10 Must-Read Story Books for 1 to 2 Year Olds

When it comes to books for 1-2 year olds, board books are great because they’re durable and easy to hold. Picture books with large, vibrantly colorful illustrations and simple text are also good. Interactive books like lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel books are great for keeping toddlers engaged and helping them develop their fine motor skills. Books focusing on things like daily routines (tooth brushing, dressing, potty training etc), emotions, and basic concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers are also great for this age group.

When it comes to picking out some books for 1-2 year olds, there are a few main things to look for. First, books that introduce basic concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers, and letters are great for helping your toddler develop their language and cognitive skills. Books with simple and repetitive text, and bright and bold illustrations are also great for this age group.

Another thing to look for are books that feature animals and vehicles, just because they’re usually loved by toddlers. These kinds of books can also help your toddler develop their vocabulary and knowledge of the world around them.

You may also want to look for books that focus on daily routines and activities, such as getting dressed, eating, and going to bed, as a tool to help you with teaching your little one new expectations.

Lastly, books that focus on emotions and feelings can be great for helping your toddler understand and express their own emotions. (Another key value to a parent here is that when your child gets better at expressing their thoughts and emotions, it usually results in less temper tantrums!)

Remember, at this age, toddlers are still learning and growing. Reading with them is a great way to bond and make memories together, so don’t worry if they don’t sit still for very long or if they lose interest part-way through the book sometimes, just focus on trying to make it a fun experience for both of you.

Reading with your little one is a great way to bond and help them develop their love for books and learning! It’s recommended to read with your toddler at least once a day, for 15 minutes or more, but you can’t read with them too much! Even if it’s just a few minutes at a time, it’s a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

The good news is that all of the books we recommended in this article are good choices for reading with an 18 month old. However, some additional classic books that are recommended for this age include:

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown

“Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes” by Mem Fox

“Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt

If you’re wondering where to pick up some good books for your toddler or child, then you’re in luck because you can find them just about anywhere! You can check out your local library or bookstore, or even browse online retailers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Target. 

And don’t forget, you can also find some hidden treasures at thrift stores, garage sales, and even your own attic. You never know what literary gems you might discover!