I absolutely love reading with El!!! As a one year old, he is extremely engaged with “reading” all his books. He will now open them and scan the pages all while chatting up a storm. While he is still learning how to handle a book, not all books are one-year-old friendly.
This month is dedicated to all books user friendly for active pre-toddlers (12-20 months).
Little Blue Truck
El absolutely loves books that have a sing-songy tune. If you’re in need of some entertainment or inspiration, YouTube has a sing-a-long country version.
Indestructible Books
Indestructible books are AMAZING for active one-year-olds! The books are literally indestructible. He can grab them, put them in his mouth, bend them, all while they still hold their form. El also loves the texture of the pages within his hands and the noise the book makes when he is thrashing them in the wind. There are over 10 different book options with bold images and simple text.
Bath Books
When El was 6 months old we started reading him “Numbers 1 2 3” during bath time. For it’s simplicity and squeaky finish it is his most loved book. We love to let him take a turn reading it once we are done, since it’s small size fits perfectly in his hands! If you want Numbers 1 2 3 stop by a Walmart. We also love Bath Buddies, pictured above. Once water hits the surface, the pictures go from black and white to a vibrant splash of colors.
“Go” Series
What baby doesn’t love hearing weird sounds while seeing large text and bold images? Added bonus, these books on cars, trains, planes, and trucks are so FUN to read because of all the funny sound words in them.
Dear Zoo
El could be entertained for hours thanks to the many flaps revealing some of his favorite animals. This book is perfect for car rides, plane rides, or chilling while waiting for dinner at a restaurant.
Little Boat
The bold colors and a sweet story line grabbed El’s attention the first time he heard this story. You know your kid loves a book when just seeing the cover prompts major applause.
Touch and Feel Books
El is constantly on a mission to touch the cat, so any book that has fur he loves! However, be careful, not all touch and feel books are good! I think the Scholastic, Usborne, and JellyCat Books are the best since they offer a variety of textures to interact with.
Plush Books
When all your kid wants to do is put things in their mouth, this plush book is perfect! The crinkly pages and soft fabric offer multiple ways for El to engage with reading.
My First 100 Words
El can literally sit for hours looking at his first 100 words book. Even after the tenth time, he still finds joy in seeing familiar images. Depending on your child’s interest, I would also recommend this animal book, food book, truck book, and construction themed book.
My First 100 Words, Usborne
Alphaprints Book
For El’s first birthday he was gifted this box set of Alphaprints. At first I found them really odd, since the images are made with raised thumbprints and various other objects. But, he loved them so much we found a way to bring the 10 pounds of books with us on the airplane.
Alphaprints Book Set
Books that make Sounds
Lets face it, pre-toddlers love books that make noise. Eric Carle’s Turn, Crank, ZOOM! has fantastic pictures and is also interactive.
Turn, Crank, ZOOM! by Eric Carle
That’s not my…
A touchy-feely guessing book is one of El’s favorite independent reading books. He loves turning the pages, feeling the different textures, and guessing what will be next. I love that this line carries a wide variety of books too.
That’s not my tractor…, Usborne touchy feely books
Do you have a favorite book for your pre-toddler? Drop it in the comments below!