Reading books aloud to a child is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Reading aloud helps toddlers develop vocabulary, it teaches the important pre-literacy skill of how a book works, and it is a major indicator of later school success. Most importantly, reading aloud to children introduces them to the wonderful world of literature.
You are introducing them to characters, transporting them to new places, delighting them with silliness, or giving them a resource for learning about something they love. The pleasure, joy, and purpose of this experience is the key to unlocking their inner motivation to learn to read.
“Reading…introduces toddlers to characters, transports them to new places, delights them with silliness…”
Picking the right book for the right child is key.
All toddlers are unique and while generalizations can be made, there is no one perfect book for every child. I can offer you some proven hits. Some books that time and time again engage young audiences. Books that are filled with enticing words, wonderful illustrations, and appealing content. Books to love and read again and again.
Practicing the art of reading aloud is also key.
This might sound absurd, but the truth is reading aloud is a skill. The way some people can draw children into whatever they are reading by changing their pace, volume, or voice is a skill. Pay attention to what you are reading. Reflect the emotions and drama with your voice. Show the emotions on your face. The very best read alouds beg for you to embody the characters or act a little silly. Practice. Your toddler will love you for it and their affection for books will grow right alongside.
“Reading aloud is a skill. Practice.”
There are many books that fit this description. Books with a perfectly paired set of illustrations and words. Books full of emotions. Books that make you laugh, fear, or tingle. Books that are made to be shared aloud. There are many. Below are our favorites. The ones that we have read again and again. The ones that never get old and are always engaging.
14 Best Read Aloud Picture Books for Toddlers
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- Peek-a WHO? by Nina Laden
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This simple board book has a repetitive, peekaboo, rhyming format that will have your toddlers calling out the words again and again. 0+
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
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The illustrations in this book stunningly capture little babies from around the world. Little ones will delight at the babies and the universality of all of those fingers and toes. 0+
- Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers
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We read this one again and again. Babies of all different sizes and shapes moving through every day life. For older babies and toddlers who love to read about themselves this is perfect. 1+
- Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
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The big and rapidly changing emotions of toddlers are perfectly captured in the original llama llama book. 1+
- Hurry! Hurry! by Eve Bunting
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The anticipation of this book makes it such a fun read aloud. Start calm and slow and increase the excitement in your voice as you get towards the end. 2+
- The Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
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Speaking of suspense, Karma Wilson nails it in this one. Adorable characters, exciting plot, and a surprise end. This is one of our all time favorites. 2+
- Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett
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When it comes to silliness it is hard to beat Mac Barnett and this is one of his very silliest. 2+
- The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
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What happens if you eat a watermelon seed? In this absolutely hilarious read aloud the main character faces just that question. 2+
- Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey and Don Wood
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Audrey and Don Wood perfectly engage the audience in this wonderful and classic read aloud. Pure magic. 2+
- It’s An Orange Aardvark by Michael Hall
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If you read this ridiculous book with feeling your kids will be falling off their seats. Dramatic ants and active imaginations are a wonderful combination. 2+
- This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
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Jon Klassen has a bit of a dark sense of humor and I must admit I absolutely love it. Readers love this one because they are in the know. Beautiful. Creative. Funny. A must. 2+
- Elephant & Piggie Books by Mo Willems
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I don’t think it is possible to go wrong with Mo Willems. Go to the letter W, find one by Willems, read it with emotion. So. Much. Fun. 2+
- The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak
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Absolute laugh out loud hilarity. B.J. Novak is a genius when it comes to making little kids laugh. There is a reason this is a bestseller. 2+
14. Dear Little One by Nina Laden
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Nina Laden writes this as a letter from Mother Nature to young children. The rhyming text and simple, warm message are all consistent with Nina Laden’s wonderful style for babies and toddlers. 2+
