Illiteracy among kids is one of the greatest problems that educators face. Unfortunately, the source of this major problem starts at home. Books are the one luxury that parents sacrifice when money is tight. If you want the best for your toddler, you should start reading to him or her from an early age. This will help acquaint your child to the written word, and it will help build vocabulary and language skills that will help your toddler succeed once he's in school.
Board books are appropriate for toddlers; however, toddlers are old enough to also enjoy picture books. Reading your child a picture book is a rewarding experience, because the book feels like a real book with its thin pages. In addition, the illustrations and easy-to-understand text will keep your toddler interested.
Luxury Baby Cribs
The Top 10 Books that Every Parent Should Read to Their Toddlers
1. The Great Dog Wash by Shellie Braeuner - This picture book invites toddlers to come to the most fun dog wash in town. Dogs of all shapes, color, and size are invited, and so is your toddler. The playful rhyme in this book will help build your child's early literary skills, and the illustrations will keep toddler's attention.
2. Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown - What better way to get your toddler to sleep than with this classic bedtime picture book? Follow along with a young rabbit as he says goodbye to everything nearby. The lines are easily memorized, and it won't be long before your toddler starts reciting the entire book to you!
3. Freight Train Big Book by Donald Crews - This Caldecott Honor book is perfect for your toddler. Toddlers love trains, and this concept book has gorgeous illustrations that show and labels all of the cars of a train. In addition to learning about trains, your toddler will also learn about the six basic colors.
4. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess - Toddlers will love this classic Dr. Suess tale. Follow Sam I Am and his wacky quest to get his doubting friend to eat green eggs and ham. The repetition will get your toddler reciting this great book back to you in no time flat.
5. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin, Jr. - A great concept book that toddlers will enjoy reading with you. You'll love the amusement in your child's face as he or she turns the page to see what animals Brown Bear spots.
6. Have You Seen My Potty? By Mij Kelly - Perfect for the potty training little girl, this picture book will get your toddler laughing hysterically as they follow Suzy Sue as she asks animals if they've seen her potty. Both you and your toddler will enjoy the rhymes and bathroom humor.
7. Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli - If you've got a picky eater, you will have to read this book to your toddler. What better way to teach the difference between "yummy" and "yucky" to your toddler than with this creative board book?
8. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch - This picture book combines humor and sentimentality, making it a classic that will leave you a bit teary-eyed. While your toddler may not understand the concept yet, this book will let your child know that your love for him or her is never-ending.
9. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak - The movie just didn't do this classic children's book justice. Your toddler will enjoy the imagination and excitement of this book. Follow Max on his journey into a new world where the wild things are.
10. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - The themes of this wonderful book may not be understood by your toddler just yet, but this is a great way to teach your child about the journey of life.