Even before they can understand the words, babies and toddlers can learn about the sounds and patterns of language through rhymes. And a great rhyming flow can make a kids book one that any adult will love to read out loud
“Edward the emu was sick of the zoo, there was nowhere to go, there was nothing to do!”
This is a perfect toddler book, and more people should know about it. Simple, attention-grabbing illustrations, a short storyline, and really catchy flow and so...
Edward the Emu a book by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement
“Llama llama red pajama reads a story with his mama. Mama kisses baby’s hair, Mama Llama goes downstairs”
A classic for a reason, and there are a million sequels if you get tired of reading this one (although we never have).
Llama Llama Red Pajama a book by Anna Dewdney and Anna Dewdney
“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood, a fox saw the mouse, and the mouse looked good”
A monster meets its match in a clever little mouse who refuses to be lunch. This one is so fun to read out loud.
The Gruffalo a book by Julia Donaldson
“Go back to bed,
baby, please, baby, please.
Not on your head
baby baby baby, please!”
Simple, sweet, sing-song writing about a baby’s activities throughout the day. I’ve always loved reading this one out loud, and the illustrations are beautiful to...
Please, Baby, Please
“Deep in the water where the fish hang out, lives a glum gloomy swimmer with an ever present pout”
So fun to read, from the flow of the writing to the different voices you can add for each of the fish’s friends, to all the “smooching” at the end.
The Pout-Pout Fish
“Five miles off the coast of Maine and slightly overdue,
A circus ship was steaming south in fog as thick as stew”
Great rhymes and great illustrations about a ship filled with circus animals who escape into a town in Maine. My kids and all their co...
The Circus Ship
“There once was a Buffalo Fluffalo, a snuffalo, scruffalo, surly old buffalo, Who was ever so snarly and gnarly and tuffalo”
A sweet story about owning all the parts of who you are, not just what you think you need to be. The rhymes are super silly and fun, even for very young toddlers.
Buffalo Fluffalo
“Horn went ‘Beep!’
Engine purred.
Friendliest sounds
You ever heard”
A sweet little story about being kind and friendship, two different kinds of trucks, and lots of animals and animal sounds. My son is (rightfully) obsessed.
Little Blue Truck Board Book
“René dreamed of fine cuisine, and so she saved up every bean, and built a building, beam by beam”
Babies and young toddlers will love the sound of the rhythmic storytelling and the engaging pictures. And my 5 year old continues to love it for the f...