By Heather McCarthy
Certified Professional Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, Professional Infant and Toddler Nanny
I’m sharing my personal list of “must-have” books and authors for babies and toddlers. As someone who works closely with young children and new families, I’ve seen firsthand how early exposure to books can support bonding, brain development, and a lifelong love of reading.
I’ve also included a helpful graphic from Omega Pediatrics that highlights the benefits of reading with your child, along with some tips for making story time meaningful and fun.
Let’s dive into some beloved titles that every nursery shelf should have!
Why Read to Babies and Toddlers?
Reading aloud to little ones:
- Builds vocabulary and language skills
- Enhances listening and memory
- Sparks imagination and curiosity
- Supports emotional bonding
- Helps establish comforting routines
Even babies as young as a few weeks old benefit from hearing your voice and seeing pictures. It’s never too early to start!
My Favorite Books and Authors for Little Ones
These books are not just developmentally appropriate—they’re fun, engaging, and sure to become favorites in your home.
Board Books & Baby Favorites
- “Peek-a-Who?” by Nina Laden
- “Baby Faces” by Margaret Miller
- Leslie Patricelli books (“Toot” is a favorite!)
- Roger Priddy books (“First 100 Words”, etc.)
- Touch-and-feel books
- Real baby photo books (including a DIY family photo album!)
- “Baby Signs” by Joy Allen
- Emotion books featuring real baby faces
Series to Grow With
- “Gossie and Friends” by Olivier Dunrea
- “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle
- “Llama Llama” by Anna Dewdney
- Karen Katz lift-the-flap books
- “Stanley” series by William Bee
- “That’s Not My…” series by Usborne
- “Duck and Goose” by Tad Hills
- “Bear” books by Karma Wilson
- “Spot” books by Eric Hill
- “Sheep in a Jeep” series by Nancy Shaw
Classic and Timeless Stories
- “Winnie the Pooh” (original series) by A.A. Milne
- Eric Carle books (“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, etc.)
- Sandra Boynton favorites (“Snuggle Puppy”, “Pookie” books, “Barnyard Dance”)
- “All the World” by Liz Garton Scanlon
- “Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes” by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury
- “The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear” by Don Wood
- “Little Bear” by Else Holmelund Minarik
- “Big Red Barn” by Margaret Wise Brown
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
- “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
- “Good Night, Gorilla” by Peggy Rathmann
- “The Monster at the End of This Book” by Jon Stone
- “Good Dog, Carl” by Alexandra Day
Fun & Rhythmic Reads
- Dr. Seuss classics (“Mr. Brown Can Moo”, “The Foot Book”, “One Fish, Two Fish”, “The Grinch”)
- “Little Brown Mouse” by Ginger Swift
Make Reading a Daily Ritual
Whether it’s after bath time, before naps, or as a cozy moment during a busy day, reading to your child can become one of the most meaningful rituals in your family’s routine.
So grab a book, cuddle up, and celebrate the joy of stories—this week and every week.
Let’s raise readers, one page at a time.