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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect story books for 1-year-olds to captivate your little one's growing imagination? It's never too early to start the wonderful journey into the world of reading, and finding the right books can be a magical experience for both you and your toddler. Keep reading as we explore a variety of story books for 1-year-olds that are sure to delight and engage your tiny reader at every turn!

Fun Story Books for 1-Year-Olds

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beloved book follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces concepts of counting, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly, all through simple, engaging text and colorful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy vibrant pictures and learning about nature.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In this calming bedtime story, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the familiar things in the softly lit room.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words and soothing pace make it a perfect bedtime read, helping children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who need a peaceful story to help them settle down for sleep.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: A teacher and various colored animals are asked what they see, leading to the introduction of another animal and offering a repetitive structure that delights young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive text and bold, colorful illustrations capture the attention of young readers and help them predict what comes next.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy animals and learning colors and patterns.

• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
  • Genre(s): Lift-the-Flap Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: A child writes to the zoo asking to send a pet, which leads to a series of crate-opening surprises as various animals are deemed unsuitable for various amusing reasons.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive lift-the-flap format engages toddlers, enhancing their curiosity and interaction with the book.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love interactive reading and animals.

• Peek-A Who? by Nina Laden
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Interactive Book
  • Synopsis: This simple, rhyming book features colorful pages with cut-out windows that hint at what's to come, leading to the next page's delightful revelation.
  • Why we recommend this book: The playful peek-a-boo elements and the surprise mirror at the end provide joy and engagement for young children.
  • Perfect for: Babies and toddlers who enjoy guessing games and surprises.

Educational Story Books for 1-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet Book, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: In this vibrant and rhythmic story, the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. As the tree becomes overcrowded, the letters tumble down, leading to a lively and colorful chaos.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and rhyme, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its catchy, rhythmic text and bold, cheerful illustrations make learning the alphabet fun and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to learn the alphabet and those who enjoy rhythmic, lively reads.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: This gentle tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare expresses their love for each other, reaching farther and higher than even the sky.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, bonding, expressive language
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the boundless nature of love between a parent and child through simple and tender dialogue.
  • Perfect for: Young children and parents looking for a heartwarming bedtime story.

• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Nursery Rhyme
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the joy and innocence of babies born all over the world, emphasizing their similarities and shared experiences through their fingers and toes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, global awareness, fine motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its soothing rhyme and adorable illustrations promote inclusivity and the joy of small discoveries.
  • Perfect for: Infants and toddlers learning to count and recognize body parts.

• Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
  • Genre(s): Lift-the-Flap Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this first book of the Spot series, young readers join Sally, Spot’s mother, as she searches for him around the house, finding other animals along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, animal recognition, interactive reading
  • Why we recommend this book: Its engaging lift-the-flap format encourages curiosity and interaction, making reading a playful experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy hide-and-seek games and animal characters.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Winter Story
  • Synopsis: Peter, a young boy, explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, experimenting with his footprints and noticing the snow’s effect on the world around him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploration, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple, poetic text and pioneering use of collage illustrations capture the wonder and quiet beauty of a snowy day.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers experiencing the magic of their first snowy winter.

Challenging Story Books for 1-Year-Olds

• Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Three baby owls, Sarah, Percy, and Bill, wake up one night in their hole in a tree to find that their mother has gone. They sit on a branch and wait, wondering when she will return.
  • Why this book is challenging: The theme of separation and reunion is explored with a depth that can provoke thought and empathy, which are complex emotions for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses separation anxiety with a reassuring ending, which can comfort and teach resilience to young children.
  • Perfect for: Young children who experience separation anxiety or who enjoy stories about animals.

• Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: In this delightful rhyming book, young readers play 'I spy' with various characters from well-known nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rhyming and I-spy aspect encourages critical thinking and engagement beyond simple reading, asking children to connect text and illustrations actively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and builds familiarity with classic characters while developing observational skills.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy rhymes and playing spotting games.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This classic story follows mischievous Peter Rabbit, who disobeys his mother by going into Mr. McGregor's garden and almost gets caught.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates more complex sentences and a richer vocabulary than typical toddler books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches moral lessons about obedience and the consequences of misbehavior through engaging, beautifully illustrated animal adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a bit of mischief and important life lessons.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. When danger strikes, the animals come together to save the witch in a show of gratitude and friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's rhyming and rhythmic narrative, along with its theme of teamwork and problem-solving, offer cognitive challenges to young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes values of kindness and cooperation, wrapped in a fun and engaging rhyming tale.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy stories about magic and friendship.

• Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Imagination
  • Synopsis: A rabbit shows the reader that a box will always be more than just a box in its eyes, transforming it into various objects through its imagination.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages creative thinking and imagination, asking children to envision beyond what they see directly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates creativity and innovation, inspiring children to think outside the literal box.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love to use their imagination and engage in creative play.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a curious little 1-year-old at home and you're eager to instill a love of reading early on, you're in the right place. Here are some simple yet effective exercises that can help develop good reading habits in toddlers. These activities are designed to be fun and engaging while promoting early literacy skills.

• Read Aloud Daily
  • What it is: Spend time each day reading storybooks aloud to your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary, improves listening skills, and fosters a love for books.
  • Tips: Choose books with bright pictures and simple text to keep your child engaged.

• Point and Name
  • What it is: Point to pictures in the book and name them while reading.
  • How it helps: Helps in word association and builds vocabulary.
  • Tips: Keep your finger movements slow so your child can follow along easily.

• Expressive Reading
  • What it is: Use different voices and expressions while reading a story.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading session more enjoyable and helps in understanding emotions.
  • Tips: Don't be afraid to be dramatic—it makes the reading session more captivating for your child.

• Ask Simple Questions
  • What it is: Ask your child simple questions about the pictures or story.
  • How it helps: Encourages thinking and understanding, and engages your child actively.
  • Tips: Keep questions simple, like "What color is the cat?" or "Where is the dog?"

• Let Them Turn the Pages
  • What it is: Encourage your child to turn the pages of the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Promotes fine motor skills and gives them a sense of control during the reading experience.
  • Tips: Guide their hands initially if they struggle with turning pages.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily reading routine can make a world of difference in your child's early literacy journey. Not only do they make reading time more interactive, but they also lay down the foundational love for books that can last a lifetime. Keep it fun, keep it regular, and watch your little one grow into a budding reader!