Reading books improve a toddler’s overall development. But with all the choices available, how on earth do you choose the best ones? Learn how to choose books for toddlers by keeping these tips in mind.

Tip # 1: Choose books your toddler will enjoy.

Reading should be fun so choose books for toddlers your little one will enjoy. Better yet, let him select which books he likes. Go to your local bookstore together and have him browse through the wide selection of children’s books available. Have your toddler flip through the first few pages. Your toddler can tell you if the words are too big or if there is too much text.

Tip # 2: Books should be age-appropriate.

It would be useless to buy short chapter books for your 3-year old kid. Choose picture books and board books instead. They are great for beginner readers and the short stories and pictures will keep your little one interested. Plus, your toddler will even try to make up story lines to go with the pictures. Books that relate to your toddler’s life are also recommended. Books about potty training, going to school or welcoming a new baby are great additions to his library.

Tip # 3: Look for appealing illustrations.

Choose toddler books that display large, colorful images of simple objects. Your toddler will notice the pictures in a book before he starts hearing the story. Pictures will provide the first indication of the meaning of the book, and when you read to your toddler, he will be looking at the illustrations, pointing at brightly colored pictures and observing many little details you would never notice.

Tip # 4: Select books with the three R’s.

Toddlers enjoy books that have rhyme, rhythm and repetition. Go for books with easy to follow story lines and those that repeat the same words and phrases over and over again. He will love the structure and since he can predict what word comes next, it will be easy for your toddler to memorize.

Tip # 5: Choose books with different themes.

While it is perfectly fine to pick books that interests your toddler, buying books with subjects your toddler knows little or nothing about is a great way of broadening his knowledge and opening his mind to the world out there. Buy books about fairytales, fables, families living in other countries, animals, planets, stars, moon, sun, dancing, sports and so on.

Tip # 6: Consider your toddler’s attention span.

It is common knowledge that children have a short attention span. So start with books with short, simple texts that can be read in just five minutes. Once he is comfortable with these, move to longer picture books which may have to be read over more than one sitting. Just make sure to pick books that are interactive and encourage exploration (e.g. books with flaps or books with touch-and-feel texture pages) to hold your toddler’s attention.

Tip # 7: Check book reviews.

If you are still confused which books you should buy your toddler, why not read newspapers and magazines or surf the web. There you can find a comprehensive list of toddler books with highly acclaimed reviews.

Tip # 8: Make sure books are durable.

Opt for books that can withstand being chewed up, thrown around and stepped on by your curious toddler. Toddler books made out of laminated cardboard are your best option especially if he is not quite the expert when it comes to handling things with care.

Books will be your toddler’s best friend throughout his growing years. So expose him to books early, choose wisely, invest and see how books will improve the quality of your precious one’s life.

Toddler books make playtime more fun while boosting a child’s development at the same time. The benefits they give to toddlers is one-of-a-kind. Below are some popular toddler books you must read to your tot.

Go, Dog, Go by P.D. Eastman

A classic children’s book that is easy-to-read with appealing texts and pictures. Go, Dog, Go is one popular toddler book parents swear by. Each page features illustrations of dogs both average and good looking. Your toddler will have fun figuring out which dog goes where while absorbing basic concepts such as colors, sizes and relative position (e.g. in and out and above and below).

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This is about a little green caterpillar that eats its way to becoming a butterfly. This beautiful board book will entice your toddler with its vivid pictures. Plus, it allows your little one to turn the flaps and poke his fingers through the caterpillar holes while teaching the basics of counting at the same time.

The Napping House by Audrey Wood

Hailed as one of the all-time favorite children’s book, The Napping House is an oversized board book that is perfect for lap reading. It records a dreaming child, snoring granny and other sleepers until they are interrupted by the “wakeful flea”. This book will surely keep your toddler guessing what will happen in the end. The pictures in this book are striking and beyond amazing while the story is very comprehensive and at the same time humorous so expect your toddler to laugh from beginning to end.

Fast Food by Joost Elffers

You know you are not supposed to play with food right? But with this book, your toddler will have fun picturing the wacky fruits and vegetables. The text is short and snappy with simple verses and easy rhythm for trouble-free reading. Plus, the vibrant colors of the characters will surely capture your toddler’s attention. Most importantly, it will encourage your little one to start a healthy eating habit.

Goodnight Max by Rosemary Wells

This is a touch and feel book that features tons of different textures your little one will truly enjoy. This book has texts that are pleasant with a rhythmic style that is complemented by attractive, colorful pictures. Your toddler will have fun touching the interactive touch spots such as the lace curtains, soft blanket and spilled water.

Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters by Dav Pilkey

These two adorable dogs will not only steal your toddler’s heart but your heart as well. Big Dog and Little Dog are easy to identify and full of character. It is illustrated with just a few bold lines that are very pleasing to the eyes. This book has a very charming plot with a one sentence per page so you can move through quickly or pause to admire the dogs’ sweaters or talk about dogs with your toddler. This book also teaches your toddler about empathy which is beneficial for his emotional and social development.

Hide-and-Seek Elmer by David McKee

Elmer is a patchwork elephant who speaks in rhymes. The bright colors of this book not only catches you toddler’s attention but it will also teach him colors. He will enjoy lifting the flaps and seeing animals behind them. It is like playing a game of hide and seek which your toddler can easily identify with. Plus, looking behind flaps helps your toddler work on his motor skills and in boosting his memory skills by figuring out what animal is on what page.

Exposing your toddler to books is the way to teach him skills he needs to fully develop. So start investing in toddler books and see how much your toddler will flourish.