Reading to your toddler helps pave the way to a lifetime love of books. A December 2008 study published in "Pediatric Child Health" discussed the four focuses that enhance a child's development. In the study, reading to children was the second most important enhancement that parents can be involved to help their child's development, second only to helping develop emotional awareness. Starting at a young age is key. Another critical component is ensuring that the books you read are engaging for your child.
Lift the Flap Books
Toddlers love to play hide and seek. To engage him in the reading process, make sure you have several books that include flaps that, when the child opens it, reveal a surprise or a part of the story. The "Spot" series by Eric Hill---where the puppy, Spot, has a series of adventures in various locations---are available as lift the flap books, any one of which is ideal for toddlers. They contain easy-to-read words with a clear font. "Spot Goes to the Farm" is commendable in this series, as children enjoy lifting the flap to find the baby that goes with the mommy animal.
"Toes, Ears, & Nose! A Lift-the-Flap Book" by Marion Dane Bauer is a board book that's hardy enough for many readings and helps children learn the words for parts of the body.
"Corduroy Goes to the Library" by B. G. Hennessy is fun for kids and parents. Not only does it provide a treasure hunt, but it introduces children to the "Corduroy" series, available in multiple reading levels so that your child's skills can grow with the character. In addition, the setting of a library helps instill some of the behaviors appropriate to a library visit, reinforcing lessons learned at home.
Picture Books
One of the best ways to know that you've got a top book in your hands is to look for a Caldecott award winner. Caldecott medals are voted on by the American Library Association and awarded to the most distinguished picture book published that year. The ALA website (see Resources) lists each year's winner and the books can be found at the library if you'd like to rotate them frequently to continue to entertain your child.
The 2010 winner is "The Lion and the Mouse," by Jerry Pinkney. This beautiful book engages your child with lovely pictures that evocatively portray the classic Aesop's fable. It uses few words, making it ideal as a beginning book.
"The House in the Night" won the Caldecott medal in 2009. This book, written by Susan Marie Swanson and illustrated by Beth Krommes, contains simple text written in poem form. It tells a story of a girl's journey through a fantastic series of landscapes.
In 2008, the Caldecott medal was awarded to "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," written by Brian Selznick. The story of a boy who lives in a train station in Paris is told through a combination of words and fantastic pictures.
Classics
"Go, Dog, Go" by P. D. Eastman is a children's classic of which many parents have fond memories. This easy-to-read book contains easy text with engaging pictures.
"Curious George" by H. A. Rey introduces the mischievous monkey to kids. The illustrations are fun and the stories are funny, too.
"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown continues to entertain toddlers and parents alike. This classic book, about going to bed, is a perfect book to read to kids when tucking them in.
"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak is another classic worth keeping on your shelf. The illustrations and story are engaging, and the ending reassures even the most tempestuous child of a mother's enduring love.
