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Starter 1-3 yo

Birthday for 1 year old starter list

Bedtime, Lovey Dovey

In a cozy bedtime chat with her mom, a young girl wonders how animal families might say good night. Would Wolf and his pup "kiss and then HOWL"? Would Bear and her cub "kiss and then GROWL"? But what about Sloth and her baby? They move soooo slooowwwww . . . they're sure to be kissing from early evening until long after everyone else is fast asleep! With whimsical art and playful rhyming verse, this picture book is now in board book format for the first time, perfect for bedtime snuggles.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 71403 votes, reviews

Ann Whitford Paul

David Walker

Lovey Dovey

The sun rises, and a bear and cub begin their day together. They splash in the water, climb mountains, and watch the shimmering sky. They show their love by touching noses, playing chase, and of course, hugging. A sweet, gentle rhyme, perfect for sharing with a special little one!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 63195 votes, reviews

Amelia Hepworth

Tim Warnes

Classics, Food, Counting

Carle's classic tale of a voracious caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week and then changes into a eautiful butterfly has been reissued in a sumptuous twenty-fifth anniversary edition with a shiny, silver-coated cover and wonderfully thick, durably pages.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 57042 votes, reviews

Eric Carle

Lovey Dovey, Canadiana

A young woman holds her newborn son And looks at him lovingly. Softly she sings to him: "I'll love you forever I'll like you for always As long as I'm living My baby you'll be." So begins the story that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Since publication in l986, Love You Forever has sold more than 15 million copies in paperback and the regular hardcover edition (as well as hundreds of thousands of copies in Spanish and French)
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 55672 votes, reviews

Robert Munsch

Classics, Rhythmic

A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book. Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 49174 votes, reviews

Bill Martin Jr.

Eric Carle

Vocabulary

Your little one will soon learn some essential first words and pictures with this bright board book. There are 100 color photographs to look at and talk about, and 100 simple first words to read and learn, too. The pages are made from tough board for hours of fun reading, and the cover is softly padded for little hands to hold.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 36151 votes, reviews

Roger Priddy

Modern Favs, Rhythmic, Alphabet

There is always enough room on your child’s bookshelf for this Classic Board Book edition of the rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children’s favorite for over thirty years! A told B, and B told C, “I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree” In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom! Countless children—and their parents—can joyfully recite the familiar words of this beloved alphabet chant. Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault’s rhythmic text keeps the beat with Caldecott Honor illustrator Lois Ehlert’s bold, cheerful art. This winning combination has made the Chicka Chicka series an enduring classic.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 34835 votes, reviews

Bill Martin Jr.

Lois Ehlert

Friendship

This fun family read-aloud is the perfect way to start Halloween celebrations with a sweet-but-slightly-spooky story that makes it an ideal gift book The witch and her cat couldn't be happier, flying through the sky on their broomstick-until the witch drops her hat, then her bow, then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items and all they want in return is a ride on the broomstick. But is there room on the broom for so many new friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from the clutches of a hungry dragon? From the acclaimed creators of The Gruffalo, this enchanting story of quick wits and friendship is full of humor and adventure-and just the right amount of spookiness.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 33665 votes, reviews

Julia Donaldson

Axel Scheffler

Classics, Caldecott Medal

Where the Wild Things Are is fifty years old! Maurice Sendak's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. A must for every child's bookshelf. Introduce a new generation to Max's imaginative journey with this special anniversary edition. Let the wild rumpus continue as this classic comes to life like never before with new reproductions of Maurice Sendak's artwork. Astonishing state-of-the-art technology faithfully captures the color and detail of the original illustrations. Sendak himself enthusiastically endorsed this impressive new interpretation of his art before his death in 2012. This iconic story has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 33010 votes, reviews

Maurice Sendak

Classics, Permanence

It's supper time, and Sally the Dog is looking for her puppy, Spot. She looks for him behind doors, under stairs, inside clocks, and other hiding spots and encounters his friends on her search. But where's Spot? Part of the popular “Spot” series of books by Eric Hill, Where's Spot?
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 32146 votes, reviews

Eric Hill

NY Times Best Sellers, Engineering

An enchanting mermaid tale from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series, the perfect Valentine's Day gift for kids! Many claim to have caught a mermaid, but can YOU? Perfect for mermaid lovers, summer reading, and gifts for kids ages 4-10, this funny mermaid picture book offers an irresistible under-the-sea adventure that parents, educators, and children will love! Brimming with fun STEAM-based traps, clever rhymes, and plenty of laughs to share in at-home and classroom read alouds, this magical story makes a perfect stocking stuffer and birthday, Easter, or back to school gift for kids and mermaid lovers alike! How do you catch a mermaid? You must be very clever. With mirrors, crowns, and pearls galore, this quest can't last forever! Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a Unicorn How to Catch a Yeti How to Catch a Dinosaur How to Catch a Dragon How to Catch a Monster and more!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 31382 votes, reviews

Adam Wallace

Andy Elkerton

Potty Training, Lift the Flap

Sesame Street's Elmo tells little girls and boys ages 1 to 3 all about how to use the potty in this sturdy lift-the-flap board book with more than 30 flaps to find and open. It's the perfect mix of fun and learning for potty-training toddlers—especially while they practice sitting on the potty! Sturdy flaps will hold up to hours of repeat lifting and peeking, and toddlers will delight in the surprises they find under the flaps.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 29176 votes, reviews

Naomi Kleinberg

Christopher Moroney

Rhythmic, Being Yourself

Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 28627 votes, reviews

Giles Andreae

Classics, Bravery

Julia Donaldson's trademark rhyming text and Axel Scheffler's brilliant, characterful illustrations come together in this perfect read aloud—a perfect gift for any special occasion! A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . . . the gruffalo! As Mouse explains, the gruffalo is a creature with terrible claws, and terrible tusks in its terrible jaws, and knobbly knees and turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of its nose. But Mouse has no worry to show. After all, there’s no such thing as a gruffalo. . . .
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 27298 votes, reviews

Julia Donaldson

Axel Scheffler

Animals, Permanence, Classics

Dear Zoo is thrity years old -- and still as popular as ever! And with an updated look, this classic children's storybook about a youngster loooking for a perfect pet is sure to delight a new generation of readers!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 27297 votes, reviews

Rod Campbell

Rod Campbell

Nostalgia, Bravery

Read along as Grover begs you not to turn the page -- because there is a monster at this end of this book! Lovable, furry old Grover is distressed to learn that there's a monster at the end of this book! He begs readers not to turn the pages, but of course kids feel they just have to see this monster for themselves. Grover is astonished--and toddlers will be delighted--to discover who is really the monster at the end of the book!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 26973 votes, reviews

Jon Stone

Michael Smollin

Lovey Dovey, NY Times Best Sellers, Graduation

From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful, and sometimes humorous, illustrations, and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes, this is a book grown-ups will love reading over and over to kids—both young and old. A great gift for any occasion, but a special stand-out for baby showers, birthdays, and graduation. The Wonderful Things You Will Be has a loving and truthful message that will endure for lifetimes.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 26631 votes, reviews

Emily Winfield Martin

Bedtime, Classic

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight. In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. This board book edition is the perfect size for little hands.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 26068 votes, reviews

Margaret Wise Brown

Classics, Perspective, Emotions, NY Times Best Sellers

Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading "dreary wearies" isn't really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in Deborah Diesen's fun fish story that's sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 24276 votes, reviews

Deborah Diesen

Emotions, Modern Favs

The smash-hit #1 New York Times bestselling picture book about feeling your feelings is now available as a board book! Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a bit of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy? Suzanne and Max Lang's hilarious approach to this very important lesson is now in a toddler-friendly board book format! It is an excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face and demonstrates to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings (though they should be careful of hurting others in the process!).
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 23506 votes, reviews

Suzanne Lang

Max Lang

Celebrity Authors, Lovey Dovey, Modern Favs, Adoption

I’ve Loved You Since Forever is a celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy. With Kotb’s lyrical text and stunning pictures by Suzie Mason, young ones and parents will want to snuggle up and read the pages of this book together, over and over again. In the universe, there was you and there was me, waiting for the day our stars would meet. . . Makes a lovely gift for baby showers, Mother's Day, and more. Plus don't miss Hoda Kotb and Suzie Mason's beautiful follow-up picture book, You Are My Happy.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 21028 votes, reviews

Hoda Kotb

Suzie Mason

Emotions, Lovey Dovey, Graduation, Grief

Specifically written to address children's fear of being apart from the ones they love, The Invisible String delivers a particularly compelling message in today's uncertain times that though we may be separated from the ones we care for, whether through anger, or distance or even death, love is the unending connection that binds us all, and, by extension, ultimately binds every person on the planet to everyone else. Parents and children everywhere who are looking for reassurance and reaffirmation of the transcendent power of love, to bind, connect and comfort us through those inevitable times when life challenges us!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 20024 votes, reviews

Patrice Karst

Geoff Stevenson

Best of Boynton, Modern Favs

This raucous story about the sounds animals make—including three pigs who say "la la la!"—is just right for reading aloud. Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 17263 votes, reviews

Sandra Boynton

Classics

Don Freeman's classic character, Corduroy, is even more popular today then he was when he first came on the scene in 1968. This story of a small teddy bear waiting on a department store shelf for a child�۪s friendship has appealed to young readers generation after generation.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 16953 votes, reviews

Don Freeman

Bedtime, Best of Boynton

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 16509 votes, reviews

Sandra Boynton

Sharing

The Rainbow Fish is an international best-seller and a modern classic. Eye-catching foil stamping, glittering on every page, offers instant child appeal, but it is the universal message at the heart of this simple story about a beautiful fish who learns to make friends by sharing his most prized possessions that gives the book its lasting value.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 16066 votes, reviews

Marcus Pfister

Lovey Dovey, Modern Favs

On the night you were born, you brought wonder and magic to the world. The moon stayed up till morning. Polar bears danced. Here is a book that celebrates the one and only ever you! Now available in its entirety in board book format, Nancy Tillman's masterpiece is perfect for acknowledging the special people in our lives that they are loved.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 14309 votes, reviews

Nancy Tillman

Bedtime Routines

It's time to sleep with this hilarious and adorable bedtime story featuring Little Critter! Perfect for parents to read aloud with their toddlers. Little Critter is not looking forward to bedtime. Whether it’s time for him to stop playing and take a bath, or making a fuss about getting into his jammies, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A great way to introduce children to their very own bedtime routine!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 12770 votes, reviews

Mercer Mayer

Modern Favs, Ethical Leadership

Zooom! Wooeeee . . . ! quot;Make way! quot;The big city sure is a speedy, noisy place for a country truck like Blue. Everywhere Blue looks, he sees buses, police cars, taxis, vans, a street sweeper, and even the mayor's limousine. With everyone pushing to be first, soon there's a giant traffic jam! But even a wrangle-tangle is no match for Little Blue Truck, who comes to the rescue in true Blue style. Brimming with bright colors, sounds, and city energy, this adventure makes working together and taking turns more fun than ever.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 12310 votes, reviews

Alice Schertle

Jill McElmurry

Classics, Sounds

Now the very youngest readers can join in the fun with this Classic Board Book edition of We're Going on a Bear Hunt. Full of delightful comedy and high drama, this tale of a brave family's joyous romp through sweeping landscapes is sure to win new fans.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 12088 votes, reviews

Helen Oxenbury

Sharing, Friendship

"There was a hippopotamus Who hiccupped quite-a-lotamus. And every tmie he got’emus ... He’d fall upon his bottomus." Calamity ensues when an elephant, a centipede, and a rhinoceros try finding a cure for hippo’s colossal case of hiccups. Zenz’s creativity shines through with his use of colored pencil in this off-the-wall read-aloud. HIC! HIC! HIC!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 11439 votes, reviews

Aaron Zenz

Modern Favs, Bedtime

Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama in this rhyming read-aloud favorite! Llama Llama’s tale of nighttime drama has charmed readers for over a decade and makes an ideal story for bedtime reading. With this board book edition, Anna Dewdney’s infectious rhyming text and expressive artwork are availabe to the youngest readers. Children will relate to Baby Llama's need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama's reassuring message.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 11074 votes, reviews

Anna Dewdney

Baby Faces, Diversity, Travel

As everyone knows, nothing is sweeter than tiny baby fingers and chubby baby toes. . . . And here, from two of the most gifted picture-book creators of our time, is a celebration of baby fingers, baby toes, and the joy they—and the babies they belong to—bring to everyone, everywhere, all over the world! This is a gorgeously simple picture book for very young children, and once you finish the rhythmic, rhyming text, all you’ll want to do is go back to the beginning . . . and read it again! The luminous watercolor illustrations of these roly-poly little ones from a variety of backgrounds are adorable, quirky, and true to life, right down to the wrinkles, dimples, and pudges in their completely squishable arms, legs, and tummies.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2538 votes, reviews

Mem Fox

Helen Oxenbury

Alphabet, Food

While teaching upper- and lowercase letters to preschoolers, Ehlert introduces fruits and vegetables from around the world. A glossary at the end provides interesting facts about each food.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 2321 votes, reviews

Lois Ehlert

Book Buddy

A charming and reassuring bedtime story made more cozy with a cuddly plush toy.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 1839 votes, reviews

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Food

Spaghetti is yummy, but worms - and blue crayons, and sand, and other things too gross to mention - are definitely yucky when tasted. Amiably illustrated in a bright, graphic style, Leslie Patricelli’s spirited board book, YUMMY YUCKY stars an obliging, bald, and very expressive toddler who acts out each pair of opposites with comically dramatic effect.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1708 votes, reviews

Leslie Patricelli

Finger Puppet

Play along with this well-loved rhyme and an adorable monkey puppet! This classic rhyme about five energetic monkeys features a fun finger puppet toy built into the book, encouraging interactive play, hand-eye coordination, and language development in your little one. Babies and toddlers learn best when they are playing, especially when their grown-ups share in the fun! Collect the entire series in the Finger Puppet Collection! -This rhyming story entertains while teaching language patterns -The adorable monkey finger puppet encourages interactive play between little ones and their grown ups -Soft plush and a rhyming story combine to provide both tactile and verbal learning opportunities -Practice hand-eye coordination while enjoying together time
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 1429 votes, reviews

Cottage Door Press

Sarah Ward

Environment, Strong Female Leads

This board book version of Jane Goodall—from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series—introduces the youngest dreamers to the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees. When Jane was little, her father gave her a toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. This inspired her lifelong love of animals, and she went to study them in the wild as soon as she could. Jane lived with chimpanzees in their natural habitat and became famous for her pioneering approach to research. She now educates the public on animal rights. Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this fascinating woman, and will also enjoy exploring the stylish and quirky illustrations of this sturdy board book on their own. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1275 votes, reviews

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Beatrice Cerocchi

Boynton Bests, Birthday

Wake up and celebrate Little Pookie’s big day in this way-too-early board book from the bestselling Sandra Boynton. Birthday! Birthday! Pookie can’t wait to celebrate! There’s only one problem: It’s still nighttime and everyone is asleep. With Sandra Boynton’s signature charm and piggy pizzazz, this surprising (yawn) story proves that every Little Pookie loves birthdays…even before daybreak! Is that you, little Pookie? It’s not even light. You ought to be sleeping. Look outside. It’s still night. But it’s my BIRTHDAY!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1231 votes, reviews

Sandra Boynton

Book Buddy

A cherished tale of boundless affection brought to life with a cozy snuggle blanket.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 953 votes, reviews

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Alphabet

Dance through the alphabet from Aardvark to Zebra! Hey! Is that your toe tapping? Well, go on! Strut your stuff! Shake your boots with newts, lambada with llamas, and slide with sloths! A lively romp through the alphabet with vibrant art and cheerfully rhyming text, ABC Dance! is a joy for children and grown-ups to read aloud together. Now get your dancing shoes on!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 729 votes, reviews

Sabrina Moyle

Eunice Moyle

Nursery Rhymes

The classic rhymes of Mother Goose and the beautiful illustrations of Lisa McCue collide in this delightful padded board book! Bright, fanciful watercolors by Lisa McCue capture the lively spirit of Mother Goose rhymes that have delighted generations of young children. This small treasury of classics is sure to be a story time staple!
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 623 votes, reviews

Studio Fun Intl

Lisa McCue

Book Buddy

Bring this groundbreaking and award winning book from 1963 to life with this snuggly lovey.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 489 votes, reviews

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Starter 1-3 yo

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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