When you hear \u201cinformational books for toddlers,\u201d do you picture a tiny human with a disproportionately giant encyclopedia perched on his or her lap? Don\u2019t! Informational books for the very young are actually a thing, and the children\u2019s publishing world is bursting with more enticing options each year. Including informational books in a toddler\u2019s reading diet builds vocabulary and world knowledge. For some children, informational books are the ones that spark their love of reading. <\/p>\n
Toddlers\u2019 worlds tend to be pretty small, so informational books that connect to their real-life experiences are reliably appealing. Of course, books also serve to expand children\u2019s worlds, so books that introduce unfamiliar ideas in age-appropriate and engaging ways are shelf-worthy, too. Here are some toddler-approved go-to options. <\/p>\n
no no 9780525578758 Hello, World! Series https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/570047\/hello-world-boxed-set-by-jill-mcdonald\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Jill McDonald <\/p>\n
Like all parents know, as toddlers grow better at communicating, they start asking questions. A lot<\/i> of questions. With a range of captivating topics, these titles include many of the standard features of informational writing for older readers \u2014 labeled diagrams, captions, and charts, but with adorable, little-kid-level flair. How Do Apples Grow?<\/a><\/i> was immensely helpful in explaining to my frustrated toddler why our backyard apple tree didn\u2019t offer fruit for picking in the middle of January. Able to grow with a child, Hello, World!<\/i> titles can be enjoyed just by browsing the pictures, and later by sharing every fact and label. (Chances are, adult readers will learn a thing or two also.)<\/p>\n 9781664350342 What Can You See? In Space<\/i> by Kate Ware, illustrated by Mar\u00eda Perera <\/p>\n Kids curious about outer space and astronauts can have their questions answered with this nonfiction board book. They\u2019ll love the peek-through pages that explain the galaxy, what astronauts do, and how everything fits together. <\/p>\n 9781536211481 Paper Peek Series by Chihiro Takeuchi, illustrated by Chihiro Takeuchi <\/p>\n In this innovative search-and-find book series, little ones learn to see colors, animals, and the alphabet in a fun and exciting way. Peering through kaleidoscopic shape openings, they’re encouraged to discover hidden patterns and get to know the world around them with each page!<\/p>\n 9780823441556 Hey, Water!<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/589480\/hey-water-by-written-and-illustrated-by-antoinette-portis\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Antoinette Portis <\/p>\n Curious young children will appreciate this informative picture book about water. From rivers to snowmen, water comes in various shapes, temperatures, and states. It even makes interesting sounds. With spare text and colorful illustrations, this book is an excellent way to introduce your toddler to the essential substance.<\/p>\n 9780593527849 She Persisted in Science<\/i> by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger <\/p>\n Introduce your tiny reader to some of the most influential and exciting female scientists. Whether they\u2019re modern change-makers or lived a long time ago, the women featured in this book will inspire your little one to reach for the stars.<\/p>\n 9780593661505 First Conversations Series by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, illustrated by Isabel Roxas <\/p>\n It’s important to acknowledge that discussions around race, gender, consent, and body positivity can be difficult, but research has shown that starting these conversations early on can help children develop empathy and understanding. The First Conversations Series makes this easy! Through simple language and adorable illustrations, your little ones will learn essential topics in an informed, safe, and supported way.<\/p>\n 9781680106510 How It Works: Tractor<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/653047\/how-it-works-tractor-by-amelia-hepworth-illustrated-by-david-semple\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Amelia Hepworth, illustrated by David Semple <\/p>\n Inquisitive children will love this delightful interactive board book. With adorable illustrations, flaps to lift, facts to learn, and a farm to explore, this book will become a storytime favorite for you and your child.<\/p>\n 9780593110508 Antiracist Baby Picture Book<\/i> by Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky <\/p>\n From award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi, Antiracist Baby<\/i> aims to guide us toward a more just and ethical world starting with our children. Providing the tools to start important conversations and eradicate racism from our society and within ourselves.<\/p>\n 9780823454440 Seed to Plant<\/i> by Gail Gibbons <\/p>\n Young children can learn about where food comes from and how plants grow with this board book edition of Gail Gibbons\u2019s bestselling picture book, From Seed to Plant<\/i>. Colorful art and simple text help toddlers understand the basics of seeds, plant growth, and the anatomy of a flower.<\/p>\n 9780593695647 Hair Love ABCs<\/i> by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison <\/p>\n Inspired by the bestselling Hair Love<\/i> comes an adorable and affirming alphabet board book for young readers to embrace the beauty of natural hair while learning their ABCs!<\/p>\n 9781649070395 Good Night Our World Series https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/series\/GNO\/good-night-our-world\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Adam Gamble <\/p>\n This series wins for breadth of topics \u2014 its titles can help your toddler say goodnight to just about any location or thing you could imagine. In my family, we\u2019re partial to Good Night Beach<\/a><\/i> and Good Night Lake<\/a><\/i>. Our family enjoys both landscapes in the summers, and reading these books year-round keeps the conversations about fishing and sandcastles flowing. All the titles in the series are excellent for breaking down big topics into toddler-sized ideas. <\/p>\n 9781623369415 Mrs. Peanuckle’s Alphabet Series https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/series\/MPA\/mrs-peanuckles-alphabet\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Mrs. Peanuckle, illustrated by Jessie Ford <\/p>\n Get ready to discover some remarkable animals, insects, plants, and foods in this unique series of alphabet board books. With vibrant artwork and interesting facts on every page, these books are fun and educational to read with your toddler.<\/p>\n 9780763690625 Cerca \/ Close<\/i> by Juan Felipe Herrera, illustrated by Blanca G\u00f3mez <\/p>\n This charming dual-language board book endearingly engages young children. As a little girl walks from her kitchen through a daisy-filled yard to the house next door, she notices some things are close to her, while others are farther away. A fun story that teaches children the meaning of the words close \u2014 cerca<\/i> \u2014 and far \u2014 lejos<\/i> \u2014 in a fun and relatable way.<\/p>\n 9781664350557 One Little Egg<\/i> by Becky Davies, illustrated by Charlotte Pepper <\/p>\n Teach your tiny reader about the birds they see at the park or in their backyard with help from this interactive board book. Toddlers will love every die-cut page of this fascinating book as they lift flaps, peek through the pages, and absorb interesting facts about birds and eggs. <\/p>\n 9780823438723 Tool Book<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/590179\/tool-book-by-written-and-illustrated-by-gail-gibbons\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Gail Gibbons <\/p>\n Gail Gibbons<\/a> is an institution in the field of children\u2019s informational books. Her board book options for toddlers are to-the-point but still offer plenty of specificity for little ones who appreciate a higher level of detail. My little construction-worker wannabe loves the labeled pictures of different hand tools in Tool Book<\/i>. (Now, where do I find a plastic chisel for their toddler tool belt?) <\/p>\n 9780448489131 Hello, World Series https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/series\/775\/hello-world\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Ashley Evanson <\/p>\n Traveling with a toddler can be a nightmare \u2014 unless you do it from your couch. With the help of this brightly illustrated board book series, you can show your child the sights in Germany, New York City, Tokyo, Paris, and many other exciting places. They\u2019ll also learn concepts like opposites, shapes, time, and colors as you read.<\/p>\n 9780593387061 This Is Music: Voice<\/i> by Rekha S. Rajan, illustrated by Tania Yakunova <\/p>\n This board book series<\/a> by world-renowned music educator Rekha S. Rajan serves as a hands-on introduction to the four instrument families: drums, horns, strings, and voice. Invite young readers to explore a variety of vocal musicians from around the world and encourage them to use their voices in their surroundings. It also comes with a mirror so littles can watch their mouths move as they sing out loud.<\/p>\n 9780789497123 Wheelie Books Series https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/series\/AIH\/wheelie-books\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by DK <\/p>\n If you have a toddler vehicle-enthusiast<\/a>, you\u2019ll make his or her book dreams come true with Fire Truck<\/a><\/i>, Digger<\/a><\/i>, and Tractor<\/a><\/i>. The chunky, shaped pages layer to create an actual head-on vehicle shape. Inside, the labeled photos of related vocabulary encourage lots of studying and pointing. For adults who are more comfortable delivering dramatic renditions of story books, the language gives a little help toward expressive reading of the informational genre. Fire Truck<\/i> asks, \u201cCan you flex your arm like my boom?\u201d and ends with, \u201cSiren on, lights flashing, we are off to the rescue!\u201d <\/p>\n 9780744021448 First Emotions? Series https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/series\/ZFL\/first-emotions\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by DK <\/p>\n Help your little one explore their emotions with this adorable board book series. From happy to angry and everything in between, these books will help your child identify their feelings and learn how to handle them. It\u2019s the perfect primer for toddlers as they venture into the world of playdates and preschool. <\/p>\n 9781664350229 How It Works: Dinosaur<\/i> by Amelia Hepworth, illustrated by David Semple <\/p>\n Normally, you wouldn\u2019t want to get under a T-Rex\u2019s skin, but this interactive board book does just that. It gives toddlers an inside look at the bones, muscles, and organs inside of a tyrannosaurus rex. Cut-out pages, vibrant artwork, and plenty of fun facts about these apex predators make this a must-read for tiny dino fans!<\/p>\n 9781580891745 Global Fund for Children Series https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/series\/C0D\/global-fund-for-children-books\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by The Global Fund for Children <\/p>\n