Reading to toddlers is one of the best ways to spark their imagination, develop their language skills, and cultivate a love for books early on. And let’s be honest—what toddler doesn’t love flipping through colorful, fun, and silly stories? The challenge is finding fun books to read with toddlers that hold their attention long enough to enjoy the process. That’s where simple yet engaging books come in!

In this blog post, we’ll introduce 7 fun books to read with toddlers, each packed with whimsical illustrations, simple text, and delightful themes. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a caregiver, these books will make storytime an activity you both look forward to. These aren’t just any books; they’re carefully selected to ensure your little ones stay entertained while learning.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the magical world of fun books that toddlers love!

1. The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett

Kicking off our list is a gem called The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett. If you haven’t already read this book with your toddler, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of the most fun books to read with toddlers, and here’s why.

The story centers around a duck who is the only bird in the forest without an egg of its own. So, when it finds an oddly shaped egg, it’s overjoyed. But the egg is not quite like the others—it’s bigger, and it looks a bit different. The plot thickens as the other birds wait for their eggs to hatch, leaving young readers eagerly flipping the pages to find out what might be inside.

The simple language is perfect for toddlers, and the repetition helps reinforce early language development. The twist at the end is both hilarious and unexpected, which keeps your little one intrigued from start to finish. Plus, the illustrations are simply beautiful, making this a visual delight.

2. Ketchup on Your Cornflakes? by Nick Sharratt

Next up is Ketchup on Your Cornflakes? by Nick Sharratt, a highly engaging book with a unique, interactive twist. It’s all about silly combinations, like having ketchup on your cornflakes or custard in your hair.

The real magic comes from the book’s format. The pages are split horizontally so that toddlers can mix and match the top and bottom halves of the images, resulting in endless giggles. The simple text structure allows early readers to predict and create new combinations, which keeps them engaged and laughing.

What makes this one of the best fun books to read with toddlers is its sheer silliness and the freedom it gives kids to play with the narrative. It encourages interaction, so kids can get a bit creative while enjoying the funny mismatches.

3. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

If you’re looking for a classic book that has stood the test of time, Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a must-have. This book is not only one of the most fun books to read with toddlers, but it’s also a great tool for introducing children to animals.

The premise is simple: a child writes to the zoo asking for a pet, and the zoo sends various animals that aren’t quite right—too big, too fierce, or too jumpy—until the perfect pet is finally delivered.

The lift-the-flap design is a surefire hit with toddlers, offering an interactive experience as they uncover which animal is hiding beneath the flap. The repetitive and predictable language also helps with early word recognition, while the playful illustrations keep the child’s attention.

This book is a fantastic way to engage toddlers while reinforcing animal names and characteristics in a fun and interactive way.

4. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

If you’re on the hunt for a book with rhythm, repetition, and colorful illustrations, look no further than Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle. It’s another great choice for anyone compiling a list of fun books to read with toddlers.

This book uses rhythmic text to take toddlers on a journey through a variety of animals and colors, asking the question, “What do you see?” The repetitive structure helps toddlers anticipate what’s coming next, encouraging them to participate by predicting the next part of the story.

Eric Carle’s vibrant, colorful illustrations captivate young minds, while Bill Martin Jr.’s rhythmic text enhances early language skills. Toddlers love recognizing the animals and colors, which fosters a deeper understanding of the world around them.

This is a book you’ll likely find yourself reading over and over again, but thanks to its sing-song rhythm, it never gets old.

5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

No list of fun and engaging toddler books would be complete without mentioning The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Another masterpiece by Eric Carle, this book is one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. It’s packed with vibrant illustrations and simple text, making it another top contender among fun books to read with toddlers.

The story follows a tiny caterpillar as it eats its way through an array of foods. As the caterpillar eats more and more, toddlers get to learn about numbers, days of the week, and various foods. The repetitive text and engaging storyline make it easy for toddlers to follow along.

What makes this book stand out is the clever use of die-cut pages, which helps little ones visually understand how the caterpillar grows and changes. By the end of the story, the caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, making for a satisfying and memorable ending.

It’s a fantastic book for early learning, combining counting, food vocabulary, and the concept of metamorphosis all in one fun package.

6. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill

Another classic that deserves a spot on this list is Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill. This is a simple yet highly interactive book that toddlers love.

The book follows a mother dog, Sally, as she searches for her puppy, Spot, throughout the house. Each page contains a flap that toddlers can lift to see if Spot is hiding there. The repetitive question, “Is he behind the door?” or “Is he under the bed?” keeps toddlers engaged as they excitedly look for Spot.

The interactive flaps and colorful illustrations are perfect for keeping toddlers engaged while helping them develop their motor skills. The story is simple enough to understand but also offers an element of suspense that keeps them hooked.

This book is a great introduction to interactive storytelling, and it’s one that toddlers will want to flip through over and over.

7. Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden

The last pick in our list of fun books to read with toddlers is Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden. This interactive board book is ideal for the youngest readers and is a delightful addition to any toddler’s bookshelf.

The premise is simple: each page has a die-cut window where a portion of an image is visible, leading the reader to guess what’s next. Whether it’s “Peek-a-Moo!” with a cow or “Peek-a-Boo!” with a baby, the book keeps toddlers eagerly guessing and flipping the pages.

The rhyming text and bright, bold illustrations make this book a joy to read aloud. It’s short, simple, and perfect for little hands to explore. This book offers a fantastic way to introduce toddlers to rhyming, which is an important early literacy skill.

Let’s Start ‘Em Young!

When it comes to picking the best fun books to read with toddlers, the key is to look for simple, engaging stories paired with interactive elements or colorful illustrations. Toddlers are naturally curious, and the right books will encourage them to love the act of reading.

Books like The Odd Egg and Ketchup on Your Cornflakes entertain while also introducing toddlers to the joys of flipping pages and discovering new worlds. Whether you’re reading together in a classroom or snuggled up on the couch at home, these books will create memories that last a lifetime.

Interested in having a baking fun yet simple session with your kids? Check out my post on small batch, kid-friendly chocolate chip cookie recipe here.