Infant Toddler Booklist

“Children who are read to learn two things: First, that reading is worthwhile, and second, that they are worthwhile.” Laura Bush

According to Donna S. Wittmer and Alice Sterling Honig, in Day to Day The Relationship Way: Creating Responsive Programs for Infants and Toddlers,

“Books spark young children’s interests and language learning as adults show them pictures, name the animals and objects, and listen as children excitedly respond.  Books are a mortar that cements relationships when you warmly hold infants and encourage toddlers and twos to snuggle near you when you read.” 

Cuddling, reading, singing, talking, and moving are all part of sharing books with infants and toddlers!  The most important tip is to enjoy the closeness and the joy of experiencing books together. Watch how they respond and choose another book or activity when little ones lose interest.  The PLC book list is a place to start, but the best books are the ones they love to hear over and over!

Featured Favorites

Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton (2005).

Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton (2005)

Many of our littlest listeners love the Belly Button Book. This book is engaging and silly! The hippos in the story love their belly buttons. They show them off at the beach and hide them under winter clothes.  A song, Belly Button (Round), from Sandra Boynton’s Grammy-nominated CD, Philadelphia Chickens, is available with the book.

Ages 1 to 4 years

Responses to Reading

The most natural response to reading the book is that everyone will want to find their belly button! Little ones can also point to the belly buttons on the hippos in the book, too. The word “round” is used in the book to describe the shape of a belly button. Collect round items (small cake pans, shower curtain rings, etc.) and invite children to play. 

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle (1967).

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle (1967)

Brown Bear is a beloved classic in children’s literature and has stood the test of time, recently celebrating its 50th anniversary.  In classrooms, it is often the book with the tattered cover and signs it has been well-loved.  The repetitive patterns immediately engage young listeners, allowing them to join in easily.  Enhancing familiar animals and color names are brilliant collage illustrations.  

Ages 1 and up.  (Available in English and Spanish)

Responses to Reading

Engage little ones by pointing to the pictures when you say the words.  Encourage them to turn the pages, point to the animals, and say the colors and animal names.

Use the child’s name and say, “Rylie, Rylie, what do you see?” and answer with family members, “I see Mommy looking at me?”.  Play this throughout the day. As children grow, they will be increasingly able to complete the phrases or name family members.

If children enjoy it as a read-aloud, try singing Brown Bear as a lullaby at rest time or bedtime. Choose a familiar tune like Twinkle Little Star, or create a unique tune!

Littles and How They Grow by Kelly DiPucchio Illustrated by AG Ford (2017).

Littles and How They Grow by Kelly DiPucchio Illustrated by AG Ford (2017)

Families will love this sweet journey as newborns become toddlers and are finally ready for the first day of school.  Busy days full of snuggling with mommies, bubbly baths with daddies, peek-a-book with family, sleeping, eating, laughter, and tears.  Beautiful images of diverse babies and their families are cheerful and engaging—a perfect program or home library addition.

Ages baby to 2 years

Responses to Reading

With little ones, find the babies on the cover and count them. Remember, little ones may enjoy listening to favorite sections instead of the entire book.  The Littles and How They Grow is a great choice to read with older children who have a newborn in the family.  Ask how they like to spend time with the baby.  Do they cuddle them, rock them, play or read?

Machines at Work by Byron Barton (1997).

Machines at Work by Byron Barton (1997)

“Hey, you guys! Let’s get to work.” As a day at the construction begins, the equipment, including a dump truck, backhoe, and cement mixer, is ready to go, and so is the crew!  This exciting text with bright illustrations and simple text is perfect for little ones interested in heavy equipment. 

Ages baby to 4 years

Responses to Reading

Encourage children to point to and name the tools and equipment.  Talk with the children about the jobs that the men and women are doing.  Using words like digging, driving, and carrying will add vocabulary to the story.

"More More More," Said the Baby by Vera B. Williams (1990).

"More More More," Said the Baby by Vera B. Williams (1990)

This Caldecott Honor book by Vera B. Williams, a timeless favorite, is the story of babies lovingly engaged with family members across the generations. From sweet nicknames to cuddling, singing, and playful interactions, each of these toddlers is loved!  The vibrant illustrations extend even into the text, creating a visually engaging picture book.

Ages baby to 7 years

Responses to Reading

Talk about the cover. Count the babies together.

With little ones, you can point to the characters and talk about what they are doing.

Have little ones find the body parts mentioned in the story.

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More Favorites to Share with Infants and Toddlers

  • Besos for Baby  by Jen Arena, illustrated by Blanca Gomez (2014)

    Ages baby to 2 years

  • Bye, Bye Time, by Elizabeth Verdick (2008)

    (Available in English and Spanish)

    Ages 1 to 3 years

  • Head Shoulders, Knees and Toes by Annie Kubler (2003)

    (Available in English and Spanish)

    Ages 1-3 years

  • Hello, Farm! by Amy Pixton (creator) and Maddie Frost (illustrator) (2018)

    Ages Baby to 2

  • I Am a Baby, by Kathryn Madeline Allen and Rebecca Gizicki, photographer (2018)

    Ages 6 months to 2 years

  • Let’s Go Outside! Ekaterina Trukhan  (2020)

    The “Indestructible” series for infants and toddlers is full of fun titles. The books are rip-proof, waterproof, safe for babies, and can go in the dishwasher.

    Ages 1 to 2 years

  • Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle Jill McElmurry (2020)

    Ages 1-3 years

  • Owl Babies by Martin Waddell Illustrated Patrick Benson (1992)

    Ages 1-4 years

  • Peek-a-Who! by Nina Laden (2000)

    Ages baby to 5 years

  • So Much by Trish Cooke Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (1994)

    Ages baby-5 years

  • Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk Illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis

    Ages 1 year and up

  • Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, by Mem Fox (2010)

    Ages baby and up

    Listen to Mem Fox read Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes!

    https://memfox.com/books/ten-little-fingers-and-ten-little-toes/

Wyoming Favorites

  • Little Wyoming by Eugene Gagliano, Illustrated by Helle Urban (2010)

  • Cowboy Small by Lois Lenski (1949)

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Ideas for Sharing Books with Children

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Library Connections

Check Out the local library in your Wyoming community.  Librarians are an excellent resource and can help you find the perfect books for your classroom, program, or home.  If you can’t get to your local library, try the Libby App!

Use your local library card and access the Libby App for children’s books on your phone, tablet, or computer. 

https://library.wyo.gov/find-thousands-of-e-books-and-audiobooks-in-gowyld-with-libby