Board books and simple picture books are a great way to spark conversation and provide an opportunity to explore and expand your toddler's world. Reading simple picture books together gives a great introduction to story narrative and characters, rhyme and repetition. Board books are robust and allow your child to spend time ‘reading’ on their own. You might see them turning pages and making up stories by interpreting the pictures.

We have chosen some of our favourite books for toddlers below. Select a title to make a reservation. You can also come into the library and ask staff for assistance.

For more reading advice, events, and services for toddlers 1 to 3 years old, please visit our Reading advice for toddlers 1 to 3 years page. You can also register for the 1000 Books Before School program on our 1000 Books Before School page to encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Recommended books for toddlers 1 to 3 years

Grandpa and Thomas by Pamela Allen

Shapes of Australia and Colours of Australia by Bronwyn Bancroft

Shapes and colours by John Canty

Where is the green sheep? and Time for bed by Mem Fox

Red house, blue house, green house, tree house by Jane Godwin

Goodnight, everyone by Chris Haughton

Counting Aussie animals in my backyard by Bronwyn Houston

Ella May does it her way by Mick Jackson

Bird and Bear and the special day by Ann James

Alison Lester’s ABC and Tricky’s bad day by Alison Lester

Little bird’s day and I love me by Sally Morgan

The kindness book by Todd Parr

Dinosaur roar by Paul and Henrietta Stickland

Pink by Margaret Wild

More information

Visit our Toddler 1 to 3 years page for more information and services.

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