still unable to properly express herself. This book helps explain emotions with a refreshing, giggle-inducing story about how friendship gets a grumpy bird out of his funk.

While tantrums, screaming and toy stealing are typical toddler behavior, even little ones can learn about compassion. The self-described "good egg" in this story lives in a carton with 11 other misbehaving eggs. He eventually becomes so stressed that he leaves for a journey of self-care involving relaxation, meditation and painting. He returns understanding that nobody’s perfect, and it's important to be good to yourself and your friends.

In need of a good laugh? Your toddler will giggle through this jam-packed day of activities by the authors of The Gruffalo, from riding on a train with monkeys to visiting chickens at the farm. At every stop along the way, the tickle monster is hiding, ready to jump out and tickle your little one into a jolly good mood.

The toddler years are a great time to start introducing concepts including colors, letters, numbers and shapes. If you’re a fan of Paris, you’ll enjoy picking out shapes repeated throughout buildings and everyday objects on each page: triangles at the Louvre museum, arches at the Arc de Triomphe and circles at the Eiffel Tower.

Life can sometimes feel scary for toddlers, who are still unsure about the world around them and their place in it. Teaching your child self-confidence — or the belief in their ability to master body and behavior — is critical to helping handle social challenges like making friends and sharing. This touching book, which depicts the many wonderful things parents hope for their children, helps reinforce your child’s self-confidence.

Should I go in my potty? I could try … Sometime around the second year, your toddler will be ready to make the leap from diapers to the toilet. Help mentally prepare her for potty training with this giggle-inducing book, which narrates the inner dialogue of toddlers making the transition.

Even perfect sleepers pick bedtime battles. Toddler sleep problems like nightmares, fear of the dark, early waking and sleep talking are quite common. A bedtime routine, including reading a book together, helps encourage your little one to wind down. The wonderfully silly illustrations of teeth brushing, bathing and dressing set the tone.

This animal book is a classic for good reason: The gorgeous illustrations and soothing rhythm will have your toddler engaged with every page and rocking along to the beat.

From the age of about 2 years old and on, toddlers begin making the transition from parallel play to playing with friends. You can begin to help your toddler learn to connect with others with this story of trucks, teamwork and friendship.