8 Books we Recommend to read with infants and toddlers: Your holiday reading list

Your holiday reading list of books we recommend is here! In the enchanting world of early childhood development, few experiences are as powerful and transformative as sharing a book with an infant or toddler. The magic of storytelling fosters language development, cognitive development and emotional intelligence, all while creating strong moments of connection between a young child and their caregiver. Selecting the right books to reach with a child is a crucial first step to creating positive and enriching reading experiences for young children. In other words, there are a lot of not-so-great books out there so it is important to do your due diligence. So how do you filter for the right ones? In this blog, we’ll explore a curated selection of the best books to read with infants and toddlers, designed to captivate their imaginations and set the stage for a lifelong love of reading.

Below are 8 books we recommend reading to your child 

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown:

• A classic bedtime story that has stood the test of time, “Goodnight Moon” is a soothing ritual for many families. The rhythmic text and gentle illustrations provide a calming experience for infants and toddlers as they bid goodnight to everything around them.

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle:

• This repetitive and rhythmic story introduces young children to colors and animals. The vibrant collage illustrations by Eric Carle are visually stimulating, making it a delightful read for both educators and parents.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle:

• Eric Carle’s iconic book takes little ones on a journey of discovery as they follow the transformation of a hungry caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. The vibrant illustrations and simple text engage young minds, teaching them about days of the week and basic counting.

“Peek-A-Who?” by Nina Laden:

• Perfect for the youngest readers, this interactive board book combines a playful game of peekaboo with colorful illustrations. The repetitive text and surprise reveals make it an engaging choice as it builds anticipation and language skills.

“Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill:

• Join the search for Spot, the mischievous puppy, in this lift-the-flap adventure. The interactive nature of the book encourages participation and helps develop fine motor skills in toddlers. The simple storyline and easy to digest illustrations make it a favorite among the littlest readers.

“Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell:

• This classic lift-the-flap book introduces toddlers to different animals. The interactive format and repetition make it an engaging choice for young children who love surprises.

“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault:

• This rhythmic alphabet chant is a lively and entertaining way to introduce letters to toddlers. The colorful and dynamic illustrations, coupled with the catchy rhythm, make learning the alphabet a joyous experience.

 

In the realm of early childhood education, the importance of exposing infants and toddlers to high-quality literature cannot be overstated. The books mentioned above not only entertain but also lay the foundation for language development, cognitive skills, positive relationship development and a lifelong love of reading. These moments of shared attention and interaction create a secure and nurturing environment, fostering a sense of trust and emotional attachment. Through the magical world of storytelling, infants and toddlers not only absorb language and cognitive skills but also experience the joy of shared discovery.