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Home » All categories » 23 Classic Toddler Books

23 Classic Toddler Books

January 30, 2017 •

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A great list of classic toddler books to enjoy reading aloud to little ones.
Classic books for toddlers

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.

Classic books for toddlers

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

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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.

The Going to Bed Book

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.

we're going on a bear hunt

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is full of rhythm and adventure.  It’s also a great book to read while toddlers are up and moving around.  They will have fun acting this story out in the room.  Try this activity.—> We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Book Activity

https://www.amazon.com/Going-Bed-Book-Sandra-Boynton/dp/0671449028?crid=V9TLN66PDFCK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.B1-WXJw0p5wQFtVYy1jVvYxWfLw39sRmt6E_dwrza6M7wlsRQexET99kaAvhPMXY1g_GSsXsFWtOokD7_rP6xwOaaw999Js7gcRhn0RkgEQjvUfNiBzk0no8nLoUXUovzumFN9Qda4GIsGmtGWmLgAGwlkED012u2R7XAi1tCAMEh78pJom1w-Nze86dDHbofs3E8FpfDE-rhsCfcuaW3Cyx8bVee10P5V26EjK6jZU.S3qtQCRe0ePJqdo6q2PVN_zh2qvyg60Ps2UJCKOrp1s&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Going+to+Bed+Book&qid=1739398972&sprefix=the+going+to+bed+book%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=groboobyboo-20&linkId=bb750af9b09e9c9312bf0651b309179b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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

Freight Train by Donald Crews is for all little train lovers and great for learning about colors.

chicka chicka boom boom

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.—> Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

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.  And, try these book activities after you are doing enjoying the book.—> Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Book Activities

Is Your Mama a Llama?

Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino is full of rhyme and animals.

More More More, Said the Baby

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

Go, Dog, Go! by P.D. Eastman is pure silly fun.

Dear Zoo

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a lift-the-flap book which is a big win with the toddler crowd.

the real mother goose

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

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is well-loved.  Readers are delighted to discover the beautiful transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.  I have lots of activities to go with this book too.—> The Very Hungry Caterpillar Book Activities

Jamberry

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

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a delight to the imagination.   Great for encouraging pretend play.

the napping house

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?  Enjoying using these activities after reading.—> The Napping House Book Activity

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

One thing leads to another in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.  Enjoy using these activities to go with the book too.—> If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Book Activities

sheep in a jeep

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.

Each Peach Pear Plum

Youngsters will enjoy studying the illustrations in Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg.

This was one of our very favorite versions of The Wheels on the Bus illustrated by Jerry Smath.

Cars and Trucks, and Things that Go

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

A great list of classic toddler books to enjoy reading aloud to little ones.

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.

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Filed Under: All categories, Book Lists Tagged With: classic books, toddlers

About Jodie Rodriguez

Jodie Rodriguez is a mom of two young boys and an early childhood/elementary educator with over 20 years of experience. Jodie's passion is helping parents, teachers, librarians and anyone else interested in nurturing and reaching ALL of our youngest growing readers.

Comments

  1. Jack says

    July 26, 2021 at 8:14 am

    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!

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