The most recommended books for a 6 month old

Who picked these books? Meet our 115 experts.

115 authors created a book list with books for a 6 month old, and here are their favorites.

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Book cover of P Is for Potty!

Christie Griffin Authier Author Of The Poopy Pants Dance

From my list on children’s stories about going potty.

Why am I passionate about this?

It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!

Christie's book list on children’s stories about going potty

Christie Griffin Authier Why did Christie love this book?

There’s a lot going on in P! is for Potty!—and I like it! In this book, Elmo is having a playdate with his cousin (who is potty training) and there are also lift-the-flaps all over each page. Bonus: Something many people don’t realize is that Sesame Street is run by a non-profit called Sesame Workshop—and the programs and resources they provide for kids and families around the globe are capital I Incredible. So, not to be dramatic about it, but you’re not just making Elmo part of your potty journey if you get this book—you’re basically helping make the world a better place, too.  

By Naomi Kleinberg, Christopher Moroney (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked P Is for Potty! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sesame Street's Elmo tells little girls and boys ages 1 to 3 all about how to use the potty in this sturdy lift-the-flap board book with more than 30 flaps to find and open!

P is for Potty is the perfect mix of fun and learning for potty-training toddlers—especially while they practice sitting on the potty! Sturdy flaps will hold up to hours of repeat lifting and peeking, and toddlers will delight in the surprises they find under the flaps.


Book cover of Nom Nom: Opposites

Natasha Wing Author Of Bagel in Love

From my list on talking food books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love a good pun and have written a joke book all about food called Lettuce Laugh. I think food is relatable to kids and they can put themselves in the food’s shoes and learn about friendship and being true to themselves through talking food characters. Humor plays a big part in the books I recommended, but it’s a great way to deliver a lasting message. Another book I wrote is also about food - Jalapeño Bagels, but unlike Bagel In Love, these bagels don’t talk! I love Bagel In Love so much I had a dress made with some of the characters embroidered on it.

Natasha's book list on talking food books

Natasha Wing Why did Natasha love this book?

For youngsters ages 2 to 5 learning concepts, this board book is bright and fun and focuses on animated food to illustrate opposites. What I love is the clever side comments by the food. And their eyes that look like googly eyes. I love googly eyes. These friendly foods will give kids food for thought!

By Forrest Everett,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Nom Nom Opposites gives young minds food for thought—literally! Kids who love Shopkins and Num Noms will enjoy learning their opposites with the help and encouragement of adorable picnic food characters found throughout. Even the book feels like food packaging with an acetate window on the front cover hinting at the delicious contents inside. It's food. It's education. It's cute. It's Nom Nom Knowledge!


Book cover of Don't Push the Button! A Halloween Treat

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, I’ve grown to love the silly side of spookiness. Growing up with Pee-Wee’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 won’t make the parents groan and say, “that one again?” 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?

Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat, written and illustrated by Bill Carter is an entertaining and engaging read.

I always love when a monster is scared of the potential of other monsters. This one reminds me a bit of my favorite kids book of all time, The Monster at the End of This Book, but with more reader/listener participation. The format that worked so well with the original Don’t Push the Button book works just as well here.

By Bill Cotter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Push the Button! A Halloween Treat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Go trick-or-treating with Larry in the hilarious Halloween companion of the USA Today bestseller Don't Push the Button!

Whether you're looking for a Halloween book for toddlers or an interactive book for preschoolers, Don't Push the Button! A Halloween Treat is a must-have for any household!

From the brilliant mind of author and illustrator, Bill Cotter comes one of the year's best Halloween books for kids. Everyone knows that trick-or-treating is the best part of Halloween. But that one house looks kind of scary...wait, why are you walking toward the creepy house?! Whatever you do, do NOT ring that doorbell!…


Book cover of Big Dog and Little Dog

Trudy Krisher Author Of Bark Park!

From my list on children's books featuring dogs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I belong to a family of dog lovers – Oscar, the black cocker spaniel; Buddy, the brown-and-white beagle; Riley, the buff cocker spaniel; Buffy, a black boxer mix, Milo and Max, Golden retrievers. In fact, cavorting with Riley at a San Francisco park was my inspiration for Bark Park. I also love children, especially my grandchildren Connor and Kasey. When Kasey, at five years of age, read my book Bark Park aloud for the first time, my heart swelled with joy! It took me back to my own young daughter Laura whose first all-by-herself read-aloud had been: Go, dog, go!  So it’s only natural for me to combine my two great loves – dogs and children – with these book recommendations.

Trudy's book list on children's books featuring dogs

Trudy Krisher Why did Trudy love this book?

This very easy early reader is a good choice for launching a child into reading. It follows Big Dog and Little Dog through their day as they eat, play, and – finally – sleep cuddled up together at night. This oh-so-simple story with its oh-so-simple illustrations provides a charming plot and a sense of reading mastery for the oh-so-very early young reader.

By Dav Pilkey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Big Dog and Little Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Big Dog and Little Dog are canine companions who stick together through thick and thin. In this, their first adventure, Big Dog and Little Dog are hungry! And as any good dog knows, friends who chow down together nap together.


Book cover of Tuck Me In!

Abi Cushman Author Of Animals Go Vroom!

From my list on interactive stories for toddlers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author-illustrator of funny picture books for kids, including the interactive book, Animals Go Vroom!. As an illustrator, I revel in creating jokes and storylines in the pictures that kids can follow along with by themselves. And as a mother of two small children myself, I know first-hand the magical experience of reading books with toddlers that keep them guessing and giggling along the way.

Abi's book list on interactive stories for toddlers

Abi Cushman Why did Abi love this book?

In this interactive picture book, every other page is cut to look like a blanket. My kids love tucking in each animal by turning the page. This simple, gentle bedtime book also features repeated lines, so kids can join in the reading. “Who else needs to be tucked in?” / “I do!” It’s a wonderful way to get toddlers engaged in the story (but not in a rambunctious way) before settling into bed. 

By Dean Hacohen, Sherry Scharschmidt (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Time for bed everyone! Turn the page and tuck all of the baby animals into their cosy beds.

The stars are out. The moon is rising. All the baby animals, from peacocks to pigs to zebras, are ready for bed. Will you tuck them in and say goodnight? Turn the pages and the big blanket flaps will cover each little creature up to its chin. This simple but endlessly satisfying novelty, with its array of baby animals, bold patterns, and brilliant colours, is sure to be the book of choice for little ones everywhere, night after night.


Book cover of Potty

Christie Griffin Authier Author Of The Poopy Pants Dance

From my list on children’s stories about going potty.

Why am I passionate about this?

It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!

Christie's book list on children’s stories about going potty

Christie Griffin Authier Why did Christie love this book?

If you’ve never picked up a Leslie Patricelli book, you are in for a treat! Simple yet endearing, Potty is an adorable depiction of a child needing to go potty and wondering what to do. The storyline and expressive phrases really stick with your child, making it all that much easier for a child to connect a beloved book to something daunting like going potty. Seriously, this is probably the only time you’ll see the words “beloved” and “potty” so close together. 

By Leslie Patricelli,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A new toddler title charts a crucial achievement. There comes a point in a toddler’s life when going in one’s diaper is only one possible option, and the question must be raised: "Should I go in my potty?"

With pitch-perfect humor and pacing, Leslie Patricelli follows the inner dialogue (sure to have little ones shouting responses) and hilarious actions of everyone’s favorite Baby, winding up with an over-the-top look of surprise and delight that will have both parents and offspring laughing out loud--"I did it!"


Book cover of Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol)

Christie Griffin Authier Author Of The Poopy Pants Dance

From my list on children’s stories about going potty.

Why am I passionate about this?

It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!

Christie's book list on children’s stories about going potty

Christie Griffin Authier Why did Christie love this book?

Chances are your kiddo is either totally obsessed with Paw Patrol or just hasn’t ever seen it. There doesn’t seem to be an in-between. So, never mind that this book has kid characters who say things like, “We like our diapers just fine.” Instead, just let the plucky crew of puppies hypnotize your kid into going to the bathroom. The puppies are on a mission to help kids view potty as an exciting adventure, from overcoming fears to making bubbles from the hand soap. It’s...pawsome!

By Random House, Nate Lovett (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This potty-training board book features Nickelodeon's PAW Patrol!

Nickelodeon's PAW Patrol is here to help toddlers say, "Bye-bye, diapers!" Filled with encouragement from Marshall, Skye, and the rest of the amazing team, this sturdy board book will guide boys and girls ages 1 to 3--and their parents!--through the adventures of potty training.


Book cover of Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

Diana Mayo Author Of Molly on the Moon

From my list on for children who love space and science fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

I usually enjoy painting pictures for storybooks about nature I know, so it was a treat to depict an imaginary place that I’ve never actually seen! I was so inspired to illustrate Mary’s story about the moon, as I could focus on creating an other-worldly atmosphere, adding to the drama that could have happened anywhere. The story focuses on Molly and her family moving to the moon and includes scientific facts about how gravity would impact their everyday life. I used Mary’s knowledge as reference to underpin the imaginative side of my process. Painting the inside of a moon module enabled me to use textures, colours, and lighting in such a fun, expressive way!

Diana's book list on for children who love space and science fiction

Diana Mayo Why did Diana love this book?

As an illustrator myself, I’m always drawn to picture books of beauty that have a style I admire. Britta Teckentrup’s textured, detailed, gentle artworks perfectly compliment the author’s rhyming text, bringing magical life to facts about the lunar cycle. I love the moodiness and atmosphere captured that gives feeling to the science described, and it’s all packaged with beautiful heavy-weight paper, bringing class and a gift-like quality.

By Britta Teckentrup,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the much-loved children’s series that began with Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book comes an informative book with peek-through holes that show the moon’s different phases with each turn of the page.

Over deserts and forests, Arctic tundra and tropical beaches, the moon shines down on creatures around the world. Children will love discovering how it changes from day to day as the lunar cycle is shown through clever peek-through holes, each revealing the moon in a different size and shape.
 
It’s the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering…


Book cover of Don't Push the Button!

Cindy Thomson Author Of Enya's Son

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

Why am I passionate about this?

Author History-lover Word-weaver Spiritual seeker Reader Lover of all things Irish

Cindy's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Cindy's 2, and 3-year-old's favorite books.

Cindy Thomson Why did Cindy's 3-year-old love this book?

My grandchildren love this book because it’s interactive, entertaining, and so funny.

They love all the books in this series and can’t wait to find out what Larry is going to challenge them to do. It’s definitely the humor that keeps this book among their favorites. The reverse psychology of "don’t push the button" works every time!

By Bill Cotter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Push the Button! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A USA Today Bestseller! A great read-aloud, interactive book that kids will go back to time and again.
There's only one rule in Larry's book: don't push the button.
(Seriously, don't even think about it!)
Even if it does look kind of nice, you must never push the button. Who knows what would happen?
Okay, quick. No one is looking... push the button.
Uh, oh.
Readers of The Monster at the End of this Book and Press Here by Herve Tullet will love this funny, interactive book for toddlers!
Why readers love Don't Push the Button:Celebrate curiosity with this silly…


Book cover of Hello, World! Ocean Life

Alyssa Clements Author Of The Size of Everything: Ginormous Galaxies, Itty-Bitty Quarks, and Me

From my list on children’s science for Christian families.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a third-grade teacher turned book editor and writer who loves learning about the fascinating world God has made and exploring how it all points back to him. During my time in the classroom, I worked at a Christian classical school where my grade’s scientific focus was astronomy. I loved introducing my students to this awe-inspiring, gigantic universe that we are a part of and considering together just how big, powerful, and loving God must be to have designed and created it all. I am also mom to two wonderfully curious children who love to read, explore, and ask big questions. 

Alyssa's book list on children’s science for Christian families

Alyssa Clements Why did Alyssa love this book?

You cannot go wrong with any of the board books in the Hello, World! series.

This one about ocean animals is a recent go-to in our home, and I was fascinated to learn that octopuses have three hearts, blue blood, and nine brains! With bright illustrations and easy-to-understand yet captivating scientific information, these books are wonderful for curious, young scientists eager to learn about God’s world.

My kids also love the Solar System and My Body books in this series. There’s no age too young to start teaching our kids about the intricacies of God’s creation, and this series is an excellent resource for families looking for engaging, scientifically rich books that do just that.  

By Jill Mcdonald,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hello, World! Ocean Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn from home and explore the world with these fun and easy board books!

All young children love to play in the waves at the beach. Here's a Hello, World! board book that teaches them all about oceans and the creatures and plants that live there.

Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms ("An octopus has eight arms. Can you count them all?") and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! is a perfect way to bring science, nature, and culture into the busy world of a…