When it comes to finding the right book to read to your one-year-old, it can be a little bit difficult to find the perfect choice due to the wide range of factors to consider when it comes to books for little ones.
That being said, certain children’s books offer some or all of the elements that are well suited to one-year-olds, such as repetition, fun topics, bright colors, and simple drawings to name a few.
With this in mind, we are going to be looking at some of the best books that are suitable for one-year-olds that not only offer fun for your little one, but also have educational themes that are informative whilst not being too taxing for a one-year-old.
This board book is designed to introduce young children to various animals found in the wild. The book features illustrations of different animals such as a lion, a zebra, a lizard, and a koala, among others.
One of the key features of this book is the touch-and-feel elements incorporated into the illustrations. Each animal has a corresponding texture for children to feel, which can be a great sensory experience for little ones.
The text is also simple and easy to understand, making it accessible for even the youngest readers.
The book is made with sturdy board pages, making it durable enough to withstand rough handling from toddlers.
The illustrations are colorful and engaging, which can capture a child’s attention and encourage them to explore the book on their own.
Wild Animals: A Touch and Feel Book is a great choice for parents or caregivers looking to introduce their little ones to animals and foster their love of reading thanks to the touch-and-feel elements adding an interactive element to the book and making it an even more enjoyable experience for children.
Pros
The touch-and-feel elements incorporated into the illustrations can be a great sensory experience for young children, making it engaging and interactive.
The book features colorful and engaging illustrations that can capture a child’s attention and encourage them to explore the book on their own.
The text is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible for even the youngest readers.
The book is made with sturdy board pages, making it durable enough to withstand rough handling from toddlers.
Cons
The book only features a limited number of animals, which may not be as comprehensive as other animal-themed books.
A classic children’s book, Goodnight Moon has been beloved by generations of young readers since its publication in 1947.
The book is a simple and soothing bedtime story that features a young rabbit saying goodnight to all the familiar objects in his room before going to sleep.
The illustrations by Clement Hurd are colorful and engaging, featuring various objects in the young rabbit’s room and outside his window.
The illustrations are done in a classic 1940s style, with warm colors and soft lines that evoke a feeling of comfort and familiarity.
One of the reasons Goodnight Moon has endured as a classic children’s book is its ability to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere that can help children wind down before bed.
The simple and repetitive text, combined with the soothing illustrations, can help children feel relaxed and ready for sleep.
Pros
The simple and repetitive text is easy for young children to understand and can help with language development.
The calming tone of the book can be a great bedtime story to help children wind down and prepare for sleep.
The illustrations are colorful and engaging, featuring familiar objects such as a red balloon, a cow jumping over the moon, and a picture of a quiet old lady whispering hush, which can help children make connections to their own experiences and surroundings.
The book features a guessing game format that encourages children to use their sense of hearing to identify different animals.
Each two-page spread of the book features a colorful illustration of an animal, along with a clue in the form of a sound the animal makes.
The book’s focus on animal sounds is a great way for young children to learn about the sounds that different animals make.
The repetition of the guessing game format can help children build their memory and recall skills, as well as develop their ability to categorize objects based on their characteristics.
The board book format of Snap! Snap!: Guess the Animal! (What’s That Noise?) is also a strength of the book.
Another classic children’s book, Where’s Spot? is a lift-the-flap book that follows the story of a mother dog named Sally, who is searching for her puppy, Spot.
As she searches different places in the house, Sally finds other animals hiding behind the flaps, until she finally finds Spot.
The lift-the-flap format is designed to engage children’s curiosity and encourage interaction with the story, whilst the simple and colorful illustrations- with large characters and backgrounds- make it easy for young children to follow the story and identify the different animals.
The repetition in the story can help children build their memory and recall skills, as well as develop their ability to predict what will happen next in the story, with the focus on a mother dog searching for her puppy can also help young children develop their emotional and social skills, as they can relate to the theme of separation and reunion.
Pros
Short and simple sentences make it easy for young children to understand and follow along with the story.
The book’s focus on a mother dog searching for her puppy can help young children develop empathy and emotional intelligence, as they learn to understand and relate to the feelings of the characters in the story.
The book’s colorful and engaging illustrations can help stimulate a child’s imagination and creativity.
The interactive lift-the-flap format of the book can help young children develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as they practice opening and closing the flaps to reveal the hidden animals.
The book’s popularity and longevity make it a well-known and trusted choice for parents looking for a classic and reliable children’s book.
Cons
The lift-the-flap format of the book may not be as durable as other formats, such as board books, and may require careful handling to avoid damage.
This next book is a wonderfully playful and interactive introduction to different types of animals and sounds.
Designed for babies and toddlers, typically between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, the book has a durable board book format and colorful illustrations to make it easy for young children to handle and enjoy.
The book’s interactive and repetitive nature encourages young children to participate in the story by making animal sounds and saying “peek-a-boo” along with the text, whilst the focus on different types of animals and sounds can help young children learn new vocabulary and develop their language skills.
The book’s illustrations are also a fun and engaging way to introduce children to different types of animals and their characteristics.
As well as that, the book’s compact size and portability make it a convenient choice for parents and caregivers looking for an on-the-go activity to entertain and educate young children.
Pros
A great introduction to books and reading for babies and toddlers
The book’s interactive nature, including repetitive phrases and animal sounds, can help engage and entertain young children, while also encouraging their participation, the development of language skills, and sensory and fine motor skills.
A durable board book format is ideal for young children who may be prone to tearing or damaging paper pages.
Cons
Some parents may find the book’s design to be too busy or distracting, with the various peek-a-boo cutouts and animal illustrations potentially overwhelming for young children.
This classic touch-and-feel book for young children was first published in 1940 and has been a favorite among generations of parents and children, often cited as one of the first interactive books for babies and toddlers.
The story invites young readers to engage with the book through a variety of interactive elements, including touch-and-feel textures, a mirror, and a peek-a-boo surprise.
The book’s interactive elements are designed to help young children explore and discover the world around them, while also developing their fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
Pat the Bunny is a durable board book with rounded corners, making it a safe and sturdy choice for young children to handle and read independently.
The book’s compact size and portability make it a convenient choice for parents and caregivers to bring along on the go.
Pat the Bunny is also beloved for its gentle tone and simple storyline, which make it a great choice for calming and soothing young children, particularly before bedtime.
This is a great choice for a one-year-old due to being a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of generations of young readers and their parents, with the book continuing to be a widely recommended and beloved children’s book.
Pros
The book’s popularity and longevity as a beloved children’s book make it a widely recommended and trusted choice for parents and caregivers.
A gentle tone and simple storyline make it a great choice for calming and soothing young children, particularly before bedtime.
A durable board book format and rounded corners make it safe and sturdy for young children to handle and read independently.
Interactive elements, including touch-and-feel textures and a peek-a-boo surprise, make it engaging and enjoyable for young children to explore and interact with.
Love You Forever is another bookthat is considered a children’s classic, published in 1986. The book tells the story of a mother’s love for her son throughout his life, from infancy to adulthood.
The mother sings a lullaby to her son each night, promising to love him forever. As the son grows up and becomes a man, he takes care of his mother, just as she took care of him as a child.
The story is heartwarming and poignant and touches on themes of love, family, and the passage of time.
Known for its emotional impact, and praised for its ability to evoke strong feelings in both children and adults, the simple, rhythmic language and repetitive structure of the story make it accessible and engaging for young children, while the themes and message of the book resonate with readers of all ages.
Pros
The simple, repetitive structure and easy-to-follow narrative make it accessible and engaging for young children.
The book’s illustrations by Sheila McGraw are charming and memorable, adding to the emotional impact of the story.
Offers a message of unconditional love and the strong bond between parent and child is universal and can be appreciated by readers of all ages.
Cons
Some readers may find the emotional content of the story too intense or overwhelming, particularly for very young children.
The Crayons’ Book of Colors is a children’s book written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. It is part of a series of books featuring the colorful characters of Duncan’s crayons.
The book is an interactive introduction to colors and color theory, told through the perspectives of the different colored crayons.
Each crayon shares its unique perspective on color, from the bright and bold red crayon to the cool and calm blue crayon.
The book also features a tactile element, with children encouraged to touch and feel the different textures on each page.
The book is known for its playful, interactive approach to color theory, which makes it a fun and engaging read for young children.
The colorful illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are also a key part of the book’s appeal, with each page featuring vibrant and imaginative depictions of the crayons and their different perspectives.
The Crayons’ Book of Colors is a great tool for parents and teachers to introduce children to basic color concepts, while also encouraging them to use their imaginations and explore their creativity.
The tactile elements of the book also make it a great choice for young children who enjoy hands-on activities.
Pros
The book introduces basic color concepts to young children in a fun, engaging, and interactive way.
The different perspectives of the crayons make it easy for children to understand and remember the different colors.
The tactile elements of the book, such as the textures on each page, make it a fun and interactive reading experience for young children.
The colorful illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are imaginative and playful, adding to the overall fun and appeal of the book.
The book encourages children to use their imaginations and creativity, as they think about the different colors and what they represent.
Cons
The book may not be as memorable or emotionally impactful as some other children’s books, since its focus is primarily on teaching basic concepts rather than telling a story.
My First Animals is an interactive board book designed to introduce young children to the world of animals.
The book is a sturdy board book that is easy for young children to hold and manipulate. It has thick pages that can withstand the wear and tear of little hands.
It also features engaging images of animals, including farm animals, forest animals, and animals from the savannah, with each page featuring photographs of real animals and illustrations that show the animals in their natural habitats.
As well as this, the book also features simple text that is easy for young children to understand and learn from, with the text introducing children to the names of animals and describing their characteristics and habits.
This is an excellent choice for a one-year-old baby thanks to the promotion of early learning and cognitive development that it offers, as well as the encouragement when it comes to learning language and communication skills and learning about different animals.
Pros
Visually appealing with bright and colorful illustrations of various animals, making it engaging and exciting for young children.
Designed to be interactive, with raised textures that simulate the feel of animal fur or skin, helping to keep young children interested and engaged.
Introduces children to the names and characteristics of different animals, which can help them to develop their language and communication skills.
The text is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to even the youngest readers.
The book is well-constructed with sturdy board pages, which can withstand the wear and tear of young children.
Cons
The raised textures on some pages might not hold up to excessive wear and tear, or might become less effective over time.
This classic children’s picture book was first published in 1969 and tells the story of a tiny and very hungry caterpillar who eats his way through a variety of foods over the course of a week, culminating in his transformation into a beautiful butterfly.
The book is notable for its unique art style, which combines Carle’s hand-painted textures and collages.
The bright and vivid colors of the illustrations, along with the cut-out holes in the pages that show the caterpillar’s journey, make the book visually appealing and engaging for young children.
The book is written in simple, repetitive language that is easy for young children to follow, and it teaches important concepts like counting and healthy eating in a fun and accessible way.
Pros
Visually appealing and engaging for young children with its bright colors and unique cut-out illustrations.
The simple, repetitive language is easy for young children to follow, making it a great book for early reading and language development.
The book teaches important concepts like counting and healthy eating in a fun and accessible way, making it a great educational tool for parents and teachers.
The book’s message about the transformation and growth of the caterpillar into a butterfly can also teach young children about the natural world and science concepts.
Cons
The book’s emphasis on healthy eating may not resonate with all children or families who have different cultural or dietary preferences.
Another popular choice of children’s book, The Wonderful Things You Will Be explores the endless possibilities of a child’s future and the unique qualities that make them special.
The book features rhyming text and beautiful illustrations that bring to life the wonder and potential of every child while celebrating individuality and encouraging children to embrace their own unique talents and qualities, as well as those of others.
The book has a positive and uplifting message, emphasizing the importance of love, kindness, and generosity in shaping a child’s future, with illustrations that feature diverse characters, showing children of different races, genders, and abilities.
The book is suitable for children of all ages, but particularly for toddlers and preschoolers, as it has simple language and colorful illustrations that are easy for young children to understand and appreciate.
Pros
The book features beautiful and colorful illustrations that capture the imagination of young children.
The rhyming text and uplifting message encourage positive self-esteem, individuality, and kindness in children.
The book is suitable for a wide age range of children, from toddlers to early elementary schoolers.
The diverse representation of characters can help children learn about and appreciate differences in people.
The book’s message of kindness, generosity, and love can help children develop positive character traits.
Cons
The book may be too long or have too much text for very young children with shorter attention spans.
Written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes celebrates the similarities and differences of babies from all over the world.
The book features soft and sweet illustrations of babies from various ethnicities and cultures, while the message of the book is about celebrating the similarities and differences of babies and emphasizing the idea that all babies are special and loved.
The book is written in a simple and repetitive style that makes it perfect for young children.
The repetition of the phrase “ten little fingers, ten little toes” is soothing, and helps children learn to read along with the story.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes can be used as a tool to teach young children about counting and numbers, as well as to introduce them to the concept of diversity and inclusion.
Pros
The book has a positive message about celebrating diversity and the similarities and differences of babies from all over the world.
The repetition of the phrase “ten little fingers, ten little toes” can be calming and comforting for young children and can help them learn to read along with the story.
The illustrations are warm, and inviting, and depict babies from various ethnicities and backgrounds in everyday activities.
Teaches young children about counting and numbers
Introduces little ones to the concept of diversity and inclusion.
Cons
The book’s emphasis on babies’ physical attributes (fingers and toes) may be seen as superficial or overly simplistic.
Published in 2008, The Pout-Pout Fish tells the story of a fish with a permanent frown on his face, who thinks he was born to be unhappy and make others unhappy.
Throughout the book, the Pout-Pout Fish swims around spreading gloom and doom to all the other sea creatures he meets.
But one day, a new fish comes along and gives him a kiss on the cheek, which helps him realize that he doesn’t have to be a pout-pout fish all the time.
He discovers that he can choose to be happy and make others happy too. In the end, he becomes a “kiss-kiss fish” instead.
The book is written in a fun and playful rhyming style, which makes it easy for children to follow along and engage with the story.
The illustrations are colorful and vibrant, adding to the book’s appeal to young readers.
The book is also popular because of its positive message about the power of kindness and the ability to change one’s outlook on life.
Pros
The story of the Pout-Pout Fish is fun, playful, and engaging for young children. The rhyming style of writing and colorful illustrations make it an enjoyable read-aloud book for parents and teachers.
The book promotes a positive message about the power of kindness and the ability to change one’s outlook on life. This can help children learn important life lessons about empathy, compassion, and positivity.
The book explores emotions such as sadness and happiness, and the transformation of the Pout-Pout Fish from a gloomy to a happy fish. This can help children learn to identify and express their own emotions.
Can help children develop empathy by teaching them to consider the feelings of others and how their actions can impact others.
Cons
While the book can help children develop language and literacy skills, some may argue that it lacks educational value beyond that.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is another well-known children’s book that is iconic around the world thanks to being an excellent book for young children.
The book features repetitive and rhythmic language, making it easy for young children to learn and remember.
The story follows a brown bear who sees a variety of other animals and asks each one what they see.
Each animal responds with a different color animal, leading to a chain of animals that ends with a goldfish seeing a teacher looking at them.
The book’s illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the repetitive text encourages children to participate in the storytelling. The book is also great for introducing young children to colors and animals.
Pros
Simple, repetitive text that is easy for young children to follow and learn.
Beautiful illustrations by Eric Carle that are colorful and engaging.
Teaches young children about colors, animals, and basic vocabulary.
Provides an opportunity for young children to participate by identifying and naming the animals they see.
Cons
Some parents may find the illustrations too abstract or confusing for very young children.
Published in 1960, Are You My Mother? tells the story of a baby bird who hatches from his egg while his mother is away from the nest.
The baby bird sets out on a journey to find his mother and asks a variety of animals and objects he encounters along the way if they are his mother.
The book is known for its simple and repetitive text, as well as its charming and colorful illustrations.
The story is designed to help young children learn about the concept of mothers and babies, as well as the idea of finding and identifying family members.
Are You My Mother? is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed by generations of young children.
Its simple, engaging story and charming illustrations make it a great choice for parents looking for a fun and educational book to read to their one-year-old.
Pros
The book has a simple and engaging story that is easy for young children to understand and follow along with.
The illustrations are colorful and charming, making them visually appealing for young readers.
The repetition in the text can help children with language development and early reading skills.
The book has been a classic children’s favorite for generations and is a great choice for parents looking for a timeless story to share with their children
Cons
The book only focuses on the relationship between a mother and a baby, which may not be as relevant for children who come from non-traditional family structures.
Peekaboo Morning was published in 2002 and is designed to help toddlers learn about the morning routine and the joys of playing peekaboo.
The story follows a little girl who wakes up and starts playing peekaboo with her parents. She goes through her morning routine of getting dressed and having breakfast, all while continuing to play peekaboo.
The book is illustrated with bright and colorful pictures that capture the child’s attention and imagination.
Pros
The peekaboo theme encourages children to actively engage with the story and participate in the game.
The story is told in simple language that is easy for young children to understand and follow.
The book focuses on a familiar topic – morning routines – which can help young children feel more connected to the story and understand it better.
The illustrations in the book feature a diverse cast of characters, which can help children learn about and appreciate different cultures.
Cons
While the book may be entertaining for young children, it may not have a lot of educational value beyond introducing them to morning routines.
The book follows the simple story of a young child looking for their belly button, with the help of a range of different animal characters.
Each page features a different animal and asks the question “Where are Baby’s __?” (such as “Where are Baby’s eyes?”).
The reader lifts the flap to reveal the answer and the baby’s body part. The book ends with the answer to the question of where the baby’s belly button is.
The illustrations are bright and colorful, with simple shapes and bold outlines that make them easy for young children to focus on.
The flaps are made of sturdy material that can withstand repeated lifting and pulling, as well as being the perfect size for little hands.
The book is designed to help children learn about body parts and develop their fine motor skills.
It also encourages interaction and engagement between parents and children, as they explore the book together.
Pros
Bright, colorful illustrations that are visually engaging for young children.
Interactive and encourages children to participate by lifting flaps to find the hidden belly button.
The text is simple and easy to understand for young children and introduces body parts in a fun way.
The book is sturdy and can withstand rough handling by young children.
Cons
The book only introduces a few body parts and may not be as educational as some other options.
Last but not least, Guess How Much I Love You is another classic that was published in 1994 and tells the story of two rabbits, a parent, and a child, who try to express their love for each other by comparing how much they love each other to different things in the world around them.
The illustrations are simple yet expressive, and the story has a gentle and calming tone.
The book also promotes a positive and loving relationship between a parent and child, whilst also offering a gentle and reassuring message.
As well as that, the book is also a great way to promote a loving and healthy parent-child relationship.
Pros
Heartwarming and sentimental story about the love between a parent and child
Beautiful illustrations that are both colorful and engaging
Simple and easy-to-follow narrative that is perfect for young children
Teaches important concepts like expressing love and appreciation for the people in your life
Cons
May not be as engaging or interactive as some other children’s books
How To Choose The Right Books For A 1-Year-Old
Choosing the right books for a one-year-old can help foster a love of reading and support their early language development.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right books for your one-year-old:
Choose Sturdy Board Books
One-year-olds are still developing their fine motor skills, so they might be a little rough with books when handling them. Board books are sturdier and can withstand rough handling.
Pick Books With Bright, Colorful Illustrations
Bright colors and bold illustrations can capture a child’s attention and engage them in the story.
Look For Books With Simple, Repetitive Text
One-year-olds love to hear the same words and phrases over and over again. Simple and repetitive text can help them understand and anticipate the story.
Choose Books With Familiar Objects And Concepts
Books that feature familiar objects like animals, toys, or food can help a child make connections between the book and their everyday experiences.
Consider Interactive Books
Books with flaps to lift, textures to feel, or sound effects can add a fun, sensory element to reading time.
Choose Books That Reflect Your Child’s Interests
Does your child love animals? Or are they fascinated by vehicles? Look for books that feature their favorite things.
Remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
Experiment with different types of books and see what captures your child’s interest. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the reading experience together!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best books for a one-year-old can be a daunting task, but there are many wonderful options to choose from.
It’s important to look for books that are engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate. Touch-and-feel books, lift-the-flap books, and books with repetitive and rhyming text are all great options for this age group.
When selecting books for a one-year-old, it’s also important to consider the book’s durability and safety, as well as the content and overall message.
Reading to a one-year-old can be a wonderful bonding experience and can also help encourage a love of reading and learning that will last a lifetime, so don’t forget to enjoy the time you spend reading with your little one!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Switch Out The Books My One-Year-Old Is Reading?
It’s a good idea to switch out the books your one-year-old is reading every few weeks or so.
This can keep reading time fresh and exciting for your child and expose them to new stories and concepts.
Can I Read Any Book To My One-Year-Old?
It’s important to choose books that are developmentally appropriate for your one-year-old. Books with complex language, small text, or fragile pages may not be suitable.
It’s also important to supervise your child while they are handling the book to prevent any damage or potential hazards.
Should I Choose Books With A Specific Educational Focus?
At this age, the main goal is to encourage a love of reading and to promote early literacy skills.
Books with basic concepts like shapes, colors, and animals can help children begin to learn and recognize these elements.
However, it’s more important to choose books that your child enjoys and finds engaging.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
