10 Best Children’s Books That Both Kids and Parents Will Love
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During the day, my girls often march over with a book and plop into my lap. Whether it’s reading a favorite story ten times or flipping pages to giggle at silly parts, books are a huge part of our routine. As a mom of two little ones, I’m always searching for stories that captivate and bring smiles. If you’re looking for must-have books for your little readers, here are 10 Children’s books for ages 0-2! I’ve linked all the books below, and when there’s an option between a board book and a regular edition, I recommend choosing the board book! With little ones at this age, board books tend to hold up much better.
Our Family’s Ten Favorite Children’s Books
“See You Later, Alligator”
Written by Sally Hopgood and Illustrated by Emma Levey
This playful rhyming story follows a goodbye adventure between a little tortoise and all his animal friends. It’s full of silly antics, colorful illustrations, and a catchy rhythm that will have your little ones giggling and chanting along. It’s the perfect book to make saying goodbye a fun and memorable moment.
“The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear”
By Don and Audrey Wood, Illustrated by Don Wood
This charming tale features a clever little mouse who desperately tries to protect his juicy red strawberry from the Big Hungry Bear. With its engaging narration and suspenseful twists, this book captivates young readers and keeps them guessing. The vivid illustrations add a touch of whimsy to every page. My girls always say a little, “Hello!” back to the mouse at the beginning of the book and it cracks me up!
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”
By Eric Carle
A classic beloved by generations, this book follows the journey of a tiny caterpillar as he munches through all kinds of food before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. With its vibrant artwork, interactive holes to explore, and repetitive storytelling, it’s perfect for curious little hands and growing imaginations.
“Goodnight Moon”
By Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Clement Hurd
This soothing bedtime story is a timeless classic that captures the quiet magic of saying goodnight to the world. With its poetic text and calming illustrations, it creates the perfect atmosphere to wind down at the end of the day. A favorite for bedtime around here. One of my favorite moments is my girls saying “Hussshhhh” with their little fingers as we read this story.
“Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You”
By Nancy Tillman
This beautifully written and illustrated book is a heartfelt reminder of the unconditional love between a parent and child. With its lyrical text and stunning imagery, it becomes an emotional and meaningful read, perfect for bonding moments with your little ones. Plus, the first line, “I wanted you more than you ever will know…” gives me chills every single time. Honestly, we just love this magical book.
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”
By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
This sing-songy, repetitive book is such a fun way to introduce little ones to colors and animals. Eric Carle’s signature collage-style illustrations and the predictable rhythm make it a go-to for reading aloud. Brown Bear, Brown Bear is a huge favorite in our house—I have it completely memorized!
“The Pout-Pout Fish”
By Deborah Diesen, Illustrated by Dan Hanna
Meet the glum and gloomy Pout-Pout Fish, who believes he’s destined to spread “dreary-wearies” everywhere he goes—until a surprise changes his perspective! This humorous story, paired with whimsical illustrations, teaches kids about the power of positivity. This book usually ends with lots and lots of kisses.
“Moo, Baa, La La La!”
By Sandra Boynton
This hilarious and interactive board book introduces little ones to animal sounds in the silliest way. With Sandra Boynton’s signature humor and simple, bold illustrations, it’s a surefire favorite. The rhyming phrases have become a staple in our home and we love to giggle about pigs singing instead of saying “oink!”
“Baby Llama” Finger Puppet Books
(Or literally any book in this series)
These adorable finger puppet books bring stories to life in such a fun way! With a cuddly llama (or other animals, depending on the book) built right into the pages, they make reading an interactive experience that keeps toddlers engaged and giggling. Baby Llama usually ends up tickling the girls and loves to munch on their fingers and toes!
“Everything Is Mama” and “Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada”
By Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon’s playful take on baby’s first words is a delight for parents and kids alike. “Everything Is Mama” celebrates the universal love for the word “mama,” while “Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada” hilariously captures a dad’s determination to make “dada” the first word. The simple text and bold illustrations make these books ideal for the youngest readers.
These books are cherished staples in our home, and I highly recommend them for ages 0-2. Each story is engaging and perfect for fostering a love of reading early on. With vibrant illustrations, playful rhymes, or interactive elements, these books are sure to become favorites in your home too!
-xo Eliza
