Book Ideas for Young Children {Classic Stories by Age Group}

There is nothing like cuddling with your little one in your lap or next to them in bed and reading a good book. My two-year-old twin boys adore books, and I hope this is a habit that they carry on into adulthood. I am always on the lookout for stories that will bring magic to life and capture the attention of their growing and imaginative minds. After a lot of trial and error with several children’s books, I have compiled a list of favorites below. Most of these books can be found at local bookstores or Amazon. Cuddle up and enjoy a good read with your little one(s)!

Ages newborn to roughly 2:

• Any hardback books in black and white, personal favorite was Hello, Ocean Friends by Violet Lemay
  • These are great for newborns and infants because their eyes have not fully developed to seeing color. Watch your baby’s face light up with happiness as they see the black and white contrast of these beautiful books.
• Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Dieson
  • This was a huge hit for months on end. It was the only book my boys wanted to read. Their faces would light up and giggle at this rhyming story about a fish who needs to turn his frown upside down.
• Peek-a-Who by Nena Laden
  • A wonderful lift-a-flap book with animals hiding beneath. A great way to discuss animals.
• Where is Baby’s Belly Button? By Karen Katz
  • This lift-a-flap book helps little ones discover different body parts in a colorful and vibrant way. My boys spent hours with this book. So many hours that eventually all of the lift-a-flaps were pulled off. I am sure you mamas can relate to this!
• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? By Bill Martin
  • Such a classic story – for a very good reason! A page turner for little ones. Simple illustrations to help your baby focus on the image of each animal. A great story with repetition and cute animals.

Ages 2 – roughly 5:

• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
  • This fun lift-a-flap book provides an interactive way to discover animals at the zoo. Cute and entertaining for little ones.
• Goodnight Train by June Sobel
  • A great nighttime read that follows a train through nighttime. As the story progresses, the train is headed closer to sleepy town. A great last read before bedtime for your little one(s).
• Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
  • The cutest little dog who is always out on adventures! This lift-a-flap book will keep your little one busy as they follow Spot along on his adventures.
• Open the Garage Door by Christopher Santoro
  • If your little one likes cars, they will love this read! Lift-a-flap the garage doors to discover what vehicle lies beneath. My boys could not get enough of this story!
• Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry (and any other Richard Scarry books)
  • I cannot express enough how much I adore Scarry’s books! Perfect for helping little ones learn – I highly recommend introducing your little one to his books if you haven’t already!
• Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
  • Such a cute storyline based on a farm, filled with cute little farm animals and a little blue truck. This story will be sure to capture your child’s attention all the way to the final page!
• Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
  • Okay, who doesn’t love this classic about a shiny little fish who ends up sharing all of his shiny scales with friends? A great lesson on sharing and caring for others. Seriously so good.

Ages 5 and up:

• Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems
  • Piggie has to wait for a surprise but is having a hard time waiting! A great lesson for young readers about patience. This book also provides large print and is an easy read for beginning readers.
• You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together by Mary Ann Hoberman
  • Humorous versions of the classic fairytales in simple text for beginning readers. This book will bring back nostalgia for you to the classic fairytales, while your little one giggles at the fun twist that Hoberman placed on these stories.
• Could You? Would You? By Trudy White
  • This cute book is all about young minds seeking adventures and dreaming big. Comic-like illustrations and a story your child will adore.
• Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
  • This is the story about a bird who learns to like herself just the way she is. Zany and fun illustrations filled with additional stories in classic Seuss-style.

These are just a few great book suggestions of the thousands that are available for little ones. Local Phoenix libraries are a great resource for finding books that cater to your little one(s) interest. Cheers and happy reading!

XOXO,

Bri