The most recommended books for an 18 month old

Who picked these books? Meet our 179 experts.

179 authors created a book list with books for an 18 month old, and here are their favorites.

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Book cover of Dream Snow

Petr Horacek Author Of A Best Friend for Bear

From my list on illustrations that inspire reading and writing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an award-winning author and illustrator of 20 board books and over 20 picture books, who very occasionally illustrates books for other authors too. I was born in Czechoslovakia, but have spent the second half of my life in England. 

Petr's book list on illustrations that inspire reading and writing

Petr Horacek Why did Petr love this book?

I could choose any of Eric Carleā€™s books purely for his beautiful, timeless illustrations, but my choice this time is Dream Snow. It is a lift-the-flap book about a farmer who falls asleep on Christmas Eve and wakes up just in time to deliver Christmas presents to his animals. They are called One, Two, Three, Four, and Five. The book has a lovely festive atmosphere and anyone who has come home tired from playing in the snow and fallen asleep in front of the fire will immediately recognise the cosy feeling of this book.  

By Eric Carle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dream Snow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It's December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter's nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! In his dream he imagines a snowstorm covering him and his animalsā€”named One, Two, Three, Four and Fiveā€”in a snowy blanket. But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside and places gifts under the tree for his animals, bringing holiday cheer to all.

"Few in number are the parents who have made it through their toddler's years on justā€¦


Book cover of The Doghouse

Constance Lombardo Author Of Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork

From my list on hysterically funny picture books.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve worked with kids in preschools and elementary schools, (plus Iā€™m a mom!) and to me, nothing is better than hearing kids laugh. I also just adore picture books and treasure my personal library, with its focus on (you guessed it!) humor. Sassy cats, bears who want to have kids for pets, chickens who interrupt, alphabets overrun by frustrated Zebras, picture books bravely go where other books might only tiptoe in a cowardly fashionā€”into the world of wild imagination and anthropomorphized everything. With amazing artwork!! Letā€™s be honest, Iā€™ll choose funny picture books over War and Peace every time.

Constance's book list on hysterically funny picture books

Constance Lombardo Why did Constance love this book?

The Doghouse reads like a suspense-filled horror movie, with all the scariness centered aroundā€¦the mysterious Doghouse! Adorable animals are playing together when their ball rolls into the doghouse. Oh, no! Well, someone has to go get it. But who in the world is brave enough? After Mouse convinces Cow, Pig, and Duck to go in, he is the last creature standing. Will Mouse summon the nerve to find out whatā€™s going on in there? Boldly rendered and charming illustrations make this book extra-appealing. The cover featuring a mouse in a Home-Alone type face-clutching pose was enough to sell me, but come inside and see whatā€™s really happening inā€¦The Doghouse! 

By Jan Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Doghouse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mouse, Pig, Cow, and Duck are playing a carefree game of ball when (horror of horrors!) their ball gets kicked into . . . THE DOGHOUSE. Who will risk a run-in with scary Dog to get it back? Hysterical high anxiety ensues as Mouse volunteers each animal to do the dirty work - but you'll never believe what's really going on in the doghouse!

With Jan Thomas's fun, fresh art and priceless animal expressions, this timeless tale of fear and friendship will have young readers howling.


Book cover of Eek! Halloween!

Katie Vernon Author Of Happy Halloweenie

From my list on Halloween boards for little ghouls and goblins.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I was a little scared of Halloween as a kid, Iā€™ve grown to love the silly side of spookiness. Growing up with Pee-Weeā€™s Playhouse every Saturday morning, I learned that silliness is a superpower. Now, when working on kids books, my ultimate goal is to put work into the world that will delight kids, and wonā€™t make the parents groan and say, ā€œthat one again?ā€ Finding the sweet spot of being fun to read, fun to hear, and fun to look at is what I love most about creating kids books. I hope you and your little ghouls and goblins enjoy my spooky board Boooook list! 

Katie's book list on Halloween boards for little ghouls and goblins

Katie Vernon Why did Katie love this book?

Eek! Halloween is one of those books that is so much fun for an adult to read aloud.

The delicious rhyming and cadence combined with bug-eyed chickens made me laugh out loud. The spread that says ā€œstrange things are happening,ā€ won me over in every way. This is one I wouldnā€™t mind reading over and over to my kiddo. Itā€™s silly and delightful and everything you come to love and expect from a Sandra Boynton book.

By Sandra Boynton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Eek! Halloween! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There's a big round moon in a dark, dark sky. The chickens are nervous. Do you know why? Readers will find out in this super fun board book that introduces Halloween traditions to even the youngest of Boynton fans. Witches, wizards, robots, and an alarmingly enormouse mouse (eek!) are prowling around town tonight, and it's up to the chickens to get to the bottom of it - that is, if they can uncover their eyes long enough!


Book cover of Rosie's Walk

Petr Horacek Author Of A Best Friend for Bear

From my list on illustrations that inspire reading and writing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an award-winning author and illustrator of 20 board books and over 20 picture books, who very occasionally illustrates books for other authors too. I was born in Czechoslovakia, but have spent the second half of my life in England. 

Petr's book list on illustrations that inspire reading and writing

Petr Horacek Why did Petr love this book?

Rosieā€™s Walk is a perfect example of what a picture book should look like. The text and the illustrations are in perfect harmony, although the text tells us one story and the pictures another. 

The story is about a hen who goes for a peaceful walk across the yard, around the pond, across the field... and back home for dinner. But through the beautiful illustrations you can see a different story. The hen is followed by a naughty fox all the way. The hen was lucky and purely by luck escaped unharmed from the fox, who stepped on the rake, fell into the pond, got stuck in the haycock, and was chased away by bees. 

The book gives the child a chance to participate, take over and become the narrator who tells the story.

By Pat Hutchins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rosie's Walk as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Rosie the hen is going for a walk. But she'd better watch out - there's a sneaky fox on the prowl . . .

This timeless classic is the perfect combination of funny, witty, child-friendly humour and iconic retro artwork. The spare text is cleverly complemented by pictures that tell more than the words give away - ideal for building visual literacy for the very youngest readers. This is one of the must-have books for any child's library.


Book cover of Little Blue Truck Board Book

Linda Ulleseit Author Of The River Remembers

From Linda's 2-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Avid reader Grandmother Cross-stitcher Leather tooler

Linda's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Linda's 2-year-old's favorite books.

Linda Ulleseit Why did Linda's 2-year-old love this book?

He is obsessed with trucks and sounds right now. This one features Blue, the truck, getting stuck in the mud. He asks all the animals to help him. My grandson likes all the animals and sounds in this one, and when the dump truck goes, ā€œHonk!ā€ And he learns why itā€™s important to be nice to animals!

By Alice Schertle, Jill McElmurry (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Little Blue Truck Board Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Beep! Beep! Meet Blue! Filled with truck sounds and animal noises, Little Blue Truck is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.

A muddy country road is no match for this little pick-upā€”that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck.

Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to do whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.

Little Blue Truck is a joyful cacophony of animal and truck sounds that will have youngsters beepingā€¦


Book cover of The Wonky Donkey

Hayley Rose Author Of Gomer the Gassy Goat

From my list on to inspire a love of reading.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a chocolate loving writer, goat yoga enthusiast, and author of several successful childrenā€™s books specializing in early learning, along with an award-winning line of gratitude coloring journals. I hope to inspire a love of reading through education and laughter. My latest book, Gomer the Gassy Goat has sold over 21,000 units since 2021, and was recently referenced in The New York Times about the importance of using humor in books for kids to inspire a love of reading. ā€œNot every book has to reach a lesson. Sometimes it can just be fun.ā€ - Mr. Price

Hayley's book list on to inspire a love of reading

Hayley Rose Why did Hayley love this book?

I love a book that makes me laugh and The Wonky Donkey does not disappoint! Like so many others, I discovered this book from a viral video of a Scottish grandmother reading to her grandson. She couldnā€™t stop laughing... I knew I had to have this book! 

Bonus... expressive illustrations, repetitive sentences, and a tongue-twister, this book is educational and great for beginning readers. A must-have for any home library.

By Craig Smith, Katz Cowley (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Wonky Donkey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

The Wonky Donkey picture book has sold over two million copies worldwide - it's the perfect gift! Who ever heard of a spunky hanky-panky cranky stinky-dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey? This hilarious book will have children - and adults - braying with laughter! Lyrical, laugh-out-loud story and beautiful illustrations Bright colours and a shiny, glossy cover 


Book cover of The Little Red Hen (Little Golden Book)

Mike Amante Author Of The Puppy Who Lost His Woof

From my list on animals that teaches good morals and values.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a Filipino illustrator who draws childrenā€™s books for both publishers and for private commissions. I also have been reading childrenā€™s books as part of my job. My go-to children's stories are often about animals and nature. I hope you'll like the books on this list as much as I do!

Mike's book list on animals that teaches good morals and values

Mike Amante Why did Mike love this book?

I recommend this Little Golden book because it would be a great avenue for discussion with adults and kids about the importance of self-reliance, hard work, and sharing. I think that what is taught about sharing resources among those who only contributed is not correct in all cases though. Some people may not be able to contribute because of their own personal circumstances (like due to their financial status, and health condition) but that doesnā€™t mean that they donā€™t deserve to have the right to those resources. Aside from the morals being taught, this book has very pretty illustrations. I have the 1942 version but the 2001 version of the story looks great as well. 

By Diane Muldrow (editor), J.P. Miller (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Little Red Hen (Little Golden Book) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Beloved illustrator J. P. Millerā€™s graphic, colorful farm animals seem to jump right off the pageā€”but they arenā€™t jumping to help the Little Red Hen plant her wheat! Young children will learn a valuable lesson about teamwork from this funny, favorite folktale.


Book cover of Dream Snow
Book cover of The Doghouse
Book cover of Eek! Halloween!

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