It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. In fact, there’s evidence that reading to your baby in the womb can develop the brain, minimize stress, and establish a bond between baby and parent (1)! But you’re probably wondering which books to introduce to your 1-year-old.
To help you choose the perfect books for your 1-year-old, we’ve put together a list of 50 amazing stories that book enthusiasts and hundreds of parents have recommended. We read and reviewed each one, so you can be sure it’s recommended from mother to mother.
Why not snuggle up with your baby and enjoy the magic of reading together?
The Best Books for 1-Year-Olds of 2024
Start building your baby’s library from a young age. The more you read to your little one, the quicker they’ll be able to build their vocabulary and communicate. Here are 50 incredible books to get you started on your reading journey.
Moo Baa La La La
Learn Animal Sounds
Get ready for serious silliness as you mimic animal sounds throughout this book. Starting with cows and sheep and going on to a horse, dog, and cat, among other animals — your baby will be laughing all the way.
This little book is a fun way to introduce babies to different animals and the sounds they make. The book’s simple illustrations make it a wonderful and calming read for one-year-olds.
Product Specs
Author | Sandra Boynton |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 16 pages |
Publisher | Boynton Bookworks |
Publication Date | November 30, 1982 |
ISBN | 978-0671449018 |
Peek-A Who
Guess Who’s Peeking
This colorful book is full of cleverly hidden objects that rhyme with “who” and the sounds they make. It starts with, “Peek-a…,” but rather than lift a flap, you turn to the next page to find the answer.
With repetitive phrases and rhyming words, this book provides an interactive reading experience for your child. Plus, they’ll enjoy making the funny sounds.
Product Specs
Author | Nina Laden |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 10 pages |
Publisher | Chronicle Books |
Publication Date | February 1, 2000 |
ISBN | 978-0811826020 |
First Farm Words (First 100)
Learn About the Farm
Take a trip to the farm without leaving your house with this cute, colorful, and picture-filled book. Immerse yourself in the world of farm animals, farm produce, machinery, and farm projects.
This farm-themed book is excellent for building your baby’s vocabulary and helping them associate words with the corresponding pictures. It’s an excellent opportunity for you to simply explain how life on the farm goes.
Product Specs
Author | Roger Priddy |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 24 pages |
Publisher | Priddy Books US |
Publication Date | March 7, 2017 |
ISBN | 978-0312522834 |
Where Is Baby's Belly Button?
Learning Body Parts
This cute and colorful little book starts by asking where the baby’s eyes are. Upon opening the flap, you’ll find his eyes under a hat. It goes on to ask about other body parts which can be found under the next flaps.
This book is a fun and interactive way to help your baby learn about the different parts of their body. Soon, your child can point to their own eyes, mouth, and belly button!
Product Specs
Author | Karen Katz |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 14 pages |
Publisher | Little Simon |
Publication Date | September 1, 2000 |
ISBN | 978-0689835605 |
Time for Bed
A Bedtime Story
This is the story of adorable animals getting ready for bed. With darkness falling all around, the story starts with mommy mouse telling little mouse to get into bed. The book uses creative and simple rhymes with watercolor illustrations to help soothe your little one to sleep.
Product Specs
Author | Mem Fox & Jane Dyer |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 28 pages |
Publisher | Red Wagon Books / Harcourt Brace |
Publication Date | January 1, 1993 |
ISBN | 978-0152010669 |
Little Green Frog
Who Lives by the Pond
A little frog introduces you and your baby to his friends who live by the pond. You’ll meet a duck and her newly hatched ducklings, fish, turtles, and a bunny rabbit, among others.
This vividly-colored little book asks questions and lets you find the answers under a flap. It’s great for interactive reading and learning. The sturdy board pages are perfect for little hands learning to turn pages independently, promoting a love for reading and learning.
Product Specs
Author | Ginger Swift & Olga Demidova |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 12 pages |
Publisher | Cottage Door Press |
Publication Date | March 15, 2016 |
ISBN | 978-1680520828 |
Will You Be My Sunshine?
A Story About Love
The story starts with a little mouse asking if his mommy will be his sunshine on a cold day. She reassures him that she will be, then he asks if she will be his rainbow when it’s dull and gray.
The book uses weather elements to subtly ask if Mommy will always be there, even when we lose our way.
This heartwarming story will inspire affection and warmth. The reassurance will give your baby a sense of security while teaching them about unconditional love.
Product Specs
Author | Julia Lobo |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 18 pages |
Publisher | Cottage Door Press |
Publication Date | September 1, 2015 |
ISBN | 9781680520279 |
Counting Kisses
Affectionate Moments
The baby is tired and crying. The whole family, including the pets, offer kisses to calm her down. From 10 kisses on the baby’s toes, this book counts down to one final kiss on her sleepy head.
Mommy and baby can try out these kisses during reading time. It will reinforce your affection for your baby, and they’ll know for sure that they are loved.
Product Specs
Author | Karen Katz |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Little Simon |
Publication Date | January 1, 2003 |
ISBN | 978-0689856587 |
Baby Touch and Feel: Animals
Develop Motor Skills
The cute bunnies on the front cover are enough to hook your wee one! This animal book is perfect for the little hands that like touching books and exploring textures. Each page showcases a different animal and what they might feel like in the wild.
The pages are easy to turn, encouraging your baby to interact with the book. With its simple yet engaging layout, your child can follow along and stay engrossed in the wonders of this delightful book.
Product Specs
Author | DK |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 14 pages |
Publisher | DK Children |
Publication Date | January 21, 2008 |
ISBN | 978-0756634681 |
Roar, Roar, Baby!
Off to the Zoo, We Go
The baby takes a trip to the zoo, hoping to see a baby tiger. He searches all over but finds different animals instead. Finally, he finds the baby tiger hiding in the tall grass.
This book uses repetitive phrases and beautiful illustrations to draw you in. Your baby will enjoy lifting the flaps to find the different animals while learning their unique sounds.
Product Specs
Author | Karen Katz |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 14 pages |
Publisher | Little Simon |
Publication Date | January 6, 2015 |
ISBN | 978-1481417884 |
Look, Look!
Exploration Time!
This book starts by highlighting that hands reach, flowers bloom, fish swim, and the stars shine. These are just some of the fascinating things that your child loves to witness.
The black-and-white contrast in the book is simply amazing. It uses full-page illustrations and short red text to help your baby comprehend how different things work.
Product Specs
Author | Peter Linenthal |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 18 pages |
Publisher | Dutton Books for Young Readers |
Publication Date | September 1, 1998 |
ISBN | 978-0525420286 |
In My Den
For Reading In a Cozy Den
Colorful and beautifully illustrated, with die-cut pages, this book tells the story of a little bear cozy in his den. We follow him as he lays down pinecones, hunts for twigs, and cuddles with his family in bed.
The book carries a reassuring message about how cozy it can be to lie down to sleep. Its unique layering and finger puppet feature allows interactive reading and fun moments.
Product Specs
Author | Sara Gillingham |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 12 pages |
Publisher | Chronicle Books |
Publication Date | August 12, 2009 |
ISBN | 978-0811870535 |
“More, More, More,” Said the Baby
Get Into a Fun Mood
This is the story of Little Guy, Little Pumpkin, and Little Bird, three babies who have lots of fun with their parents and grandma. From belly kissing to swinging in circles, the babies simply can’t get enough fun and demand more!
Doing some of the fun stuff you read in the book will undoubtedly turn this book into a favorite! Not only can you sit down and relax together, but you can act out some of the enjoyable antics within the story.
Product Specs
Author | Vera B Williams |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 34 pages |
Publisher | Greenwillow Books |
Publication Date | January 1, 1990 |
ISBN | 978-0688156343 |
My Very First Book of Numbers
Let’s Count
What better way to count than using delicious fruits? This book contains numbers one to 10 and fruits that match. Set on a white background, your baby will find it easy and fun to search and count the fruits.
This book will teach your child what different fruits look like. But it also provides a challenge. This book has a unique cut-out inside, which allows you to turn the pages on the top and bottom half of the book separately.
Once your baby is a little older, they can pick a number on the top page and find the same number of fruit in a picture on the bottom page!
Product Specs
Author | Eric Carle |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 20 pages |
Publisher | World of Eric Carle |
Publication Date | June 1, 2006 |
ISBN | 978-0399245091 |
Sleep Tight With The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Lift-the-Flap Bedtime Book
Wander the world as you say goodnight to the crickets, owls, ducks, and other adorable creatures. This twist on Eric Carle’s classic book introduces your little one to the famous hungry caterpillar, as well as his friends.
It provides one final activity before bedtime. With flaps to lift, your 1-year-old can interact with this lovely rhyming story before winding down for a good sleep (hopefully).
Product Specs
Author | Eric Carle |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 10 pages |
Publisher | World of Eric Carle |
Publication Date | September 1, 2020 |
ISBN | 978-0593222577 |
Hello, Daddy
Bond With Daddy
Would you like a book that allows your baby to connect with their dad? This book provides the perfect opportunity. In this story, your little one can say hello to various babies and their dads. The best part is the various textures on each page, such as a shiny nose or soft tiger stripe.
Besides those features, this is also great for developing sensory skills and a base for your little one’s first words. A surprise at the end of the book will reveal your child’s reflection, too!
Product Specs
Author | Baby Touch |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Pre-school |
Length | 10 pages |
Publisher | Ladybird Books Ltd |
Publication Date | May 14, 2020 |
ISBN | 978-0241422328 |
Skye the Puffling
A Scottish Adventure
This dynamic and adorable book brings Scottish nature to life as Skye the puffling goes on a sneaky adventure! One morning, Skye escapes from her burrow and tumbles off the cling before being picked up by a gannet.
Told through rhythmic rhyming and accompanied by watercolor illustrations, this is a fun and fast-paced tale to read to impatient babies and toddlers!
Product Specs
Author | Lynne Rickards & Jon Mitchell |
Reading Age | 1-6 years |
Grade Level | 1st grade |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Kelpies |
Publication Date | May 15, 2016 |
ISBN | 978-1782502555 |
I Love You To the Moon and Back
A Bear-y Cute Story
This charming book is perfect for settling your little one down for a nap or nighttime. It follows a bear and its cub as they go through their day together, playing in water and climbing high mountains. Then the bear talks about how all these little moments are special signs of love. Reading such books can be a meaningful yet simple way to tell your little one how much you adore them.
Product Specs
Author | Amelia Hepworth & Tim Warnes |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool & kindergarten |
Length | 28 pages |
Publisher | Tiger Tales |
Publication Date | January 1, 2015 |
ISBN | 978-1589255517 |
I Want My Hat Back
With a Cheeky Plot Twist
While one-year-olds won’t understand the mischievous humor in this yet, it’s a great one to entertain parents during those long late-night reading sessions. This book follows Bear, who has lost his hat. When he discovers what happened to his hat, he is feeling vengeful! What awful thing will he do?
While you can buy this as a board book, which is great for little hands, we have the paperback version, which is great for reading to your little one while they’re playing or eating.
Product Specs
Author | Jon Klassen |
Reading Age | 1-6 years |
Grade Level | Preschool – 3rd grade |
Length | 40 pages |
Publisher | Candlewick |
Publication Date | September 27, 2011 |
ISBN | 978-0763655983 |
The Dinky Donkey
With a Cheeky Plot Twist
Parents, are you looking for a book that will genuinely make you laugh? This hilarious and adorable book about a small donkey is filled with hilarious and random rhymes and details. As part of the Wonky Donkey series, this is about a small donkey who is almost as cute as your one-year-old, making for the perfect daytime story!
Product Specs
Author | Craig Smith & Katz Cowley |
Reading Age | 1-5 years |
Grade Level | Preschool & Kindergarten |
Length | 24 pages |
Publisher | Scholastic Inc. |
Publication Date | November 5, 2019 |
ISBN | 978-1338600834 |
Oh Dear!
Find the Hidden Animals
From the creator of the beloved book, Dear Zoo, comes the farmyard version, Oh Dear! Grandma sends little Buster out to the farm to gather the eggs.
Your little one has to open the flaps to reveal the cow, pig, and other cute creatures before the eggs are finally found! This exciting adventure improves fine motor skills and teaches children about different animals.
Product Specs
Author | Rod Campbell |
Reading Age | 1-2 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 18 pages |
Publisher | Little Simon |
Publication Date | January 1, 1984 |
ISBN | 978-1534443198 |
Seashore Sounds
Discover Seaside Magic
The Usborne Sound books are a family favorite in our home. The buttons are so easy to press, which eases frustrated one-year-olds. This particular book follows a variety of sea creatures and features.
When your little one presses the buttons, they’ll hear thunder crashing, birds cooing, and boats honking. It’s great for reading together but also a prime pick for independent reading.
Product Specs
Author | Taplin Sam |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 12 pages |
Publisher | Usborne Publishing Ltd |
Publication Date | May 27, 2021 |
ISBN | 978-1474990042 |
If I Were a Giraffe
Soft Sensory Story
There are dozens of books in this Jellycat series, such as a giraffe, elephant, or sheep version! These books feature various textures, including velvety ears and a hairy mane, providing an excellent opportunity for sensory exploration and developing vocabulary. Each story in the series features a silly tail feature that sticks out of the book’s top.
Product Specs
Author | Anne Wilkinson |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 10 pages |
Publisher | Jellycat |
Publication Date | January 1, 2009 |
ISBN | 9781904272083 |
Where's Mrs Ladybird?
Gently Searching for Bugs
In this book, five little creatures are hiding behind soft, felt flaps. Babies and toddlers find felt flaps much easier to open than stiff, paper ones, making this a great option for your one-year-old.
The beautiful illustrations are exciting to study, and with a variety of creatures, your little one will learn about new bugs. Plus, there’s a special surprise on the final page!
Product Specs
Author | Collectif |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 10 pages |
Publisher | Nosy Crow |
Publication Date | January 12, 2017 |
ISBN | 978-0857637628 |
Noisy Baby Animals (My First)
Learn Baby Animal Sounds
Our little one has read this book so much that it’s literally falling apart! But until then, he loved all the baby animal noises and, in time, started copying them. The button produces a variety of noises, such as a puppy woofing and a penguin chick chirping.
The button is a little tricky for small fingers to press, so we suggest parents help out. If your child likes this book, there are plenty more in the “My First” series.
Product Specs
Author | Patricia Hegarty & Tiger Tales |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 12 pages |
Publisher | Tiger Tales |
Publication Date | September 22, 2020 |
ISBN | 978-1680106657 |
Little Baby's Busy Day
Learn Baby Animal Sounds
This book is a hidden gem but a total hit. It features two finger-sized holes that parents can use to wiggle their fingers and pretend to be the baby’s legs. Follow the funny babies as they wake up, eat breakfast, and go through their day.
From the bright pictures to the cut-out holes, this stimulating story makes for a great interactive reading experience with your baby. Before you know it, your baby will be trying to poke their own fingers through the holes too!
Product Specs
Author | Sally Symes & Nick Sharratt |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 16 pages |
Publisher | Candlewick |
Publication Date | March 24, 2020 |
ISBN | 978-1536212785 |
Tickle!
Hilarious & Noisy
Parents who prefer quiet books and toys might want to look away. But from our experience, this book has provided enough laughs to make the chaos worth it! Each page features a lift-the-flap section as the various creatures try to tickle the moose.
The last page shows a little boy who finally succeeds in tickling the moose, and when you lift the flap, get ready to laugh uncontrollably! It’s a wild, noisy, and absolutely hilarious adventure that will have your one-year-old laughing along with you.
Product Specs
Author | Amelia Hepworth & Jorge Martin |
Reading Age | 1-5 years |
Grade Level | Preschool & Kindergarten |
Length | 12 pages |
Publisher | Tiger Tales |
Publication Date | March 8, 2022 |
ISBN | 978-1664350168 |
Never Touch the Sharks!
Touch & Feel
This fun silicone touch-and-feel book offers a variety of textures. With each shark in the book having its own unique feel, kids can engage in sensory exploration using their fingers.
On each page, one shark disappears until only one is left. This theme helps them with counting, noticing differences, and of course, fine motor skills!
Product Specs
Author | Rosie Greening |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 16 pages |
Publisher | Make Believe Ideas |
Publication Date | February 1, 2020 |
ISBN | 978-1789473735 |
Hop on Pop
Simple Rhyming
While lyrical and elaborate rhyming still captivates a baby’s attention, simple rhyming is easier for them to understand. Not only will it capture their attention, but it will also introduce them to basic words such as “tall,” “ball,” and “bee.”
This fun book is also a great introduction to the classic children’s author, Dr. Suess. If you loved him growing up, this is a great one to start with when reading to your baby!
Product Specs
Author | Dr. Suess |
Reading Age | 1-5 years |
Grade Level | Preschool & kindergarten |
Length | 24 pages |
Publisher | Random House Books for Young Readers |
Publication Date | January 1, 1963 |
ISBN | 978-0375828379 |
Doggies
Count the Dogs
Meet 10 doggies in this funny and noisy counting book. The first page features one dog, on the next, there are two, then three, and so on. Each new dog that appears is a different breed, which will engage young readers.
Plus, this book teaches counting as the numbers one through 10 appear. The charming illustrations are perfect for little babies and parents to enjoy!
Product Specs
Author | Sandra Boynton |
Reading Age | 0-1 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 16 pages |
Publisher | Boynton Bookworks |
Publication Date | October 11, 1984 |
ISBN | 978-0671493189 |
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Celebrate Uniqueness
One of the most magical aspects of parenthood is looking at your child and wondering all the amazing things they’ll do. This book celebrates the uniqueness that each child holds within them.
Told in a lyrical rhyming verse, the story follows children as they grow and develop. Their hearts are kind, their talents blossom and their parents remind them that no matter what they achieve, they are deeply loved for who they are.
Product Specs
Author | Emily Winfield Martin |
Reading Age | 0-7 years |
Grade Level | 1st & 2nd grade |
Length | 36 pages |
Publisher | Random House Books for Young Readers |
Publication Date | August 25, 2015 |
ISBN | 978-0385376716 |
Do Cows Meow?
Great for Group Reading
If you’re reading to a group of adorable tots, or have twins, this book is fantastic for reading together. But it’s also just dandy for one-on-one reading time.
It follows a variety of animals, asking the question as to which noises they make. It offers a few wrong answers before you need to lift the flap and reveal the right answer. This book is fantastic for teaching animal noises in a silly and interactive way!
Product Specs
Author | Salina Yoon |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 18 pages |
Publisher | Union Square Kids |
Publication Date | September 4, 2012 |
ISBN | 978-1402789564 |
Hello, World! Weather
How's the Weather Today?
It’s important to learn about different kinds of weather so that you know how to dress depending on what’s going on outside. This book shows different kinds of weather — sunny, rainy, cold, etc. — and highlights the right outfit for each day.
Additionally, it provides fascinating information about UV rays, wind, and clarifies why mornings are colder than daytime. This educational book is captivating and vivid, making it a fantastic choice for tiny tots.
Product Specs
Author | Jill McDonald |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 26 pages |
Publisher | Doubleday Books for Young Readers |
Publication Date | March 8, 2016 |
ISBN | 978-0553521016 |
Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo
Discover Boldness and Bravery
The Little People, Big Dreams series takes kids through the lives of incredible people, including scientists, activists, and artists like Frida Kahlo. Featuring stunning illustrations and straightforward sentences, this book narrates the inspiring journey of Frida from a young girl, through schooling, to when she started painting. This inspirational story will instill boldness and bravery into your child, even at a young age.
Product Specs
Author | Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & Gee Fan Eng |
Reading Age | 1-7 years |
Grade Level | 1st grade |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Frances Lincoln Children’s Books |
Publication Date | February 4, 2016 |
ISBN | 978-1847807830 |
Waiting
Teach Patience
This book follows an owl, puppy, rabbit, pig, and bear as they wait hopefully by the window for something amazing to happen. The minimalistic pictures and straightforward sentences are captivating for little ears.
Waiting is an important lesson for kids to learn, and it’s never too early to start! While this book is great for one-year-olds, it’s also useful for older kids, as it reinforces the imporatnce of waiting, even when it can be frustrating.
Product Specs
Author | Kevin Henkes |
Reading Age | 1-5 years |
Grade Level | 1st grade |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Greenwillow Books |
Publication Date | September 1, 2015 |
ISBN | 978-0062368430 |
Ten Little Ladybugs
Lovely Ladybugs
Learn to count using this interactive board book with lifelike ladybugs. Your little one can feel through the book as they count the ladybugs from one to 10. The adorable bugs and lyrical rhymes are a fantastic and fun way to educate your child about numbers and bugs.
Product Specs
Author | Melanie Gerth & Laura Huliska-Beith |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 22 pages |
Publisher | Piggy Toes Pr |
Publication Date | February 1, 2001 |
ISBN | 978-1581170917 |
The Little Engine That Could
Never Give Up
This classic story about persistence and never giving up has been a firm favorite since 1930! It follows a happy little engine who carries toys, puzzles, fruit, and candy over a mountain. When she breaks down, she asks other trains for help, but they all pass by.
Finally, Little Blue Engine appears and takes on the challenge of pulling the little train through the mountains. With repeated affirmations — I think I can, I think I Can — she drives the difficult journey to the city.
This tale as old as time, is a great reminder that your little one can do anything they set their mind to!
Product Specs
Author | Watty Piper & George Hauman & Doris Hauman |
Reading Age | 1-4 years |
Grade Level | Preschool & Kindergarten |
Length | 48 pages |
Publisher | Grosset & Dunlap |
Publication Date | January 1, 1930 |
ISBN | 978-0448405209 |
The Snowy Day
Discover Winter Magic
Discover the magic of winter in this adorable book which follows Peter, who wakes up to a huge snowfall one morning. Children will enjoy abstract illustrations and vivid colors, which are perfect for cozy reading sessions. Join Peter as he makes snow angels and a snowman, enjoying every moment of this incredible day.
Product Specs
Author | Ezra Jack Keats |
Reading Age | 1-5 years |
Grade Level | Preschool & Kindergarten |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Viking Books for Young Readers |
Publication Date | November 5, 1962 |
ISBN | 978-0670867332 |
Wild Animals: A Touch and Feel Book
Learn About Wild Animals
If you’ve not already noticed from our list, we are big fans of sensory books for one-year-olds! Many babies are nervous about different textures, but books like this provide a safe space for them to explore.
In this story, they can feel an elephant’s leather or a koala’s fur as they say hello to a variety of wild animals. With fun rhyming on each page, parents can tell their babies all about the animals they encounter.
Product Specs
Author | Little Hippo Books & Anna Jones |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 10 pages |
Publisher | Little Hippo Books |
Publication Date | June 1, 2020 |
ISBN | 978-1951356644 |
Read To Your Baby Every Day
Learn About Wild Animals
We are big advocates for daily reading with your baby! If you aren’t sure what to read, this book includes 30 classic nursery rhymes that little ones will love. Each one looks as though it’s been hand-embroidered onto the page, making for a beautiful addition to the shelf.
Your little one will love popular classics like Twinkle Twinkle, Old MacDonald, and Old Mother Hubbard. Filled with classic songs you can learn together, there’s a fun story for each day of the month.
Product Specs
Author | Rachel Williams & Chloe Giordano |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 64 pages |
Publisher | Frances Lincoln Children’s Books |
Publication Date | March 5, 2019 |
ISBN | 978-1786033376 |
Peekaboo Morning
For Morning Reading
Start the day with a book! And what’s sweeter than this lovely book about a toddler who says peekaboo to his mother, father, puppy, and other beloved characters?
This book is fantastic for babies because it involves an exciting game of peekaboo while introducing them to words and pictures they’ll soon recognize.
Product Specs
Author | Rachel Isadora |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 24 pages |
Publisher | G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers |
Publication Date | May 1, 2008 |
ISBN | 978-0399251535 |
TouchThinkLearn: ABC
Hands-On Learning
Babies learn from tactile experiences, making this book a fantastic way to introduce them to the alphabet. On each page, you’ll find textured letters that babies can feel with their little fingers. Each letter is paired with a textured object that starts with the same letter, such as “C” for cloud and “D” for dolphin.
This ground-breaking book allows children to trace the letter’s shape and say the name, helping them to understand the basics of the alphabet.
Product Specs
Author | Xavier Deneux |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Chronicle Books |
Publication Date | September 6, 2016 |
ISBN | 978-1452145037 |
Ten Tiny Babies
Hands-On Learning
This book follows 10 tiny babies taking part in silly antics, like spinning around and wriggling their toes. Together, they all join in and have fun together!
Your little one can copy the actions, learning new skills and funny things to do. It’s a hilarious book that will have you both laughing from the very beginning.
Product Specs
Author | Karen Katz |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Little Simon |
Publication Date | September 30, 2008 |
ISBN | 978-1442413948 |
The Pout-Pout Fish
A Fish Tale
Meet grumpy Pout-Pout Fish on this deep-sea adventure as he encounters all his friends as they try to cheer him up. Babies will love the gorgeous images and rhyming scheme. It’s even more exciting if you can do funny voices for each character!
In the end, can Pout-Pout Fish’s friends improve his mood? Will their words of wisdom get through to him? Or will he spend the rest of his days stuck with a sad look on his face?
Warning: this book might lead to lots of kisses from your toddler!
Product Specs
Author | Deborah Diesen & Dan Hannah |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 32 pages |
Publisher | Farrar, Straus and Giroux |
Publication Date | August 6, 2013 |
ISBN | 978-0374360979 |
Leo Loves Baby Time
Encourages Friendship
Little Leo loves Wednesdays because he attends Baby Time class with his mom and friends. This happy book shows how much fun it can be to get out of the house and spend time with other babies. If your little one is nervous about attending these classes, this book can help show them how much fun it is.
Product Specs
Author | Anna McQuinn & Ruth Hearson |
Reading Age | 0-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 24 pages |
Publisher | Charlesbridge |
Publication Date | February 25, 2014 |
ISBN | 978-1580896658 |
Hey, Water!
Make a Splash
Most babies love water! This easy-to-follow book teaches them where water is and what it sounds like. Follow the river as it moves to the sea or the ocean where the whales live.
This beautifully illustrated book is a calming choice for both daytime and nighttime reading. Despite its soothing vibe, it’s also a great educational experience that teaches little ones how water can take multiple forms.
Product Specs
Author | Antoinette Portis |
Reading Age | 0-8 years |
Grade Level | 2nd grade |
Length | 48 pages |
Publisher | Neal Porter Books |
Publication Date | March 26, 2019 |
ISBN | 978-0823441556 |
Mealtime
Learn About Mealtimes
At this age, your baby will be well-involved with meal times. But feeding a one-year-old still has tons of challenges. This book teaches little one’s table manners and nutrition.
While babies won’t grasp the concept completely, it’s a great introduction to how to wash hands, use a fork and spoon, and say ‘thank you’. This is a great book to read with your little ones frequently to remind them of the polite way to enjoy mealtime.
Product Specs
Author | Elizabeth Verdick & Marieka Heinlen |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Prschool |
Length | 24 pages |
Publisher | Free Spirit Publishing |
Publication Date | January 1, 2011 |
ISBN | 978-1575423661 |
Baby Faces
Study Differenet Emotions
While one-year-olds might not be super empathetic (yet), this book can set the groundwork for understanding different emotions. Each page features a baby with a different expression, including happy, sad, surprised, and more.
Can you help your baby understand the various expressions and copy them? It’s an excellent resource to capture your child’s curiosity and spark their interest in their peers.
Product Specs
Author | DK |
Reading Age | 0-2 years |
Grade Level | Prschool |
Length | 16 pages |
Publisher | DK Children |
Publication Date | October 14, 1998 |
ISBN | 978-0789436504 |
Hug Time
Celebrate the Gift of Hugs
Meet Jules, the kitten who wants to hug the entire world! He makes a Hug To-Do list that stretches long across the ground. As he wanders through the world, he hugs everyone he meets!
This heartwarming story features lovely watercolor images that will capture your toddler’s interest and inspire them to be affectionate, too. Soon, you might have a chronic cuddler on your hands!
Product Specs
Author | Patrick McDonnell |
Reading Age | 1-4 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 30 pages |
Publisher | LB Kids |
Publication Date | January 1, 2007 |
ISBN | 978-0316182959 |
Travel through the solar system in this colorful book with a brilliant rhyming scheme and sensory cut-outs for babies to explore. From Neptune to Mercury, your little one will learn exciting facts about each planet.
On the back of the book are eight bonus facts to fill your little one’s brain with even more knowledge about our fascinating solar system.
Product Specs
Author | Chris Ferrie & Lizzy Doyle |
Reading Age | 1-3 years |
Grade Level | Preschool |
Length | 18 pages |
Publisher | Sourcebooks Explore |
Publication Date | October 2, 2018 |
ISBN | 978-1492671244 |
Why You Should Read to Your 1-Year-Old
Reading to your baby helps them build their vocabulary, improving their communication skills. Reading also stimulates their imagination and aids brain development.
Reading provides babies and kids with information about the world around them. As a result, they’ll start recognizing the colors, shapes, letters, and numbers they encounter (2).
Perhaps most importantly, reading builds a healthy bond and secure attachment between baby and their caregiver. It’s important to read to your baby as often as possible, ideally every day.
What To Consider When Buying Books for a 1-Year-Old
Are you ready to buy some books for your baby? Here are some helpful tips on how to choose a book (3).
- Sturdy: Select board books or cloth books that are thick and sturdy to endure frequent handling, tossing, and chewing.
- Large illustrations and colors: Babies find these more eye-catching.
- Characters: Select books with pictures of babies, animals, or favorite characters (4).
- Simple and repetitive: Opt for easy-to-remember rhymes.
- Interactive: Consider books that encourage your baby to participate, such as those with flaps or buttons.
What Is a 1-Year-Old’s Reading Level?
At this age, your baby will rely on you to do all the reading, of course. Having fun while reading is more important than being able to pronounce words, letters, or numbers.
Instead, encourage your child to point at the pictures, lift flaps, and babble back to you. These activities will promote their social development and thinking skills (5).
Here are some more reading tips:
- Read often: Reading before bedtime is preferable, but also find time during the day to do so. It might help to keep reading sessions short so your child doesn’t lose interest.
- Be affectionate: Cuddling your baby while reading fosters security for your child and strengthens the bond between you.
- Ask yourself questions: Pause and ask a question in the middle of reading, and answer it. In doing so, you’ll start stimulating their thought process.
- Find favorite books: It’s okay to repeat the same story over and over. Young children learn from repetition. If your little one has found a favorite story, it’s okay to read it for the 10th time that week!
- Get silly: Use facial expressions, vary your voice, make funny animal sounds, and sing. This will help your baby associate reading with fun.
Set a good example by reading on your own. Children learn a lot through observation, and if mommy can read, baby can read as well.