The ones we've read and read... and read.

There are fantastic books that are easy to find and widely known. 

But what we hope to give you here is a deeper dive into some of the lesser-known gems — the ones you may not come across as easily, that we’ve truly cherished in our home.

Take a look through our curation, and enjoy!

Our Favorites for The First Year

From the earliest days of navigating a brand new world, reading becomes part of the rhythm — creating a grounded, familiar space for curiosity and expression. These are some of the many books our babies gravitated toward in those early days.

Look Look! — Peter Linenthal
Bold, high-contrast visuals that grab attention immediately.

Where is Baby’s Bellybutton? — Karen Katz
Simple lift-the-flap play that keeps little hands engaged and curious.

Toes, Ears, and Nose! — Marion Dane Bauer
Encourages movement and body awareness in a really natural way.

I’m a Little Teapot — Annie Kubler
Playful and physical — more than just a simple song.

Good Night, Gorilla — Peggy Rathmann
Bedtime storytelling with some cute, mischievous night time zoo activity.

Flip Flap Fly — Phyllis Root
Sweet rhythmic book about Spring-time; mamas and their babies.

10 Little Babies and Baby Animals — Gyo Fujikawa
(Two different books) Soft, classic illustrations; timeless and sweet. Always a hit.

Busy Gorillas — John Schindel
Showcasing gorillas of all sizes doing a variety of actions that toddlers can do too.

Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo — Kevin Lewis
Rhythmic and lively, with a steady pace that little ones love to follow along with.

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb — Dr. Seuss
A classic. Natural rhythm that makes it fun to follow along.

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For the Toddler Years and Up

As personalities start to take shape, these are books that have invited long-lasting imagination, storytelling, conversation and connection in our home.

Playful + Rhythmic Favorites

Silly Sally — Audrey Wood
A backward, sing-song story that’s fun to read aloud and easy to join in on.

The Napping House — Audrey Wood
Layered repetition that builds in a soothing, predictable rhythm.

King Bidgood's in the Bath Tub — Audrey Wood
 Playful and hilariously theatrical — full of rhythm and energy.

Quick as a Cricket — Audrey Wood
Simple comparisons that help toddlers express big feelings in a relatable way.

Bubble Trouble — Margaret Mahy
Fast-paced and rhythmic, with a sense of chaos that keeps it fun.

Rock-a-Baby Band — Kate McMullan
Music-filled and energetic — a fun one for reading with movement.

Moose Tracks — Karma Wilson
Playful and rhythmic with a fun, outdoorsy feel.

The Pout Pout Fish — Deborah Diesen
Repetitive and expressive, with a playful emotional arc.

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Story-Driven + Imaginative

The Circus Ship — Chris Van Dusen
Detailed and adventurous, with something new to notice each time you read it.

Wild — Emily Hughes
A visually striking story about independence, instinct, and belonging.

Song & Juniper — August Hall
A gentle, imaginative friendship story with warmth and creative spirit.

Pete & Pickles — Berkeley Breathed
Quirky and heartfelt, with a message about growing and change.

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She was Extinct — Mo Willems
Funny and slightly absurd, with a signature Mo Willems charm.

Leon the Chameleon — Sofia Elena Politano
Colorful and expressive, with a playful story about standing out and being yourself.

Ballerina — Peter Sis
Delicate and dreamlike, with beautiful illustrations and a quiet sense of wonder.

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Wordless + Picture-Led Stories

You Can’t Take a Balloon Into the Metropolitan Museum — Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman
A visual journey through the museum and the city, with parallel storylines unfolding across each page — something new to notice every time.

Good Dog, Carl — Alexandra Day
A quiet, beautifully illustrated story of a dog and baby on their own at home — simple, expressive, and surprisingly engaging without words.

Flotsam — David Wiesner
A wordless, imaginative ocean story filled with intricate details and unexpected discoveries.

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Calm + Reflective Reads

Bringing Down the Moon — Jonathan Emmett
A quiet story of curiosity and persistence.

A Story for Bear — Dennis Haseley
Gentle and thoughtful, centered around connection and companionship.

Flower Garden — Eve Bunting
Simple and grounded, capturing a small but meaningful moment.

Possum's Harvest Moon — Annie Hunter
Soft and seasonal, with a calm, reflective tone.

A Place To Grow — Stephanie Bloom
A gentle story about growth, patience, and care.

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Fun + Funny Reads

Not a Box — Antoinette Portis
Simple and imaginative, showing how ordinary objects can become anything.

The Book with No Pictures — B.J. Novak
All about the read-aloud — the sillier you go, the better it gets.

Please Don’t Eat Me — Liz Climo
Dry, understated humor that lands every time.

Harry the Dirty Dog — Gene Zion
A classic with a playful storyline and a satisfying return to “normal.”

Walter the Farting Dog — William Kotzwinkle & Glenn Murray
Over-the-top and ridiculous in a way kids fully appreciate.

Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo! — Rosetta Stone
 Rhythmic cause-and-effect storytelling that builds into playful chaos.

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Slightly More Abstract + Creative

Wombat Goes Walkabout — Michael Morpurgo
Light and adventurous, with a gentle sense of humor.

The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm — LeVar Burton
Imaginative and layered, with emotional depth.

Mr. Zinger's Hat — Carey Fagan
Whimsical and unexpected, with a unique storytelling style.

Rules of Summer — Shaun Tan
Visually rich and open-ended — one that grows with them over time.

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Wind-Down + Dreamy Reads

Steam Train Dream Train — Sherri Duskey Rinker
A calming bedtime rhythm with soft, predictable flow.

Good Night Good Night Construction Site — Sherri Duskey Rinker
 Adorable, soothing story about bed-time for construction vehicles.

Emily's Balloon — Komako Sakai
Quiet and emotional, with beautiful, understated storytelling.

Bear in the Air — Susan Meyers
A gentle, seaside story with a sense of adventure and a comforting return home.

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Classic + Timeless Favorites

Make Way for Ducklings — Robert McKloskey
A steady, classic story with a strong sense of place and family rhythm.

Cars and Trucks and Things That Go — Richard Scarry
Endless details and movement — great for curious, observant toddlers.

Harold and the Purple Crayon — Crockett Johnson
Imagination-led storytelling where anything can unfold.

Corduroy — Don Freeman
Nostalgic and sweet. Need we say more?

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Poem Books

All Shel Silverstein books! (our kids have loved)
Playful, unexpected, thought provoking, and always silly (sometimes strange).

Toes in My Nose - Sheree Fitch
Silly, memorable, and always gets a reaction.

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Authors we have read and read...

Dr. Seuss

P.D. Eastman

Audrey Wood

Peter Síss

Mo Willems

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Storytelling is pure magic. We hope this curation sparks the same sense of wonder and discovery these stories have brought to our family.

One small thing we always recommend: get a library card early.

Making trips to the library part of your weekly routine gives children something to look forward to — and keeps the magic of new stories constantly in rotation.

And when you’re heading out with a stroller, a favorite snack, and a few books along for the ride, those moments feel easier when everything is right where it should be. With snacks secure on their lap, toddlers have the freedom to use their hands naturally — picking up a bite, turning a page, pointing to a bird, and engaging with the world around them.

Enjoy the ride.

(and enjoy the read)