Books are an essential part of a child’s growth and development, and choosing the right ones can make a significant impact on their learning and enjoyment. For 12-18 month old children, finding books that are engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate is crucial. These books should help promote language and cognitive development while also being durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of little hands.
When choosing books for this age group, it’s important to consider factors such as the size and durability of the book, the type of content, and the level of interaction. Board books are an excellent choice for 12-18 month old children as they are sturdy and can withstand the rough handling of toddlers. These books typically have bright colors, simple text, and interactive features such as lift-the-flaps, touch-and-feel textures, and sound buttons.
Another essential factor to consider when choosing books for this age group is the content. Books with simple, repetitive text and clear, colorful illustrations are ideal for young children as they help promote language development and visual recognition. Additionally, books that feature familiar objects and animals can help children make connections between the words they hear and the objects they see in their everyday lives.
When selecting books for 12-18 month old children, it’s also important to consider their level of interaction. Books with interactive features such as pop-ups, flaps, and textures can help keep young children engaged and interested in reading. These features not only make reading more fun but also help promote fine motor skills and sensory development.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various books to identify the best ones for 12-18 month old children. We considered factors such as size, durability, content, and level of interaction to bring you a comprehensive list of books that are sure to engage and delight your little one.
Best Books for 12-18 Month Old
As parents, we know that reading to our little ones is an important part of their development. It helps them learn language, develop their imagination, and teaches them about the world around them. But with so many books out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for our 12-18 month olds. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best books for this age group. These books have been carefully selected based on their educational value, engaging illustrations, and overall appeal to young children. Whether you’re looking for board books, interactive books, or classic stories, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book
If you’re looking for an interactive book that will help teach your little one about body parts, “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book” is a great option.
Pros
- The lift-the-flap feature is engaging for little ones and helps keep their attention.
- The book is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of young children.
- The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching.
Cons
- Some of the flaps may be difficult for young children to lift on their own.
- The book is relatively short, with only 14 pages.
- The storyline is simple and may not hold the attention of older toddlers.
We recently purchased “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book” for our 15-month-old and have been pleased with our experience. The lift-the-flap feature is a hit with our little one, and we’ve noticed that he’s started to point to body parts more frequently since we started reading this book with him. The book is also very durable, which is important when you have a curious toddler who likes to explore with their hands.
One potential downside is that some of the flaps may be difficult for young children to lift on their own, so you may need to help them out. Additionally, while the book is engaging for young toddlers, it may not hold the attention of older toddlers who are looking for more complex storylines.
Overall, we would recommend “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book” to parents who are looking for an interactive book that will help teach their little ones about body parts.
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
We highly recommend the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book for parents looking for an interactive and educational toy for their 12-18 month old. This toy is perfect for boosting literacy skills and introducing new vocabulary to your little one.
Pros
- The interactive design of the book engages young minds, making learning an enjoyable experience.
- The book features colorful and fun illustrations on durable plastic pages.
- The bilingual feature of the book helps promote language skills in both English and Spanish.
Cons
- The sound quality of the book can be low, making it difficult to hear the words and sounds clearly.
- The book requires 2 AA batteries, which are included for demo purposes only. New batteries are recommended for regular use.
- The book may not hold the attention of older toddlers who have already mastered the words and sounds.
The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book is a fantastic way to introduce new vocabulary to your little one. The book includes word categories such as pets, animals, food, mealtime, colors, activities, opposites, outside, and more. The touch-sensitive pages allow your child to hear new vocabulary, sound effects, and fun facts. The light-up star button also plays two learning songs, making it a fun and interactive toy for your child.
The book is also bilingual, allowing your child to hear the words, songs, and instructions in both English and Spanish. This feature promotes language skills and helps your child learn new words in both languages.
Overall, the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book is a great investment for parents looking for an interactive and educational toy for their little ones. The durable plastic pages and engaging design make it a toy that your child will enjoy for months to come.
World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to introduce your 12-18 month old to animals and their sounds, the World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book is a great choice.
Pros
- The book features cute illustrations and clear, realistic animal sounds that are sure to delight your little one.
- The buttons are easy to press, making it simple for young children to interact with the book on their own.
- The book is sturdy and well-made, able to withstand the wear and tear of being handled by curious little hands.
Cons
- The book is quite heavy, which can make it difficult for young children to hold and carry around.
- Some of the sounds may not be entirely accurate or realistic, which could potentially confuse or mislead children.
- The book is relatively short, with only 24 pages, so your child may quickly tire of it if they are looking for a longer reading experience.
Overall, we think the World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book is a great choice for parents looking to introduce their young children to animals and their sounds. The illustrations are cute and engaging, and the sound buttons are easy for little fingers to press. While it may be a bit heavy and short, we think the benefits of this book outweigh any potential drawbacks.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated book to read to your 12-18 month old, The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a great choice.
Pros
- The book has a positive and uplifting message that encourages children to be themselves and embrace their unique qualities.
- The illustrations are colorful and engaging, with lots of details for children to explore.
- The book is sturdy and well-made, with thick pages that can withstand rough handling.
Cons
- The book is relatively short, with only 36 pages, so it may not hold a child’s attention for very long.
- The language is somewhat advanced for very young children, so parents may need to simplify the text or explain some of the vocabulary.
- Some parents may find the book’s message to be overly sentimental or cloying
Overall, we would recommend The Wonderful Things You Will Be to parents who are looking for a sweet and inspiring book to share with their young children. While the language may be a bit challenging for some toddlers, the beautiful illustrations and positive message make this book a worthwhile addition to any child’s library.
Where’s Spot?
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive book for your 12-18 month old, Where’s Spot? might just be the perfect choice.
Pros
- The book has flaps that your child can lift to find Spot, making it interactive and engaging.
- The colorful illustrations and simple sentences are perfect for young readers.
- The book is made of durable board material, making it resistant to wear and tear.
Cons
- The flaps on the book are thin and weak, so they might not last long if your child is rough with them.
- The book is relatively short, with only 22 pages, so your child might get bored with it quickly.
- The book is part of a series, so you might end up having to buy more books to keep your child entertained.
Pros
Cons
We highly recommend Where’s Spot? for parents looking for a fun and interactive book for their young child. The flaps and colorful illustrations are sure to keep your child engaged and entertained, and the durable board material ensures that the book will last for a long time. However, keep in mind that the book is relatively short, and the flaps might not last long if your child is rough with them.
Wild Animals: A Touch and Feel Book – Children’s Board Book – Educational
We highly recommend purchasing Wild Animals: A Touch and Feel Book for your 12-18 month old! This educational board book is a great way to introduce your child to the wild world of animals through touch and feel.
Pros
- The touch and feel aspect of the book is engaging and interactive for young children.
- The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching, keeping your child’s attention.
- The book is durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of being handled by little hands.
Cons
- The book only features a few animals, so your child may quickly become bored with it.
- The touch and feel elements may not be as varied as some other touch and feel books on the market.
- The book is on the pricier side compared to other board books.
The book’s main downside is that it only features a few animals, so your child may quickly become bored with it. Additionally, while the touch and feel elements are engaging, they may not be as varied as some other touch and feel books on the market. Finally, the book is on the pricier side compared to other board books, which may be a consideration for some parents.
Overall, Wild Animals: A Touch and Feel Book is a great choice for parents looking to introduce their child to the world of animals through touch and feel. The book’s interactive elements and colorful illustrations make it a fun and engaging read for young children.
Grumpy Monkey
If you’re looking for a book that teaches kids it’s okay to be grumpy sometimes, Grumpy Monkey is a great choice.
Pros
- The illustrations are beautiful and colorful, making it engaging for young readers.
- The story is relatable and teaches a valuable lesson about emotions.
- The book is sturdy and durable, perfect for little hands.
Cons
- The book may be too short for some readers.
- Some parents may not like the grumpy face of the monkey on the cover.
- The book may not be as engaging for older children.
We recently read Grumpy Monkey to our 18-month-old and she loved it. The story is simple and easy to follow, with colorful illustrations that kept her attention. The message of the book is also great, teaching kids that it’s okay to feel grumpy sometimes and that it’s important to express their emotions.
The only downside we found was that the book is quite short, which may not be satisfying for some readers. Additionally, some parents may not like the grumpy face of the monkey on the cover. However, overall we think Grumpy Monkey is a great addition to any child’s book collection.
Babies Love Colors – A First Lift-a-Flap Board Book for Babies and Toddlers Learning about Colors (Chunky Lift a Flap)
If you’re looking for a colorful and interactive book for your little one, Babies Love Colors is a great option.
Pros
- The interactive flaps keep babies and toddlers engaged.
- The colors are bright and eye-catching.
- The sturdy board book construction can withstand rough handling.
Cons
- The book is short with only 12 pages.
- The rhymes can be repetitive for adults.
- Some of the flaps may be difficult for very young babies to lift.
We recently purchased Babies Love Colors for our 14-month-old daughter and she loves it! The interactive flaps are perfect for her little hands and keep her engaged throughout the book. The colors are bright and vivid, making it a great tool for teaching colors.
The board book construction is very sturdy and can withstand rough handling, which is a plus for young children. However, the book is quite short with only 12 pages, so it may not hold your child’s attention for very long.
The rhymes in the book are cute and age-appropriate, but they can be repetitive for adults. Additionally, some of the flaps may be difficult for very young babies to lift, so it may be better suited for older babies and toddlers.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Babies Love Colors for parents looking for an interactive and colorful book for their little ones to enjoy.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best books for 12-18 month olds, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting books for your little one:
Durability
Toddlers are known for their curiosity and love of exploration, which means they can be tough on their toys and books. Look for books with sturdy pages that can withstand some wear and tear. Board books are a great option as they are thicker and more durable than traditional paper books.
Interactive Features
Books with interactive features such as flaps, textures, and sound effects can make reading time more engaging and exciting for your child. These features also help to develop their sensory and motor skills.
Age-Appropriate Content
Choose books with age-appropriate content that your child can relate to and understand. Books with simple storylines and bright, colorful illustrations are perfect for this age group. Look for books that introduce basic concepts such as shapes, colors, and animals.
Size and Format
Consider the size and format of the book when making your selection. Books that are easy for little hands to hold and manipulate are ideal. Also, consider the size of the book for storage purposes. Books that are too large may be difficult to store on a bookshelf or in a diaper bag.
In summary, when choosing books for 12-18 month olds, it’s important to consider durability, interactive features, age-appropriate content, and size and format. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select books that will engage and entertain your little one while also helping them to develop important skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of interactive books are most suitable for 1-year-olds?
At this age, children are still developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Therefore, board books with simple interactive features such as flaps, touch-and-feel textures, and pop-ups are ideal. Books with bright colors and bold illustrations are also engaging for young children.
How can I select age-appropriate books for a child between 12 to 24 months?
When selecting books for this age group, consider books with simple, repetitive text and basic concepts such as colors, shapes, and animals. Books with familiar objects and routines help children make connections to their daily lives. It’s also important to choose books with sturdy pages that can withstand rough handling.
What are the best book genres or themes for toddlers aged 1 to 2 years?
Toddlers at this age are curious about the world around them, so books that introduce them to new experiences and concepts are great choices. Books about nature, animals, and everyday activities like mealtime and bedtime are popular with this age group. Rhyming books and stories with simple plots are also engaging for young children.
Which books can help support Montessori learning for an 18-month-old?
Montessori education emphasizes hands-on learning and exploration. For 18-month-olds, books with interactive features such as flaps, textures, and movable parts can help develop their fine motor skills and encourage exploration. Books with real-life photos and simple text can also support language development and vocabulary building.
What are some recommended books for a 1-year-old’s birthday gift?
Some popular books for 1-year-olds include “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, and “Where is Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz. Board books with interactive features such as flaps, textures, and pop-ups also make great gifts for young children.
Why is reading important for children aged 12 to 18 months, and how often should it be done?
Reading to young children helps develop their language and communication skills, as well as their cognitive and social-emotional development. It’s recommended to read to children at least once a day, but even short reading sessions can have a positive impact on their development. Reading together also helps foster a love of books and learning that can last a lifetime.
