Looking for the best books for your 1-year-old? Look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of 12 amazing books that your child will love. From classic stories to new favorites, this list has something for everyone. Reading is a vital part of early childhood development, and these books will help get your child excited about reading!
Make sure to check out our list of the best books for 1 year old today! Your child will love learning and exploring through reading with these great titles.
Read on to view our list of the best books for 1-year-old!
How We Choose The Best Books For 1-Year-Old
You want to give your 1-year-old the best possible start in life, but you don't know where to start.
We've got you covered! Our list of the best books for 1-year-olds is packed with age-appropriate reads that will help stimulate your child's growth and development.
1. DEAR ZOO by Rod Campbell
What is this book about
Welcome to the classic lift-the-flap book loved by young readers for over 30 years! In this timeless story, a child writes to the zoo asking them to send a pet. The zoo responds by sending a series of animals, but each one is not quite right for one reason or another. Finally, the perfect pet is found and sent to the child's home. With bright, bold artwork and a catchy refrain, Dear Zoo is a must for every child's bookshelf! This book also led to the creation of numerous other books about favorite animals, such as cats, dogs, penguins, and more!
Why We Love It
DEAR ZOO by Rod Campbell is a classic lift-a-flap book that has been updated with new colorful pictures. The book is small, perfect for little hands, and made out of cardboard. Kids love this book because they can open the flaps to see the animals.
Your little one will giggle with delight as they lift the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent - a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant! As you read together, you'll get to make all the animal noises too. Parents also love hearing "Too Grumpy!" as soon as they open the page with the camel. The pages are nice and thick for easy turning, and the tabs make use of fine motor skills to get the kids to open them. This is a great classic with updated pictures that 1 year old will love. You can make a nice little rhyme out of it when you read it and the child(ren) can join in as they know what is coming.
2. FIRST 100 WORDS by Roger Priddy
What is this book about
This bright and colorful book features 100 simple words for your child to learn, along with 100 accompanying photos. The pages are made from tough board material, making this book perfect for hours of reading fun. The cover is also padded, making it easy and comfortable for small hands to grip. With FIRST 100 WORDS, your child will be on their way to reading success in no time!
Why We Love It
FIRST 100 WORDS by Roger Priddy is a great book for your little one to learn some essential first words and pictures. The book is visually delightful with an interactive element. A child and their parents look through this book each night before bed! It’s also durable and can withstand her handling it a little rough at times! FIRST 100 WORDS by Roger Priddy is well made, sturdy, and perfect for littles who are developing their vocabulary. Kids enjoy flipping the pages and pointing out the items she knows. They enjoy showing parents they can find the ball, duck, etc. They love the pics of the babies. This book is colorful and has lots to look at. It has a good range of simple words for first talkers and a variety of words for early talkers. FIRST 100 WORDS by Roger Priddy is a great addition to your child's library! This is a book your child will love returning to again and again.
3. GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU by Sam McBratney
What is this book about
There's nothing quite like the bond between a father and son. And in GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU, that bond is on full display. Written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram, this beloved tale follows Little Nutbrown Hare as he tries to express his love for his father, Big Nutbrown Hare. Told with warmth and humor, this story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever loved someone unconditionally. Plus, the simple yet stunning illustrations are the perfect complement to the heartwarming text. Whether you're reading it to your little one at bedtime or sharing it with them during a special moment, GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU is a book that will be cherished for years to come.
Why We Love It
It is an adorable story for sleepy little ones. The book comes in a little hardback for little hands, with thick, sturdy pages that are easy to turn. The story is about a mother and father rabbit who love their little son, Penny, very much. They guess how much they love him, and each time they come up with a new way to show it. This sweet rhyming story is sure to resonate with any parent who has a little one of their own. It's perfect for bedtime cuddles and will become a cherished part of your child's library.
4. GOODNIGHT MOON by Margaret Wise Brown
What is this book about
Looking for a story that's short, sweet, and full of goodnight wishes? Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is the best option for a good night. In this simple but heartwarming story, a young bunny says goodnight to everything in his room--from the pictured bears to his socks to the mittens and kittens. With its gentle rhythm and soothing illustrations, Goodnight Moon is sure to become a bedtime favorite for your little ones. So tuck them in, say good night, and let this classic poem lull them off to dreamland.
Why We Love It
Goodnight Moon is a timeless story that will help your children drift off to dreamland. It has been a favorite bedtime story for generations of young readers. This classic tale of a bunny saying goodnight to all the objects in his room is simple, soothing, and ultimately reassuring. The gentle rhyming text and tranquil illustrations make GOODNIGHT MOON the perfect book for winding down at the end of the day. This board book edition is the perfect size for little hands, making it a great choice for baby showers, toddler birthday parties, and holidays. So snuggle up with your little one and enjoy the timeless magic of GOODNIGHT MOON.
5. HOP ON POP by Dr. Seuss
What is this book about
Looking for a fun, silly book to read with your kids? Look no further than Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss! Full of short, easy-to-read words and rhyming sentences, this book is perfect for beginning readers or for reading aloud together. The catchy rhythm will keep kids engaged from start to finish. Plus, what kid doesn't love bouncing around like a kangaroo?
Why We Love It
HOP ON POP by Dr. Seuss is a fantastic book for young children who are of a novice reading level. The illustrations here are wild and wonderful, and the accompanying language, while simple, is delightfully silly. This book is a great tool for helping kids to learn to read on their own, as it uses easy words and phrases that are repetitive throughout the text. Additionally, the illustrations are very engaging, and children will enjoy looking at them again and again. I highly recommend HOP ON POP as a fun and engaging way to encourage children to read all on their own.
6. PEEK-A WHO by Nina Laden
What is this book about
Colorful pictures and simple rhyming texts help children guess what's peeking through the die-cut windows in PEEK-A WHO by Nina Laden. The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page and the bright, engaging illustrations will keep youngsters guessing and giggling to the surprise endings. A perfect way to help your little one learn about animals, this fun board book is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Why We Love It
PEEK-A WHO by Nina Laden is an adorable guessing game book that is perfect for a baby's first year. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the baby-fist-sized holes are easy to grip and turn. The rhyming is delightful, and the mirror at the end is a great way to teach the baby the peek-a-boo game. This book is sure to provide hours of fun for both baby and parent alike.
7. POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
What is this book about
Looking for a fun, engaging book that will introduce your toddler or kindergartener to a variety of new animals? Look no further than Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. This rhythmic, rhyming text is brought to life by vibrant, full-color illustrations, making it a perfect choice for little ones who are just learning to read.
Children will love chanting the rhythmic words and making the animal sounds as they follow along with the sweet rhyming story. And they'll have a blast pretending to be the different animals featured in the book, from lions and hippopotamuses to flamingos and zebras. The last page even features a zookeeper who hears the children imitating the sounds they've learned throughout the story.
Whether you're looking for a bedtime story or a way to teach your child about different sweet animals, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? is sure to be a hit.
Why We Love It
POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? is a must-have book for any teacher or parent. The beautiful illustrations and simple rhymes make it a delight to read, and the Arctic animals are sure to captivate young readers. Best of all, this book is an excellent way to teach basic concepts like animal noises and counting. With its charming artwork and relatable characters, POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? is sure to become a favorite in any household.
8. ROAR, ROAR, BABY! by Karen Katz
What is this book about
Looking for an interactive and fun board book for your little one? Then check out ROAR, ROAR, BABY! by Karen Katz. In this book, little ones can lift the flaps on each page to reveal adorable animals at the zoo! There’s a tall giraffe peaking above a gate, a happy hippo floating in a pool, a cuddly panda crunching on some bamboo, and much more! Plus, each animal makes a different sound when you press the corresponding button - how cool is that? So if you’re looking for a super fun and educational book for your little one, be sure to add ROAR, ROAR, BABY! to your collection today!
Why We Love It
ROAR! ROAR! BABY! by Karen Katz is a great book for little hands as well as short attention spans! The short stories and beautiful colors are very captivating, making it a perfect choice for reading to your baby. Plus, this particular book is a lot of fun to teach animals and work on those animal sounds that will be the pride and joy of your baby. I highly recommend ROAR! ROAR! BABY! by Karen Katz is a great tool for developing your child's love of reading.
9. SEE, TOUCH, FEEL by Roger Priddy
What is this book about
Welcome to SEE, TOUCH, FEEL by Roger Priddy! This innovative board book is designed specifically to stimulate toddlers and encourage the development of motor skills. Each page features embossed images and textures that kids can touch and feel, providing a fun and interactive learning experience. The bright pages featuring happy babies and handprint artwork are sure to capture your little one's attention, while they learn about important concepts like color. With SEE, TOUCH, FEEL, your child will develop essential life skills in a fun and engaging way.
Why We Love It
SEE the bouncy green frog on the cover? TOUCH the raised embossing on each page. FEEL the smooth die-cut shapes. This cased board book introduces colors to very young children in a fun and simple way. The SEE TOUCH FEEL concept is introduced on each page with an easy-to-follow, inviting text. The pages are sturdy enough to withstand repeated handling, making this an ideal book for curious little ones who like to explore with all their senses. With its charming illustrations and FUN die-cuts, this amazing book is sure to become a favorite for both babies and toddlers. Give this book as a gift and share the joy of reading with your little one!
10. TEN LITTLE FINGERS AND TEN LITTLE TOES by Mem Fox
What is this book about
Introducing TEN LITTLE FINGERS AND TEN LITTLE TOES, a gorgeous picture book perfect for very young children. This padded board book features luminous watercolor illustrations of roly-poly little ones from a variety of backgrounds, with rhyming text that's simply irresistible.
Babies are a source of joy for everyone, all over the world, and this book celebrates that in the most adorable way possible. From the wrinkles and dimples in their squishable arms and legs to their chubby tummies, these little ones are sure to melt your heart.
With a satisfying lesson about humanity and international harmony, TEN LITTLE FINGERS AND TEN LITTLE TOES is a book you'll want to read again and again. So snuggle up with your little one and enjoy!
Why We Love It
This is a gorgeously simple picture book for very young children. The luminous watercolor illustrations of these roly-poly little ones from a variety of backgrounds are adorable, and the rhythmic, rhyming text is perfect for bedtime or anytime your child could use a little extra comfort. This padded board book is sure to become a favorite in your home, and once you finish reading it, all you’ll want to do is go back to the beginning and read it again!
11. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak
What is this book about
Welcome to the world of WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak! This classic story has been loved by children for generations, and it's easy to see why. Join Max as he dresses up in his wolf suit and causes havoc in the house. His mother sends him to bed, but that's just the beginning of Max's adventures. He sets sail to an island inhabited by the Wild Things, who name him king and share a wild rumpus with him. It's a story that's sure to delight both young and old alike. So come on in and explore the world of WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE today!
Why We Love It
This is a classic picture book by Maurice Sendak that has been beloved by children for generations. With its beautiful illustrations and simple, lyrical text, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is the perfect book for any child. Whether it's being read aloud at bedtime or shared between parent and toddler, this timeless story is sure to capture the imagination and create lasting memories. This classic story will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
12. WHERE IS BABY'S BELLY BUTTON? by Karen Katz
What is this book about
Karen Katz's "Where is Baby's Bellybutton?" is an adorable, interactive book that will have your little one laughing and playing along. With bright, colorful illustrations and a charming story, this book is sure to become a favorite.
Your baby will love lifting the flaps to find where the baby's belly button is hiding. With each turn of the page, a new baby appears, providing plenty of opportunities for peek-a-boo fun.
This book is sure to engage and entertain your child while teaching them about body parts and silly belly button antics. Add "Where is Baby's Bellybutton?" to your home library today!
Why We Love It
WHERE IS BABY'S BELLY BUTTON? by Karen Katz is a great book for parents and children to share. The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for little hands. Kids love the interactivity of the flaps. They love flipping them. We love this peek-a-boo-style book! Kids laugh at every page with the surprise of finding the baby. The toddler selects it daily for their parents to read with him. This Karen Katz's book is a must-have for your little one's library!
Best books for 1-year-old FAQs
It can be hard to know which books are good for 1-year-olds.
You want to make sure that you get the best books for your 1-year-old, but it can be hard to know where to start.
We've compiled a list of the best books for 1-year-olds based on reviews from parents and experts. Classics like The Cat in the Hat and newer favorites like Llama Llama Red Pajama could also have been included in our list.
Can you give books to a 1-year-old?
Yes, you can give books to a 1-year-old. It's a great idea to start reading to your child from an early age. Reading helps children learn and develop language skills, and it also encourages creativity and imagination.
Some good books for 1-year-olds include Dr. Seuss's books, Eric Carle's books, and Disney stories. But really, any book is good as long as it's age-appropriate and interesting for your child. So get started reading some baby books to your little one today!
What my 1 year old should be learning?
By one year old, your child should be able to say a few words, understand simple commands, and grasp basic concepts like up/down, in/out, etc.
One-year-olds are also starting to learn how to socialize with others and imitate the behavior they see around them. They'll start playing pretend games and manipulating objects to explore their environment. You can help foster these developments by reading stories, singing songs, and playing simple games with your child.
What should I start teaching my 1-year-old?
There's no one answer to this question since every child is different and will develop at their own pace. However, there are a few basics that all children should learn by the time they reach their first birthday. These include:
-How to roll over
-How to sit up unsupported
-How to crawl
-How to stand with support
-Basic facial expressions (happy, sad, angry, surprised)
-The sounds of common animals and objects
Should I be reading to my 1-year-old?
Yes, reading to your 1-year-old helps stimulate language development and fosters a love of books. Reading also provides important bonding time for parents and children. Choose baby books that are short and simple, with large prints and pictures that your child can look at while you read. As your child gets older, you can choose books with more complex storylines.
What are the red flags in child development?
There are many red flags in child development, but some of the most common include delayed speech and language skills, difficulty with motor skill development, extreme mood swings, and changes in behavior. If you notice any of these red flags in your child, it's important to consult with a pediatrician as soon as possible to get help.
Some other red flags that may indicate a problem include regression in previously acquired skills, disturbances in eating or sleeping patterns, bedwetting or accidents during the day even though the child is potty-trained, excessive crying or irritability, and chronic headaches or stomachaches.
How do I know if my 1-year-old is smart?
There is no one answer to this question, as intelligence manifests itself differently in different children. However, there are a few things you can look for to get an idea of whether or not your child is on track developmentally.
Your child should be able to follow simple instructions and understand spoken language by the age of 1. They should also be able to point to objects in pictures when asked and begin babbling and making other vowel and consonant sounds around this time. If your child is meeting these milestones and seems interested in learning new things, they likely have a good deal of intelligence. However, it's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, so don't worry if your child falls behind slightly.
What is advanced for a 1-year-old?
There is no definitive answer to this question since children develop at different rates. However, as a general guideline, most pediatricians say that by the age of one, a child should be able to do the following:
- sit without support
- crawl on hands and knees or army crawl
- pull up to a standing position using furniture for support
- drink from a cup with assistance
- feed themselves finger foods
How many words should a 1-year-old say?
By one year old, your child should be able to say about 50 words. Some children will be able to say more and some will say less. This number is just a general guideline.
Your child's language development may vary depending on their environment, exposure to language, and individual personality. Some children will learn to speak more quickly than others. But as long as your child is making progress and trying to communicate with you, they are doing well!
What skills can I teach my 1 year old?
There are many skills that you can teach your 1-year-old. One important skill to teach is how to effectively communicate with others. You can do this by having them practice verbal communication through games and activities, such as talking about what they see in a picture or what they did that day.
You can also start teaching them basic problem-solving skills by giving them simple tasks to complete, such as putting together a puzzle or coloring a picture. Another important skill to teach is how to be patient and wait their turn. This can be done by having them play games where they take turns with others or waiting in line for their turn at an amusement park ride.
Can 1-year-olds count?
Yes, 1-year-olds can count. They might not be able to recite numbers in order, but they can understand the concept of counting. Many babies will start counting before they're even a year old.
Babies learn to count by observing the world around them. They see people counting things, like how many cookies are left in a jar, and they learn that "1" is the number associated with "one." As they get older, they learn more about numbers and counting. Eventually, most 1-year-olds can recite numbers up to 10 or 20.
What is the ideal weight of a 1-year-old baby?
The ideal weight of a 1-year-old baby varies depending on the baby's height and frame. A general guideline is that babies should weigh about twice as much as they did at birth. So, for a baby who weighed 7 pounds at birth, the ideal weight would be around 14 pounds.
How much TV should a one-year-old watch?
It is recommended that one-year-olds watch no more than one hour of quality television programming per day. TV can be a great way to introduce children to new concepts and ideas, but it's important to make sure that they're also getting plenty of time to play and explore their world.
One hour of TV per day may not seem like a lot, but if it's spread out over the day, it can add up quickly. Try alternating between TV and other activities, like playing outside or reading books together. And remember that screen time should always be supervised by an adult.
How much milk should a 1-year-old drink?
A 1-year-old should drink about 2 quarts of milk per day.
Milk is an excellent source of nutrients for young children, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Kids need to get enough milk in their diet to help them grow and develop strong bones and teeth.
What should children in Year 1 be doing?
In Year 1, children should be developing their basic skills in literacy and numeracy. They should also be learning about the world around them - including different cultures, countries, and religions. Additionally, Year 1 children should be starting to develop their social and emotional skills, such as communication and cooperation.
Can you discipline a 1-year-old?
It is possible to discipline a 1-year-old, but it's important to be mindful of their age and developmental stage when doing so.
At 1 year old, toddlers are beginning to learn how to explore their surroundings and test boundaries. They're also learning how to interact with others, so it's important to set expectations and consistently enforce rules. However, it's also important not to use physical punishment (like spanking), as this can lead to long-term behavioral problems.
Some effective ways to discipline a 1-year-old include Time Out (putting them in a designated space for a brief period), verbal reasoning/explaining why the behavior is unacceptable, and removing privileges.
How can you tell if the baby is going to talk early?
There's no one answer to this question as every baby is different. However, there are some general things you can look out for that may indicate your baby is going to talk early.
One sign is if your baby babbles a lot. Babies typically start babbling around six months old, and the more they babble, the more likely it is that they'll start speaking sooner rather than later. Another sign is if your baby tries to imitate words or sounds they hear. For example, if you say "hello" and your baby repeats the word back to you, that's a good indicator that they're starting to understand language.
At what age is speech considered delayed?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as speech development varies from child to child. However, speech delays are typically diagnosed when a child is not meeting common language developmental milestones for their age.
Some signs that a child may have a speech delay include difficulty pronouncing words correctly, trouble understanding others when they are speaking, and taking a long time to form sentences. If you have any concerns about your child's speech development, it is best to consult with a pediatrician or speech therapist.
Can parents cause speech delay?
Yes, there are a few things that parents can do to cause speech delays in their children. One common cause of speech delay is having a low muscle tone. This means that the child's muscles are not as strong as they should be, and this makes it difficult for them to produce sounds correctly.
Another common cause of speech delay is hearing loss. If a child cannot hear properly, they will have difficulty understanding what others are saying, which will make it difficult for them to learn to speak themselves. Finally, parents can also cause speech delays by not talking enough to their children. Babies need lots of exposure to language to learn how to speak correctly.
Our Best Recommendation
Our team spent hours poring over thousands of reviews to find the best baby books for your 1-year-old will love. The result is this comprehensive list that we hope will take some of the guesswork out of choosing gifts for the young ones in your life.
These picks run the gamut from board books to longer picture books, all with one goal in mind: giving your little reader an enjoyable and interactive experience that will nurture a love of reading from an early age. And really, what could be more important than that?
Click (or tap) the buttons above and pick your favorite book.
Thanks for reading!
