12 New Book Ideas for Toddlers Based on Their Favorite Stories: Part 2
You loved our last list of book recommendations based on what your kids are currently enjoying, so we thought we’d come back for round two ✌️
Reading is hugely helpful for language development (read about it more in depth in this blog post) and one of our favorite ways to spend time as a family.
Having access to a variety of books and stories goes a long way in encouraging a love for reading and it’s always fun to see what books our kids gravitate towards. We are always on the lookout for books our kids anc clients love AND that we don’t mind reading over and over!
One small way you can help cultivate a love of reading and books is to follow your child’s interests. Although their interests may often change, it’s always a helpful starting point!
So we thought we’d help you out by taking what you know your child already loves and giving you something else to try that’s similar (but not the same thing you've read 1,000 times).
Here are twelve (!) recommendations for when you’re wondering what in the world to read next.
THE LION INSIDE: A playful story that perfectly balances being silly while also teaching an important lesson about courage and friendship. We love a good rhyming book, and this is a great one! AMAZON || *NOT AVAILABLE ON BOOKSHOP
MAISY GOES TO THE EYE DOCTOR: A classic from the Maisy series! These “first experiences” stories gently walk kids through less familiar routines like going to the doctor or dentist. Maisy books use simple language and reassuring illustrations we love. AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOSAURS: A hilarious retelling of a classic with the silliest humor we love from Mo Willems. AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
THE CIRCUS SHIP: A colorful story of a community coming together, with excellent rhyming you won’t mind reading on repeat. Perfect for animal lovers too! AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
OH DEAR, LOOK WHAT I GOT!: This rhyming book is perfectly clever and fun and we LOVE Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations. AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
FROG ON A LOG?: A lighthearted book for the youngest of learners who are just learning how to make rhymes. This one is so silly and fun! AMAZON || *NOT AVAILABLE ON BOOKSHOP
A SLED FOR GABO: A really sweet story about sharing and making friends and would make a lovely addition to your repertoire of winter books. AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
HOORAY FOR HAT!: This book is so endearing and a great way to incorporate learning about emotions. It’s sure to be a favorite! AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
CHIRRI AND CHIRRA: This charming and whimsical Japanese series follows two girls as they explore the wonders of the natural world together. The illustrations are beautiful and we’d happily recommend any title in the series. AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
STUCK: We are huge Oliver Jeffers fans and this story is no exception. His books strike that rare balance—clever enough for grown-ups, while still wonderfully silly and visually vibrant for kids. The storytelling always leaves us smiling. AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
CREEPY CARROTS!: A slightly spooky picture book (without actually being scary). This story is sure to get your kids giggling. AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
DOCTOR DE SOTO: A classic tale of a clever dentist mouse treating a fox. This book feels like one of those timeless classics that we don’t mind reading over and over! AMAZON || BOOKSHOP
We hope you’ll use this list as a starting point the next time you are looking to add new reading material to your routine.
Did you know most public libraries will allow you to make requests to purchase books if it's something they don’t already have in circulation? It’s a great tip if you didn’t already know!
We also love asking for books for our kids for birthdays and holidays when family members and friends ask for ideas!
Happy reading,
Katie + Carly
P.S. We are obsessed with finding the best books for toddlers and preschoolers. During the pandemic, we ended up hosting virtual song + story times with families, and it evolved into what is now our Songs+Stories membership.
It’s basically like library story time, except led by SLPs (us!) and you can press play whenever is a good time for your family. If you’re interested in intentional screen time that supports your little one’s development (and won’t lead to meltdowns), we think you’ll love it!
Right now, you can try our free story time videos (+ podcast episodes) to get a taste of the membership and see what your little one thinks (No credit card information required).
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about wee talkers
Carly Tulloch, M.A., CCC-SLP and Katie Sterbenz, M.S., CCC-SLP, are pediatric speech language therapists with over 30+ years of combined experience, but first and foremost, they’re parents–just like you. Between the 2 of them, they have 6 kids and they all have unique and different needs.
Katie is licensed in Arizona and holds a Master’s degree from Arizona State University. With 15 years of experience, she has worked in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice settings. Carly, licensed in British Columbia, has over 17 years of experience and holds a Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. She is certified in PROMPT (levels 1 and 2) and has completed Hanen’s It Takes Two To Talk and More Than Words training programs.
As moms and professionals, they understand the challenges parents face. They believe you should never have to navigate your child’s development alone. They’re here to show you how helping your child talk and communicate more can be both doable and fun. You can do this!
You can connect with Katie and Carly on instagram and in Wee Talkers’ programs and memberships.