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children's books that YOU will love reading.
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items The stories and rhymes that are just as enjoyable for you as they are for your little one. Beautiful and fun illustrations and thoughtful stories. These are the books you’ll actually look forward to reading again and again.
Sections
9
the best board books
always in rotation
spring
summer
fall
halloween
the best board books
The ones worth reading on repeat. Sweet stories, beautiful illustrations, and sturdy little books made for tiny hands. Tried-and-true favorites for building their first library—and especially sweet gifts for little readers.
Eric Carle books are hands down my daughter's favorite! They are classics for a reason.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - by Eric Carle (Board Book)
This book is a classic for a reason! I love this edition with the slides; it makes it interactive for my baby.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Slide and Find: An Interactive Board Book Edition of the Classic Eric Carle Picture Book (Board Book)
I think "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" is slightly more fun to read than it's predecessor, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" Both are classics though!
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? (Brown Bear and Friends)
Once you have Brown Bear and Polar Bear you're basically required to add Panda Bear Panda Bear to make it a trio.
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin (Board Book)
I love these alphabet books!
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)
CLASSIC. The flip pages are fun for babies.
Where's Spot? - by Eric Hill (Board Book)
This book is so weird that it's good. An absolute board book staple for your little one's library.
Goodnight Moon - By Margaret Wise Brown ( Hardcover )
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Corduroy is a classic for a reason. This one makes a perfect addition to your library and it's a great board book!
Corduroy (Board Book) by Don Freeman
This book is so beautifully illustrated and really works well for all seasons. My daughter loves having board books easily accessible to flip through and I love that she more or less can't destroy them!
Jamberry (Board Book)
Moo, Baa, La La La is ELITE Sandra Boynton.
Moo, Baa, la la La! (Board Book)
The Going to Bed Book is such a fun read that I don't even care that they exercise after taking a bath before bed.
The Going to Bed Book ( Boynton Board Books) (Revised) by Sandra Boynton
Barnyard Dance is another ELITE Sandra Boynton book. A fun and easy read!
Barnyard Dance! (Board Book)
I don't know what Sandra Boynton put into Woodland Dance to make it such a magical read but it is a favorite in our home.
Woodland Dance! - (Boynton on Board) by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)
A sweet little story from Sandy B.
I Love You, Little Pookie - (Sandra Boynton Board Books) (Hardcover)
This is one of the most gorgeous board books that we own. We love the peek-through pages showing the different phases of the moon.
Moon: a Peek-Through Board Book
My daughter is obsessed with this book! If this book is out and accessible then we are reading it all. day. long.
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont (Board Book)
This book is so beautifully illustrated, and I love that there is a cute, low stimulating show to accompany it.
Guess How Much I Love You
We love the Little Blue Truck series. They have all been great additions to my daughter's growing library so far.
Little Blue Truck book
Honestly, I relate to grumpy monkey. It's okay to be grumpy sometimes, and you don't need everyone pointing it out 😅
Grumpy Monkey
always in rotation
Our most-reached-for books—the everyday favorites that stay in constant rotation and are genuinely enjoyable to read out loud.
Little Witch Hazel was our first introduction to Phoebe Wahl and WHAT AN INTRODUCTION. This book follows Little Witch Hazel through her magical world, one story for each season and I absolutely cannot wait to add more of her books to our collection.
Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest - by Phoebe Wahl (Hardcover)
Gerald the giraffe dances to the beat of his own drum, and that's okay! This book highlights that sometimes you just have to find your own way.
Giraffes Can't Dance (Board Book) by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
This was our second meeting with Bear and it was such a hit! This is a great book for implementing early counting.
Bear Counts (Board Book)
This is the perfect dreamy bedtime book. The illustrations are gorgeous and it doesn't have too many words when trying to wind down for bed.
Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey, (Hardcover)
I am an avid reader and I love the speed/flow of Dr. Suess books. The Cat in the Hat is a classic for a reason!
Cat In The Hat - by DR SEUSS (Hardcover)
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Dr. Suess is becoming a quick favorite of mine. This book touches on the realities of this big life that we all have the chance to live. The good and the bad.
Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss (Hardcover)
This one is a classic for me. Max might be a little bit of a brat, but this book feels exactly like what it's like to be mad at your parents 😅 And now as a mom, the ending also feels real because we're not actually letting our babies go to bed on ba...
Where the Wild Things Are (Paperback) by Maurice Sendak
This book was an instant favorite! The rhyming in the story makes it so fun to read, and the imagery is really really pretty - takes you right out west.
Buffalo Fluffalo - (A Buffalo Fluffalo Story) by Bess Kalb (Hardcover)
What an adorable and beautiful book! I actually love this black and white imagery; it makes this a great book for little ones who need high contrast, but it also suits the story perfectly.
Kitten's First Full Moon - by Kevin Henkes (Hardcover)
Another book that brings back a lot of nostalgia and has a good lesson at the end.
The Paper Bag Princess (Paperback)
Treehouse Town is so magical. This is such a fun read and house a bit of a longer story than a lot of children's books; making it a fun read for parents.
Treehouse Town, (Hardcover)
Another gorgeous and whimsical book by Phoebe Wahl.
Backyard Fairies, (Hardcover)
I have said it before and I'll say it again, I love reading Dr. Suess aloud. The Lorax has such a good story behind the rhymes.
The Lorax - by Dr. Seuss (Hardcover)
Strega Nona is so nostalgic and offers up a good lesson by the end. A bit of a lengthier story which always makes for a fun read.
Strega Nona Book Strega Nona: An Original Tale, (Hardcover)
These books honestly make me emotional 🥹 They are so encouraging and sweet for girls.
Why a Daughter Needs a Mom (Hardcover)
This book gets to me when I read it to my daughter. The message is wonderful, and will have you thinking about all of the amazing things she is capable of.
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad: Celebrate Your Father Daughter Bond this ...
spring
A little shelf full of spring. Stories of blooming gardens, rainy days, baby animals, warmer weather, and all the magic that comes with the world waking back up again.
This book is so fun to read and my baby seems to genuinely enjoy it! It's such a cute read for spring introducing the alphabet.
Chicka Chicka Peep Peep (Hardcover)
Another ADORABLE Little Blue Truck story. These books really are our favorite. This one has a peek-a-boo pages and moments for counting!
Little Blue Truck's Springtime (Board Book) (Jill McElmurry)
These books are too cute to pass up. I love that there is one for any occasion and season.
You're My Little Lucky Charm - by Nicola Edwards (Board Book)
A perfect start of spring board book. These books are all so sweet and cute!
You're My Little Honey Bunny - by Natalie Marshall (Board Book)
This mirror book is so cute; based off of the classic book "Guess How Much I Love You" and I think the things Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare see make it perfect for spring.
I See Me: A Guess How Much I Love You Mirror Book - by Sam McBratney (Board Book)
ADORABLE. The illustrations are beautiful. This is in my daughter's Easter basket.
Our Little Adventure at Easter - (Our Little Adventures) by Tabitha Paige (Board Book)
This was our first introduction to Fletcher the Fox and he is so cute! The illustrations are full of whimsy and the story is very cute.
Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms: A Springtime Book for Kids, (Paperback)
I can't pass up these cute little board books. This one is a great addition to our spring inspired reads.
You're My Little Busy Bee (Walmart Exclusive)
Our second book by Katy Hudson and it is sooo cute. It also comes with a good lesson on sharing.
Too Many Carrots - by Katy Hudson (Hardcover)
Chrysanthemum is ADORABLE, and it has just the right amount of petty for me.
Chrysanthemum - by Kevin Henkes (Hardcover)
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Another adorable story with Bear. This one is great for the spring season!
Bear Wants More (Board Book)
This is one of the most stunning lift the flap books that I have ever seen. This book is gorgeous enough to have on display in your home during the spring season.
Mouse's Adventures Mouse on the River: A Journey Through Nature, (Hardcover)
summer
Sunshine, bare feet, late bedtimes, and adventures waiting to happen. A collection of stories that celebrates all the fun, freedom, and magic of summer.
All of these books by Natalie Marshall are adorable. They are perfect before a nap or bedtime, and there is one for each season/occasion.
You're My Little Sunshine
Another gorgeous adventure with mouse. These lift the flap books are so stunning.
Mouse's Adventures Mouse by the Sea: A Vacation in Nature (Hardcover)
This was our first book we purchased after checking it out from our local library. It is such a fun and heartwarming story and if you are someone who enjoys visiting National Parks then you'll understand the warm and fuzzy feeling that it gives.
Finding the Way to Faraway Valley, (Hardcover)
The Little Blue Cottage is another gorgeously illustrated book that you could easily display in your home. It will have you wishing you had a summer cottage of your own to visit each year.
The Little Blue Cottage, (Hardcover)
fall
Fall favorites with rich illustrations and thoughtful storytelling—perfect for easing into the slower pace of the season.
A perfect addition to your library for the fall season. These are the perfect board books for your nap or bedtime routine.
You're My Little Pumpkin Pie - Board Book
This book has such a good lesson, because we all know a Humble Pie and a Jake the Cake. The cover is perfect for a fall seasonal book if you like to display them, but the message makes this a great 'always in rotation' read.
The Humble Pie - by Jory John (Hardcover)
This entire series is so sweet. This edition is a perfect board book for little ones during the holiday season of November leading up to Thanksgiving.
You're My Little Cutie Pie - by Nicola Edwards (Board Book)
We LOVE Millie Fluer! The illustrations are so whimsical and we love a story about being different.
Millie Fleur's Poison Garden (Hardcover)
This was our first introduction to Bear and Mouse and I love the melodramatic personalities! We will definitely be expanding this collection. And look at that gorgeous artwork!
Bear and Mouse A Fall Day for Bear, (Hardcover)
Thunder Cake immediately brought so much nostalgia into our home. The artwork is stunning and the story is the perfect bridge for the end of summer transition into fall; look at those colors on the cover!
Thunder Cake, (Hardcover)
I can't believe this was my first introduction to the Brambly Hedge world. It is such a gorgeous, richly worded story and the artwork is perfection.
Brambly Hedge Autumn Story, (Hardcover)
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves is our second in the series and it is just as adorable as the spring story. I love this illustration style, so whimsical.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves: A Fall Book for Kids, (Paperback)
Squirrel is so silly! We have really enjoyed expanding this series with this super cute story about the beginning of the fall season.
The Leaf Thief (Walmart Exclusive) (Hardcover)
halloween
Lighthearted Halloween reads that are more charming than scary—perfect for little ones and fun for adults to read out loud.
I LOVE reading this book. The illustrations are so fun, and the story is very cute. We are excited to add more Mille Fleur to our collection.
Millie Fleur Saves the Night
"Room on the Broom" is such a fun book to read, and it is perfect for the Halloween season.
Room on the Broom (Hardcover)
This book is SO CUTE and fun to read. Me and daughter love Christopher Pumpkin.
Christopher Pumpkin - Books
This Little Blue Truck book is perfect for Halloween, and the lift-the-flap pages are interactive for your little one.
Little Blue Truck's Halloween: A Fun And Interactive Lift-the-Flap Book For Kids ...
A spooky season favorite, and sweet enough for right before a snooze.
You're My Little Baby Boo
Something a little different for the Halloween season. This book depicts a very cute friendship with a heartfelt message.
Feeling Boo: A Picture Book
The latest addition to our Halloween collection and it is a stunning addition at that. Such sweet illustrations and a fun to read simple story.
Wonderful Halloween (Target Exclusive) - by Emily Winfield Martin (Board Book)
winter
Winter favorites we reach for during colder months—comforting stories, cozy illustrations, and reads that suit the slower pace of the season.
This book has become a quick favorite for the winter season. The illustrations are so cute and colorful, and the story highlights the good things about winter that some of us seem to forget.
A Loud Winter's Nap, (Hardcover)
This Valentine's Day edition of Little Blue Truck is one of my favorites. It's been nice to add it to our winter collection of books for something a little different from the snow stories.
Little Blue Truck's Valentine: A Heartwarming Farm Adventure ...
"The Mitten" is nostalgic for me as a 90's kid. This book and it's illustrations are perfect for the winter season.
The Mitten (20th Anniversary ed.)(Hardcover)
A beautiful winter themed children's book. A classic.
The Snowy Day: Keats, Ezra Jack
Squirrel is so silly! His winter story is cute, as always.
The Snow Thief - (The Leaf Thief) by Alice Hemming (Hardcover)
christmas
Books that officially mark the start of the season. These are the stories we plan to read year after year as part of our Christmas traditions.
Obviously, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" has become a Christmas movie tradition in most homes, but this full color edition of the classic tale is such a joy to read. It has me excited to add more Dr. Suess to our collection.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Full Color Edition (Classic Seuss)
I won't lie, this movie has never been a favorite of mine, but I ordered the book for Christmas because the story is such a classic, and it was nice to be reminded that the story in the book is much more enjoyable than the movie depiction.
The Polar Express by Van Allsburg, Chris (1985) Hardcover
When I said we love Little Blue Truck I wasn't lying. This Christmas edition with the twinkling lights page is so festive.
Little Blue Truck's Christmas
This was one of my favorite Christmas books to reach for. It was so cute, and we love a good board book.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas, (Board Book)
You really just can't go wrong with any of these adorable board books. This whole series is so cute.
You're My Little Christmas Cookie - by Nicola Edwards ...
when you're ready for more words
For when you’re both ready for a little more story. Longer reads, bigger adventures, and books worth settling in for together, perfect for growing little listeners and the grown-ups reading along.
I was ready to start reading aloud longer stories to my toddler and these were the perfect introduction to chapter books. They have such a fun rhythm and sweet stories. It has made watching all of the movies so much more fun!
Winnie-The-Pooh Classic Collection - (Winnie-The-Pooh - Classic Editions) by A A Milne (Paperback)
There are so many copies of The Wind in the Willows. I just thrifted a gorgeous hardback copy illustrated by Inga Moore. It is another great read aloud introduction to chapter books.
The Wind in the Willows: A Timeless Tale of Friendship, Adventure, and the Riverbank, (Paperback)