Predictable Books
I Went Walking, by Sue Williams, illustrated by Julie Vivas
A little child with wild hair sets out for a walk that turns into an adventure
when a group of animals joins the fun. The simple watercolor illustrations help children
guess which animal will appear next.
Red Wagon Books, 1996, paperback, board book
Let's Go Visiting, by Sue Williams, illustrated by Julie Vivas
The little child from I Went Walking visits a
farm with a dog. The animal pictures in this counting book are simple and bright
and will be great for children to point to and name.
Gulliver Books, 1998, paperback
Lunch, written and illustrated by Denise Fleming
Mouse is very hungry and eats lots of colorful vegetables and
fruits. The collage illustrations give helpful hints to what the little mouse
is going to eat next. Young children will have fun identifying the colors of
their favorite foods.
Henry Holt & Company, 1998, paperback
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
This predictable book uses a zoo setting to present an assortment of
noisy creatures. Bold jewel-tone illustrations showcase each animal in vibrant
double page spreads.
Henry Holt & Company, 1997, paperback, board book
Where Is My Mommy? written and illustrated by Julie Downing
Children will enjoy finding out where each animal's mommy is and
what she is doing through very soft and gentle illustrations.
HarperCollins Juvenile Books, 2003, hardcover
Books About Daily Life
The Baby Goes Beep, written and illustrated by Rebecca O’Connell
The baby goes beep, boom, flip, and splash. There are not many words
in this book; the pictures tell the story. Parents and children will enjoy joining
in on the sound effects and actions.
Millbrook Press, 2003, hardcover
Busy Fingers, by C. W. Bowie, illustrated by Fred Willingham
Reach a toe, say I love you, wave good-bye: fingers can do many things.
Together the words and the pictures in this book show their toddler readers the many
things fingers can do in their daily lives.
Whispering Coyote Pr, 2003, paperback
Hiding, written and illustrated by Shirley Hughes
A little girl and her baby brother are playing a hiding game and
notice that many other things in their busy lives hide too.
Candlewick, 1996, paperback
On Your Potty, written and illustrated by Virginia Miller
Toddlers whose favorite word is "no" will chant "Nah!"
along with Batholomew bear, but they will cheer as he reaches his
potty just in time. Like other books featuring "Ba" and
George, On Your Potty turns daily moments
into special adventures that deserve a great big bear hug!
Candlewick Press, 2000, paperback, board book
Twins in the Park, by Ellen Weiss, illustrated by Sam Williams
The clear pictures and rhyming words invite toddlers to retell
this story. Young readers will easily relate this book to their own
playtime in the park.
Aladdin Library, 2003, paperback
Twins Take a Bath, by Ellen Weiss, illustrated by Sam Williams
The twin toddlers take a bath and have lots of fun being fish, watching
their boat float, and even having some tea in the tub.
Aladdin Library, 2003, paperback
What Mommies Do Best / What Daddies Do Best, by Laura Numberoff, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
The words in these books are nearly identical, but each is illustrated
with five different pairs of animals who tell their own stories about the many ways
both parents show love for their children.
Little Simon, 2003, hardcover
Bedtime Stories
Biscuit, by Allysa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories
It is bedtime for Biscuit, a small, yellow puppy. But first he wants
to play, have a snack, and hear a story. Young toddlers will identify with Biscuit
while older children will identify with the little girl who tries to lull her
puppy to sleep.
HarperTrophy, 1997, paperback, audio cassette
Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
Little bunny says goodnight to everyone and everything in the "great
green room." This classic bedtime story has beautiful rhymes
accompanied by pictures of a darkening bedroom. Toddlers will love
hearing this story night after night.
HarperCollins, 1991, paperback, board book, audio cassette
Go to Sleep, Daisy, written and illustrated by Jane Simmons
Mamma duck tries help little Daisy get to sleep, but Daisy can't
because the animals are making too much noise. The soft illustrations
and Mamma's persistence, though, should help lull other little toddlers
to sleep.
Little Brown & Company, 1999, board book
Hush! by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade
"Can't you see that baby's sleeping?" Using gentle and
soothing rhymes, a mother asks various animals in the Thai jungle
to "Hush!" The cut paper illustrations add richness to
this story set in a serene summer evening.
Orchard Books, 2000, paperback
Sleepy Me, by Marni McGee, illustrated by Sam Williams (Also Wake Up, Me!)
Soft illustrations show that everyone is sleepy: dad, mom, the cat, the
mouse. Everything is sleepy, too: the stair, the chair, the bookcase. The words
are beautifully rhymed in this great bedtime book.
Simon & Schuster, 2001, hardcover
Song of Night: It's Time to Go to Bed, by Katherine Riley Nakamura, illustrated by Linnea Riley
It is time to go to bed, and several little animals are completing
their bedtime routines. The words in this book are soothing and rhymed, the
illustrations soft and gentle, easily sending little ones off to sweet dreams.
Blue Sky Press, 2002, hardcover
Ten, Nine, Eight, written and illustrated by Molly Bang
A little girl gets ready for bed as we count down from ten to one.
The words and the illustrations create a cozy, quiet, and sleepy bedtime routine.
Greenwillow, 1998, paperback
The Way the Storm Stops, by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger
The thunderstorm is making all kinds of sounds, hiss-hiss, tatter-tatter,
as mommy tucks her little girl into bed. The comforting words and soft illustrations
make the storm less frightening, and make this book a perfect bedtime read for a
stormy night.
Henry Holt & Company, 2003, school & library binding
Where Does the Brown Bear Go? written and illustrated by Nicki Weiss
When the lights go down and the night comes, where do the animals
go? They are all on their way home in this story that reads like a poem. The
illustrations emphasize the night sky with its twinkling stars and gentle moon.
Greenwillow, 1989, paperback
Point and Say Books
Baby Rock, Baby Roll, by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Denise Fraifeld and Fernando Azevedo
The three busy babies engaged in familiar activities are sure to
encourage toddlers to look, touch, poke and laugh along. The illustrations
clearly match the text, making this book great for point and say practice.
Holiday House, 1997, paperback
Early Morning in the Barn, by Nancy Tafuri (out of print)
This large format storybook is a perfect way to introduce toddlers to
farm animals and their sounds. The book is out of print, but check for it at your
local library.
William Morrow, 1983, paperback (out of print)
Is It Red? Is It Yellow? Is It Blue? written and pictured by Tana Hoban
This beautiful book has no words, just colorful photos. Six colors
are introduced to toddlers in pictures of things they see in their
daily life. Each photograph is filled with various colors and shapes
to spark the little ones' unlimited imagination.
William Morrow, 1987, paperback
I Spy: Funny Teeth / A Dinosaur's Eye / A School Bus, Riddles by Jean Marzollo, photographs by Walter Wick.
Little ones love playing I Spy; and this
small board book introduces the game to toddlers.
Cartwheel Books, 2003, paperback
Mommy's Best Kiss, by Margaret Anastas, illustrated by Susan Winter
Simple rhymes and soft illustrations together create a goodnight
book that highlights kisses and the special bonds between Mommies and their babies.
HarperCollins, 2003, hardcover
Red Train, by Will Grace, illustrated by Ed Vere
There are many things toddlers can point to and new words to say
in this book. From counting the colorful train cars to naming the animals that
ride on the train, toddlers will joyfully be kept busy.
Cartwheel Books, 2003, hardcover
Speedy Machines, by Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Snapshot (out of print)
Simple, clear, and easy to read, this book introduces toddlers to
all kinds of speedy machines. Realistic pictures of sports cars, fighter planes,
and a bullet train will delight toddlers who love vehicles, and introduce them
to the idea of transportation.
Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 1997, board book (out of print)
Concept Books
Big Little, written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Toddlers meet many BIG and little things through a series
of clever pairing. Trees and grownups are big; dandelions and babies are little.
The words rhyme and are easy to read; and the pictures are fun to look at and talk about.
Candlewick Press, 2003, hardcover
Duck is Dirty, written and illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura
Duck is going for a walk, but suddenly it starts raining. Toddlers will enjoy
learning the concepts windy, muddy, dirty, and clean; they might even feel positive about
their bath time routines!
Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1996, hardcover
Hands Can, by Cheryl Willis Hudson, pictured by John-Francis Bourke
There are so many things hands can do. This great book has a rhymed text and
wonderful photos of ethnically diverse children framed by graphic blocks of vivid colors.
Candlewick Press, 2003, school & library binding
Inside Freight Train, written and illustrated by Donald Crews
Toddlers will enjoy sliding open the pages of this board book
to discover what's inside the train cars. There are many concepts
to learn along the way: the colors of each train car, the fruit
and animals inside, and of course the things a freight train do.
Greenwillow, 1996, paperback
Mouse Paint, written and illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Three white mice see three jars of paint and discover fascinating things while
climbing in and out of the jars. More amazingly, they find ways to make the colors of orange,
green and purple. After reading this story, parents and caregivers can invite toddlers to
try mixing colors themselves.
Red Wagon Books, 1995, paperback, board book
My Beak, Your Beak, written and illustrated by Melanie Walsh
Dachshunds and Dalmatians look different, but they both love chasing sticks.
Sharks and goldfish live in different places, but they both blow bubbles. This is a great
book for introducing toddlers to the differences and similarities of some familiar animals.
Houghton Mifflin Co, 2002, paperback
My Car, written and illustrated by Byron Barton
With simple, vibrant illustrations, My Car will teach
toddlers about the cars their parents drive, traffic signs and rules, and may imitate the
daily responsibilities and routines of owning a car.
Greenwillow, 2001, paperback, board book
Opposites, written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton
In a humorous way, Boynton introduces opposite concepts with simple and
silly illustrations. The words are also presented in various fonts and colors to
emphasize the concepts, making the book even more fun to read.
Little Simon, 1982, board book
Quiet Loud, written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Toddlers will enjoy talking about the many quiet and loud things pictured
in this engaging board book. Crayons, fish, and snow are quiet; pots and pans,
doggies, and rainstorms are loud. The simple illustrations on bright backgrounds
will remind toddlers of their own quiet and loud moments and objects.
Candlewick Press, 2003, hardcover
Yummy Yucky, written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Blueberries, soup and sandwiches are yummy; blue crayons, soap, and sand
are yucky. The illustrations pair items in whimsical ways: blueberries and blue crayons,
apple pie and mud pie. Toddlers who like tasting everything, will relate to the yummy
and yucky things encountered by the little child in this book.
Candlewick Press, 2003, hardcover
Rhymes / Songs
Bumpety Bump, by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Carol Thompson
Bright illustrations capture a happy baby riding in her sister's
arms, on grandpa's knee, uncle's neck, and so on. Read this playful
rhyme while bouncing your toddler on your lap, and enjoy the fun.
Candlewick Press, 1996, hardcover (out of print)
Fiddle-I-Fee, written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet
A young child goes to feed a cat, hen, duck, dog, goose, and sheep. They
all become a band parading around the farm, making a symphony of animal sounds that are
fun to read or sing. Beautiful watercolor pictures illustrate this classic folk song.
Little Brown & Company, 2002, hardcover
Finger Rhymes, collected and illustrated by Marc Brown
These favorite old rhymes include instructions for acting out the finger
plays. Put your little ones on your lap and start to read one of these charming rhymes
as your fingers dance along. This book will inspire giggles as well as wiggles!
Puffin, 1996, paperback
Five Little Ducks, by Raffi, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey
Mother duck sets out to find her five little ducks. This brightly illustrated
song is also a counting story that counts down from five. It is a great choice for both
toddlers and beginning readers.
Crown Publishing Group, 1999, paperback
Here Comes Mother Goose, by Iona Opie, illustrated by Rosemary Wells
This lovely collection of Mother Goose rhymes is divided into chapters grouped
around similar topics. The large, bright pictures and large print make this a perfect
read-aloud for even the youngest toddlers.
Candlewick Press, 1999, paperback
My Very First Mother Goose, by Iona Opie, illustrated by Rosemary Wells
This collection is a great resource for caregivers searching for rhymes to
entertain and charm young children. Little ones will giggle with the pictures and want
to join in on the captivating words.
Candlewick Press, 1996, paperback
Piggies, by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
Your own toddler's fingers will want to dance and sing along with
the "little piggies" in this book. The colorful illustrations
of frolicking pigs on fingers are filled with visual detail that
will encourage repeated reading.
Red Wagon Books, 2000, paperback, board book
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, by Steve Scott
This simple version of the familiar rhyme is perfect for the youngest readers.
The bright primary colored pictures will invite toddlers to act out the song with their
own teddy bears.
HarperFestival, 1998, hardcover
Time for Bed, by Jane Dyer, illustrated by Mem Fox
The words to this bedtime rhyme read like music; and the gentle and loving
pictures will make any toddler want to snuggle down to sleep with the baby animals.
Red Wagon Books, 1997, paperback, board book
What a Wonderful World, by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, illustrated by Ashley Bryan
The bright artwork, full of rich colors and soft lines is perfect for depicting
this famous song, once beautifully sung by Louis Armstrong. With animals, trees, flowers
and children from many backgrounds, this book encourages everyone to appreciate the wonderful
world around us.
Atheneum, 1995, paperback, audio cassette
The Wheels on the Bus, by Raffi, illustrated by Sylvie Kantorovitz Wickstorm
This classic children's song takes another spin on a rickety red
bus going through a quaint town. The cheerful illustrations will
help hold young toddler's interest while you read or sing along.
Crown Publishing Group, 1998, paperback
Simple Stories
Digger Man, by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by David Clemesha
Children who love big machines will identify with the main character
who explains what he'll do when he has his very own digger. The
colorful illustrations will help toddlers "read" the story
on their own.
Henry Holt & Company, 2003, school & library binding
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev
This humorous version of the traditional tale is filled
with delightful details: Papa bear with his violin, Mama bear wearing
earrings, and Baby Bear with his own stuffed bear. The interesting
pictures, simplified retelling, and repetitive phrases make this
"just right" for toddlers.
North South Books, 2001, paperback
Gossie & Gertie, written and illustrate by Olivier Dunrea
Gossie and Gertie are best friends who do almost everything together. The
small format book with detailed pictures against a white background will appeal to
toddlers who will easily follow the two friends as they romp around in their bright red
and blue boots.
Houghton Mifflin Co, 2002, hardcover
Hi Harry! the Moving Story of How One Slow Tortoise Slowly Made a Friend, by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Barbara Firth
Harry is a very slow tortoise who wants to find a friend, but everyone else is
too fast for him. Slowly, Harry finds a friend who has time to play with a slow tortoise.
This is a great story to read aloud.
Candlewick Press, 2003, school & library binding
Mama's Little Bears, written and illustrated by Nancy Tafuri
This story follows three little bears on their explorations through the
forest and then back home to Mama. The large print is easy to read, and the illustrations
clearly show the meanings of important words such as up, down, in, and under.
Scholastic, 2002, school & library binding
The Snowy Day, written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
New fallen snow turns Peter's city into a winter playground. Peter's
red snowsuit is a bright and vibrant contrast to the piles of snow
all around. Encourage your toddler to make footprints, tracks, snow
angels just like Peter.
Viking Childrens Books, 1998, paperback, board book
Group Read Aloud Books
Barnyard Banter, written and illustrated by Denise Fleming
This playful book is filled with rich and bright colors. The rhythm
of the text and the animal sounds make it a great read aloud. Children will love
joining in on the sounds and will laugh aloud as they track the missing goose!
Henry Holt & Company, 2001, paperback, board book
Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
On a cold winter night, a mouse lights a fire in the bear's damp,
dank, dark cave, "but the bear snores on." More animals
follow, and a party begins! Soft acrylic pictures provide the balance
needed to put to rest any nervousness for the little animals' safety.
Children will join in the refrain as the story builds toward the
joyful outcome.
Margaret K. McElderry, 2002, paperback
Flappy Waggy Wiggly, written and illustrated by Amanda Leslie
"Who has a wrinkly green body and a lot of teeth?" The
bold illustrations with thick outlines will give toddlers extra
hints for guessing the answers. This book is sure to capture children's
full attention, and have them raising hands to answer.
Dutton Books, 1999, paperback
Oh, Brother, written and illustrated by Kathy Mallat
Brother rabbit teases Baby by taking her blankie. The characters
and the brightly striped red and white blankie are drawn with a
stuffed animal feel, making dramatic play with children's own toys
a natural extension activity.
Walker & Co, 2003, hardcover
Shoes, by Elizabeth Winthrop, illustrated by William Joyce
With humorous illustrations and lyrical text, this book presents
many kinds of shoes that children see in their daily lives. "There
are shoes to buckle, shoes to tie. . . shoes to skate in, shoes
to skip in, shoes to turn a double flip in." Children will
enjoy comparing these to their own shoes and what they do in them.
HarperFestival, 1996, paperback, big book, board book, audio cassette
Interactive Books
Blue's ABC Detective Game, by Deborah Reber, illustrated by Karen Craig
Popular preschool characters Steve and his cartoon dog Blue, plus all
their friends play an alphabet game in this lift-the-flap book. Each letter has
a matching object under a flap. You and your child can take turns lifting the flaps
while your child learns the alphabet.
Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon, 2002, paperback
Chimp and Zee's Noisy Book, by Laurence Anholt, illustrated by Catherine Anholt
"Ha, ha, ha! Hee, hee, hee! Make a noise with Chimp and Zee!"
This book, with its colorful pictures, will inspire children to
imitate the characters.
Phyllis Fogelman Books, 2002, board book
Clap Your Hands, written and illustrated by Lorinda Bryan Cauley
Encourage your child to join in on this celebration of movement.
Be prepared for giggles as you read this book that asks you to "Reach
for the sky, wiggle your toes. Stick out your tongue and touch your
nose."
Putnam Pub Group Juv, 2001, paperback
Daisy's Hide And Seek: A Lift and Flap Book, written and illustrated by Jane Simmons
Your child can follow Daisy as she looks for her friend among the
clever flaps of this book, finding other country creatures along the way. Extend
the story by playing hide and seek or having a treasure hunt afterwards.
Little Brown & Company, 2001, hardcover
Dear Zoo: A Lift and Flap Book, written and illustrated by Rod Campbell
A child has asked the zoo to send him a pet, but will they send
him the right one? Children get to lift flaps on lots of packages and guess
what animal is inside. They will also learn some great words to describe
animals: grumpy, scary, naughty, etc.
Little Simon, 1999, hardcover
From Head to Toe, written and illustrated by Eric Carle
Children will get to practice lots of different movements and
review the names of body parts as they join the characters in this brightly
illustrated book.
HarperFestival, 1999, paperback
Fuzzy Fuzzy Fuzzy!: A Touch, Skritch, & Tickle Book, written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton
This easy-to-hold board book oozes fun with a variety of interesting
textures for toddlers to touch, tickle, and skritch and talk about. The large,
textured print will encourage even more interaction.
Little Simon, 2003, hardcover
Pat the Bunny (Touch and Feel Book), written and illustrated by Dorothy Kunhardt
This classic book still entertains young children as they touch,
smell, poke, and pat, imitating the book's characters. Toddlers
will want to read and play with this sturdy book over and over again.
Golden Books, 2001, plastic comb, paperback
Where's Spot?, written and illustrated by Eric Hill
Young children will lift the flaps in this book to help Spot's
Mom find him. They will want to join in the story after a few readings,
and practice using the word "no" in an appropriate and
fun manner.
Putnam Pub Group Juv, 2003, paperback
ABC & Counting Books
123 Yippie, written and illustrated by Lisa Jahn-Clough
As the reader counts up from one to ten, toddlers are invited to a
party hosted by two little children and their animal friends. As we count down
from ten to one, everyone gets ready for home. Toddlers will enjoy the excitement
of counting up to the party while adults will appreciate the calm during the counting down.
Houghton Mifflin Co, 1998, hardcover
ABC: A Child's First Alphabet Book, written and illustrated by Alison Jay
The pictures in this book tell the story of a man taking a
journey to exotic places and show many objects that begin with each letter.
Children and adults will find enjoyment again and again going through this
surprising journey with the alphabet.
Dutton Books, 2003, school & library binding
ABC Pop!, written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora
"Zing! Zoom! Zap!" This is an alphabet book that has
"secrets" in the pictures; they tell stories and make
sounds. The bold illustrations are in the pop art style of the 1960s
and add great vibrancy and energy to the book.
Puffin, 2001, paperback
Animal ABC, written and illustrated by Leslie A. Baker
This simple alphabet book will appeal to even the youngest
toddlers. Twenty-six animals are painted in soft yet realistic watercolors.
The combination of familiar and exotic animals is sure to please children
who love animals from Ant to Zebra.
Henry Holt & Company, 2003, school & library binding
Black & White Rabbit's ABC, written and illustrated by Alan Baker
Reading from A to Z, children will make friends with a curious
Rabbit who has had a day filled with work. They will also enjoy
exploring the colors and shapes in the book's illustrations.
Larousse Kingfisher Chambers, 1999, paperback
Cock-A-Doodle-Doo: A Farmyard Counting Book: written and illustrated by Steve Lavis
At the crack of dawn, a rooster's loud cock-a-doodle-doo wakes
all the animals. Then the farm gets very noisy and busy. Toddlers
will be pleased with the beautiful watercolor illustrations and
will want to imitate the animals' happy, noisy sounds.
Lodestar Books, 2001, board book
Counting on the Woods, by George Ella Lyon, pictured by Ann W. Olson
The fascinating photographs in this book take children down
a path in the Appalachian woods of Kentucky . The many mysterious and
beautiful things found there can be counted while children learn to
appreciate the beauty of nature.
DK Ink, 2000, paperback
Doggies, written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton
Young children who love dogs and their noisy barks will have
lots of fun with this counting book. When they find out the hidden humor
of the silly surprise ending, they are sure laugh out loud.
Little Simon, 1984, paperback, board book
Dog's ABC: A Silly Story about the Alphabet, written and illustrated by Emma Dodd
Dog has quite a day! He sees many things and does lots of silly
things. Finally he gets too tired to think of the last letter of
the alphabet, and falls fast asleep. Children will have much fun
going through the 26 letters with their new dog friend. Dog's misadventures
also make this book a great read-aloud.
Dutton Books, 2002, paperback (2004)
Joshua's Counting Book, by Alona Frankel
In this counting book, Joshua tells stories about himself, his
fish, his family, and their pets. Then he tells another story about
a wonderful secret; a secret that will fascinate little ones and
make them exclaim "How wonderful!"
HarperFestival, 2000, hardcover
My First ABC, written by Debbie MacKinnon, pictured by Anthea Sieveking
The bright photos in this book introduce 26 ethnically diverse
children along with some of their favorite belongings: "Alison's
apple, Brian's book." Toddlers will be delighted by the pictures,
meet new friends, and learn about the alphabet. The text falls into
an easy, alliterative cadence making it a great book to read aloud.
Frances Lincoln Ltd, 1995, paperback
Quack and Count, written and illustrated by Keith Baker
In rhymed text, this playful counting book presents seven energetic,
busy ducklings. Children will find enjoyment looking at the beautiful cut paper
collages and learning about different ways to count to seven.
Red Wagon Books, 2003, paperback (2004), board book
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