Inside: Toddlers love to move – all day long! This is why we keep a collection of the best books for busy toddlers. They are an essential in our classroom, but would also be just as important in the home.
“I cannot get my toddler to sit long enough to listen to a book.”
“If I even try to read during circle time, I lose my toddlers.”
Yep, I’ve received many messages from parents and teachers who are simply frustrated that their toddlers can not sit through a book. They are interested. They will probably carry the books around and even open a page or 2. But to actually sit and listen? Not so much. Busy toddlers want to be engaged. So why not read books that will encourage them to do so?
The key is having interactive books on hand.
Books that prompt them to make different animal noises. Books that have them moving in different positions. Books that make them point to the pages and giggle.
I make sure to have a basket of these books available, especially during back to school, when emotions might be a little fragile. This collection of interactive books for busy toddlers is my favorite, so take note!
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The Best Books for Busy Toddlers
This collection of books are easy to read and just plain FUN. Don’t be surprised if your toddlers want to hear them more than once!
From Head to Toe
This energetic book gets toddlers dancing while also recognizing animals such as giraffes, donkeys, and seals. From Head to Toe is one of our favorite books to read while introducing our toddlers to story time.
Where is the Baby’s Belly Button?
Toddlers will delight in this peek-a-boo book as they show where various body parts are, the belly button always being a favorite! Where is the Baby’s Belly Button? also has flaps that the children can lift, getting them more involved with the story.
Pat the Bunny
This book has been a favorite with toddlers for generations, and it’s understandable! Pat the Bunny invites little fingers to touch the different textures on each page, a fun sensory activity.
Counting Kisses
Such a sweet book that involves simple counting while the family is trying to put the baby to sleep. Counting Kisses also helps toddlers learn where different body parts are as the baby gets kissed on her toes, her feet, and her belly button.
Where’s Spot?
Toddlers can’t help but fall in love with Spot the Dog! Where’s Spot? invites children to lift the flaps to help Sally the Dog find her puppy, Spot.
Dear Zoo
Toddlers become engaged in Dear Zoo as they get to lift flaps and peek at animals that are being transported to a child’s house. Finally, the child is sent an animal that is just right.
Five Little Ducks
Hands down, this Five Little Ducks sing-along book is perfect for our toddlers. They can’t help but join in with the hand motions! This particular edition has little holes for their fingers.
Baby Happy Baby Sad
We love Baby Happy Baby Sad for simple awareness of emotions. Why was baby sad? Why was baby happy?
Peek a Who
Toddlers love peek-a-boo, and that’s why Peek a Who is such a hit! What’s hiding on the next page?
Open the Barn Door
Toddlers adore books with farm animals, especially when they can lift a flap and see what’s behind it! Open the Barn Door also encourages toddlers to call out the sounds that the animals make.
Little Horse
Once again, the peek-a-boo holes make this book so much fun with toddlers! Little Horse also has an attached plush finger puppet that attract even the busiest toddlers.
Can You Make a Scary Face?
Can You Make a Scary Face is actually quite silly! Your toddlers will be moving up and down and making some silly faces!
Gallop!
Gallop! is part of a series that includes Waddle! and Swing!, and is loved because of how it shows motion. As each page is turned, the pictures literally move. Toddlers want to flip the page over and over again, watching the motion.
Press Here
If you want laughing toddlers, Press Here is the book for you! Press the yellow dot on the cover and then follow the directions as each page is turned. Toddlers love shaking and tilting the book, watching what happens next. Two other fun books in this series: Mix it Up! and Let’s Play!.
A Kiss for You
What can a hand do? Blow a kiss, say hello, hold you tight. Toddlers love to mimic the motions in A Kiss for You!
As your toddlers transition into preschoolers, try some of these books:
Watch this on You Tube about our favorite books at the beginning of the school year:
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