Did you know that reading to your toddler can lead to fewer behavioral issues, encourages language development and has even shown to have better performance in school? You can read about the slew of other benefits here....but we’ve put together our list of favorite classics and new reads for toddlers ages 1 to 5!

Best Books For Toddlers Ages 1-2

From 1 to 2 children are absorbing everything around them. Help encourage an ever-expanding vocabulary by reading books about colors, numbers, and animals. 

  1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Author: Bill Martin Jr. 

Littles learning language can get a handle on their colors and animals with this fun book.

  1. Goodnight Moon

Author: Margaret Wise Brown

A tried and true classic that's great to start reading at any age!

  1. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Author: Laura Numeroff

If you give a toddler a copy of this book, they'll want it again and again.

Best Books for Toddlers 2-3

Kids ages 2-3 are becoming more curious about the world around them—foster that curiosity with stories about fun adventures.

  1. Harold and the Purple Crayon

Author: Crockett Johnson

Your tot will love following along on Harold’s nighttime adventures.

  1. The Rainbow Fish

Author: Marcus Pfister

This sweet tale brings the joy of sharing to your little one.

  1. Where the Wild Things Are

Author: Maurice Sendak

This is the perfect book for your little wild thing—they can let their mischievous side out through the main character!

Best Books for Toddlers 3-4

At this age, your little one is looking for books that make them laugh and make them think. 

  1. Are You My Mother?

Author: P.D. Eastman

Exploring the world for the first time on his own, this sweet baby bird learns why there’s no place like home.

  1. Dragons Love Tacos

Author: Adam Rubin

Did you know dragons love tacos? This book serves up tacos and laughs! 

  1. Oh, The Places You’ll Go

Author: Dr. Seuss

Nothing beats a Dr. Seuss classic and this one comes with a double dose of inspiration!

Best Books for Toddlers 4-5

As your little one is moving from toddlerhood to childhood, these books are the perfect bridge.

  1. The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School

Author: Deborah Diesen

The pout-pout fish takes his bad attitude to school—and finds out it’s not so bad after all!

  1. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Author: Judith Viorst

Everyone has bad days! Make it a little easier to navigate the tough days together with this literary classic. 

  1. Rosie Revere Engineer 

Author: Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere teaches kids how to persist with passion!

 

What's your favorite book to read with your toddler? Tell us in the comments below!

View more posts tagged, behaviour & development

Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Submit your questions here.

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.