Our favorite children's books for babies and toddlers
From The Very Hungry Caterpillar to The Gruffalo and our own personalized book: these are the children's books that keep coming off the shelf in our home.
Since becoming parents, we have read quite a few children’s books. Some from the library, some from our own collection. Still, there are a few books that keep coming back. These are our favorites for young children.
Unsure how long to read for or which kind of book suits your child’s age? Read Reading aloud to toddlers: when to start, how long and which books?.
Explore our personalized toddler books, with a complete example and practical details: personalized books for toddlers.
Transparency: any product links in this article are not affiliate links or paid placements. We share them only as examples or because they fit our own experience.
1. Our own personalized book by BoekjesAtelier
Our favorite children's book is of course the book we made ourselves for our son.
We wanted to create a read-aloud book in the style of his birth announcement card. With his name, a character that looks like him and a story that fits his world. That personal touch made it an instant favorite. He recognized himself in the book.
That first book is how BoekjesAtelier came to be.
A lovely newborn gift, birthday gift or a keepsake for later.
2. Train Tales from the Usborne sound books
Our son is crazy about trains and pressing buttons. And this book happens to have both!
It is a fun, short book and perfect for children who love vehicles and sound books.
Want to create a personalized book yourself?
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar remains a classic. The colors, the counting, the food and the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly make the book fun for different ages.
For babies there is plenty to look at. Toddlers follow the story better and better and can soon join in.
4. The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo is a slightly more exciting story, but our son still pulls it off the shelf regularly. The story is thrilling enough to stay interesting, yet still suitable for young children. Its structure is full of repetition, which quickly makes the story familiar.
Toddlers especially love recognizing parts and saying them along.
5. The Story Orchestra
The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day and The Little Story Orchestra: Carnival of the Animals are beautiful books if you want to combine music and reading aloud. The Story Orchestra is for slightly older children, with a bit more text, beautiful illustrations and buttons that play music.
The Little Story Orchestra is perfect for the little ones, with buttons children can press themselves from a very young age and beautiful illustrations.
Both get read a lot in our home!
6. Dikkie Dik on the farm
Dikkie Dik is familiar and accessible for young children. Dikkie Dik on the farm is extra fun thanks to all the animals.
You can point, name and make animal sounds together. That makes it a lovely book for toddlers.
Good children’s books are familiar and invite you to read, look, listen and talk together.
Looking for a personal children’s book for your own child, grandchild or as a newborn gift? You can start right away with a photo of your child: Create your book.
Want to make something of Kinderboekenweek at home? Six small ideas are in Kinderboekenweek 2026 at home: 6 ideas for toddlers and preschoolers.
Curious what a personalized book with your child in the lead role looks like?
Create your own book here€34.95 · preview your book before you payAbout the author
Lisa helps make every BoekjesAtelier book warm, recognizable, and enjoyable to read together. She focuses on the story, the experience, and the details that make it personal.
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