The best toddler books 📚

Browse the best books on toddlers as recommended by authors, experts, and creators. Along with notes on why they recommend those books.

Coming Fall 2022: The ability to sort this list by genre (signup here to follow our story as we build a better way to discover books).

Book cover of Understanding Toddlers & Twos: Winning Ways for Early Childhood Professionals

Understanding Toddlers & Twos: Winning Ways for Early Childhood Professionals

By Gigi Schweikert

Why this book?

This book is part of a trilogy that offers valuable insights and strategies for caring for young children. Readers will gain an understanding of toddler development and behavior. The author also covers techniques for promoting positive connections with adults and responding to the child’s individual needs.

From the list:

The best books on toddler development and behavior

Bookshop.org

Amazon

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Book cover of Oneness and Separateness: From Infant to Individual

Oneness and Separateness: From Infant to Individual

By Louise Kaplan

Why this book?

Vividly and poetically, Dr. Kaplan describes the emotional development of infants, including the choreography of each stage, through ‘holding on and letting go,’ and ’no-saying’ in the Separation / Individuation stage, to a psychological rebirth by the end of the toddler period. The writer carefully delineates the struggles of each baby toward this rebirth as a person who can handle the contradictions of his or her own feelings and those of the parents.

From the list:

The best books for a deep understanding of infant and toddler development

Bookshop.org

Amazon

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Book cover of First Feelings: Milestones in the Emotional Development of Your Baby and Child

First Feelings: Milestones in the Emotional Development of Your Baby and Child

By Stanley I. Greenspan, Nancy Thorndike Greenspan

Why this book?

Psychiatrist Dr., Greenspan illuminates in careful detail for parents six emotional milestones on an infant’s journey toward becoming a more self-regulated person with an organized sense of self. He provides positive and wise supports for parents to help each child along this pathway.

From the list:

The best books for a deep understanding of infant and toddler development

Amazon

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Book cover of Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol)

Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol)

By Random House, Nate Lovett

Why 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!

From the list:

The best children’s books about going potty

Bookshop.org

Amazon

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Book cover of This Old Dog

This Old Dog

By Martha Brockenbrough, Gabriel Alborozo

Why this book?

I have a huge soft spot for old dogs. They’re like stiff, fragile children, needing our extra tender care.

Martha wrote this story remembering her old dog when her daughter was born. Old dog likes to take things slow and is sad how life’s sped up since “the girl” was born. But when the girl starts to walk… Walk?! Old dog and new girl literally find common ground: smelling the grass and rolling in it. They take walks together, nice and slow, discovering and delighting in things together, as old dogs and young children do. It’s love that keeps us…

From the list:

The best dog books to tug on your heartstrings

Bookshop.org

Amazon

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Book cover of I Love You Through and Through

I Love You Through and Through

By Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak, Caroline Jayne Church

Why this book?

A board book with simple illustrations and words. A child will easily see him or herself in the pages and begin to understand that one’s varying mood changes or expressions are all just fine. Through each expression a child is loved and treasured. So, express yourself! You got this!

From the list:

The best picture books about caregiving and assisted living

Bookshop.org

Amazon

When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.

Or, view all 26 books about toddlers