Babies and Toddlers

Even before they can speak and read, babies and toddlers collect words. Reading stories helps build their language skills. Illustrations in books help babies to recognize simple objects in their world. Here’s some things to look for in books for babies and toddlers:

Books with repetition of sounds and words, books that are designed for small hands, books of nursery rhymes, lullabies, and songs, sturdy books that will stand up to being chewed, smashed, or covered in mushed banana, books with simple, uncluttered illustrations of familiar shapes, books that have interactive elements like holes for fingers, opening doors, and peek holes.


Updated April 29, 2026
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Where do steam trains sleep at night?
Sayres, Brianna Caplan
Paper Book
The same team who brought you Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? have engineered another rollicking bedtime story-for train lovers everywhere! Have you ever wondered what little trains do when it's time for bed? The same things you do! Freight trains, passenger trains,...
1234 cake!
Wright, Caroline
Paper Book
Counting to ten and learning to bake is a piece of cake with this cake-themed counting book that features a kid-friendly recipe! Practicing our numbers, starting with one, makes baking a cake even more fun! Little bakers everywhere will love counting all the...
Our favorite apples
Lin, Grace
Paper Book
A perfect apple picking adventure from Caldecott Honor winner Grace Lin sure to delight prereaders and preschoolers alike. This fall-ready favorite celebrates autumn fun and that math is for every kid introducing the concept of sorting by color after a day at the orchard. ...
See, touch, feel, ABC : a first sensory book to explore with your baby
Priddy, Roger
Paper Book
Celebrate 25 years of Priddy Books! Inspiring a love of learning in over 200 million babies, toddlers, and young children. With lots of different textures to touch, feel, and explore, this sensory board book is specially designed to stimulate babies's senses and develop their...

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