Best Books for Toddlers

Earlier this week, a friend wrote to ask for some good book recommendations for her little ones.  She said that she would go to the library, not know which books to get, and then often come home with books that were disappointing.  I think that this is a common problem.  There are a lot of good books out there, but not every book is a good one.  I emailed my friend a list of my family's favourites. 

Here is the list, as I am sure many of you have a little one in your life who could would appreciate a few more good books. 

Book Lists
The New York City Public Library has a great list of 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know.  This list is a great starting place.  Not every book on the list is great for the littlest of readers, but it is a great starting point.  When I was in University, I printed off the list, and worked my way through it.  (Mr. Carlee will remember fondly how I supplied him with good bathroom reading material when he and Carlee were engaged.)

Family Education also has a pretty comprehensive list of Best Books for Babies and Toddlers. 

Great Authors

In my experience, the following authors have published lots of books that are all good, and all appropriate for kids 5 and under. 

Byron Barton
John Birmingham
Margaret Wise Brown
Lucy Cousins
Donald Crews
Mem Fox
Kevin Henkes
Ezra Jack Keats
Todd Parr
Leslie Patricelli
Peggy Rathmann
Richard Scary
David Shannon
Peter Sis
Don/Audrey Wood
Jane Yolen

More Great Books

The book Red Is Best by Kathy Stinson is a favourite.

This list is by no means complete.  Here are a few books that our family has enjoyed recently. 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea - Judith Kerr
Red is Best - Kathy Stinson
Caps for Sale - Esphyr Slobodkina
The Carrot Seed - Ruth Krauss
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - Bill Martin Jr.
Corduroy - Don Freeman
(The New) Adventures of Curious George - H.A. and Margaret Rey
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus - Mo Willems
Harry the Dirty Dog - Gene Zion
Ten Nine Eight - Molly Bang
Jesse Bear What Will you Wear? - Nancy Carlstrom
Sheep in a Jeep - Nancy Shaw
Mr. Cookie Baker - Monica Wellington
Pigs to the Rescue - John Himmelman
Hugless Douglas - David Melling
Jamberry - Bruce Degen
More, More, More, Said the Baby - Vera Williams
Dear Zoo - Rod Campbell
Pete's A Pizza - William Steig
Where's Spot - Eric Hill
I Love you Stinkyface - Lisa McCourt

I hope you can find a few new book ideas from this list.  Which favourites would you add to the list?