Illiteracy among children is one of the biggest problems facing educators. Unfortunately, the source of this big problem starts at home. Books are the one luxury parents sacrifice when money is tight. If you want the best for your toddler, you need to start reading to him from an early age. This will help your child become familiar with the written word and help build the vocabulary and language skills that will help your toddler be successful once they are in school.
Board books are appropriate for young children; however, young children are old enough to enjoy picture books as well. Reading a picture book to your child is a rewarding experience, because the book feels like a real book with its thin pages. Plus, easy-to-understand illustrations and text will keep your little one interested.
Top 10 books every parent should read to their young children
1. Shellie Braeuner’s Great Dog Wash – This picture book invites young children to attend the funniest dog wash in town. Dogs of all shapes, colors, and sizes are welcome, as is your toddler. The fun rhyme in this book will help develop your child’s early literacy skills, and the illustrations will keep young children engaged.
two. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown – What better way to lull your toddler to sleep than with this classic bedtime picture book? Follow a young rabbit as he says goodbye to everything nearby. The lines are easily memorized, and it won’t be long before your toddler starts reciting the entire book to you!
3. Freight Train Big Book by Donald Crews – This Caldecott Honor book is perfect for your young child. Young children love trains, and this concept book has beautiful illustrations showing and labeling all the cars on a train. In addition to learning about trains, your child will also learn about the six basic colors.
Four. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess – Young children will love this classic Dr. Suess tale. Follow Sam I Am and his madcap quest to get his questionable friend to eat green eggs and ham. Repetition will have your toddler reciting this great book to you in no time.
5. Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? By Bill Martin Jr. – A great concept book that young children will enjoy reading with you. You’ll love the amusement on your child’s face when they turn the page to see what animals the grizzly bear sees.
6. Have you seen my potty? by Mij Kelly – Perfect for the potty-training girl, this picture book will have your toddler laughing hysterically as she follows Suzy Sue as she asks the animals if they’ve seen her potty. Both you and your toddler will enjoy the bath rhymes and humor.
7. Yummy Disgusting by Leslie Patricelli – If you are a picky eater, you will have to read this book to your toddler. What better way to teach your child the difference between “yummy” and “disgusting” than with this creative board book?
8. I love you forever by Robert Munsch – This illustrated book combines humor and sentimentality, making it a classic that will leave you with teary eyes. While your young child may not yet understand the concept, this book will let your child know that her love for him or her is endless.
9. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak – The movie just didn’t do this classic children’s book justice. Your young child will enjoy the imagination and excitement of this book. Follow Max on his journey to a new world where wild things live.
10 Shel Silverstein’s Giving Tree – Your toddler may not yet understand the topics in this wonderful book, but this is a great way to teach your child about the journey of life.