Reading is an essential skill that every child should develop from an early age. It not only helps them learn new words and concepts but also enhances their cognitive and emotional development. However, choosing the right books for your 18-24 month old can be challenging, considering their short attention span and developing language skills.
When looking for the best books for 18-24 month old, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, the books should be age-appropriate, with simple words and colorful illustrations that capture their attention. The books should also be sturdy and durable, as toddlers tend to be rough with their books.
Another critical factor to consider is the content of the books. At this age, children are developing their language and communication skills, so books that encourage interaction and participation are ideal. Books with repetitive phrases and rhymes are also great for helping toddlers learn new words and develop their language skills.
After conducting extensive research and testing, we have identified the top 10 best books for 18-24 month old. Our selection includes books that are not only entertaining but also educational, helping your child learn new words and concepts while having fun.
Top 3 Best Books for 18-24 Month Old
Where’s Ellie?: A Hide-and-Seek Book
As parents, we know how important it is to encourage our little ones to read from a young age. Reading books with your child can help foster a love of learning, improve language skills, and create special bonding moments. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best books for your 18-24 month old. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top books that are sure to captivate your little one’s imagination and spark their curiosity. From interactive touch-and-feel books to colorful board books, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our list below and find the perfect book to share with your little one today!
Where’s Ellie?: A Hide-and-Seek Book
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive book for your 18-24 month old, Where’s Ellie?: A Hide-and-Seek Book is a great option.
Pros
- The book is made of sturdy board material, perfect for little hands to hold and turn pages.
- The illustrations are bright and colorful, capturing the attention of young readers.
- The hide-and-seek theme encourages interaction and engagement between parent and child
Cons
- The story is very simple and may not hold the attention of older toddlers.
- Some customers have reported that the book arrived damaged.
- The book only has four locations for Ellie to hide, which may become repetitive for some readers.
We recently picked up Where’s Ellie?: A Hide-and-Seek Book for our 20-month-old and have been pleased with our purchase. The board material is sturdy and has held up well to frequent use. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and our little one loves to point out the different animals on each page.
While the story is simple, it’s perfect for younger toddlers who may not have the attention span for longer books. The hide-and-seek theme also encourages interaction between parent and child, making it a great bonding activity.
Overall, we would recommend Where’s Ellie?: A Hide-and-Seek Book for parents looking for a fun and interactive book for their 18-24 month old.
World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive book for your 18-24 month old, the World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book is a great option. With 30 buttons that play animal sounds, this book is sure to keep your little one entertained.
Pros
- The animal sounds are clear and easy for young children to identify.
- The buttons are easy to press, making it accessible for young children.
- The book is sturdy and can withstand rough handling.
Cons
- The book is quite heavy, which can make it difficult for young children to hold.
- The sound can be quite loud, which can be overwhelming for some children.
- The book only has 24 pages, which may not be enough to hold a child’s attention for long periods of time.
Overall, we would recommend the World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book for parents looking for an interactive book for their young children. The clear animal sounds and easy-to-use buttons make it a great option for children in the 18-24 month age range.
Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive book that will keep your 18-24 month old engaged, Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The lift-the-flap feature encourages interactivity and helps develop fine motor skills.
- The book is durable and can withstand wear and tear from little hands.
- The book is educational and can help teach body parts to young children.
Cons
- The flaps can be a bit difficult for younger children to lift on their own.
- The book only covers a limited number of body parts.
- The story is simple and may not hold the attention of older children.
We recently purchased Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book for our 18-month-old and have been very happy with it. The lift-the-flap feature has been a big hit and has helped keep our little one engaged throughout the story. The book is also very durable and has held up well despite being handled frequently.
While the book only covers a limited number of body parts, it is still educational and has helped our child learn the names of those body parts. However, some of the flaps can be a bit difficult for younger children to lift on their own, so adult assistance may be required.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book to anyone looking for an engaging and educational book for their 18-24 month old.
Montessori Busy Board Baby Busy Book – Sensory Toys for Babies 6 12 18 Months – Baby for Toddler Boys Girls One 1 2 3 4 Year Old – Infant Travel Learning Toys
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging toy for your little one that can help them learn and develop important life skills, then the Montessori Busy Board Baby Busy Book might be just what you need.
Pros
- The educational toy combines a busy board and a baby busy book together, with each layer opening up to reveal a different theme that attracts babies to explore.
- The toy contains a variety of life skill activities such as zippers, shoelaces, buttons, belt buckles, etc., which help toddlers learn through play, develop fine motor skills, life skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development.
- With a rich color combination, the toddler busy board captures the attention of babies and features built-in crinkle books that stimulate visual and auditory development.
Cons
- The toy is designed for children aged 1-4, so it may not be suitable for older children who are already familiar with the activities.
- Some of the activities may be too challenging for younger children, so they may need some assistance from an adult.
- The toy is made from soft fabric and ABS materials, which may not be as durable as other toys made from harder materials.
The Montessori Busy Board Baby Busy Book is a great toy for toddlers aged 1, 2, 3, and 4 to exercise their daily habits, helping them learn to tidy clothes and storage items. It is also a perfect toddler travel toy, lightweight and easy to carry, providing long hours of entertainment for toddler boys girls during journeys, great car activities & airplane activities. The baby busy books come packaged in exquisite colorful boxes, making them perfect for various occasions as gifts, such as Christmas, birthdays, and more.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fun and educational toy that can help your little one learn and develop important life skills, then the Montessori Busy Board Baby Busy Book is definitely worth considering.
Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm
We highly recommend the Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm book for parents looking for an interactive and educational book for their 18-24 month old.
Pros
- The sturdy 20-page interactive board book with buttons to press and “pop” on every page is perfect for little hands and can withstand rough handling.
- The Poke-a-Dot® technology encourages language development, counting, and fine motor skills.
- The dots make different clicking and popping sounds depending on how they’re poked, keeping children engaged and entertained.
Cons
- The book is a bit heavy for younger children to hold on their own.
- Some of the pop dots don’t stay in when pushed, which can be frustrating for children.
- The book may be too repetitive for some children, as it focuses on the same song throughout.
The Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm book is a great way to help children develop their language, counting, and fine motor skills. The book features a countdown from 10 cows to 1 rooster as you read (and sing) the Old MacDonald’s Farm song. The patented Pop-a-Tronic™ technology lets kids discover different popping sounds by poking the dots from the front or the back, with pages raised or flat. This book makes a great gift for birthdays, showers, and special occasions.
In conclusion, the Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm book is a fantastic choice for parents looking for an interactive and educational book for their 18-24 month old. The book is sturdy, engaging, and encourages the development of important skills.
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
If you’re looking for an interactive and engaging book for your little one that promotes language skills, then the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Meet learning friends Turtle, Tiger and Monkey who will introduce the alphabet through more than 100 age-appropriate words chosen by learning experts.
- Touch the words on the pages to hear new vocabulary, sound effects, and fun facts; hear the two theme songs by pressing the light-up star button.
- This highly engaging book for kids includes words, songs, and instructions heard in both English and Spanish to promote both language skills
Cons
- Batteries included for demo purposes only; new batteries recommended for regular use.
- The sound quality may be a bit low.
- The plastic pages may not be as durable as traditional paper pages.
We recently purchased the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book for our 18-month-old and have been thrilled with how much she enjoys it. The interactive design keeps her engaged and excited to learn new words and concepts.
One of the standout features of this book is the ability to switch between English and Spanish, which is a great way to introduce a second language to your child. The touch-sensitive words and sound effects are also a big hit, making learning new vocabulary fun and interactive.
The only downside we’ve noticed is that the batteries included with the book are only for demo purposes, so you’ll need to purchase new batteries for regular use. Additionally, the plastic pages may not be as durable as traditional paper pages, but we haven’t had any issues with them so far.
Overall, we highly recommend the LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book for any parent looking to promote language skills and engage their child in a fun and interactive learning experience.
Where’s Spot?
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive book for your 18-24 month old, Where’s Spot? is a great option.
Pros
- The lift-the-flap feature keeps young children engaged and excited to see what’s hidden behind each flap.
- The book is made of sturdy board material, making it durable and able to withstand rough handling.
- The story is simple and easy to follow, perfect for young children who are just starting to learn words and phrases.
Cons
- The flaps may be too thin and weak for some children, leading to tearing or damage.
- The book is relatively short, with only 22 pages, so it may not hold children’s attention for very long.
- The book is part of a series, which could lead to parents feeling pressured to purchase more books in the series.
We highly recommend Where’s Spot? for parents looking for a fun and interactive book for their young children. The lift-the-flap feature keeps children engaged and excited, while the sturdy board material ensures the book can withstand rough handling. The story is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for young children who are just starting to learn words and phrases.
In addition, the book is relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of families. While the flaps may be too thin and weak for some children, this is a minor issue that can be easily overlooked. Overall, Where’s Spot? is a great addition to any young child’s book collection.
What Are Little Boys Made Of: Little Bird Greetings, Greeting Card Board Book with Personalization Flap, Gifts for Birthday, Baby Showers and More
This book is a great gift for a baby shower or a birthday party. It is a sturdy board book that comes with an envelope and a greeting sticker. You can personalize the flap with a note for the recipient, which makes it a unique and thoughtful present.
Pros
- The book is sturdy and durable, which makes it perfect for young children.
- It comes with an envelope and a greeting sticker, which makes it a great alternative to a traditional card.
- You can personalize the flap with a note for the recipient, which makes it a unique and thoughtful present.
Cons
- The book only has four pages, which means that it can be read in less than a minute.
- The pictures in the book are not very big or bright, which may not attract a baby’s attention.
- The book may not be suitable for older children, as it is designed for babies and toddlers.
We highly recommend the What Are Little Boys Made Of: Little Bird Greetings board book for anyone looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for a baby shower or a birthday party. The book is sturdy, durable, and comes with an envelope and a greeting sticker, making it a great alternative to a traditional card. The ability to personalize the flap with a note for the recipient makes it a unique and thoughtful present. However, the book only has four pages, which means that it can be read in less than a minute. The pictures in the book are not very big or bright, which may not attract a baby’s attention. Additionally, the book may not be suitable for older children, as it is designed for babies and toddlers.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best books for 18-24 month old toddlers, there are a few features to consider to ensure that they are both engaging and developmentally appropriate. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting books for your little one:
Durability
Toddlers are notorious for their rough handling of books, so it’s important to choose books that can withstand their curious hands. Look for books with sturdy board pages or thick paper that can withstand bending, tearing, and drooling.
Interactive Elements
Books with interactive elements such as flaps, textures, and sound effects can be especially engaging for toddlers. These features can help keep their attention focused on the book and encourage them to explore and learn.
Age-Appropriate Content
At this age, toddlers are still developing their language and cognitive skills, so it’s important to choose books with simple, age-appropriate content. Look for books with bright, colorful illustrations and simple text that can help toddlers learn new words and concepts.
Diversity
Exposing toddlers to books with diverse characters and settings can help foster empathy and understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. Look for books that feature characters from a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
By considering these factors when choosing books for your 18-24 month old toddler, you can help foster a love of reading and support their cognitive and language development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top board books recommended for toddlers aged 18 to 24 months?
At this age, toddlers love to explore and touch everything they see. Board books with bright and bold illustrations, simple text, and sturdy pages are perfect for them. Some of the top board books recommended for toddlers aged 18 to 24 months are “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, and “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz.
Which books make great birthday gifts for a one-year-old?
Books make great birthday gifts for one-year-olds as they help in the development of language and cognitive skills. Some of the books that make great birthday gifts for one-year-olds are “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr., and “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell.
How can I select age-appropriate books for a two-year-old?
When selecting books for a two-year-old, it’s important to choose books with simple text, bright illustrations, and engaging stories. Books that introduce new concepts and vocabulary are also great for this age. Some age-appropriate books for a two-year-old are “Corduroy” by Don Freeman, “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss, and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault.
What are some engaging interactive books suitable for a one-year-old?
Interactive books are great for one-year-olds as they help in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Some engaging interactive books suitable for a one-year-old are “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt, “Touch and Feel: Farm” by DK Publishing, and “Peek-a-Who?” by Nina Laden.
Can you recommend storybooks that cater to the interests of an 18-month-old girl?
At 18 months, toddlers are developing their own interests and preferences. Storybooks with strong female characters and themes of friendship, love, and family are great for an 18-month-old girl. Some storybooks that cater to the interests of an 18-month-old girl are “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney, “Fancy Nancy” by Jane O’Connor, and “Corduroy’s Best Halloween Ever!” by Don Freeman.
Are there any educational books that are ideal for toddlers nearing 30 months?
As toddlers near 30 months, they are becoming more curious about the world around them. Educational books that introduce new concepts, such as colors, shapes, and numbers, are great for this age. Some educational books that are ideal for toddlers nearing 30 months are “First 100 Words” by Roger Priddy, “My First Book of Patterns” by Bobby and June George, and “The Grouchy Ladybug” by Eric Carle.
