With World Book Day approaching, we could look at some of the best reading books for your toddler, but first, why should you get your toddler reading?
Reading for toddlers is vital for bonding. It helps toddlers to create a higher sense of security in the home, supports better mental well-being and encourages healthy routines and habits. These positive early experiences help your little ones to reach learning milestones earlier and to feel more confident in learning environments. Reading can help toddlers overcome inequalities before they have the chance to deepen, by providing children a better experience in education and social situations as they grow. For example, children in poverty who regularly read are more likely to overcome barriers linked to disadvantage and are less likely to remain in poverty. Finally, reading helps your toddler with empathy, creativity and imagination. These skills can further help improve their problem-solving abilities and support children as they navigate the world around them.
If you’d like to look into more in-depth research, go to the Book Trust's website Here where you can read the full research report on how reading can benefit your little ones.
Let’s now have a look at all the books your little ones are sure to love!
The Jolly Postman - Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Probably one of the most interactive books based on a postman delivering letters to well-known fairy tale characters like The Three Bears or Cinderella. The book lets your little one open different surprise letters and find out different pieces of their favourite characters' lives. There is also a Christmas version of the book where the postman visits the characters around the festive period with lots more interactive letters and activities for your little one to read!
The Day the Crayons Quit - Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers
What happens when Duncan arrives at school and finds a stack of letters complaining about how he uses his crayons. This is part of a series of books following the Crayons' adventures and celebrations
What the Ladybird Heard - Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks
The farmyard is a very busy and noisy place, but what happens when the smallest and quietest animal finds out about a plot to steal the fine prize cow? This book is really fun for your little one, with a glittery ladybird to find on each page and entertaining rhymes for you to read aloud together!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle
This classic children’s book, originally published in 1969, is about a very hungry caterpillar eating all the food it can find until it changes into a very beautiful butterfly! The book includes counting, the days of the week and different foods, and an interactive element of putting a toy caterpillar through holes in the book.
Barbara Throws a Wobbler - Nadia Shireen
Barbara isn’t having a good day with multiple things going wrong, until the worst of all happens, she drops her ice cream! This is her last straw, and a WOBBLER erupts! A red jelly-like cloud appears, representing Barbara’s anger and forbidding hugs and attempts at talking to friends. The Wobbler then threatens to take over Barbara. Will she learn to control the Wobbler and make it disappear?
The Book With No Pictures - B. J. Novak
You may look at this and think, ‘Well, this will be boring, there aren't any pictures,’ but this is a very entertaining book for your toddler. Have fun reading aloud the silly phrases and words!
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding
Uncle Bobby is Chloe’s favourite uncle, and he’s getting married to his boyfriend Jamie! This makes Chloe feel sad and worried about how she doesn’t want to lose her favourite uncle. Follow Chloe, understanding that when someone they love gets married, it’s no reason to think they’ll be any less loved.
Dear Zoo - Rod Campbell
Dear Zoo is a lift-the-flap book where your little one tries to find the perfect pet from the zoo! The book was first published in 1982 for parents and little ones wanting to enjoy an interactive book.
The Gruffalo - Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Of course, we can’t go without talking about the Gruffalo in a children’s book list. The loveable book is about a brave mouse walking through the deep dark woods coming face to face with a fox, owl, snake and a hungry Gruffalo!
Elmer - David McKee
Elmer is a patchwork elephant, colourful and bright, unlike the other elephants. One day, he starts to feel like the odd one out, so he covers himself in purply-grey-berry-juice to make him the same colour as the other elephants. Elmer discovers it’s pretty boring being like everyone else and can’t resist going back to his original self. In the end, Elmer realises that being his own colourful self is far more enjoyable.
If you’ve enjoyed looking at our list for your little one to read, why not have a look at some of the books we have in our shop!
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