Best Books for the 18-24 month old

I've been on a baby/mothering theme for my past few posts (I wonder why?), so I thought I'd continue today, before moving onto other topics more specifically related to writing.

And so, a LIST. (Do all writers love lists, or just obsessive ones like me?) (And what about parentheses? Can there be a parenthesis club? :) Someone recently asked me to recommend books for an almost 2-year-old, so I jotted down a quick list of our home's fail-proof books for the 18-24 month old. With the exception of Hop on Pop, which Zoe loves and the rest of us yawn through, these are the books that we all enjoy when we sit down to read together—many are still requested by our four-year-old...or her papa. :) I'm always looking to expand upon something good, so feel free to chime in in the comments with your favorites, too!

 Hand Hand Fingers Thumb, by Al Perkins (Zoe's #1 favorite)

Many of Dr. Seuss's books: Dr. Seuss's ABC's; Hop on Pop (though that one gets really old to read aloud!); Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?; The Foot Book


Kevin Henkes' books for toddlers: Kitten's First Full Moon; Little White Rabbit; A Good Day


We're Going on a Bear Hunt, by Helen Oxenbury

Each Peach Pear Plum, by Alan and Janet Ahlberg

Eating the Alphabet, by Lois Ehlert

Mo Willem's “Cat the Cat” and “Pigeon” books—and Knuffle Bunny, of course!

I Love You as Much, by Laura Krauss Melmed (my personal favorite)

Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson

Time for Bed, by Mem Fox

Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney

Goodnight, Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown


Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin, Jr.


Pretty much anything by Eric Carle, especially The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Mixed-Up Chameleon


Drummer Hoff, by Barbara Emberly


Freight Train, by Donald Crews


Curious George, by H. A. Rey

Look, Peter Rabbit! (with Beatrix Potter illustrations)

A Sick Day for Amos McGee, by Erin Stead


Pat the Bunny, by Dorothy Kunhardt

Matthew Van Fleet's pop-up books: Heads, Tails, Alphabet, and Cats

Who's That Baby? by Sharon Creech (especially if your 2-year-old has or will soon have another sibling, baby cousin, etc.)

Chickens to the Rescue, by John Himmelmann

Drum City, by Thea Guidone

 

This is by no means a comprehensive list...but I hope you find one or two titles you'll get to know and love!