Best Book Gifts for Toddlers

This age bracket adore books and language and as they are still learning the mechanics of how a book works they to use all their senses to ‘read’ a book; chewing and ripping may occur! Children who have experienced books from birth, will start to now see the book as a complete package of meaning, entertainment and enjoyment. If they have seen reading modelled over and over, they may ‘read’ the books themselves and will most certainly demand books to be read over and over again (endlessly). Of course, toddlers are also destructive little bunnies but do not let the possible destruction of books stop you from reading. This is the time get them hooked on books. For younger toddlers I think board books are a great option for unsupervised book time as they are relatively indestructible. However, board books should not make up the bulk of a book collection for this age group. Picture books which are rich in language and introduce young people to the mechanics of language and the absolute joy of story are all  important.  The social nature of reading comes into play around this time, as toddlers become aware of their peers and are able to engage in literacy opportunities in unstructured learning environments

Best Book Gifts for Toddlers

This list below are my must haves for toddlers – and older little people will of course still enjoy them! In fact, ‘All the Ways to be Smart’ was recently read to the entire school at our end of year Awards Assembly by my principal…it had 3 year olds to adults entranced. For books for babies see my list here.

Click on title links or cover image to purchase or purchase this entire list in one click here. 

‘All the Ways to be Smart’ by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys

‘Watch This! A Book About Making Shapes’ by Jane Godwin, Beci Orpin and Hilary Walker

‘Monster Party’ by the children of the Rawa Community School, Jane Godwin and Alison Lester

‘Puddle Hunters’ by Kirsty Murray and Karen Blair  (full review here)

‘Time for Bed Miyuki’ by Roxane Marie Galliez and Seng Soun Ratanavanh

‘Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris’ by Megan Hess (full review here)

‘Want to Play Trucks’ by Ann Stott. Illustrated by Bob Graham and (full review here)

‘Another Book About Bears’ by Phil and Laura Bunting

‘Monsters’ byAnna Fienberg. Illustrated by Kim Gamble and Stephen Axelsen and (full review here)

‘Errol’ by Zanni Louise. Illustrated by Phil Bunting

‘The Last Peach’ by Gus Gordon

‘My Dog Bigsy’ by Alison Lester

‘Cheeky Monkey’ by Andrew Daddo and Emma Quay

‘It’s Bedtime, William’ by Deborah Niland

‘The Game of Finger Worms’ by Herve Tullet

‘I’m a Hungry Dinosaur’ by Janeen Brian and Ann James

‘I Do Not Like Books Anymore’ by Daisy Hirst

‘Rock Pool Secrets’  by Narelle Oliver

‘Do Not Lick this Book’ by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost

‘The Cleo Stories’ by Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood

‘Wait!’ by Beck Stanton and Matt Stanton. (and others in the ‘Books That Drive Kids Crazy series)