I have a three-year-old son who loves when we read books together – and love is probably an understatement. We read books (at least) an hour every day, we go to the library every week for another haul of 15+ books, and whenever we go to someone’s house he asks if they will have books for him to read. It’s pretty adorable.
Because we read a lot of books to him, we have quickly learned that not all children’s books are created equal. The true test of time is if we can read a book over and over again and still love it. These top ten books (in no particular order) match that criteria.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
My son thinks it is hilarious and we do too! It has two of his favorite things in it: dragons and tacos. The illustrations are unique and the storyline is simple.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
I love the message that this book teaches – we all have special talents and we shouldn’t bully people as they are trying to realize theirs. I love how the words rhyme and the story flows together. It has some silly elements which makes it perfect for children but yet teaches a very important message.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
This book is a classic, and rightfully so. It’s such a simple book but yet we read it every day, multiple times a day. It is a great way to teach color and animal recognition in a rhythmic way.
The Duckling Gets A Cookie?! by Mo Willems
If you haven’t read any books by Mo Willems then you are in for a treat! His books are hilarious and nothing like your typical children’s book – this one especially. My son LOVES this book. Check out his other books too – you will love this author!
Dr. Suess’s ABC by Dr. Suess
It would be a shame not to include a Dr. Suess book, and this one is our favorite. I am convinced that this book helped my son learn his letters. It is silly, as all of his books are, but so classic.
Wild About Us! by Karen Beaumont
This book is wonderful. The illustrations are colorful and fun and the message is perfect. Through looking at animals you learn that we all look different, and that is the way it is supposed to be. There are some pretty funny parts, too.
The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
We absolutely love this book at our house. The Pout Pout Fish is a grumpy little fish until someone helps change his day around. I love the humor, I love how the story flows, and I love the message it teaches. Our son laughs and laughs when we read this one with silly voices.
Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
This is a delightful book that my toddler has always enjoyed. The poor little boy gets his kite stuck in the tree and tries his best to get it out, only to make a bigger mess. The illustrations are whimsical and simple. You will love this book.
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
We have this book memorized at our house. It teaches a great lesson – when you serve others they will remember you when you need them. This one has a fun sequel, too.
Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash by Sarah Weeks
This is one of the very first books we got for our son and he has always loved it. It is the story of a woman whose squash grows out of control and scares the pants off of two elderly gents. (Read the book and you’ll see what I mean!) This is just a cheerful book.
I could have made a list of 100 more books because there are so many wonderful books out there! In a world full of screens, it is refreshing to sit next to a child with a stack of books and watch as their faces light up as you read! Take advantage of those small moments in your day to read to your child – you will both benefit from it.
Brooke Watson is a stay at home mom to her two boys, Race (3) and Crosby (1). She loves spending time with her husband Adam and her boys, reading, making bread, eating Snickers, and just enjoying life as it comes with her family!