It is a universally acknowledged fact that reading aloud to babies and toddlers has numerous benefits. From improving their comprehension to developing their fluency in language and pattern recognition, it even helps with building confidence. It is also a wonderful way to spend time together as a family \u2014 either one-on-one or following along and demonstrating their growing reading skills with older kids in the mix.<\/p>\n
From classics you\u2019ll recognize from your own childhood to modern favorites you\u2019ll soon be able to recite in your sleep, here are 12 books we recommend for reading together with babies to foster a love of reading.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593123997 Grumpy Monkey <\/i> by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang <\/p>\n
Everyone\u2019s favorite curmudgeon delivers an essential lesson about confusing feelings and bad days. Introduce your child to Jim Panzee and his hilariously awful day as he works through the intense emotions of young children. It\u2019s a fantastic way to show your toddler that grouchy feelings can happen at any time to anyone.<\/p>\n
9780525645757 Penguin Problems <\/i> by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith <\/p>\n
Any day that Jory John and Lane Smith team up to create a book is a good day for readers. Add this hilarious board book to your bedtime reading stack, and both you and your child will find a new favorite. Each page bursts with penguins, problems, and enough humor to make reading (and re-reading) the book a pleasure.<\/p>\n
9780593223659 Families Can<\/i> by Dan Saks, illustrated by Brooke Smart <\/p>\n
Families come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. This charming board book celebrates the things that make each family unique and special. It\u2019s the perfect book to read to your baby or toddler while they snuggle on your lap.<\/p>\n
9780593226650 Can You Guess? Animal Sounds with The Very Hungry Caterpillar <\/i> by Eric Carle <\/p>\n
Put your acting skills to use with this fun board book from the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar<\/i>. With Eric Carle\u2019s gorgeous illustrations, useful tips from the Caterpillar, and your animal impressions, your child will have a blast learning the sounds in this book. <\/p>\n
9780525648734 Unicorns Are Real!<\/i> by Holly Hatam <\/p>\n
Unicorn lovers of all ages will bond over this sparkly board book. Filled with fun facts and adorable illustrations, it will keep your baby engrossed as you read about these magical creatures together.<\/p>\n
9780593173336 Happy Hair<\/i> by Mechal Renee Roe <\/p>\n
One of the best books to read with your daughter is a book that celebrates her. With adorable Black girl hairstyles combined with positive messages to boost self-esteem, this book is a storytime must-read! And make sure to check out Cool Cuts<\/a><\/i> for an uplifting book to read with your son.<\/p>\n 9781984895097 Dr. Seuss\u2019s Spring Things<\/i> by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Tom Brannon <\/p>\n Dr. Seuss books are always a delight to read aloud thanks to the Seussian rhymes and imaginative vocabulary, and this springtime edition is perfect for the changing season. If your young ones are starting to feel cooped up, celebrate the refreshing nature of spring with two beloved characters, Thing One and Thing Two. <\/p>\n 9780593115459 The Three Little Pigs<\/i> by Carly Gledhill <\/p>\n You may know this one by heart, but the Penguin Bedtime Classics<\/i> series<\/a> is a must-have for bringing literature\u2019s most iconic stories into the present day for young readers. We\u2019re especially partial to The Three Little Pigs<\/i> for a read-aloud session \u2014 with performance opportunities abound. <\/p>\n 9781984847737 That\u2019s Me Loving You<\/i> by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Teagan White <\/p>\n With its rhythmic sentences, poetry is ideal for reading aloud. This heartfelt board book is especially ideal for snuggle time. It offers a gentle reminder that a parent\u2019s love is always present \u2014 mirrored in the natural world and the feelings of closeness we carry with us \u2014 so that little ones can feel confident and know that they are always cared for. <\/p>\n 9780525579502 I Don\u2019t Want to Be a Frog<\/i> by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt <\/p>\n You can never go wrong bringing humor into read-aloud time \u2014 it\u2019s ideal for engaging everyone, especially distracted readers. Try out this hilarious exchange between a patient frog dad and his young son, who\u2019s desperate to be anything but a frog (until, that is, the clever ending). The underlying message of self-acceptance makes this book even more wholesome! <\/p>\n 9781536211351 Huggy Kissy<\/i> by Leslie Patricelli <\/p>\n Frankly, you can\u2019t go wrong with any of Leslie Patricelli\u2019s board books<\/a> starring the one-haired baby wonder, but might we suggest this particularly affectionate title? With Huggy Kissy<\/i>, everyone at home is eager to show the baby their bottomless love \u2014 even (or in this case, especially) the family dog. <\/p>\n 9780451480637 Llama Llama Red Pajama <\/i> by Anna Dewdney <\/p>\n