When your toddler finds a book that they absolutely, positively, completely, and entirely love, they’ll demand to hear it no fewer than 436 times a day. They’ll bring it to you, point to it, and force it into your hands. Yeah, you’re all about reading to your kiddo. But pick the wrong book and you may want to “accidentally” drop it into the bathtub and, “whoops,” rip all the pages. Oh, but not these books. Check out our suggestions for must-read toddler-friendly books that both you and your child will adore.

1. TouchThinkLearn: Colors by Xavier Deneux ($15): Okay, it’s not a literary masterpiece. No problem: Your two-year-old really isn’t into in-depth character explorations anyway. What makes this board book so crazy-awesome are the images: scooped-out die-cuts combined with raised colorful shapes to give your kiddo a multi-sensory experience. And they’ll learn about colors too!

2. Goodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton ($16): Little Bear just doesn’t want to go to sleep. Sounds kind of like someone you know. Haughton’s modern take on the sleepy-time tale (yes, we know it’s been done plenty of times before) has eye-catching illustrations that you’ll enjoy almost as much as your toddler does.

3. She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger ($18): We really couldn’t put together a children’s book list and not include Chelsea Clinton’s intro to feminism for the tiny-tot set. Your toddler may not get the concepts yet — not entirely, at least. But it’s never too early to show your child the importance of some of our country’s most notable women. You give your tot an early start in literacy, math, and science, so there’s no reason not to include history too.

4. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld ($17): Teamwork, friendship, and rad machines that build: Obviously, your toddler is going to be all over that. Written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, this construction-centered read is one that will grow with your tot through their preschool years at the very least.

5. A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkins and Chris Appelhans ($18): Jenkins’ fab tongue-twister will keep your toddler giggling. The word-play is… well, playful! Add in the adorably artistic illustrations by Chris Appelhans, and you’ve got a recipe for happiness. You’ll find this book every bit as entertaining as your little one does.

6. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers ($18): Well, it has been on The New York Times Children’s Pictures Books Best Sellers list for over 200 weeks, so it’s pretty likely that at least some (more likely most) of the kiddos out there like it. Daywalt crafts a creative story that follows what happens when little Duncan’s crayons think enough is enough. Brought to life with Jeffers’ illustrations, this book is a must-read for any parent-child duo.

7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein ($18): It’s never too early to start your child on this Shel Silverstein classic. Come on, you remember snuggling up with your own mama and listening to the story of the boy who grew older and the tree who wouldn’t stop giving! Whether it’s with a sense of nostalgia or not, reading this pick with your kiddo is a must-do.

What’s your favorite children’s book? Tweet us your pick @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Erica Loop
Erica Loop is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh. When she's not busy creating kids' activities for her blog Mini Monets and Mommies, you can find her trying to hang out with her teenage son, being chased by her two Olde Boston Bulldogs or teaching a children's karate class (she's a third degree black belt!).