With a new two year old on my hands, I have discovered some new board books for toddlers (and a picture book) that we have fallen in love with and have to share with the world. There are so many we love that it is impossible to mention all of them, but these are our most recent favorites.
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK (the original, by ). Everyone knows Little Blue Truck. It is a classic that has spawned a ton of sequels and toys, but it is also the only one worth reading. All the extra Little Blue Truck book are pointless. They are simply animal noises. I am usually not this harsh with reviews, but they are truly awful. Yet, the original is a masterpiece of snark with characters, a plot, and even a moral. I can’t wait to ask someone if “their big important wheels got stuck”.
NIGHT ANIMALS by Gianna Marino. This hilarious cute little book can help with night fears, but may be better for those closer to three. Full of twists and silly moments, this book made my kid say “Run!” for the very first time with glee.
JUNGLE NIGHT Another recommended title by the spectacular Sandra Boynton. This one is so perfect for getting little ones to go to sleep (skip the last page). We repeat the animal sounds over and over as the little one starts to drift off… “Listen to teh Cheetah: CHEE-CHEE-TAAAH”
and one amazing picture book: FRED GETS DRESSED
By the author of Wild Robot, Peter Brown.
This is my kid’s favorite book. It is not a board book, so you have to be careful with the pages, but it is so rewarding. It starts with a naked boy “wild and free” as he “romps” around the house. Eventually he finds his way to his parents closet and plays dress up. The best part of this book is the expressions on the parent’s faces that convey so much meaning. The illustrations are beautiful (I want this family’s plants). This books is not for the uptight or ultra conservative as it celebrates children’s freedom and innocence.
**These links are Amazon affiliate links which means we get pennies if you buy from these links, but we actually encourage you to go to your local bookstore instead.