10+ Best Early Learning Books for 1-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect early learning books for 1-year-olds that will capture their imagination and help kick-start their learning journey? You're in the right place! From colorful picture books to engaging touch-and-feel books, we've curated a variety of must-have reads that cater to the curious minds of little ones. Keep reading to discover our top picks for early learning books for 1-year-olds that are both fun and educational!

Fun Early Learning Books for 1-Year-Olds

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This vibrant book follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before finally transforming into a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces concepts of counting, days of the week, and life cycles in a simple, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young toddlers who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning basic concepts through stories.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: A teacher and her students explore the colors and creatures of the world, asking and answering the question, "What do you see?"
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, repetitive text and vivid illustrations make it captivating for young readers, aiding in color recognition and memory skills.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just beginning to learn about colors and animals.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the familiar things in the softly lit room.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, gentle words and calming illustrations make it an ideal bedtime read, helping children wind down.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers needing a soothing story to help transition to sleep.

• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
  • Genre(s): Lift-the-Flap Book, Animal Book
  • Synopsis: A child writes to the zoo asking for a pet. The zoo sends various animals, but none are quite right until the perfect pet arrives.
  • Why we recommend this book: Interactive lift-the-flap elements make it fun, and it teaches about animals and the concept of suitability.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive reading and learning about different animals.

• Peek-A Who? by Nina Laden
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Interactive Book
  • Synopsis: This engaging book uses rhyming and predictable text coupled with a simple guessing game format.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its playful text and peekaboo windows foster sensory development and anticipation skills.
  • Perfect for: Babies and toddlers who delight in guessing games and playful interaction during reading time.

Educational Early Learning Books for 1-Year-Olds

• First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces babies to their first 100 essential words, covering everything from animals to food to vehicles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, object recognition, communication skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed with bright, bold photos and simple labels that catch the attention of young readers, aiding in word association and memory.
  • Perfect for: Very young children beginning to develop their vocabulary.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet Book, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: Letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree and find themselves in a tangled, chaotic heap, leading to a lively adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhyming skills, early literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, playful text and bold, colorful illustrations make learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who are starting to learn the alphabet in a fun and memorable way.

• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nursery Rhyme
  • Synopsis: This delightful book celebrates babies from all over the world, emphasizing what they have in common despite their different backgrounds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, cultural diversity, fine motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a warm, gentle read that encourages empathy and recognition of universal similarities.
  • Perfect for: Young children learning about diversity and the basic concepts of counting and body awareness.

• Where's Spot? by Eric Hill
  • Genre(s): Lift-the-Flap Book, Animal Book
  • Synopsis: Sally, Spot's mother, searches for him around the house in this playful hide-and-seek story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, object permanence, animal recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: The interactive lift-the-flap format makes reading a hands-on, engaging experience for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young toddlers who enjoy interactive play and are developing their sense of curiosity and discovery.

• Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
  • Genre(s): Touch and Feel Book, Interactive Book
  • Synopsis: This classic book invites little ones to touch and feel different textures and activities alongside the story's characters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory skills, motor skills, interactive learning
  • Why we recommend this book: Its multisensory approach not only entertains but also helps in developing fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
  • Perfect for: Babies and young toddlers who are exploring the world through touch and interaction.

Challenging Early Learning Books for 1-Year-Olds

• Global Babies by The Global Fund for Children
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: This book presents photographs of babies from around the world, showcasing a variety of cultural backgrounds and environments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces diversity and global awareness at a very early age, prompting recognition of different ethnicities and settings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful way to expose young children to the concept of a global community, fostering early empathy and curiosity about different cultures.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to learn about the world and the diverse people in it.

• Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers, illustrated by Marla Frazee
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the daily activities of babies, such as eating, sleeping, crawling, and playing, depicted across various family settings and compositions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text's rhythmic and detailed narrative, coupled with intricate illustrations, provides a deeper look into family dynamics and baby routines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the universality of baby activities and family love, making it relatable and comforting.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are starting to observe and mimic daily routines.

• Baby Touch and Feel: Animals by DK
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Touch and Feel
  • Synopsis: This tactile book allows babies to explore different textures that mimic animal fur and other features through touch.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses sensory exploration to teach about animals, which can be more advanced for babies learning to connect textures with visual cues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It supports cognitive and sensory development by engaging multiple senses, enhancing learning through physical interaction.
  • Perfect for: Babies and toddlers who are developing their sensory and identification skills.

• Alphaprints: ABC by Roger Priddy
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This innovative alphabet book uses unique fingerprints and playful rhymes to introduce the ABCs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The combination of tactile elements and visual literacy through unusual art (fingerprints) offers a complex learning tool for letter recognition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stimulating approach that encourages interaction and helps in the development of early literacy skills.
  • Perfect for: Young toddlers beginning to explore alphabets in a fun and tactile manner.

• The Little Blue Box of Bright and Early Board Books by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Classic
  • Synopsis: This collection includes classics like "Hop on Pop," "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!" "Ten Apples Up On Top!" and "The Shape of Me and Other Stuff," introducing early concepts through rhymes and whimsical illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: Dr. Seuss's playful use of language, with its inventive rhymes and rhythms, can be more demanding for language development at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates imagination and language skills through engaging, fun, and rhythmically flowing text.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who are starting to enjoy the sounds and rhythms of spoken words.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing books to your 1-year-old can be a delightful experience that sets the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Here are some simple exercises you can do to help your little one along this path. Each exercise is designed to engage your child and support their early learning development.

• Read Aloud Daily
  • What it is: Spend time reading books aloud to your child every day.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet, comfortable spot and make this a cozy, daily ritual.

• Point and Name
  • What it is: Point to pictures in the book and name them aloud.
  • How it helps: Helps in word association and builds vocabulary.
  • Tips: Keep your tone lively and expressive to maintain their interest.

• Let Them Turn the Pages
  • What it is: Encourage your child to turn the pages of the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Develops fine motor skills and gives them a sense of control during the reading experience.
  • Tips: Start with board books which are easier for little hands to handle.

• Sing and Read
  • What it is: Incorporate books that can be sung or have rhythmic cadences.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more engaging and memorable.
  • Tips: Use animated voices and maybe some hand movements to act out the story.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Ask simple questions about the pictures or story as you read.
  • How it helps: Stimulates thinking and encourages interaction.
  • Tips: Keep questions simple, like "What's this?" or "What does the cat say?"

• Repeat Favorites
  • What it is: Read the same books multiple times.
  • How it helps: Reinforces language patterns and makes the story more familiar and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Even if it's the tenth time, show the same enthusiasm as the first.

• Choose Interactive Books
  • What it is: Select books with textures, flaps, or simple puzzles.
  • How it helps: Engages more senses and adds an element of discovery to reading.
  • Tips: Let your child explore the book freely during and after reading.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about creating moments of bonding and learning. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you're not only helping your child develop essential reading skills but also instilling a love for books that will last a lifetime. Happy reading!