Read With Us: Summertime Book Club for Toddlers

Over the past few months, my son has become even more interested in books. We’ve always read a book or two before bed every single night, but lately, reading has started happening throughout the day—at restaurants, on car rides, and now even during breakfast time.

We are officially on summer break with a few camp days sprinkled in, but otherwise, we have an entire summer agenda to fill. Along with our usual pool and park dates, we’ll be spending more time in our favorite field—armed with yummy snacks, a soft blanket, and all the library books from our weekly checkouts—reading together under the shade of a big tree.

Summertime Bookclub for Toddlers will be updated weekly as we read new books! Please leave comments with your suggestions for books your kids have loved!

500 Books By Fall

Our goal is to read 500 books from the library by late September—and I truly believe it’s possible!

Here, you’ll be able to keep up with all the books we’ve checked out from the library: the ones we loved, the ones we didn’t, and everything in between. Hopefully, this inspires you to dive into a library challenge of your own with your little ones!

Why Reading to Toddlers is Important:

Let’s talk about reading to toddlers—because it’s one of those things that seems so simple, but it’s actually doing so much more than we realize. If you’ve ever curled up with your little one and a stack of picture books, you’re already giving them such a gift. Here’s why it matters:

1. It builds their little word bank.

Even before they can talk in full sentences, they’re soaking up everything. Reading helps expand their vocabulary in the most natural, low-pressure way. They hear how words fit together, and that’s huge for language development. I’ve noticed my son using so many new words the past month, and in proper context!

2. It gets their brains working.

Books help toddlers make connections, understand cause and effect, and remember what comes next. It’s like a little workout for their brain—but with snuggles. We love doing book reports together throughout the day. I’ll bring up a book, and we’ll talk about it. It’s amazing how much his little three year old mind can remember.

3. It’s pure bonding time.

Honestly, some of our most peaceful moments together happen with a book in our lap. No screens, no distractions—just you, your toddler, and a good story. That’s magic. Of course, we take some breaks in between books so he can do some airplane runs in the field.

4. It sparks their imagination.

Books open up a whole world of “what ifs.” Whether it’s dragons, farm animals, or a family that looks nothing like theirs, they get to see life from different angles. That kind of creativity starts young. I love when he aks so many questions during the stories. He’s genuinely interested.

5. It teaches patience and listening.

I won’t pretend my toddler sits still for every book—but over time, I’ve seen such a difference. Reading helps them learn to slow down, listen, and follow along. These are major life skills (and helpful at doctor appointments, too!). Luckily, he does pick up books and ask to read them again, or grab another one to read more. I love that he enjoys it.

6. It plants a love for learning.

When reading feels fun, cozy, and safe, it becomes something they look forward to. And that’s the beginning of a lifelong love for stories, school, and exploring new ideas. It’s also nostalgic and therapeutic as a parent, plus a good break from technology. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from a kids book, even as an adult.

Week One:

⭐Thank you, Neighbor! By Ruth Chan
Go to Sleep, Groundhog! By Judy Cox
Birthday at the Panda Palace By Stephanie Calmenson
Steve Goes to Carnival By Joshua Button and Robyn Wells
A Bear and His Boy by Sean Bryan
⭐Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day By Judith Viorst

Week Two:

⭐Fuddles By Frans Vischer
Big Stuff Dozer, Excavator, Mixer & More By Joan Holub
Hedgehog, Pig, and the Sweet Little Friend By Lena Anderson
⭐Toys in Space By Mini Grey
That Always Happens Sometimes By Kiley Frank
⭐There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe By Jane Cabrera
The Yawns Are Coming! By Christopher Eliopoulos
How to Walk an Ant By Cindy Derby
⭐Bad Dog By Mike Boldt
⭐Dog Biscuit By Helen Cooper
1, 2, 3, Jump! By Madeline Valentine
⭐The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures By Curtis Manley
The Library Fish By Alyssa Satin Capucilli

We had a busy few weeks between school, birthdays, fun outings, and vacations! But we didn’t let that stop us from getting our reading time in!

Week Three & Four:

A Perfect Day By Sarah Brannen
Beach Hair By Ashley Woodfolk
The Pelican Can By Toni Yuly
An Island Grows By Lola Schaefer
⭐Captain Jack and the Pirates By Peter Bently & Helen Oxenbury
Very Boring Alligator By Jean Gralley
⭐Perla The Mighty Dog By Isabel Allende
⭐I Have Three Cats By Michelle Sumovich
⭐I Want a Dog By Jon Agee
⭐Cat Wishes By Calista Bril
⭐A Home for Leo By Vin Vogel
⭐Pretend By Jennifer Plecas
⭐Boop By Bea Birdsong

Come back to see which books we read next!

Week Five:

Sloth is Not a Baby By Nelly Buchet
The Last Peach By Gus Gordon
Teddy the Dog (Almost) Best In Show By Keri Claiborne Boyle
⭐A Pet for Fly Guy By Tedd Arnold
Hello By Fiona Woodcock
⭐Soaked! By Abi Cushman
⭐Mr. S By Monica Arnoldo
A Boy, His Dog, and The Sea By Anthony Browne
⭐A Dog Wearing Shoes By Sangmi Ko
⭐Dirty Gert By Tedd Arnold
⭐Night Night, Little Digger By Nicola Edwards
⭐The Great Truck Switcharoo By Bob Shea