These are my favorite board books so far
Reading is an integral part of mine and my 18 month old’s day. We read before nap time and before bedtime without fail. Most days we read a few in between as well. Even if I don’t read to her in between nap and bedtime my daughter is always pulling books off from her shelf to “read” by herself.
There are so many benefits to reading to your child daily:
It’s a great way to calm down before bed or naps.
Improves vocabulary.
Bonding with your child on your lap.
Encourages imagination.
And of course learning new things.
Why You Should Read Books YOU Enjoy
These books are MY favorites. Some of them are definitely not my daughter’s favorites, but hey if I’m reading the same 50 books on repeat there needs to be at least a few that I enjoy.
Reading books that YOU enjoy is just as important as reading the books your child loves. When I’m reading a book that I like to read I have noticed that I am much more expressive. My tone and pitch change. The speed and volume at which I read changes as well which makes it that much more interesting for my daughter.
There are SO MANY great books out there. I know there are going to be plenty more that I just haven’t gotten my hands on yet, but these are my favorites so far.
I'm Going To Give You A Bear Hug
Written by Caroline B. Cooney & illustrated by Tim Warnes
The rhyme and rhythm of this book is superb and it’s illustrated well. Each page features a different animal giving their unique type of hug. How stinking cute is that!? This one’s a big hit with my daughter too, probably because she loves any book having to do with animals.
Peek-a WHO?
Written & illustrated by Nina Laden
This is a very short book which is honestly part of why I love it. Since I’ve bought this book I’ve actually seen a few times that this book is good for language development. All of the pages rhyme with “who” and they are all easier words for your little one to say. This is also one my daughter loves, I think partially because I say each page enthusiastically (why not when it’s so short!) and also because the last page has a mirror in it.
Bear Snores On
Written by Karma Wilson & illustrated by Jane Chapman
This one is definitely top 3. A story about a bear’s lair getting visitors while he’s sleeping and what happens when he wakes up! How the author managed to rhyme so many words and stay on topic is magical. This book flows so well and it’s also a book I really get into when reading. All of those descriptive words make it easy to fluctuate my pitch and tone, and this makes it that much more interesting for my daughter.
Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?
Written & illustrated by Dr. Seuss.
I love a good rhyming book and this one has all of the nostalgia from childhood. This is a great descriptive book that is dedicated to the sounds Mr. Brown can make.
I Love You, Stinky Face
Written by Lisa McCourt & illustrated by Cyd Moore
Such a sweet book about how us mothers will always love our children unconditionally. This is not a rhyming book, but it’s written so well I don’t even miss it.
Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You
Written & illustrated by Nancy Tillman
This is probably my favorite children’s book so far, BUT this one is definitely not one of my daughter’s favorite books. I couldn’t even get half way through it before she would close it.
I think the illustrations are beautiful but just not really what I think of for a children’s book, and I think that’s part of why she’s not as interested. This is definitely a “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” moment. It’s also bit on the longer side and may be better suited for older toddlers.
My daughter tolerates this book now but I LOVE it! I got teary eyed the first time I read it. It rhymes in a lyrical and poetic way and just melts my heart.
There you have it, my favorites SO FAR
What are your favorites? I would love to hear from you; any excuse to buy a new book is a great one!
