When I was growing up, we read all of the time.
As a kid, I used to sneak books into bed and read in the dark after bedtime. I guess reading Babysitters Club really was a thrilling experience. My parents found out and extended bedtime so I could read later into the night with a light on, so that they didn’t have to pay for glasses later on top of the braces I already had. Ha!
I really think my love for books and for academia started with board books. I attribute my vocabulary and my schoolwork to my parents never saying no when we wanted to read another story before bed or when we wanted to visit the library in the summers.
My goal with my son is to make sure he has access to books all the time, and I’m really fortunate to have family and friends that support that too as they buy birthday and Christmas gifts for him.
I’ve got two lists for you this week: 5 classics that you shouldn’t go without on your kiddo’s bookshelf, and 3 modern additions that you should purchase for their collections, too!
5 Classics
#1: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
I completely attribute my son’s early ability to name more than primary colors to this book by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle.
We have the board book, and we read this every single night that I had custody for nearly six months straight – and we practiced both our colors and our animals by letting him go through each animal’s name and color on the final page. This one is absolutely a must-have for any toddler.
#2: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This is another Eric Carle board book that we have in our reading corner, and my little LOVES the colors. It was a gift at one of my baby showers, and it was a perfect addition to the bookshelf. Not only does combine an understanding of nature and science, but also the colors and artwork that are charming and compelling for my son’s age range.
#3: The Little Engine That Could
My son LOVES trains, so this book by Watty Piper is perfect for him! The can-do message is motivational and inspiring, and now that we’ve transitioned from Brown Bear (listed above), we’re reading this book most nights before bed.
We received this as one of our Imagination Library mailings. If you’re not from East Tennessee, you might not be familiar with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Let me just say that Dolly Parton is a gift to East Tennessee, and her efforts to promote education are absolutely admirable. We’re so thankful that my kiddo can be a recipient for books from Dolly’s program. To find out more, check out her program here.
#4: The Velveteen Rabbit
The Velveteen Rabbit is an absolutely classic. I found this modern children’s adaptation at my local Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, and I couldn’t pass it up. It’s a sweet story, and this version has warm images in kid’s colors to stay visually engaging for your toddler audience.
#5: The Monster at the End of This Book
My favorite Sesame Street monster as a kid was Grover – and this book was one we had on our own shelves! When I found it at a local store, I had to get for my son, and he loves it just as much as I did.
Spoiler: the monster is silly old Grover himself – but we have all kinds of fun discovering that when I use my own silly Grover voice throughout the book. My son recalls the pages and says some of the phrasing along with me, so it’s extra fun as he continues to grow older!
3 Modern Additions
#1: Truck Party
I grabbed this book at a local Goodwill, and it was one of the best $.99 purchases I’ve made! Before he was even two years old, my son could repeat whole lines. If your little one is a truck or transportation fan, they will LOVE this book by Tammi Salzano!
#2: Mama Loves You So
Terry Pierce’s newborn board book was sitting on a TJ Maxx shelf when I was shopping for my son’s first Christmas; it was meant to be. This book is so sweet. It highlights animals and their mamas, and the illustrations by Simone Shin are absolutely gorgeous. If you are having a new baby – or if a friend is – this is a must have.
#3: Hands Are Not for Hitting
My son’s sitter shared that he was using his hands to hit or push some, and he had begun to hit me on our custody switch days, so I was concerned. I brought up the issue with the pediatrician at a previously-scheduled appointment, and she suggested this book by Martine Agassi.
I didn’t know how much it would help, but I am SO thankful I purchased it on Amazon! This book details how hands are not for hitting, but they are for high-fives, for playing, for building… It follows the little boy on the cover through lots of activities you CAN do with your hands. Now, on the way to the sitter’s on every morning I have custody, my son and I talk about how are hands are NOT for hitting, pushing, pinching, or taking, but ARE for high-fives, hand-holding, clapping, and playing kindly.
What books would you add to the list? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!
Kate with a Twang 