15 Notable Books For One Year Olds

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books for one year olds

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The first year of a child’s life is marked by several milestones, from the first steps to the sweet babbling. Amidst these moments of growth and discovery lies an invaluable opportunity to introduce them to the enchanting world of books. If you get the opportunity, then read these books for one year olds. 

I love the idea of reading books to children at a young age. I have several nephews and family friends whom I read to. It’s a great way to interact and get children to start learning and enjoying books. Here’s a list of the 15 best books for one year olds that you can should start reading today. 


15 Books For One Year Olds 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Classics, Animals, Food, Counting

Published In: 1969

The Very Hungry Caterpillar      Board book – Picture Book, 5 April 2018

All the Ways to Be Smart – Davina Bell, Allison Colpoys

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, School, Fiction

Published: 2018 

All the Ways to be Smart      Hardcover – Picture Book, 15 October 2018

Jabari Jumps – Gaia Cornwall

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Storytime, Family, Fiction, Cultural

Published: 2017

Jabari Jumps      Paperback – 1 June 2018

The Rainbow Fish – Marcus Pfister

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Classics, Fantasy

Published: 1992

Rainbow Fish      Hardcover – Picture Book, 1 September 2012

Green Eggs and Ham – Dr. Seuss

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Classics, Fiction, Poetry, Fantasy, Humor

Published: 1960

Green Eggs and Ham [Green Back Book Edition]: Now a Netflix TV Series!      Paperback – 22 August 2016

Elmer – David McKee

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Storytime, Classics, Fantasy

Published: 1989

Elmer: 30th Anniversary Edition      Paperback – 1 October 2007

Me and My Cat – Satoshi Kitamura

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Fiction, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Fantasy

Published: 1996

Me and My Cat?      Paperback – 3 August 2009

The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Fantasy, Poetry, Storytime

Published: 1999

The Gruffalo      Board book – 28 March 2017

A Great Big Cuddle – Michael Rosen, Chris Riddell

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Nonfiction, Art

Published: 2015

A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young      Paperback – 1 October 2017

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes – Mem Fox, Helen Oxenbury

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Cultural, Family, Counting

Published: 2008 

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes      Paperback – 3 August 2009

Mr Big – Ed Vere

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Music, Fiction

Published: 2008 

Mr Big      Paperback – Picture Book, 3 September 2019

So Much – Trish Cooke, Helen Oxenbury

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, African American, Cultural, Kids, Poetry

Published: 1994

So Much!      Paperback – 1 September 2019

The Tiger Who Came To Tea – Judith Kerr

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Classics, Family, Fantasy

Published: 1968

The Tiger Who Came To Tea [50th Anniversary Edition]: The nation’s favourite illustrated children’s book, from the author of Mog the Forgetful Cat      Paperback – Picture Book, 15 June 2006

The Snowy Day – Ezra Jack Keats

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Classics, Realistic Fiction, African American, Storytime

Published: 1962

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats(1995-09-01)      Board book

Harry the Dirty Dog – Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Dogs, Classics, Family

Published: 1956

Harry The Dirty Dog      Paperback – Picture Book, 1 December 1992

The Bottom Line 

Give these unique books for one year olds a read and see how they like it. It’s a great way to spark creativity and imagination in children. This list is updated regularly and will have new recommendations for you. 

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