Reading books is a lovely way to bond with a child. Babies love hearing their parent’s voice so it’s a wonderful bonding experience especially as part of a baby bedtime routine.
Here are some of our recommendations for books for babies and toddlers. Whether you’re looking for a baby shower gift, or a present for a new mum or dad or simply trying to create a library for your child or grandchild, this list is for you.
We’ve included classic children’s books as well as newer titles as well as much loved Australian authors like Mem Fox, Alison Lester and Jackie French.
Tip: If you’re buying for a baby, choose the board book varieties of these books. The board books are much more durable and able to withstand the drool, chews and spews of a baby reader.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
With its rhyming text, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury is a delight to read to a baby. The illustrations are beautiful featuring babies from different lands. My favourite passage in the book is the last. “But the next baby born was truly divine, a sweet little child who was mine, all mine. And this little baby as every knows, has ten little fingers and ten little toes and three little kisses on the tip of its nose.”
That’s Not My…Books by Fiona Watts
Babies will have lots of fun playing “touch and feel” with the tactile patches in these board books. There’s a huge variety of titles to suit every baby including That’s Not My Teddy, That’s Not My Truck, That’s Not My Dolly and That’s Not My Meerkat! The book series by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells can be found at many bookshops.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This classic tale The Very Hungry Caterpillar written by Eric Carle is a treat to read out loud to little ones. The bright colours of the illustrations, the flaps of the pages and the holes in the fruit keep babies interested in following the adventures of this caterpillar with an appetite.
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
This lovely lift-the-flap book by Rod Campbell is another classic book for babies. It tells the story of a child writing to the zoo requesting an animal but the zoo keeps sending completely unsuitable animals. The hidden animals under the flaps will keep little ones interested in the book.
Oh Dear! by Rod Campbell
Buster’s staying with Grandma on the farm. But where will he find the eggs for breakfast? Not in the stable – oh dear! Another wonderful lift-the-flap by Rod Campbell, Oh Dear! is a classic favourite. Babies and young children will love lifting the flaps as they turn the pages and follow Buster around the farm.
Hello Baby by Mem Fox
“Hello baby, who are you? Are you an eagle exploring the skies? Perhaps you’re a gecko with rolling eyes. Are you a lion with dust on its paws? Perhaps you’re a hippo with yawning jaws.” This book features beautiful illustrations of animals by Steve Jenkins set to an easy to read rhyme. It’s a wonderful book to read to your baby animal.
Where’s Spot by Eric Hill
In this lift-the-flap book, children join Sally the dog as she searches the house for her missing puppy, Spot. Each page features a different room with flaps to lift, revealing various animals hiding underneath. With its engaging storyline and interactive format, “Where’s Spot?” encourages curiosity and discovery in young readers.
Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox
Warning: Don’t buy this book unless you are prepared to read it over and over again. This book is a firm favourite with children so be ready to search repeatedly for that green sheep. On the plus side, the entertaining illustrations by Judy Horacek make it fun to read. Our favorite sheep is the clown sheep.
We’re Going On a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
This is an outlandish yet enjoyable story about a dad who takes his four kids and a dog out on a bear hunt. It features repetitive text and detailed illustrations, which alternate between black and white and colour between pages. There’s no mention of a mum which we love. We like to imagine she’s off having a day to herself.
Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester
Kissed by the Moon is a classic baby story book. Through it’s gorgeous illustrations and lyrical language Kissed by the Moon will transport you and your little one to a world of enchantment, love, and infinite possibilities. By one of Australia’s favourite picture book creator’s Alison Lester.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd
This book introduces kids to Hairy Maclary and his lovable friends. With its repetitive rhyming text, this is an excellent story to read and toddlers will love looking at the pictures of the different dogs. There’s a whole series of Hairy Maclary books to enjoy.
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French
This much loved book showcases this unforgettable wombat Mothball. Award-winning author Jackie French’s love of wombats comes alive in this cheeky observation of Mothball’s life, while Bruce Whatley’s captivating illustrations of Mothball’s antics shows just how entertaining and endearing wombats are to humans.
Josephine Wants to Dance by Jackie French
This book by the creators of Diary of a Wombat is an uplifting book which demonstrates the power of having a dream. Josephine is a kangaroo who dreams of becoming a ballerina. It’s worth reading just to see the illustrations of a kangaroo wearing a tutu and ballet slippers. FYI Wombat makes a guest appearance.
Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles
What happens when an emu gets tired of being an emu and decides to reinvent himself? Follow along with the rhyming adventures of Edward as he attempts to relieve his boredom by impersonating other animals at the zoo. This is a funny book which features stunning illustrations.
Edwina the Emu by Sheena Knowles
The sequel to Edwards the Emu starts with Edwina announcing that she’s laid ten eggs. Edward not surprisingly freaks out and Edwina decides that she’ll go out and find a job to support the family. It’s a wonderful rhyming story of a working mum who is looking for the right job . In the end, she realises what her right job is. Like Edward the Emu, the illustrations are brilliant especially the newspaper The Daily Emu.
Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey
Go on an adventure with the mischevious pug named Pig and his dachshund friend Trevor. The much loved Pig the Pug series now features twelve titles including Pig the Winner and Pig the Tourist. Written in delightful rhyme, kids and adults will come to love the adorable, but selfish, pug Pig and his mischief and mayhem.
Magic Beach by Alison Lester
With its detailed images and various stories (both everyday and magic) relating to the beach, this is a gorgeous book to read. It teaches kids how to use their imagination to discover the make believe. It also provides a strong female role model with a story about Princess Belinda charging in to save Prince James from the dragon.
All The World by Lisa Garton Scanlon
“Everything you hear, smell, see. All the world is everything. Everything is you and me. Hope and peace and love and trust. All the world is all of us.” This is my favourite book to read to my daughter. It features beautiful drawings celebrating the everyday joys of life such as gardening, climbing trees, visiting the beach and being part of a family. It’s a precious book that would make a wonderful children’s birthday present.
Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes by Axel Scheffler
There’s tons of nursery rhyme books available but this book present them in a slightly different way. This is a story about Mother Goose and her three goslings interspersed with classic nursery rhymes. It’s a novel way to introduce nursery rhymes to children while entertaining them with a story of the three goslings Boo, Lucy and Small.
Kiss Good Night Sam by Amy Hest and Anita Jeram
Every parent needs a book that reinforces a peaceful goodnight routine. This is the book in our house. Sam the Bear has a whole routine before he goes to bed which finishes with his mum Mrs Bear kissing Sam once and twice and then twice more. It’s the perfect sleep time book which finishes with lots of kisses!
The AC/DC AB/CD. The high voltage alphabet by Paul McNeil
The official AC/DC kids alphabet is here! Join Angus and the boys on this high-voltage highway to spell! Educate your kids about the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time and teach them the alphabet at the same time ! The definitive A-Z of AC/DC that’s as fun for the kids as it is for the adults.
The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
The Very Cranky Bear is a delightful board book and, with its easy rhyme and delightful characters, it won’t be long before you’re reciting it to your child by heart. The Very Bear Books have proved popular and there are now lots of books in the series including The Very Brave Bear and The Very Noisy Bear.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
A heartwarming tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they try to express their love for each other, competing to see who can love the other more.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
This classic picture book features repetitive, rhythmic text paired with colorful collage illustrations by Eric Carle. Each page introduces a different animal and its corresponding color, inviting young readers to engage in a playful exploration of colors and animals.
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
This touching story follows the enduring bond between a mother and her child as they navigate the ups and downs of life together. Through lyrical text and heartfelt illustrations by Sheila McGraw, it captures the unconditional love that spans a lifetime. “Love You Forever” is a poignant tribute to the powerful bond between parent and child, making it a cherished bedtime favorite for families everywhere.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Gerald the giraffe wants to dance, but he’s convinced he can’t because of his long legs and clumsy moves. With the help of a wise friend, he learns that everyone has their own unique way of dancing, and he discovers the joy of being true to himself. Through its uplifting message and vibrant illustrations, Giraffes Can’t Dance celebrates individuality and self-acceptance.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Follow the mischievous adventures of Peter Rabbit as he disobeys his mother’s warnings and ventures into Mr. McGregor’s garden. Along the way, he encounters danger, narrowly escapes capture, and learns valuable lessons about responsibility and obedience. With its charming illustrations and timeless story, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” has enchanted generations of readers.
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
When a small blue engine is asked to pull a train over a mountain, she doubts her ability but bravely agrees to try. Through sheer determination and positive thinking, she overcomes obstacles and achieves success, teaching readers the power of perseverance and self-belief. With its inspiring message and timeless illustrations, “The Little Engine That Could” continues to motivate and uplift readers of all ages.
Baby Bedtime by Mem Fox
A classic children’s bedtime story, this tale of love and elephants is a must-have picture book for every Australian household. It’s the perfect story for bedtime.
Who Sank the Boat by Pamela Allen
Enjoy this fun stories about a group of friends who set off on a boat. Besides the sea, on Mr Peffer’s place, there lived a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig, and a tiny little mouse. One warm sunny morning for no particular reason, they decided to go for a row in the bay . . .
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
If you have a wild child in your household, they will love this classic story by Maurice Sendak about a mischievous boy who sails away to an island inhabited with “Wild Things”. It’s lovely to see how Max tames the creatures and becomes King of the Wild Things. The illustrations are wonderful especially the expressions on the Wild Things’ faces.
Peepo! Janet Ahlberg & Allan Ahlberg
Peepo! is a modern classic that continues to delight generations of babies and toddlers and their parents. Look through the holes to spot details from the wonderful illustrations. Peepo!
Mr Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr Seuss
A fun and interactive book that introduces children to all sorts of new words and encourages them to MOO along with Mr. Brown.
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
The perfect way to let every child know just how precious and loved they are. Through gentle rhyming words and magical illustrations, On The Night You Were Born captures the overwhelming love and joy felt when a new baby is born.
I Love Me by Sally Morgan
This book by Aboriginal artist and writer Sally Morgan is a celebration of individuality and joyous self-esteem, in bouncy, rhythmic prose and riotous colour. It encourages kids to love all parts of themselves including their body, skin colour and hair.
Time for Bed by Mem Fox
“It’s time for bed, little mouse, little mouse, Darkness is falling all over the house…” This classic picture book shows animal mothers sharing precious moments with their babies before they go to sleep. Perfect accompaniment to a bedtime routine.
Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers
It’s a celebration of babies in this book. With an irresistible rhyming text and endearing illustrations, here is acelebration of playing, sleeping, crawling, and of course, very noisy babies doing all the wonderful things babies do best.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
This is the first of the Don’t Let the Pigeon books and it’s a classic. When a bus driver takes a break in this hilarious picture book, he gives the reader just one instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” But, boy, that pigeon tries every trick in the book to get in that driving seat.
You’re Fabulous as You Are by Sophie Beer
This book celebrates gender expression in all forms in You’re Fabulous As You Are: whether it’s wearing sparkly tutus or stomping around in big black boots, to having messy fun or needing quiet time. It reinforces to kids that it’s okay to choose any colour or change your mind, and encourages them to be completely and unashamedly their fabulous selves.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This classic bedtime story follows a young bunny saying goodnight to everything in his room, from the moon to his socks, with simple rhymes and calming illustrations.
Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton’s humorous book introduces animal sounds in a fun and entertaining way, with colorful illustrations and simple text.
Global Babies: Real Pictures of Babies Around the World
Meet babies from around the world in this best-selling celebration of global heritage! From Guatemala to Bhutan, seventeen vibrantly colored photographs embrace our global diversity and give glimpses into the daily life, traditions, and clothing of babies from around the world.
Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
This award-winning rhyming classic written by by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Alex Scheffler is a must-read. A great book to illustrate that courage and quick thinking are all you need to outwit an owl, snake, fox and of course a gruffalo. Just love the illustrations of the gruffalo. He’s adorably ugly.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
This rhythmic alphabet book follows the letters of the alphabet as they climb up a coconut tree, only to come crashing down in a fun and engaging way.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
In this visually stunning picture book, readers meet Rainbow Fish, a beautiful fish with shimmering scales. With its luminous illustrations and timeless message about sharing and kindness, “The Rainbow Fish” has captured the hearts of readers worldwide.
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
This interactive touch-and-feel book invites young readers to engage with different textures and activities as they follow the adventures of Paul and Judy. With its simple text and interactive elements, “Pat the Bunny” is a beloved classic for babies and toddlers.
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
In this charming and wordless bedtime story, a mischievous gorilla steals the keys from the unsuspecting zookeeper and lets all the animals out of their cages. With its engaging illustrations and clever visual storytelling, this book invites readers to discover hidden surprises on each page and provides a delightful twist on the traditional bedtime routine.
Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz
This lift-the-flap book engages babies in discovering parts of their own bodies, as they lift flaps to find various body parts like the belly button, feet, and hands.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
The heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family is now available in a sturdy board book edition. At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo in New York, two penguins, Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.
Grug by Ted Prior
Once the top of a Burrawang tree fell to the ground and became … Grug! This classic Aussie hero is back from the bush to enchant a new generation of youngsters! Grug teaches the basic building blocks of learning, the alphabet and numbers, in a fabulous Australian setting.
Hello by Tony Flowers
Meet 12 Australian friends who can speak different languages. They tell us how to count from 1 to 10, say hello and goodbye and lots of other words in their languages about play, food, hobbies and clothes. This book is an introduction to 12 languages spoken most frequently in Australian homes, plus three Indigenous languages.
Hair Love by Matthew Cherry
The heartwarming story of a dad learning to do his daughter’s hair for the very first time. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair – and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.
My First Animalia by Graeme Base
My First Animalia celebrates the magic of Animalia in a playful introductory format for the very young, specially created by Graeme Base. So turn the pages, lift the flaps and rediscover the world of Animalia through fresh eyes! Within the pages of this book, you may discover, if you look, beyond the spell of written words, a hidden land of beast and birds.
Our Island by Children of Gununa
In this lyrical celebration of place, the children of Mornington Island explore their home in words and pictures. This is a collaboration with much-loved children’s picture-book creators authors Alison Lester, Elizabeth Honey and Graeme Base.
You might also enjoy: