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Best Books for 1-year-olds

Below is a list of the best books for 1-year-olds, selected for their rich literacy content, appropriate length, vocabulary, and timeless appeal. For additional learning and activities based on these books, explore the 1 Year Preschool Curriculum. 

Tap to download the Best Books for 1-Year-Olds list here.

For easy ordering, you can also view the 1 Year Curriculum Book List on Amazon. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for additional age-specific reading lists.

My Little Word Book

In Week 1 of the 1 Year Curriculum, the child will be introduced to a Naming Book.  While there are many choices, My Little Word Book is one of my favorites. Follow the child's lead by naming the items over and over. With time, the child will be able to point to the items you ask for and eventually name them on their own.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle uses repetition to help the child name animals, mimic their sounds, and join in on the familiar repeating phrases.

Discover More Brown Activities

When the Elephant Walks

When the Elephant Walks by Keiko Kasza is a charming, circular story about a chain of animals fleeing in a sequence of cause-and-effect. The elephant's walk scares a bear, which in turn frightens other animals, down to the smallest mouse. The book ends on a playful note, with the mouse scaring the elephant, bringing the story full circle. The repetitive pattern and gentle illustrations make it fun for young children to follow along.

Learn How to Grow a Reader

Big Red Barn

Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown is a soothing, rhythmic story that describes the daily activities of animals on a farm. Set against the backdrop of a big red barn, the animals play and interact during the day and settle down to sleep as night falls.

Discover the Color Red Ideas

Old MacDonald Had a Farm 

Old MacDonald Had a Farm by various authors is a classic nursery rhyme that introduces children to various farm animals and the sounds they make. As you sing along or speak the words, each verse features a different animal, and children can join in by making the animal sounds. It's a fun and interactive way to help little ones learn about animals while encouraging participation and language development.

Pat the Bunny

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt is a beloved interactive book for babies and toddlers. It features simple text alongside touch-and-feel activities, like patting a bunny's fur, playing peek-a-boo, or feeling Daddy’s scratchy face. The sensory experiences in the book encourage exploration and engage young readers, making it a classic introduction to books for the very young.

Barnyard Dance

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton is a Franz family favorite!  A lively, rhythmic board book, children are invited to join in the fun of a barnyard dance. With its catchy, rhyming text and playful illustrations, the animals—such as cows, pigs, and chickens—take turns dancing to a cheerful beat. The interactive, upbeat tone encourages children to clap, stomp, and move along with the animals, making it a fun and engaging read.

Three Little Kittens  

Three Little Kittens is a classic nursery rhyme that tells the story of three kittens who lose their mittens and must search for them. Each verse follows the kittens' journey as they try to find their lost mittens, with playful language and repetitive patterns. The story's simple, rhythmic text and charming illustrations make it an enjoyable read for young children while reinforcing concepts like responsibility and rhyme.

Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?

Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle is a delightful story that explores the idea of animal motherhood. The book asks children whether different animals, like a kangaroo, elephant, or penguin, have mothers, just like they do. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations engage children while teaching them about various animals and the concept of family in the animal kingdom.