Check out Hadley’s reading nook!
Let’s face it; keeping a toddler’s attention is no easy task. They’re constantly discovering new and exciting things and can’t stay still for more than a few seconds at a time. That’s why when it comes to something as vital to their development as reading is, it’s important to find a way to keep them interested.
Hadley has always been a good reader. Yes, I know she can’t actually read yet, but she’s always loved story time. And now, at two and a half, she loves it more than ever. Some days, I’ll find her sprawled out on her big ol’ pillow, book in hand, describing what she sees in the pictures, or reciting the words from memory.
Like most toddlers, once she finds a book that she likes, that is all. she. wants. to. read. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has experienced this. 😉 Luckily, she’s broadened her horizons quite a bit over the last few months and we’ve actually accumulated a little collection to choose from!
The following list consists of Hadley’s top story time favorites, chosen by her, and her alone. I figured it might be helpful for any parent out there who may be struggling to find a good book to keep their toddler’s attention. (Aimed speficially at 2-3 year olds.)
A cute, simple, little book that focuses on the importance of sharing and friendship, this is actually a newer addition to the collection. We picked it up at Half Price Books on clearance for a dollar.
2. Potty
I think the reasoning for her taking such a liking to this book is because it’s currently extremely relevant to her everyday life. We’re actively potty training and this is (of course) one of the books we read while we sit and wait in the bathroom.
3. Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book!
Ah, a true classic! I mean, what kid doesn’t love the quirky, fun, and unique writings of Dr. Seuss!?
I actually don’t know who likes this book more; me or her. It’s about a little owl who falls out of his nest and needs to get back to his momma. Not gonna lie, I was pregnant and emotional the first time I read this to Hadley and I may have teared up a little!
A simple counting book that features some of Seattle’s more well known characteristics.
Again, a book Hadley enjoys because of its relevancy. She loves reading this one over and over and over again, which I don’t blame her for because it’s so stinkin’ cute! See also: I Am a Big Brother
7. Little Cub
This is a special one that Michael likes to read to Hadley almost every night. It’s super cute and touching and again, I did tear up the first time I read it!
8. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
This book is pretty much my entire second grade year in a nutshell. If you’re not familiar with this one, I don’t know what to say about it other than it’s a must have! Tip: Because Hadley’s still pretty little, we change “perhaps she’ll die” to “I don’t know why” and “she’s dead of course” to “she burped of course”.
9. Giant John
I stumbled across this book a long time ago in the basement of my childhood home. It belonged to my dad when he was a little boy and Hadley discovered it all by herself and now absolutely loves it.
10. The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name
Given to Hadley by my dear friend Clarice, I can’t get over how adorable this book is. It’s personalized to fit your child’s name and basic appearance (i.e. the main character in Hadley’s is a little blonde girl with a ponytail) and the creatures they come across spell their name.
The animals in Hadley’s book: Hippo, aardvark, dragon, lion, elephant, and yetti. Although a bit on the longer side, this is a great keepsake and also a book that your child can grow with and enjoy through every stage of their childhood. (Also available as The Little Boy Who Lost His Name.)
And that concludes Hadley’s story time picks! Hopefully you’ve gotten some inspiration from this list for your own little one to help get them more involved in reading!
What are some of your toddler’s favorite books? 🙂
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