Reading Books to kids: Animal Theme Toddler Books
I had introduced names of various animals and their sounds to #LittleTuggu when he was around 6 months old. That was my trick to entertained him, while I struggle to fit him in the Cloth Diapers (initial struggle days, you know). It takes a little while to get the right fit. Well, now It can be done with just one hand. But if he just corporate to lie still while I finish the work.
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How did we start Reading early?
As I said, we started early. Around 5-6 months is the right time to introduce books to infants when they have a better vision and can identify better. Though I strongly believe that reading is something a personal choice and like Adults, few kids may like it or may not. So I would suggest to take it slow. Even an attention of 5-10 minutes is more than enough.
How did we get to Toddler Reading?
We started reading with Picture Board Books from a local stationery store. I clearly remember we had a book on Fruits and another one on Animals. And that’s how our reading journey began. Then we had all kind of board books from Colours to Shapes, from First Words to Numbers, from Transport Vehicles to Construction Vehicles.
Our Favorite Toddler Books: Themes
Around his first Birthday, I started buying some picture Storybooks for my son. The bright colourful pictures were good enough to keep him interested and hooked for several readings. Since he had interest in animals, I proceeded to books which segregated Farm Animals, Domestic,Wild Animals and sea Creatures
1. Toddler Books on Farm Animals
Also, as we have slowly graduated to paperbacks, one of the other book from the same theme, we enjoy reading is also there in this frame – Hens don’t crow!! Check the lin for more. This is also an excellent book for toddlers, which not only introduce various farm animals, their Sounds but also talk about their homes. Bonus- an incredible message is passed along with the story. Don’t underestimate the power of a common hen. A superb strategy, she used. Well, you should read the book to know more.
2. Toddler Books on Sea Creatures
Shark had sharp, pointed teeth. He looked scary and everyone hid from him. But he was always worried coz “No one wants to play with him”. So, he came up with an idea and sets off with a big bag, cunning plan and collects lots if terrified fish along the way… everyone was terrified feeling it’s the end for them…. But.. SURPRISE
The big fat shark surprised everyone.
Not a usual and expected ending. but surely worth it. A good read for young toddlers to help them recognize some sea creatures and a good conversation starter book. Conversation starter because everyone always considers sharks as a dangerous animal that looks scary, but someone can’t help what they look like. Right?? It’s the behaviour and intentions that matter. Everyone wants to make friends and we should always try to look beyond looks.
3. Toddler Books on Wild Animals
Everyone loves hugs, and there are all sort if hugs in this book. There are hugs for strugglers and hugs for Hitler’s, hugs that are tricky and hugs that the prickly. But will you find the perfect But? Of course!!!
This book “Perfect Hugs” by Joanna Walsh & Judi Abbot, is a story about panda looking out to find the right hug for him. While on his journey to find his perfect hug, he finds various kinds of land, forest, water and space. In a simple poetics style, the book answers the curiosity a toddler might have comparing various kinds of animals and bugs. E.g. a spider has lots of arms on the other hand snail has none.
4. Toddler Books on Pet Animals
If I had a pet, it has to be a dog. Though my son is still young enough and the concept of a pet is not known to him. He has also spent less time at my parent’s where they have a dog. But he enjoys reading this book “I’ll teach my dogs a lot of words”, a bright and early Hard Paper Book by Michael Froth and illustrated by PD Eastman.
This is an interesting book which talks about how a dog is taught good manners, the difference between day and night, small and big. In addition, the dog learns colours and day to day activities which you can relate well and teach your toddlers.
Not sure if it is age appropriate for my soon to be 2 year old. But I believe it all depends on how we read a certain book. And we have learnt how to catch the ball, wash hands and toes, blow nose, scratch head, toot a bugle and beat a drum…. interesting much.. isn’t it??
Do let me know how you like the suggestions. Another current favourite theme we have is Vehicles- From Transport to Construction Vehicles.
So Stay Tuned for some more interesting books coming your way!!
Happy (Toddler Books) Reading!!!
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Such theme based books are good to teach good habits to kids. I have designed few too for a publisher recently
Reading is a good activity for the kids, I have incorporated this habits too, they will learn everything from own
My son loves reading books! His current favourites are Dr. Suess and Julia Donaldson books because of their rhyming scheme.
Reading books to little ones is a very good practice. I have done this and I agree they learn a lot through this.
Your introducing your baby to early reading and the tips and tricks you used are simply inspiring & exemplifying. I got a lot to learn. Kudos
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This is the most easy way to attract toddlers for reading. Making reading enjoyable is very imp and i will recommend this to my cousins too for their kids.
illustration books are really a good way to grab attention of kids so that they could develop interest in reading… thanks for sharing the books with us..
How Beautifully you introduce books to your kid. This way they’ll easily connect the habit of being with books and learn new things
Amazing and beautiful post. All the collections of animal books for kids are perfect. These books enhanced little ones to identify a better interactions. Great thoughts.
These books are really informative yet fun. I will recommend for the toddlers in my school.
Such a relevant post! I am totally with you that kids need to befriend books in their initial years itself. These books definitely look cute, adorable and quite informative. Am sure, kids will enjoy their collection. As a parent, I will definitely buy them for my kids.
The books you recommended are very helpful. I’m sure my boys will love these.
I introduced books to my baby at around 6 months like you mention. She does love to indulge in reading but she has come to a stage where tearing gives her immense pleasure. I never have tried the felt books but hardbound I usually carry with me to keep her busy.
I also handed over this kind of picture books to my daughter in her early age. It really helped to build up her reading habit
I can say with 100% confidence that kids love animal based books because I loved them too! They are so much fun! I loved all the books you shared! Really helpful when looking for kids books!
These are some really lovely books. I bet tuggu enjoys them a lot. All kids love animal theme when they are toddlers.
I have always loved reading books to my little one and animal themed books are his favourite.
These are such cute books…I wish to get them all..definitely picture books are the best way to teach kids
These are some wonderful books. Do introduce your baby to the hungry caterpillar at the right age. It’s a wonderful book
These are some really lovely books. My son also enjoyed animal theme. Once they start Vehicle theme, it stays with boys. My son is going to 5 yr old in Jan and still loves anything that’s on construction vehicle or cars theme.
It was damn engaged with the points mentioned in the blog, thank you for sharing such an amazing list of books for toddlers, will definitely share the same with my friends too
Reading is a great habit for kids. I loved how you introduced kids to the habit of reading. I myself have many posts on the benefits of reading for kids and it is something which is close to my heart.
Our family as a whole love reading books with big pictures.Plus we are animal lovers too.These are great for children indeed.
These books are so cute that I want to become a child again…picture books are definetly the best way to teach kids..its fun while learning
Reading is a good habit and we should encourage our child for reading books. Children love colorful books so these books will be perfect for them.
wow these books are so cute and full of colors. Kids will love it. I will buy for my son also.
I also started for my infant in the form of Big picture books. These books look to be an awesome collection of infant and toddler books for getting them hooked on reading books rather than TV and mobile phone.
This is something we all should add in our kid’s life, books are the best way to be their friends for life
That’s a great habit you’ve formed, Gunjan. And I love your collection. I too have been reading to my 15 months baby since the very beginning.
I believe reading is the best habit you can inculcate in your children. We have been reading to my 2.5 year old since the day he arrived home from the hospital. You can also try Julia Donaldson, Susan Boynton and Eric Carle books. They are fantastic for toddlers! I will also check out the books you have suggested
We have read Eric Carle, will try other two as well. but these are our current
Reading and learning from picture books is always fun activity for children. I also do the same
That’s some really insightful information on helping kids to read. I too agree on using soundbooks for starters