How to Choose Books for Toddlers

Reading books to young children helps them develop vital language skills and learn about the world around them. Learn how to choose books for toddlers by following these easy steps.

Instructions

1. Select books that are durable. Parents should opt for books that can withstand being tossed around, chewed up and stepped on by curious youngsters. Books made out of laminated cardboard are an ideal choice for toddlers who haven't quite mastered the art of handling things with care.

2. Choose children’s books that display large, vivid illustrations of simple objects. Toddlers get enjoyment from looking and pointing at brightly colored pictures of things that they're familiar with such as balls and bananas, or mommies and daddies.

3. Look for books that have lots rhyme and repetition. Books that repeat the same words and phrases over and over again are easy for toddlers to memorize and fun for them to listen to and repeat.

4. Select toddler books that are interactive and encourage exploration. Touch-and-feel texture pages or books with flaps that lift to reveal peek-a-boo pictures are excellent choices.

5. Choose books with short, simple text. Toddlers' attention spans are short and they don't have the developmental capability to sit through stories that are too long.

6. Visit the local library and ask the librarian about popular book titles that are designed for toddlers. This is particularly helpful if parents are unsure about where to begin their search for great children's books.