If I could choose one author, and one only – it would be anything by Sandra Boynton. I love the unexpected and silliness of her books. I personally would read "Belly Button Book” on my own with it’s catchy song, and books like “But not the hippopotamus” and the sequel “But not the armadillo” are also some of my personal favorites.

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown is an undisputed classic. And rightfully so. We’ve read this book so many times, we often look for things in the illustrations on each page — like finding where the mouse went.

Additionally, we’ve also read on repeat “The Runaway Bunny.”

The “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” and “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and all the “If You Give a…” books by Laura Numeroff, are all very entertaining. I think about them often in terms of “If You Give a Mom Time to Rest…” and what that actually turns into (ie. not rest), and making that it’s own book. Until then, we’ll enjoy this series.

“Good Night, Gorilla” by Peggy Rathmann is so simple, and also so fun. I don’t want to spoil it, but the monkey does get out of the cage at the zoo, unbeknownst to the zookeeper. And the following sneaky events are probably what is so fun to a baby and a toddler alike.

Finger puppet books have been a staple in our house. We’ve had a variety of them, and you can’t go wrong. The Itsy Bitsy Spider one that we have has been a favorite because she knows the song so well too. She’s also loved the different baby animal finger puppet books as well.

This introduction to speaking with sign language, by Joy Allen, was extremely helpful for us as parents when our daughter couldn’t talk yet, and it is also still a useful reminder for basic words.

This is a Melissa & Doug soft activity book — I initially got it when my daughter was a baby for quiet time during church, but she continues to love and use it. The only downside is keeping track of the doll!

Eric Carle’s books have a distinctive storyline and illustration style. I think they’re beloved by most, but wanted to highlight them here as well as they sincerely do grow with kids from baby to toddler.

The “Press here” board book by Herve Tullet is a fun way to make something static into an almost interactive animation with interactive colorful dots. It’s simple and fun. I’m excited to try his other books as well.

I love this interactive book that feels like popping bubble wrap but sturdier and helps with counting!