Your toddler boys are adventurous and explore. Most of the time, they would choose to play over reading. However, for some parents, reading books should become a habit for toddler boys. So, how would you make your toddlers enjoy reading?
31 Books for Toddler Boys
You can consider reading one book every day for a month and here is the list of toddler books for ages 0-3 which will be surely enjoyed and appreciated by your little ones:
1.Touch Think Learn: Vehicles
Author and Illustrator: Xavier Deneux
Toddler boys would always enjoy playing with cars so you can consider this book as it lets your child explore and learn the different mode of transportation. This is a hardbound, cutout book that can enhance your child’s senses. The images are colorful and you can even let your child trace the cars. This book is very elegantly looking, thus your child will surely be interested in this book!
- Deneux, Xavier (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 16 Pages - 08/04/2015 (Publication Date) - Chronicle Books (Publisher)
2.Alligators All Around
Author and Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Wild animals are enjoyed by little kids especially when they play-pretend. This is an ABC book that is being illustrated through the use of alligators. Although there are only a few words printed for every letter of the alphabet and illustrations are simple, it is still very creative and it makes the little kids understand the concept of the alphabet in an easy way. Give it a try!
- Sendak, Maurice (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 01/10/2017 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)
3.Roary the Lion Roars Too Loud
Author: Ame Dyckman
Illustrator: Alex G. Griffiths
Naturally, toddler boys tend to have bigger, bolder, and louder voices than little girls. In this book, there is a character named Roary, and he has a new baby sibling. However, Roary is loud! This is a great book to start teaching your toddler boys about manners and etiquette, as this is about “lowering voices” at a proper level. It is an excellent book, as you do not have to explain too much to your kid. Instead, the book will do the work!
- Dyckman, Ame (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 22 Pages - 05/29/2018 (Publication Date) - Little Simon (Publisher)
4.Hello Hello
Author and Illustrator: Brendan Wenzel
This book is full of artwork! It includes almost 100 animals starting with a white cat followed by a black one. From the cover to the end page, your toddler boys who are fond of wild and weird animals will surely be stunned by this book. Although the words used are simple, the idea is clear and high. Additionally, this book is also about exploration of the world and unity with everyone, including the surrounding animals. This book is great to let your toddler boys be familiar with the different animals around the world!
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages - 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) - Chronicle Books (Publisher)
5.Mon Petit Busy Day
Author and Illustrator: Annette Tamarkin
Toddler boys tend to be busy the whole day and this one is an eye-catching, lift-the-flap, and educational book that will surely be loved by your busy bees as it lets them learn and discover while they play (tracing and memory games) the book. Additionally, this is a book that will help your toddler boys learn about counting (there are fingers which you can fold down for counting), reading time (there is a clock with movable hands), and directions(it has movable objects that can be moved upward, downward, and sideward). Indeed, this is an engaging book for you and your child.
- Tamarkin, Annette (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 12 Pages - 04/10/2018 (Publication Date) - Little Simon (Publisher)
6.The Going to Bed Book
Author and Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
This is an entertaining book for toddler boys that speaks about the things you need to know and the habits you must do when you are about to go to bed. Some activities here are washing/taking a night bath, brushing your teeth, and changing clothes from day clothes to pajamas. This is a classic bedtime book that you can tell your kids before or after doing these activities. Surely, they will be happy to imitate the habits of the animals in the illustrations as they see them enjoy the night things they do.
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7.Jump, Leap, Count Sheep! A Canadian Wildlife 123
Author and Illustrator: Geraldo Valerio
It is true that some toddler boys out there are lovers of wildlife, even at a young age. So, for little ones like these, you can use this book as an amazing way to teach your toddler boys how to count numbers from 1 to 10. This way, you do not only let your kids be familiar with some wild animals, but you also let them learn the basics. It is a 2-in-1 learning book, so why not give it a try?
- Hardcover Book
- Valério, Geraldo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
8.Summer Evening
Author: Walter de la Mare
Illustrator: Carolina Rabei
Although this book has a few words on it, it shows a stunning illustration of a summer night. If your little boy wants you to spare time for story time, this one is a great choice, as it also teaches poetry to little kids by allowing them to practice their skills in narration. According to a study, language development is affected by the materials children use.[1]So, if you see your child wanting to become a poet, this book is a great start for them.
- de la Mare, Walter (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/05/2019 (Publication Date) - Faber & Faber Children’s (Publisher)
9.The Snowy Day
Author and Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats
This book tells the story of a boy residing in Brooklyn who woke up to a different, amazing world–snow day. This one is best to be told during winter, as little kids will be able to relate more. Also, this book will enhance your child’s imagination and creativity. By reading this book to your toddler boys, they will appreciate more the snow days and surely, you will see the joy on their faces like how happy is Peter (the main character) as he enjoys the snowy day by making everything an adventure.
- Keats, Ezra Jack (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 10/28/1976 (Publication Date) - Puffin Books (Publisher)
10.Julian is a Mermaid
Author and Illustrator: Jessica Love
This story is about the main character who wishes to turn into a mermaid. This book will let your child learn about freedom of expression, even at a young age. The main character is a boy named Julian and on his way home, he saw three mermaids. He kept on daydreaming of them and decided to make his mermaid costume. This story also lets your child be creative and learn about the value of acceptance, love, and respect for self. Yes, mermaids are not only for little girls!
11.Freight Train
Author and Illustrator: Donald Crews
This book focuses on colors, so this may be considered as an educational book for your little ones. It uses a train where there are many bright colors your toddler boys could engage with!
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Crews, Donald (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
12.The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author and Illustrator: Eric Carle
This is a classic story that speaks about growth. The development of the growth of a caterpillar is the main story here. You can use this book to let your child understand the importance of consuming food and how it will affect their growth.
- Now even younger children can follow the little green caterpillar as he eats his way to becoming a beautiful butterfly in this sturdy board book
- Great for early development
- Children will enjoy this delightful tale
13.Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Author: Judith Viorst
Illustrator: Ray Cruz
This story is about a boy who woke up to a bad day starting with a piece of gum on his hair. He already knew that today was going to be a bad day for him and he was right. At breakfast time, there was no toyon his cereal box, and while at school, the drawing he made was not liked by his teacher. This book is an astonishing book to tell your toddler boys who constantly feel like they are always having a bad day. Through this book, you can comfort your toddler boys and make them realize that life is life and you, the parents, are always there for them. According to a study, reading books to your children does not just help them become successful in learning how to read, but it also improves your relationship with them.[2]Sweet sentiment, isn’t it?
- Test product
- Viorst, Judith (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
14.A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Author: Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
This is a great picture book for toddler boys who love all the animals at the zoo. Being a zookeeper is very busy work, but Amos McGee (the zookeeper) always makes time to play with the animals. One day, when he was sick, Amos McGee cannot afford to go to work. The animals were worried because it is unusual for the zookeeper to be absent so; they were the ones who visited and took care of him this time. This book is a great way to let your toddler boys learn about companionship and care for one another, and it will let your toddler boys understand the real meaning of friendship.
- RANDOLPH CALDECOTT MEDAL - WINNER
- Hardcover Book
- Stead, Philip C. (Author)
15.Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Author and Illustrator: Virginia Lee Burton
This is a classic book you should not let your child miss. In this book, there is a construction worker whose name is Mike Mulligan. Mike has a shovel named Mary Anne and they shove canals to make way for other modes of transportation. However, new technology is developing, and this means automated machines are starting to replace manual ones. Because of the dedication of Mike and his shovel, they proved that they can do as better as the new machines. This book is about the results of hard work and the importance of friendship. This is an edutainment book to let your toddler boys understand these values at a very young age. Who knows what this book will make your child realize?
- Mike stays faithful to his steam shovel. Great read!
- Burton, Virginia Lee (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
16.What Do You Do with An Idea?
Author and Illustrator: Kobi Yamada
This is an educational book which may sound a little boring, but it is not. This story is about a boy who learned the importance of idea, time, attention, and confidence. This is a book that you can choose to let your toddler boys understand that when they are confident enough to express their ideas and innovations, their minds will fully grow. So, let your kids welcome their visions and spread their wings.
17.Pinkerton, Behave!
Author and Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
This is a funny book that you can share with your toddler boys before going to bed most especially when they have dogs that they love so much. This book is about a Great Dane dog named Pinkerton. Pinkerton has poor manners. His fur parents send him to obedience school. However, when he is there, he teaches other dogs to disobey. Sometimes, he even breaks his fur on mommy’s slippers. One night, there was a culprit who broke into the family’s house and this disobedient Pinkerton saved the day! This book is great to use in teaching your toddler boys how to be obedient.
- Kellogg, Steven (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 02/12/2019 (Publication Date) - Puffin Books (Publisher)
18.Listen Buddy
Author and Illustrator: Helen Lester
Reading this book to your toddler boys will make them want you to read it every day. Buddy’s father has a big nose, and this nose has a wonderful sense of smell. Also, Buddy’s mother has big, wonderful teeth, which she uses to eat carrots perfectly. Lastly, buddy has big ears, but these ears are not being used properly! This book will make your toddler boy understand the importance of listening. So, if you have a toddler boy who does not listen to you, maybe you can consider this book as it will not just help you entertain them but will help you teach them to enhance their listening skills.[3]
- Lester, Helen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 03/03/1997 (Publication Date) - Clarion Books (Publisher)
19.Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale
Author and Illustrator: Josh Funk
This book is a story about the friendship between a human named George Slair and a dragon named Blaise Dragomir. These two best friends share everything about them through the mode pen pal. The only that they do not know is that one is a human and the other one is a dragon. How will they react when they meet in person? Better ask your toddler boys their thoughts about this! This is a book that will widen your toddler boys’ imaginary skills.
20.The Oatmeal Boy
Author and Illustrator: Jeannette Foster
If you have toddler boys who are picky when it comes to food, you can tell this story to them and they might change their minds. This is a tale of a boy who does not want to eat oatmeal because of the past incident in his life when he was young. One day, this boy met a girl who showed him a new concept on the food oatmeal, which eventually made him love oatmeal more! So, you can make your toddlers realize that one recipe is not the same when twists are added! If you want your toddler boys to enhance their resourcefulness, this is a great book for them.
- Foster, Jeanette (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages - 06/29/2016 (Publication Date) - P & J Avenue (Publisher)
21.The Ish
Author and Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
This is for toddler boys who love to draw but do not take care of the things they do. The bot in this book is passionate about drawing and when he draws, he becomes so happy, but one time, his older brother named Leon, spoiled his drawings! So, through this book, you can make your toddler boys learn to keep their things safely. Additionally, you can also use this book to teach your toddler boys how to be gentle on others’ belongings as they may cause damages if they are not tender in handling these belongings.
22.So Much!
Author: Trish Cooke
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
This is a pictured book that is adored by many children. This book speaks about the importance of loving and caring to every family member, most especially the babies. Surely, your toddler boys will appreciate it more when your relatives visit them, as it is a way of showing love and care to them.
- Cooke, Trish (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages - 09/23/2008 (Publication Date) - Candlewick (Publisher)
23.Mister Magnolia
Author and Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Mr. Magnolia is a rhyme book great for toddler boys. In this book, there is a happy character named Mr. Magnolia. However, he only has one boot. Luckily he received a parcel and when he opened it, it is a boot! Although it is not the pair of his boot, he is still happy! This book is a great one to make your toddler boys how to stop complaining and appreciate the little things in life.
- Blake, Quentin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 07/09/2010 (Publication Date) - Red Fox (Publisher)
24.Lost and Found
Author and Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
For toddler boys who are up with penguin stories, this is another excellent picture book to consider as it tells the story about a boy and a penguin. One day, there was a penguin that showed up in front of the door of a boy. Of course, this boy would help this penguin to get back home. On their journey, the boy tells the penguin different stories. Here, the boy realizes that the penguin is not lost. Instead, he is lonely. This book teaches the value of friendship and happiness.
25.Owl Babies
Author: Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
If your toddler boy is clingy with you, you can share this story with them. Surely, both of you could relate to it! This book tells the story of three baby owls who woke up one night and realized that their mother is not around. When the mommy came back, they are filled with so much joy. This book can teach your children how to appreciate and love more their parents.
- Waddell, Martin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 04/01/2002 (Publication Date) - Candlewick (Publisher)
26.Some Dogs Do
Author and Illustrator: JezAlborough
Does your toddler boy have a dog’s best friend? This one is great for him, then! This book tells the story of a dog named Sid. Sid can soar very high when he is happy but when e loses his self-confidence, he loses this ability. This book teaches the importance of self-belief, so it is one great instrument to use in helping your toddler boy believe in his self.
27.Each Peach Pear Plum
Author and Illustrator: Janet and Allan Ahlberg
This is a classic, educational, picture, and rhyme book that will make your toddler boys familiar with different traditional stories. Additionally, your toddler boy can enhance his memory skills when reading this book. According to a study, books are a great way to improve the memory skills of little children, especially those who have poor-memory functions.[4]
- Ahlberg, Allan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 09/01/1999 (Publication Date) - Viking Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
28.Two Frogs
Author and Illustrator: Chris Womell
This book tells the story of the adventures of two frogs. One frog is holding a stick and according to that frog, that stick is used as protection to chase away dogs. The other frog then kept on saying that the stick is of no use since there was never a single dog that swam into that pond. However, there was a creature that is trying to eat them and it is not a dog! This is an engaging book because it has simple words that your toddler boys can read. Additionally, this book teaches your toddler boys how to always be prepared for any circumstances.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Natalie Hale (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
29.The Runaway Dinner
Author and Illustrator: Allan Ahlberg
This is a funny book your toddler boys would love! It talks about the dinner of a boy named Banjo. All of his foods have names and even utensils. However, when he felt hungry and wanted to eat, these foods and utensils kept running away! Will Banjo ever chase them? Ask your child about it and listen to his response! Surely, his imaginative skills will be enhanced!
30.Dogger
Author and Illustrator: Shirley Hughes
Another book for toddler boys who love dogs! This book tells the story of Dave and his dog stuffed toy named Dogger. Dave treats Dogger like a real dog. But one day, Dogger was nowhere to be found. A lost and found book, but full of emotion! Surely, after reading this, your toddler boys will love their puppies more, even if it is also just a stuffed toy.
31.The Velveteen Rabbit
Author: Margery Williams
Illustrator: William Nicholson
During Christmas time, one boy received a velveteen rabbit as a present. During the first days of being together, the boy played with the rabbit, but as the days go by, the rabbit started to be neglected. One time, another toy from the storage box gave the rabbit to the boy to experience how it feels to be real as according to the other toys when being loved for a long time, toys will become real. After that, these two became best friends, and the boy loved the rabbit so much until one day, the rabbit became a real one. This book will teach your toddler boys that love can make everything possible.
Personal Choice
All of these books are great options for your toddler boys and if you ask me, I go for books that teach my toddler boy about life lessons especially those books with the theme about hard work such as the book Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel as I believe that they will take these learning wherever they go.
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Heath, Shirley Brice. “What no bedtime story means: Narrative skills at home and school.” Language in society (1982): 49-76. ↑
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Van Kleeck, Anne, Steven A. Stahl, and Eurydice B. Bauer, eds. On reading books to children: Parents and teachers. Routledge, 2003. ↑
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Jalongo, Mary Renck. “Learning to Listen, Listening to Learn: Building Essential Skills in Young Children.” National Association for the Education of Young Children (2007). ↑
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Gathercole, Susan Elizabeth, et al. “Working memory in children with reading disabilities.” Journal of experimental child psychology 93.3 (2006): 265-281. ↑
