{"id":78202,"date":"2024-05-09T14:01:29","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T18:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/?p=78202"},"modified":"2024-05-09T14:01:34","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T18:01:34","slug":"delightful-books-for-toddlers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/delightful-books-for-toddlers\/","title":{"rendered":"Delightful Books for Toddlers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yes, there are the terrible twos, and the three-nagers – toddlers are at that stage when they are outgrowing their baby-ness and learning to both appreciate (and be overwhelmed by) the world. This is an exciting, if exhausting, time for parents, so getting a good book to read with them is an ideal way to engage these fast-growing (and often fast-moving!) little ones. Books for toddlers reflect their developmental stage – they are fascinated by being able to touch, smell, see and taste with all their growing senses. Toddlers are also growing emotionally, so simple, rhyming texts that make complex emotions and ideas more accessible and often couched with humor are particularly appealing. There is no better sound in this world than the gurgle of a toddler\u2019s laugh and the cry of \u201cAgain, again, let\u2019s read it again!\u201d Read on for a list of toddler books that will make you and your toddler cry, laugh, touch, and feel\u2026ALL the feels.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ABC Books <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no better way for a child to begin learning language than being read to and in a way that is truly engaging and fun. Check out these books for learning the alphabet – and learning other ideas along the way too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Alphakazoo\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Alpha Kazoo<\/h2><\/div>
by Edgar Garcia (Author), Darya Shch (Illustrator)
Published: October 31, 2023<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This alphabet primer uses alliterative tongue twisters for each letter of the alphabet, which will appeal to two-year-olds and their older siblings alike. Each page features detailed, whimsical drawings of animals (which start with that letter). Toddlers will love listening to the sentence and then spotting each of the animals on the page. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"A<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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A is for Awesome! 23 Iconic Women who Changed the World <\/h2><\/div>
by Eva Chen (Author), Derek Desierto (Illustrator)
Published: February 5, 2019<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A powerful read for women\u2019s history month in March and any other time in the year! Featuring a range of female icons, from well-known historical figures and pop icons like R is for Ruth Bader Ginsburg or T is for Tina Turner, to lesser-known women like Dorothy Hodgkin (Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry). Parents and children alike will learn a little snippet about each of these women and be inspired to learn more. Some might wonder – why 23, and not 26? The ending of this book (spoiler alert here), contains a little mirror so that readers see themselves in this book, is a sweet and thoughtful call to young female readers to similarly believe in themselves and their passions.  <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Educational Board Books<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For toddlers, it\u2019s not just about the ABCs – numbers, colors, shapes and sizes – are all ways children learn to make sense of the world around them. Learning about them through illustrated book characters? Even better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Duck<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Duck & Goose Colors<\/h2><\/div>
by Tad Hills
Published: January 6, 2015<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tad Hills\u2019 dynamic duo is just plain adorable. Duck and Goose, a pair of firm friends, embark on sweet, often messy, adventures. This book, which teaches children about colors by comparing them to different objects on a trip outdoors (yellow is for buttercups), will make toddlers want to explore the great outdoors on their own and take pleasure in naming all the things they can see. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Colors<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Colors and Capes, Sizes and Shapes <\/h2><\/div>
by Morris Katz
Published: January 11, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If your toddler likes things more super-charged than sweet, and can often be found zipping around and jumping off furniture, this book is for you! Early learning has never been more super-powered – as this book teaches toddlers about colors (The Flash and Wonder Woman wear red) and shapes (Batman\u2019s ears are triangles) with familiar comic book art. Help your toddler learn comparisons, sizes, shapes and colors while also now seeing geometric shapes wherever you go. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Find<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Find Spot at Preschool<\/h2><\/div>
By Eric Hill
Published: June 1, 2021
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Your little one anxious about starting school or daycare? Help them get excited about school and all the activities they will be doing there, with this classic book character! Eric Hil\u2019\u2019s Spot books all have lift the flap sections and curious little ones love discovering what is beneath each flap. This book also introduces them to the activities they will be doing, what their teacher might be like and all the aspects of starting school that they might be nervous about. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Creative Books <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Need a change of pace? Toddlers love repetition, color, sensation and sound. However, some children find beauty in simplicity and many can be encouraged to think more deeply and introspectively. Try some of these more experimental books – the unusual ideas and artistic styles will be a breath of fresh air on your child\u2019s bookshelf. And possibly, encourage even more creativity and critical thinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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A Line can Be<\/h2><\/div>
By Laura Ljungkvist
Published: March 17, 2015<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A classic board book beloved by parents, especially for those who love modern graphic design. In contrast to most of the graphic illustrations, the images in this book are abstract and minimal, the clean and simple drawings making these art concepts easy for children to understand. Don\u2019t let the simplicity and adult-friendly interface fool you, though; toddlers love being able to follow the lines with their fingers, and this book is wholly interactive, perfect for children at bedtime or teachers in school, alike.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"One<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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One Sky<\/h2><\/div>
By Aaron Becker
Published: September 6, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Aaron Becker, who is famous for his exquisitely detailed wordless picture books, presents a board book here that encourages readers to use the book as a literal, physical lens – its die-cut pages with translucent paper cutouts frame the changing sky and each page. Each page follows the changing colors of the sky as the dawn breaks, through an afternoon storm and into dusk. The lines on each page are poetic and even though the meaning might not be readily apparent, the rhythm and sense of emotion and wonder it evokes will spark both discussion and meditation in its readers.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Sound Books <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your little ones are already honking, tooting or quacking along with their books, they will be delighted to be able to hear the books, not just when a grown-up reads it, but when they do too! Toddlers love their growing sense of agency – being able to solicit a sensation all on their own. These books aren\u2019t just sound toys – these fun and educational narratives have buttons to push so that toddlers learn to follow the story arc and play the sounds exactly when it makes the most sense. Best of all? Toddlers can keep playing with this book long after the parent has gone to bed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"What<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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What do you say, Little Blue Truck?<\/h2><\/div>
by Alice Schertle (Author), Jill McElmurry (Illustrator)
Published: September 28, 2021<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The popular little blue truck, with its friendly face and fun rhymes, is back with a sound book. Join Little Blue Truck on a farm trip and be able to press the buttons and hear all the animal sounds – and respond in kind with a beep sound! With eight animal sounds of farm animal calls, a volume control and an on\/off switch, this book will both entertain and educate. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Five<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Five Nautical Notes – Children\u2019s Touch and Feel Sound Book with Ocean Sounds<\/h2><\/div>
by Little Hippo Books (Author), Clare Fennell (Illustrator)
Published: March 31, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This book has a little bit of everything – a rhyming story about Shark who is getting ready to play in his underwater band – but can\u2019t find anyone! With each turn of the page, the reader will see who has to run off stage – what is going to happen to Shark? Young readers will learn to identify both marine animals like crabs and turtles, as well as the instruments they play (maracas, drums and more). The buttons for sound are embedded charmingly within the illustrations, shaped to fit the friendly heads of the sea creatures. Readers will be excited to press the buttons as the story moves along, and hear the different sounds of the instruments. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Noisy<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Noisy Baby Animals <\/h2><\/div>
by Patricia Hegarty (Author), Tiger Tales (Compiler)
Published: September 22, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This is the perfect introductory board book for young toddlers. It is a touch-and-feel book with realistic photographs and useful, clear facts for each baby animal. From a puppy to a baby penguin, each page features a section where young readers can feel the fur of each animal and press a button to hear what sounds this animal might make. A delight for all the senses.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Funny Books<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of silly books for toddlers – but this roundup of books is particularly giggly since kids will see themselves in these familiar situations and laugh even more. Even better – they will learn some life lessons along the way! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Touchy<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Touchy the Octopus Touches Everything (Wee Beasties)<\/h2><\/div>
by Ame Dyckman (Author), Alex G Griffiths (Illustrator)
Published: March 19, 2019<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The title says it all – the main character loves to touch everything\u2026a little too much! This book celebrates how much kids love to enjoy the world around them, but in a subtly sweet way, how and when NOT to touch something and what would happen. A great book for parents who want to remind their children of certain behaviors in a gentle, humorous way. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Dinnertime<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Dinnertime for Chickies <\/h2><\/div>
by Janee Trasler
Published: May 27, 2014<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This sturdy little board book has adorable illustrations of three little chicks going about their way – eating at dinner time! Little readers will love to hear the simple rhymes and remind them of the importance of good eating and table manners. There is a big padded cover and thick pages, so this book can even be brought to the table, perfect for sticky little fingers to turn on their own. Ideal for picky eaters\u2026and fun for all readers.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Vegetables<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Vegetables in Underwear<\/h2><\/div>
by Jared Chapman
Published: April 4, 2017 <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It would be hard NOT to giggle at this book, for parents and kid readers alike. Featuring a variety of anthropomorphic vegetables in different types of underwear, young readers will laugh out loud at the different types of underwear on display – from big to small, clean and dirty, serious and funny. The subtle message passed along is the transition from diapers to underwear – celebrating that next toddler milestone for parents and kids alike. No more diapers! <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Hey,<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Hey, Bruce!<\/h2><\/div>
by Ryan T. Higgins
Published: September 20, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Bruce series, written by Ryan T Higgins, which kicked off with the picture book Mother Bruce <\/em> in 2015, is destined to be a future classic. Hugely popular with parent and kid readers for its adorably grumpy main character, Bruce the bear, who puts up with the various antics of three mice and his adopted geese, his surly exterior hides his heart of gold. The expressive art and the author\u2019s excellent ear for dialogue, make this series reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes, but for the younger set. This particular book, Hey Bruce<\/em>, is aimed at toddlers, with the characters facing the page and shouting silly instructions. Readers will have to flip the pages, move the book around, all in a way to engage with these adorable characters. Kids will be clamoring to re-read this book and all the books in the Bruce series. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Classic Books <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many parents will immediately think of Dr Seuss, Goodnight Moon and Harold and his Purple Crayon as some timeless classics for children. If you\u2019ve exhausted your repertoire, try these more recent book series who have also become classics for the twenty-first century and have been entertaining children for the last twenty years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Moo,<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Moo Baa Lalala<\/h2><\/div>
By Sandra Boynton
Published: November 30, 1982 <\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

First published in the 1980s, Boynton, writer, illustrator and songwriter, continues to publish her rhythmic rhymes in tough little board books that kids have been and continue to adore. In this book, little readers will love seeing the expected – \u201ccows say moo\u201d and then the unexpected, \u201cthree singing pigs say La La La!\u201d They will love and laugh constantly at this refrain. If they love this book, there\u2019s also an opportunity to get this book in a customizable format, with your child\u2019s photo and name printed in the book. How\u2019s THAT for a new classic? <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"There<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Elephant and Piggie<\/h2><\/div>
By Mo Willems
Published: September 1, 2007
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Mo Willems has won pretty much all the accolades, as an author, illustrator and playwright. From his work on Sesame Street (garnering Emmys) to his multiple Caldecotts and Geisel awards, Willems was a well-deserved recipient of the Kennedy Center\u2019s first Author-in-Residence. In true Willems fashion, he used his time at the Kennedy Center to collaborate with the National Symphony Orchestra, integrating his child-friendly characters and rhymes with opera. Never before have so many little ones been to the opera! One of the most popular series – Elephant and Piggie, features two friends, with distinct character traits. Elephant is often worried and anxious while Piggie is chirpy, enthusiastic and a little impulsive. Readers will love seeing themselves in these familiar, yet laugh-out-loud, tear-inducing situations. All text is in rhyme and in speech bubbles and many young readers often love to practice reading aloud, duet-fashion, with these books. Readers will return, again and again, to the tales of Elephant and Piggie (I know, because I had fifth and sixth graders in my classroom read aloud to each other from these familiar stories!) <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Little<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Little Owl Lost<\/h2><\/div>
By Chris Haughton
Published: August 27, 2013<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This is Chris Haughton\u2019s first book, published a little over ten years ago today. Titled A Bit Lost <\/em>in the UK and Little Owl Lost <\/em>in the US, this book features Haughton\u2019s signature digital-esque illustrations of the doe-eyed baby owl looking for his mother. The pleasing geometric design still contains the sweetness and expressiveness little readers look for. Haughton, a designer by training, has several other projects such as collaborations with clothing lines, etc, but his collection of adorable, award-winning children\u2019s books continues to grow. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Nonfiction Board Books <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s never too early to start introducing children to nonfiction! There are some excellent new biography board books that introduce little ones to ideas and people that have shaped the world, inspiring them and teaching them about concepts and story arcs that will be sure to come in handy when they grow older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Big<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Imagination with Rene Descartes<\/h2><\/div>
by Duane Armitage (Author), Maureen McQuerry (Author), Robin Rosenthal (Illustrator)
Published: July 7, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you think Descartes, Plato and Aristotle are too sophisticated to be introduced to young minds, think again! (Or, as Descartes would say, I think, therefore I am\u2026) This wonderful series exposes children to these important concepts that help explain the world and life around them in accessible, applicable language. For those of us who only had a passing introduction to these big thinkers in college-level introductory courses, it\u2019s also a great refresher and review for adult readers to, and to be able to apply them to our own lives. The whole series features other useful ideas such as Happiness with Aristotle, Kindness with Confucius, Truth with Socrates. <\/em><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Future<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Future Astronaut<\/h2><\/div>
by Lori Alexander (Author), Allison Black (Illustrator)
Published: June 25, 2019 
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If you have toddlers who are relentlessly curious, this series shares what it takes to become a variety of careers, such as astronauts, engineers, doctors and presidents. In this book, little readers will learn how astronauts prepare themselves for space travel and flight, with simple texts and adorable illustrations. The book ends with a series of fun facts for children (and their adult readers) to learn more. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Big<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Restoration with Wangari Maathai<\/h2><\/div>
by Maureen McQuerry (Author), Robin Rosenthal (Illustrator)
Published: March 8, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this era of climate change and environmental sustainability, conscientious parents and their thoughtful progeny will love learning about Wangari Maathai, who\u2019s story is shared in this series for the work she did discovering the importance of trees in her home country of Kenya and her tireless activism in restoring the forests to ensure healthy land to farm and live. Other environmentalists in this series include Jane Goodall, Rachel Carson and Aldo Leopold. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

These are just 20 of the thoughtful, funny and poetic books that a whole range of toddlers will appreciate! Which ones do you think you and your little one will read again and again?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Toddler Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n