Book Recommendations for Toddlers

We research books before placing them on hold at the library so that we have a rich assortment that include values of ours, representation and diversity. Eden also picks out books of interest off the shelves, but with the way libraries now are renovated to appeal to children with play activities, she is usually more interested in the computer, magnetiles, train tables, or magnet board. In those moments, I try to stay engaged with her so browsing the shelves is not so easy. We pick a few off the shelves that she likes and then I go grab my holds off the shelves.

We get ideas for books from a few sources consistently (Amazon reviews, We Stories STL, A Mighty Girl, Wee the People, Give Your Child the World book by Jamie Martin). I also look for books that relate to upcoming holidays, seasons, or family values. Some books get a little "out there," I know, and some delve into some political issues so we screen those. We try to instill our beliefs at home but we cannot shield her from the differences that she finds outside our home. Therefore, we want her to be prepared, knowledgeable, respectful and kind. We will not respond with "that's not the way we do things" or "that's wrong" but rather research it or try to make it understandable for her age in a way that does not promote judgment. I believe you can have it all (relatively speaking), with conscientious parenting at home. So, you'll see some books here that you may like or may not like but our choices that are influenced by family dynamics and lifestyle make these books our favorites. All are Eden-approved. Also, Eden reads a ton of books but few make it to the absolute favorites list which will be below. 

Christmas:
N is for Navidad by Susan Middleton Elya
God Gave us Christmas by Lisa Bergren
A Christmas Wish: A Peter Rabbit Tale by Beatrix Potter
The Gingerbread Man by Karen Schmidt (and we made lots & lots of gingerbread man cookies)
Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi

Favorite Series:
How do Dinosaurs.....? by Jane Yolen

Religions:
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan (explains hijabs)
Night of the Moon by Hena Khan (about Ramadan) 

Family:
Who's In My Family? All About Our Families by Robie H. Harris

Biracial:
Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin (skin color, biracial family)

Hair:
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Big Hair, Don't Care by Crystal Swain-Bates

Diversity & Inclusion: 
We're Different, We're the Same (Sesame Street)
Intersection Allies by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Choi 
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

General favorites: 
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Around the World We Go! by Margaret Wise Brown
The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
Wherever You Go My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman
I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt (fave since birth)

Kindness:
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Finding Kindness by Deborah Underwood
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr 

Christian: 
Snuggle Time Prayers by Glenys Nellist 
Goodnight, Ark by Laura Sassi 
God Bless You & Good Night by Hannah Hall
I Prayed for You by Jean Fischer


Happy Reading!
Danielle & Eden