Special memories are created when we read favorite books to our toddlers. Our kids all have their favorites. Those books tend to end up on a bookshelf or in a treasure chest awaiting the day that they can be passed to a new generation. Chances are that some of these classic toddler books will end up on “your keep forever” shelf too.
For the purpose of this post, we are going with “classic” meaning that it’s been enjoyed by more than one generation. So, that means anything published before (or around) 1990.
Classic Toddler Books
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Toddler books help to build little kids’ vocabulary and basic concepts. Most of all they help to hook children at a very early age that books are enjoyable.
You’ll find a mix of board books for the early toddler stage and hardcover books.
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Sandra Boynton is a classic children’s author when you think of toddler books. There are so many great ones to add to your shelf. Do you know which one has the most reviews on Amazon? Yep, it’s The Going to Bed Book. Oh, it’s probably been read at least a 100 times in our house over the years.
The Three Bears by Paul Galdone is a classic fairy tale that toddlers just can’t get enough. I love all of Galdone’s fairy tale books so you’ll want to get even more of his work.
Freight Train by Donald Crews is for all little train lovers and great for learning about colors.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin is a rhythmic tale of the letters of the alphabet climbing up a coconut tree. When all the little letters fall down, their mamas and papas, uncles and aunts are there to help to them up. Did the little letters learn their lesson? This book has inspired lots of alphabet reading activities in our house.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. is probably the top classic book on this list. You can’t go through childhood without know this one.
Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino is full of rhyme and animals.
More More More, Said the Baby by Vera B. Williams is a book that begs you to interact with your child as you read. It’s full of love.
Go, Dog, Go! by P.D. Eastman is pure silly fun.
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a lift-the-flap book which is a big win with the toddler crowd.
Every toddler should hear lots of rhymes. Grab a copy of The Real Mother Goose.
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper has been around for several generations and gives us a nice little moral lesson.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is well-loved. Readers are delighted to discover the beautiful transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.
Jamberry by Bruce Degen will entice your toddler to find all the berries in the pictures. This is another one with great rhythm and rhyme. You will definitely want to have a berry jam sandwich after reading!
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a delight to the imagination. Great for encouraging pretend play.
The Napping House by Audrey Wood is just one of Wood books great for toddlers. Just how many can pile on top of a bed?
That big red dog is one I have vivid memories of as a child. Clifford by Norman Bridwell was a favorite bedtime story in our house.
One thing leads to another in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw is another rhyming book full of more silliness. Do you see a trend with toddler books? Lots of rhyming! Great for building phonological awareness.
Youngsters will enjoy studying the illustrations in Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg.
Curious George by H.A. Rey is the beloved story of a very curious monkey. A guaranteed win in a household with a toddler.
This was one of our very favorite versions of The Wheels on the Bus illustrated by Jerry Smath.
This last one if for older toddlers and easily bridges to the preschool crowd and beyond. Cars and Trucks, and Things that Go by Richard Scarry has been an all-time favorite in our house.
Printable Toddler Book List
Grab a printable copy of the books above. It’s great for taking to the library or tucking in the lesson plan binder.
Did I miss any classic books for toddlers? Let me know in the comments below.
Jack says
These books are an exemplary top pick of my family. My mother saved a lot of our books from when we were little and I’m so happy! I’m definitely saving that one for my future grandkids!