Favorite books for Toddlers

What do toddlers like in picture books? What kinds of books will keep them most engaged?

Young toddlers are still developing their eyesight, so super-complicated images with lots of detail might be harder to decipher. They need more information spelled out in the text, and a simpler plot with fewer sentences - one or two per page - as their attention spans are short. VERY short.

Toddlers, in general*, love: books with repeated refrains, simple concepts (counting, colors, numbers), bright colorful pictures, animals, vehicles, books that can be sung, interactive books where they can participate in the telling and/or lift flaps, and books with predictable patterns.

So here are a few of my favorite** titles for toddlers:

*[Yes, I'm generalizing. Every child is different, and some toddlers may like more complicated stories or have longer attention spans]

**[Check back - I'll put my newest additions at the top!)]

SHORT DOG, LONG DOG by Anna Hrachovec

This delightful book of opposites is illustrated with photos of the most adorable knitted dogs

and contains both well known pairs (short, long) and less familiar vocabulary (clever, foolish). I smiled the whole time I read it - and then immediately went to share it with colleagues! The book is smaller in size so might not work for a large group read, but is perfect for small groups or one-on-one. Also, fair warning, it contains the word "hiney." I'm giggling already.

TOWED BY TOAD by Jashar Awan

Toad tows all the vehicles on the road when they have trouble. But who tows toad? Toad rushes around helping everyone, with no time to stop and take care of himself. But when his truck breaks down, will he finally accept help? This is a quick, fun read, appropriate for toddlers and up, and when combined with bright, sharp illustrations is sure to be a hit with the "things that go" fans.

LET'S BE BEES by Shawn Harris

An adult and child pretend to be all kinds of things. That's it. It's simple and sweet and fun, and will encourage the readers to join in. This is a celebration of pretend play with soft illustrations that you will want to read again and again.

LITTLE FREDDIE TWO PANTS by Drew Daywalt and Lucy Ruth Cummins

When I read this to the kids in my library program, there were laughs all around - from both the kids AND their grownups. That's the sign of a great book! This book is just plain silly. There's no problem resolution. But there is underwear, extra pants, and a monkey. At the end of the book, Freddie is still wearing his two pants. And, honestly, that's just fine. Sometimes we just need to laugh, and LITTLE FREDDIE TWO PANTS will make you do just that.

The LOLA series by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola is a little girl who loves: going to the library, hearing stories, gardening, her friends, her family, and cats. In each outing, the author explains simply what is happening in a very toddler-friendly way. The soft but clear illustrations reflect a young child's experience. See also: the series about Lola's brother, Leo!

Fun fact: in England, where the author an illustrator live, Lola is called Lulu and Leo is Zeki!

MAD, MAD BEAR and SAD, SAD BEAR and GLAD, GLAD BEAR by Kimberley Gee

These simple stories about emotions reflect how sometimes, you just feel mad. Or sad. And after a while, you might feel differently.

TOOT TOOT BEEP BEEP and CHUGGA CHUGGA CHOO CHOO and TAP TAP BANG BANG by Emma Garcia

Bright collage illustrations and fun sounds make these great books to share over and over!

BARK, GEORGE! by Jules Feiffer

Anyone who does storytime regularly knows this classic. It's a hilarious tale of a puppy who doesn't know that dogs are supposed to bark - not say "quack" or "moo!" WHY is puppy confused? The reason will surprise you - and George's mother, too!

GRANDMA'S TINY HOUSE by JaNay Brown-Wood and Priscilla Burris

Everyone's coming to Grandma's house for dinner! But will they all fit? This is a great book for counting all the things.

DEAR ZOO by Rod Campbell

You really can't go wrong with a lift-the-flap book, and this one is a classic. The narrator writes to the zoo for a pet, and the zoo sends a variety of animals. Each one is too "something" until, finally, they get it just right. A great introduction to adjectives, too!

BEAR SEES COLORS and BIG BEAR SMALL MOUSE by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

These are a great introduction to these concepts using favorite characters from the series that starts with BEAR SNORES ON.

BIG MOONCAKE FOR LITTLE STAR and BIG BED FOR LITTLE SNOW by Grace Lin

Little Star bakes a mooncake with her mama - but isn't allowed to eat it yet. Mama won't notice if Little Start takes just ONE little bite, will she? Grace Lin has created new fables with these stories - big mooncake about the phases of the moon and big bed about first snow.

TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE CAR by Kate Dopirak and Mary Peterson

Cars? Check. A story that can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle, twinkle, little star?" Check. What's not to love?

B IS FOR BABY by Atinuke and Angela Brooksbank

B is for Baby. And bananas, brother, and bicycle. When Baby's brother takes bananas on his bicycle to Baba (grandfather), he has a surprise stowaway in the basket - baby! Practice hearing the letter sound that starts most of the words in the story while reading this warm, friendly tale set in the author's native West Africa.