Five Best Ever Children’s Books for Toddlers

Start your children off early with their love of reading. Read to them whenever you get a chance so they can learn about books and how special they are. Once they begin to read, they will return the favor by reading to you. Here are my picks for the five best ever children’s books for toddlers.

1. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell - When Emily Elizabeth gets her very own puppy, neither she nor her family have any idea of how he will change their lives. She names him Clifford. Clifford is a special dog as Emily Elizabeth soon finds out. Clifford grows up and up and up until he’s too big for their apartment. That’s when Emily and her family move to Birdwell Island so Clifford can have some room to play. Through Clifford’s adventures, children learn the values of sharing, apologizing, making friends, and helping out.

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - All of Eric Carle’s stories feature loveable creatures from nature in bold colors and shapes. As soon as you see a cover, you know that it is one of his books. The first one that I ever read was about the caterpillar. It seemed that caterpillar was never satisfied and always hungry. Why was he so hungry? Then one day, he disappeared inside something called a cocoon. What happened to caterpillar next will surprise and amaze your toddler. Carle’s books teach practical lessons about nature and how animals function in it. Children will learn about the animals and their native habitats.

3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - This book is one that your toddler will ask you to read over and over again. The Giving Tree is a touching book about life and love as told through a young child’s relationship with a tree. Sometimes, though we forget what our parents and friends have done for us. It hurts them when we turn out backs on them, but they always welcome us back with open arms. Parents will like this story because it mirrors a parent’s bittersweet love and sacrifice for a child.

4. Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne - Who hasn’t heard of Winnie the Pooh? Pooh belongs to Christopher Robin, a young boy who joins him on many adventures. Winnie the Pooh lives in the Hundred Acre Wood in a tree house surrounded by his friendly neighbors. Your toddler will meet Tigger, the orange and black tiger that bounces around on his tail. They’ll also meet Kanga and Roo, the mother and son duo who live near Pooh. There is Rabbit who tries to keep order in the community and seems to be the only responsible party besides Kanga. Pooh’s favorite fearful friend is Piglet, who runs to Pooh when he’s in trouble. I don’t exactly know what Eeyore is, but the pinned up tail suggests that he is a blue donkey of sorts. He may seem sad, but he comes through for his friends when they need him most. Owl is the wisest of the group, always giving advice to the others on practical matters.

5. Corduroy by Don Freeman - Children love animals especially cute, cuddly teddy bears. Corduroy is a stuffed bear that sits on a shelf in the department store day in and day out waiting for someone to buy him. When a young girl’s mother points out that he has lost a button, Corduroy goes in search of it. As he explores his surroundings, he notices all of the wonderful things that are kept in the store. Does Corduroy ever find his button? Read the book and find out. Corduroy will become one of your toddler’s favorite stories.

When they are not old enough to read, you must do the honors. Any of these books will offer adventurous and heartwarming stories your child will love. If you don’t own any of them, get a copy today.

Are you ready to challenge your preschooler’s mind even more? Take a look at http://www.kidsactivitycalendar.com for Alphabet Fun for your preschooler. The alphabet audios, coloring sheets and other activities are a great way to prepare your little one for kindergarten. To get your free sample lesson, stop by http://www.kidsactivitycalendar.com/letter-a-sample.htm today.