One of the beautiful things about being a parent is entering the wonderful world of children’s books! There are so many amazing books out there that it’s really hard to capture it in one list. So for that reason, I have chosen our top books for toddlers that we enjoy as a family. Books that our two year old absolutely adores! They are imaginative, fun, and hold inspiring lessons within their pages. They are books that can and will be enjoyed by the whole family!
Peepo, Janet & Allan Ahlberg
A classic book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg that continues to bring joy after all these years. From the writers of Each Peach Pear Plum (my ultimate favourite as a child) comes this sweet tale of a baby and all that he sees throughout the day. Beautifully illustrated and written simply for children to understand and love. My little toddler loves reading Peepo!
The Very Super Bear, Nick Bland
A family favourite and especially loved by my husband and me, The Very Super Bear, is a tale about a bear who stumbles upon a picnic blanket, which he mistakes for a cape. Upon placing it on his back, his fellow friends in the jungle think he is a hero. It’s so cheerfully written and beautifully illustrated, written by an Australian author who has made this book a part of a series (we recommend them all!)
The Lion Inside, Rachel Bright & Jim Field
A beautiful tale of a tiny mouse who admired the lion from afar. The little mouse was feeling lost in his tiny self. He felt unnoticed by his animal neighbours and dreamed of being loud and big so that everyone would notice him. He soon discovers that even the most confident and strong can have fears and that even the smallest shy creatures can become friends with those who seem untouchable!
Stick and Stone, Beth Ferry & Jim Lichtenheld
A simple story that says so much with few words. Showcasing the importance of friendship and how even most opposites can be friends. Follow the story of an unlikely friendship, Stick and Stone, on how they have each other’s backs. Super fun and easy to read this tale is filled with inspirational words we can all live by. Friendship ROCKS!
Little Blue Truck, Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry
Beep! Beep! Another magnificent series is the Little Blue Truck. A tale of friendship and the importance of helping others. Little Blue is en route and meets a bunch of friendly farm animals on his country road journey when he ends up in a bit of a pickle. Lo-and-behold, his farm animal friends are right there behind him to help keep him on his way. A story that shows the importance of kindness and good deeds.
All The Ways to be Smart, Davina Bell & Allison Colpoys
A heartwarming tale showcasing how children can be smart in their very own special way. We have been led to believe that being smart is by excelling in school and testing well. But being smart is so much more than that! A feel-good story with colourful illustrations that will make you think outside of the box about what it means to be “smart.”
There’s a Tiger in the Garden, Lizzy Stewart
Oh the wonders of this book! An incredible tale that takes you into the wonderful world of imagination. From the magical illustrations to the sweet writings of the story, this makes for a great story time read! A story about Lizzy going on an adventure in her grandmothers garden after being bored inside. Suddenly her imagination transforms her surroundings from garden to jungle and encounters some unexpected visitors.
The Good Egg, Jory John & Pete Oswald
Any book by Jory John is a witty tale with a beautiful lesson within its silly pages. The Good Egg is a story about a good egg who feels out of place in his bunch of dozen. His cartoon roommates are all a bunch of naughty misfits.. or so he likes to think. After taking some time away from the dozen, he comes to realize that he can’t expect others to be as good an egg as him all the time and that it’s okay for everyone to be themselves!
Scaredy Boo!, Claire Freedman
A fun illustrative book about monsters and how even the spookiest of beings can have fears too! Scaredy Boo! is the perfect story to read to your little one once they have fears of their own. A lesson in that no matter who we are, big or small, we all have fears we hold and that with a little exploring and help from friends, we can overcome what scares us!
