Favorite Picture Books for Toddlers
As I mentioned in my first blog post, I somehow wasn’t aware of all the not-so-great picture books that make it to bookstores. I’ve started being a bit pickier in what books I choose to buy and have been actively searching out more books that highlight our connection to nature and the joys of being outside.
I wish I was more tech savvy and could add in pictures of these books and links to buy, but for now you’ll just have to hang in there with me and google them yourself.
Do Princesses Make Happy Campers, by Carmela Coyle
This is part of an adorable series about a little girl (princess obsessed as they so easily become) being active and getting outside. I received this book from a good friend at my babyshower. However, since it was in hardcover form I had to store it away for a while so the pages didn’t get ripped out by a baby. I’ve since seen that you can get many in this series as a board book and would highly recommend them. Fun rhymes and great illustrations.
Good Night Little Blue Truck, by Alice Schertle
We haven’t read all the books in this series but this one is by far my favorite of the 4 we have. I think it’s the thunderstorm rolling in across the farm that really does it for me.
Un Oso Se Ha Perdido, by Karen Hayles
We’re a bilingual household as my husband is from Spain. It’s been hard finding good books in Spanish but this one is pretty cute. A countdown from 10 to 1 as bears play in the snow. Written in rhyme. Looks like it’s also in English (One Bear Lost) though I haven’t read that version.
The Bear Books, by Karma Wilson
Fun series (we have Bear Wants More, & Bear Snores On) that uses some wildlife vocabulary, like hibernation, and has great animal characters. I just saw there are also Spanish versions – off to buy one now!
Little Owl’s Day, by Divya Srinivasan
Introduces some different forest animals, like when Little Owl mistakes butterflies for moths – great opportunity to talk about the difference with your little one. The illustrations are amazing and also give me even more to describe and ask my daughter questions about.
I am the Wind, by Michael Karg
Lovely illustrations, enjoyable text for parents and I absolutely love the connection to nature in this book – unique animals and beautifully written.
Moon: A Peek-through Picture Book, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
The illustrations in this book bring you right into the environment (snowy, desert, mountaintop). I love the phases of the moon changing throughout and talking about it with my little one.
When the Storm Comes, Linda Ashman
Beautiful book and fantastic rhythm
Picture is of my mom and daughter on a girls camping trip. We brought one of our favorite books about camping referenced in this post.
