Toddlers are so much fun! Sure, they have big emotions and sometimes that results in big emotional outbursts. But, when you step back, those outbursts are kind of beautiful. They feel everything with their whole heart and wear it all on their sleeves. It is also a stage with huge amounts of curiosity as well as them beginning to develop more definite opinions on what they like and don’t like. These all mean a lot of fun in the world of children’s literature!
Books are a fantastic way to introduce them to new topics, let them enjoy and further explore topics they love and are an opportunity for them to connect more with you as well as the world around them. With a huge diversity of options in the picture book world, the tips below are designed to help you select some great ones for the toddlers in your life. I hope you find them helpful and that they enhance story time in your home.
Tips for Choosing Books to Read To Toddlers (1 to 3 years-old)
- Choose books about topics that they love/are interested in, but contain expanded vocabulary and different aspects they are unfamiliar with for them to build their knowledge on. Still focus on books that are light on text and primers.
- Board books are still excellent options because you will probably still want and need something more durable. Especially the ones that are out for your toddler to grab. Also keep in mind that most board books are geared for babies to 3 year olds while most picture books are also usually geared towards pre-school age and up. However, picture books are still excellent options to expand your story time options, especially for older toddlers. These are best used during story time with an adult who can either simplify them or explain them.
- Interactive books are still a wonderful option for encouraging your toddler to connect with books. Look for books that have tabs to pull, flaps to lift, reflective surfaces to look at and more.
- It definitely isn’t too early to choose books with pre-school preparation in mind. Primers for numbers, colors and the alphabet are perfect for this age!
- Nursery Rhyme books are also books to consider. Nursery Rhymes are not only wonderful because they are beloved classics, but because learning them helps children with literacy skills and reading preparation.
- Choose books that you won’t mind reading over and over and over and over again. Because you will read them over and over again. Trust me. This tip is for your own sanity. 😉
If you’re looking for specific book suggestions for this age then check out THIS POST HERE for book recommendations for 1 to 2 year-olds.
If you’re looking for tips to enhance story time for this age then check out THIS POST HERE.
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