There are certain books I see on a kid’s bookshelf and immediately think, okay, these parents get it.
I’m not necessarily talking about the classics or the books everyone says your toddler needs to own. I’m talking about the children’s books that are actually fun to read—the ones your toddler likes but that also have enough humor to keep you entertained on the 400th read.
So, if I’m looking at your kid’s bookshelf to decide whether or not you’re a cool parent, these are the five books I’m looking for.
1. Mother Bruce — The Toddler Book That’s Secretly for the Parents
Mother Bruce is the quintessential “Is this book for my child, or is this actually for me?” book.
I’m laughing at jokes that are going completely over my daughter’s head, but honestly, that’s okay. The pictures are adorable, the storyline is genuinely funny, and I already know it’s going to lead to some hilarious questions as she gets older.
It’s basically the perfect kids’ book: she likes it now, I don’t dread reading it for the 400th time, and there are enough jokes hidden in there for the adults.
Bruce is also a Teacher's Pick! (Amazon)
2. Grumpy Monkey — For Those Big Toddler Feelings
Grumpy Monkey is such a funny way to poke at toddler mood swings and all those BIG feelings that seem to come out of nowhere.
Not only do I call my daughter the Grumpy Monkey when she’s in one of her moods, but my husband has also decided that I’m the Grumpy Monkey of the family.
Rude, but occasionally accurate.
It’s such a fun take on those days when, for absolutely no apparent reason, we’re all in Grumpy Monkey mode.
He might be grumpy, but you don't have to be (Amazon)
3. Belly Button Book! — Just Plain Fun
This one is just fun.
Belly Button Book! has such a good rhythm, the story is funny, and it’s one of those toddler books that’s genuinely fun to read out loud.
There’s no big explanation needed here.
It’s hippos. It’s belly buttons. It’s a beach devoted to belly buttons.
And personally? I’m ready to book my trip to Belly Button Beach.
Book your trip to Belly Button Beach today! (Amazon)
4. I Love You, Stinky Face — Because Love Isn’t Always Sweet-Smelling
I Love You, Stinky Face is such a funny twist on reminding our babies just how much we love them.
Because sure, we can say “I love you” a hundred times a day. But would we still love them if they were a stinky little creature?
Absolutely.
And honestly, considering some of the diapers I’ve changed, I feel like I’ve already proven that.
It’s silly, sweet, and a reminder that no matter how stinky, wild, or wonderfully weird our babies are, there’s nothing that could make us stop loving them.
5. Giraffes Can’t Dance — For the Tiny Nonconformist
I love Giraffes Can’t Dance because the rhythm is adorable, the pictures are cute, and it’s a giraffe.
What’s not to love?
But underneath all the cuteness, it’s also a pretty great introduction to a very important life lesson:
Don’t listen to those fools. You can dance if you want to.
And honestly, that’s about as deep as I need my toddler books to get.
Find your own rhythm! (Amazon)
The Best Toddler Books Are the Ones You Actually Want to Read
There are plenty of lists of the “best books for toddlers” out there, but my qualifications are a little different.
My daughter has to enjoy them, obviously. But if I’m going to read the same book approximately 700 times, I would also like to be entertained.
So if I spot Mother Bruce, Grumpy Monkey, Belly Button Book!, I Love You, Stinky Face, and Giraffes Can’t Dance on your kid’s bookshelf?
Congratulations. I’m probably assuming we can be friends.