We have picked our favorite books about many different helpful toddler topics, from dealing with transitions to big feelings. These books can all be found in the Easy section of the library unless otherwise noted. Topics Below: Bad Dreams, Crib to Bed, Emotional Regulation, New Sibling, Potty Training, Starting School, When Will I Be Big?, and Giving up the Pacifier. |
|
|
|
Get Help for Life's Tough TimesEach Helping Kit contains a selection of books, activities,
and resources to aid children and their caregivers with:
• Anxiety
• Bullying
• Death of a Loved One
• Death of a Pet
• Dementia/Alzeimer’s of a Loved One
• Divorce
• Military Families
• Moving
|
|
|
|
The Night Tent
by Landis Blair
Watson is having trouble sleeping when he notices a mysterious light coming from under his covers, which leads him down a path through a forest and onto a magical adventure.
|
|
|
|
Love Monster and the Scary Something
by Rachel Bright
The fuzzy red hero from Love Monster struggles to overcome his fear of a hungry, scary unknown something that he hears rustling, creaking, and bumping around in the dark as he tries to muster his courage so he can fall asleep.
|
|
|
|
Tiger vs. Nightmare
by Emily Tetri
Tiger is best friends with Monster who lives under her bed and scares nightmares away so Tiger has only good dreams, but waiting in the darkness is a nightmare so big and mean that Tiger and Monster will need to work together to chase it away.
This book can be found in the Easy Graphic Novel section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Go To Sleep, Monster!
by
Kevin Cornell
A whimsical twist on the monster-under-the-bed story finds little George's efforts to go to sleep overshadowed by the challenges of settling down the monster under his bed, who claims there is another monster under the floor.
|
|
|
|
Blanche Hates the Night
by
Sibylle Delacroix
Hating the nighttime and engaging in numerous activities to avoid going to sleep, little Blanche is repeatedly reprimanded by her mother to stop making a racket and return to bed, admonitions she responds to with riotous facial expressions that convey her frustrations.
|
|
|
|
Tiny Barbarian
by Ame Dyckman
Tiny fantasizes he is a mighty Barbarian who can conquer anything, but even he has trouble conquering the dark.
|
|
|
|
Good Night Thoughts
by Max Greenfield
A sleepless child finds tranquility when putting racing thoughts to bed.
|
|
|
|
Dragon Night
by J. R. Krause
A boy and his dragon embark on a dazzling nighttime journey while overcoming their respective fears of the dark and each other in an imagination-sparking tale of friendship.
|
|
|
|
Sloth Wasn't Sleepy
by Kate Messner
When Sloth tells her mama that she is not sleepy, Mama Sloth knows just the thing to calm her daughter's worried mind and help her get to sleep.
|
|
|
|
Your Own Big Bed
by Rita M. Bergstein
Noticing that all the animals at the beach, in the zoo, and on his very own farm are getting bigger and bigger, a young boy realizes that he is growing too and so decides it's time to move into more appropriately sized accommodations.
|
|
|
|
Sleepytime
by Joe Brumm
Deciding it's time for a Big Girl sleep, Bingo drifts off to dreamland with Flopsy, but will she make it through the night and wake up in her own bed?
|
|
|
|
Big Bed for Giraffe
by Michael Dahl
Giraffe has outgrown his crib and needs to graduate to a big boy bed.
This book can be found in the Easy Board Book section of the library.
|
|
|
|
My New Big-Kid Bed
by Debbie Bertram
When his new dinosaur-themed bed casts scary shadows at night, a child seeks comfort from other family members.
|
|
|
|
The Big Bed
by Bunmi Laditan
A loving African-American family navigates the laugh-out-loud efforts of a little girl to sneak her way into her parents' big bed, an endeavor that prompts her to drag a camping cot into the room for her father so that she can make more room for herself.
|
|
|
|
I Am Just Right
by David McPhail
A bunny preschooler who has grown too big for his grandpa to pick up celebrates the milestones of transitioning away from the crib and tricycle to the big-boy bed, new clothes and just-right hugs.
This book can be found in the Early Reader section of the library.
|
|
|
|
I Sleep in a Big Bed
by Maria Van Lieshout
A child who used to sleep in a crib celebrates graduating to sleep in a big kids' bed--even though waking up there in the middle of the night can be a little scary.
|
|
|
|
Go Sleep in Your Own Bed! by Candace FlemingDiscovering Cow fast asleep in his sty, a tired Pig nudges the intruder back to her own bed, where Hen is found sleeping. It's a giggle-inducing story featuring an out-of-place chain reaction of snoozing barnyard friends by the award-winning author of Oh, No!
|
|
|
|
Big Bed for Little Bear by Scarlett WingIs your little one almost ready to make the move from a crib to a bed? Share the story of Mama Bear and Papa Bear helping Baby Bear make the same transition! This book can be found in the Easy Board Book section of the library. |
|
|
|
I am a Tornado
by Drew Beckmeyer
An emotionally unaware tornado carves a path of destruction until it picks up a very empathetic cow in this quirky and sweet picture book about compassion and navigating negative emotions.
|
|
|
|
The Color Monster: a Story About Emotions
by Anna Llenas
With the help of a little girl, Color Monster learns how to define and share his mixed-up emotions through color, gaining self-awareness and peace as a result.
This book can be found in the Easy Nonfiction and Easy Board Book sections of the library. Check the same nonfiction section for more informational titles on emotions.
|
|
|
|
Llama Llama Mad at Mama
by Anna Dewdney
When Llama, who just wants to play, is forced to go shopping with his Mama, he throws a fit at the store until Mama discovers a way to make shopping fun--for both of them!
|
|
|
|
What Should Darla Do?
by Ganit Levy
Darla is a young and spunky astronaut-in-training. She wants to go to Mars one day, just like her favorite doll, Astronautica. But, to do so, she'll need to practice using her Power to Choose wisely.
|
|
|
|
Ups and Downs: a Book of Emotions
by Mike Wohnoutka
This feel-good concept book follows three young children as they navigate the emotional highs and lows during a school day, inviting readers to share their own contradictory, unpredictable, always-there feelings.
|
|
|
|
Calm-Down Time=Momento para calmarse
by Elizabeth Verdick
Every parent, caregiver--and young child--knows the misery that comes with meltdowns and toddlers' temper tantrums. Through rhythmic text in both English and Spanish and warm illustrations, this gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. After a break, toddlers will feel like new--and adults will, too.
This book can be found in the Easy Spanish section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Chill Chomp Chill!
by Chris Ayala-Kronos
Going through tough and relatable preschool experiences, Chomp the T. Rex learns how to use mindfulness as a tool to better understand his emotions in this picture book that helps children manage their feelings in sticky situations.
|
|
|
|
Hands Are Not for Hitting
by Martine Agassi
This title discourages hitting and physical violence through repetitive phrases and easy-to-read text while demonstrating the many other fun things for which hands can be used.
Check out other titles in the series like Teeth Are Not for Biting.
This book can be found in the Easy Nonfiction and Easy Board Book sections of the library.
|
|
|
|
The Feelings Book
by Todd Parr
The feelings book inspires children and adults to embrace the wide range of moods we all experience
|
|
|
|
The Blue Canoe
by Sheryl McFarlane
This thoughtful book gently addresses a child's natural worries about shifting family dynamics as a mother and daughter spend the day on the lake, considering the way their paddling routine might change when a new baby arrives.
|
|
|
|
Brandon and the Baby
by J. Brian Pinkney
Getting angry that his new baby brother gets all the attention, Brandon gets some ideas to make things better from his beloved special blanket in this heartwarming and humorous exploration of sibling rivalry.
|
|
|
|
The New Small Person
by
Lauren Child
Feeling jealous when a new sibling arrives, little Elmore Green becomes frustrated when the 'small person' knocks over his things and licks his jelly bean collection until a special night when their relationship changes.
|
|
Roly Poly
by
Mem Fox
Loving being an only child who does not have to share anything, Roly Poly the polar bear is frustrated by the birth of a baby sibling who requires him to share his bed, fish, and favorite walrus tooth.
|
|
|
|
It's Big Brother Time!
by Nandini Ahuja
A heartwarming story for first-time older brothers depicts a boy who embraces the important duties of setting positive examples and helping his family raise an infant sibling who needs to learn everything about the world.
|
|
|
|
The Littlest Yak and the New Arrival
by Lu Fraser
Gertie the littlest yak is getting ready to welcome a new arrival to the family, and that means big sister planning and big sister sharing, but she wonders whether there's enough room in Mommy's heart to love both her AND the new arrival.
|
|
|
|
Love Comes First
by Jenna Bush Hager
This book celebrates growing families as two sisters find their new family members not exactly what they wished for - until they remember that love comes first.
|
|
|
|
Toby Is a Big Boy
by Lou Peacock
A relatable tale told through simple text and heartwarming animal artwork finds a young elephant struggling with frustration over the attention his new baby sister is receiving.
|
|
|
|
How to Welcome a New Baby
by Jean Reagan
In this funny, creative and sweet new addition to the best-selling How To series, young readers will follow along through the first year of a baby's life, learning what to do along the way!
|
|
|
|
New Baby!
by Carol Zeavin
When a new baby comes, toddlers often wonder what will happen.
This book can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Diaper Kid
by Loretta Garbutt
Dash is always on the move, and he likes that his diaper lets him (quite literally) go on the go—no pit stops needed! Who needs underwear when his diaper has great crash padding and keeps his bum nice and warm? He is Diaper Kid, after all!
When his best friend Esme shows up in underwear he feels betrayed. But after a splash in the pool leads to a soggy bottom, Dash realizes that underwear might have perks after all. They do look fast with their race car pattern … and now his purple car has room for two!
|
|
|
|
Flush! Flush! Flush!
by Douglas Florian
Don't forget to flush! flush! flush! after using the toilet! This adorable rhyming board book teaches little ones all the steps to potty training.
This book can be found in the Easy Board Book section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Potty Time with Bean
by Rachel Accurso
For many young children and their caregivers, potty training is an uncertain time in their lives. Ms. Rachel's comforting and age-appropriate Potty Time is fun, educational, and perfect for those embarking on this milestone.
This book can be found in the Easy Board Book section of the library.
|
|
|
|
I'm Not Using the Potty
by Laura Gehl
When little Egg the chick reveals a fear of using the potty, Peep tries a variety of encouraging ideas to help Egg become more comfortable with the idea of answering the call of nature.
|
|
|
|
Poop or Get Off the Potty!
by Margaret McNamara
When Mason and Mia were babies, they pooped a lot--always in their diapers. Now that they're big kids, it's time to use the potty. But what is the potty for? Naps? NO. Books? NO. Playing the drums? No, no, no! Mason and Mia look ahead to official big-kid territory in this hilarious, instructive story with special emphasis on that momentous toddler milestone: pooping in the potty!
|
|
|
|
Potty Time with Pete the Kitty
by Kim Dean
Pete the Kitty makes potty time super cool, from getting ready to washing up, in this rockin' life-the-flap board book that is perfect for potty training.
This book can be found in the Easy Board Book section of the library.
|
|
|
|
You Poop Here
by Paul Meisel
In this introduction to potty training, animals demonstrate where they poop.
|
|
|
|
Potty
by Leslie Patricelli
Baby, a toddler, decides to use the potty for the first time.
This book can be found in the Easy Board Book section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Chones, Por Favor! Undies, Please!
by Sumana Seeboruth
When a boy wants to wear colorful underwear just like his older brother, it's time for him to learn to use the toilet.
This book can be found in the Easy Spanish section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Time to Pee!
by
Mo Willems
With the author's signature humor and a group of sign-holding mice, children are gently led through each step in the process that will finally bring them to their emancipation from diapers.
This title can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library. Check the same section for more nonfiction potty training titles.
|
|
|
|
I Don't Want to Go to School!
by Lula Bell
Feeling so jittery about their first day of school that neither can eat their breakfast, Mouse and Dinosaur wonder about their classmates, teacher and activities before a big surprise makes the day more reassuring for everyone.
|
|
|
|
Alpaca Goes Back-a to School
by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
The first day back to school is always a little scary, but Alpaca is ready to face the new year! With shoes tied and snack-a all packed-a, Alpaca's first day back-a is filled with classroom fun...from singing new songs to making new friends.
|
|
|
|
Hello School!
by Priscilla Burris
A cozy introduction to what makes school so much fun features a diverse group of students who share first-day milestones, from getting a cubby and making new friends to taking a nature walk and participating in arts-and-crafts activities.
|
|
|
|
And Then Comes School
by Tom Brenner
Perfect for returning students and first timers alike, this lively picture book celebrates the signs leading up to the start of school, such as cooler mornings, ripening apples, and the excitement of the first day.
|
|
|
|
Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma by Keith CalabreseLena prepares for her first day of kindergarten and reports that while she is excited, her favorite shoes are too nervous and must be convinced by her supportive father that the day is actually going to be lots of fun.
|
|
|
|
Llama Llama Back To School
by Reed Duncan
Longing for summertime to last forever, Llama Llama is anxious about starting school until he discovers learning is fun with the help of his friends and Mama Llama.
|
|
|
|
Bear With Me
by Kerascoët
Separated from her favorite stuffed animal, Bear, on the first day of school, a little girl is anxious until she finds ways to make herself feel better while waiting to be reunited with Bear again.
|
|
|
|
Lola Goes to School
by Anna McQuinn
The book-loving heroine from Lola Gets a Cat poses for photographs, gets assigned a cubby, chooses activities, enjoys snacks, sings songs, and reads alongside new friends during a first day of school.
|
|
|
|
It's Your First Day of School, Busy Bus!
by Jody Jensen Shaffer
A group of first-time students excitedly and nervously board a happy yellow Busy Bus, who has first-day jitters of his own and wonders if the children will like him, if he will be homesick, or if he will get lost.
|
|
|
|
First Day Of School
by Esther van den Berg
Despite his misgivings, Robin has the best first day of school during which he skips rope, builds a tower of blocks, and even goes to the bathroom by himself!
|
|
|
|
Scamp
by Anden Wilder
Scamp believes there are two cats in her house, Scamp herself and Hector, until her body grows in not-so-catlike ways, and when Hector needs help, Scamp must choose between acting like a cat and taking a big-girl stand.
|
|
|
|
Avocado Magic
by Taltal Levi
Both small and full of life, Ellie and a new avocado plant grow up together.
|
|
|
|
This Bear's Birthday by Alyssa Satin CapucilliResolved to prepare his birthday party all by himself, Bear dresses himself, picks apples, and makes peanut butter and honey sandwiches before accepting help with a few of his tasks, in a celebration of early independence by the creators of Not This Bear.
|
|
|
|
When I Grow Up
by Julie Chen
When a young boy imagines what he might be and do one day, his mother assures him that he can be anything and she will always be there for him.
|
|
|
|
Now I'm Big
by
Karen Katz
Growing up and helping out are things to celebrate in this bright, bouncy book in which a little girl considers all the amazing things she can do for herself now that she is older that had to be done for her when she was a baby, from dressing herself to reading to her little sister.
|
|
|
|
The Growing Story
by
Ruth Krauss
A little boy worries throughout the summer that he's not getting bigger, but at the end of the season he tries on his winter clothes and realizes--much to his surprise--that he has grown.
|
|
|
|
What Will You Be?
by Yamile Saied Méndez
The acclaimed author of Where Are You From? presents a stunning second picture book of self-discovery that finds a young girl and her abuela celebrating the endless possibilities that life has to offer the girl as she grows.
|
|
|
|
Grow Up, David!
by David Shannon
David follows his older brother around, annoying him, and doing everything he can to make sure his brother notices him--but when David gets hurt playing, his brother is there to make sure he is okay.
|
|
I'm the Big One Now! Poems About Growing Up
by
Marilyn Singer
A collection of 21 poems by the award-winning author of Mirror, Mirror celebrates the large and small milestones in a young person's life, from riding the bus alone to becoming an older sibling.
This title can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Lola Dutch When I Grow Up
by Kenneth Wright
Determined to decide what to be when she grows up, Lola tries several careers before listening to her friend, Bear, who reminds her that she need not be in a hurry.
|
|
|
|
Kiki's Pacifier
by Esther van den Berg
When her mommy thinks she's too big for her pacifier and would like her to keep her teeth nice and strong by gnawing, Kiki wonders if teeth are really that important and visits her animal friends to find out.
|
|
|
|
Little Bunny's Pacifier Plan
by
Maribeth Boelts
Little Bunny learns to smile, laugh, crawl, dance, and even talk with his pacifier tucked safely in his mouth, but when the dentist suggests it might be time to give up the pacifier, Little Bunny is not sure he is ready.
|
|
|
|
Bye-Bye Binky: Big Kid Power
by Maria Van Lieshout
A little girl explains that she does not need a pacifier anymore, because she is a big kid now.
|
|
|
|
No More Pacifiers: Giving Up Your Pacifier
by Campbell Books
Two adorable toddlers learn all about ditching the pacifier and learning to find comfort through fun and play! Follow the ups and downs of their journey, brought to life with fun flaps and mechanisms.
This book can be found in the Easy Board Books section of the library.
|
|
|
|
Pacifiers Are Not Forever
by Elizabeth Verdick
Encourages youngsters to find other things they enjoy doing and stop using a pacifier, and provides advice for parents and caregivers on easing the transition.
This book can be found in the Easy Board Books section of the library.
|
|
|