Some of the best books for toddlers

Books. I am a self confessed bookworm. If it has words in it I want it.

From traditional bookshelves, to floating stacking shelves on the wall like these from Muuto, I adore all things literature related. The smell, the look, did I mention the words?

Though I recently took the plunge and have forgone the wonder of traditional books for myself after purchasing my very own Kindle ready for my return to book club when I head back to Qatar.

But for the boys? Paper books are the way forward. For daytime, for nighttime, for decoration.

Not only do I find it a wonderful way to get them both to wind down, the melodic rhythm of reading a book puts ME in the right frame of mind for bedtime.

As my two year old grows bigger and more vocal over his own likes and dislikes, which aren’t exactly the same as his big brother’s. It’s time to expand our reading circle a little, and bring in some more books for toddlers. That he picks. That are for him and him alone.

Though of course we have to keep Roger the sleep inducing rabbit as our final story.

But what are the best books for toddlers? What should nestle proudly between the beautiful Muuto bookends about to take pride of place in the boys rooms?

That’s not my…

Synonymous now with children of the 00’s (or even the 2010’s) every child should have one of these – of their very own not handed down chewed from their big brother – in their book collection. Harriet from Toby and Roo, Helen from Talking Mums and Helena from the Queen of Collage all agree that these books are AWESOME for toddlers.

And my two year old would have to agree, maybe not his handed down copy of That’s not my panda with the cover ripped off though.

Guess how much I love you

One of the first books I bought when I found out I was pregnant, that is still doing the rounds five years later. And I’m not alone in my love for this sweet book, Katie from Mummy’s Diary is in complete agreement.

Dear Zoo

You can’t go wrong with a classic, Dear Zoo, a lift the flap book that’s been around since my childhood. Beth at Twinderelmo completely agrees, mentioning that the flaps kept the girls entertained for hours.

The Hungry Caterpillar

Sticking with the classics, this read is a welcome addition to your toddler book tool kit. Tried and tested for years, Kerry from KLN is on her second round of reading to her youngest Ophelia.

The Tiger who came to tea

A tiger. A tea party. And cake. And the only story that Emmeline will sit through because of the aforementioned tea and cake.

The Jolly Postman

The Jolly Postman delivers cards and letters to various fairy-tale characters. He has a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, a solicitor’s letter on behalf of Little Red Riding-Hood for the wolf who ate grandma, and so on. It’s also one of Holly, daughter of Laura from Dear Bear and Beany, favourite books.

Giraffes can’t dance

Or can they? This is a favourite from Jenni at Chilling with Lucas.

So Much

A book all about love, one which was loved by Kayleigh and has been passed down to Little B!

Julia Donaldson

Now you can’t have a best books for toddlers and not include the queen of children’s literature. The rhyming and lyrical nature of books make them a delight to both read and listen too.

From the Gruffalo, a firm favourite for Hannah and Lu at Hi Baby Blog, as well as Amy at Mama Mighalls

To A Squash and a Squeeze recently purchased for my two year old, and a nightly selection for Jo at Mummy’s Knee, when Stick Man isn’t demanded of course.

And Detective Dog, a new addition that was a birthday present in our house but highly recommended by Nick at Bad Dadu.

Then there are the books that she writes illustrated by Lydia Monks, filled with glitter. Such as The Dinging Mermaid, a favourite of Samantha from Stressy Mummy.

As well as the lesser known, younger, books. Such as Rabbit’s Nap which is a regular read at Sarah from Whimsical Mumblings and Zoe from Mummy and Liss.

What’s your favourite?