Best books for 1 year olds

I love reading with one-year-olds. They are just starting to really take an interest in the story and pictures and may even be joining in with a few words. That is why repetition is the key in books for this age group. In fact, thinking about what makes a good book for one year olds I would say: repetition to encourage language development; flaps (nice sturdy ones that aren't going to get damaged by over-enthusiastic toddlers)for interaction and developing hand-eye co-ordination; a fun story; and colourful, interesting illustrations. The following books contain all or most of these elements and are tried and tested (and loved!) in our household of 4 children.

Children of this age don't need a vast library of books as they adore having the same story again and again, so a small number of good quality books is all that is necessary and these four titles would make a solid start to your home library.

I hope you enjoy reading them with your children and please comment with your own suggestions of fantastic books for one-year-olds.

Dear Zoo, by Rod Campbell

Large, bold illustrations in the centre of a white page really draw the eye to the animals in the pictures of this charming story. A child wants a pet and writes to the zoo. The zoo send him a variety of packages - lift the flap to discover what is inside each package - but each each one gets sent back as they are unsuitable. Until the zoo sends a puppy. Children love lifting the flaps and soon learn to join in with the words about why the animal was sent back - too big, too tall, too scary etc- and with the refrain "I sent him back". Really good fun and excellent for building vocabulary. 

Where's Spot?, By Eric Hill

Another lift-the-flap book, loved by generations of children. The puppy Spot has gone missing and his mummy is looking for him. Children lift the flaps to see if Spot is in each place and every time another animal is behind the door, under the bed, inside the clock etc and the answer is always a resounding "no!". This book was the first one that my daughter started joining in with, with a loud and clear "no!". Of course, Spot is found in the end, but with much fun along the way. 

Hippo has a hat, by Julia Donaldson

Characterised by Julia Donaldson's fantastic rhyming text and the bright and fun illustrations by Nick Sharratt, this book is sure to become a favourite. It is a delightful romp through a clothes shop with a group of animals trying on different clothes as they prepare for a party. It is great for building vocabulary (particularly animals and items of clothing) and is sure to make both child and reader giggle. It even finishes with the superb line "let the party start!". Great fun!

Peepo!, by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

This has been a firm favourite in our house since the birth of my first child nearly 10 years ago. There is more text than in the other books suggested here, but the memorable rhyming text; repetition of key lines such as "here's a little baby, 1,2,3" and of course the iconic "peepo!"; beautifully detailed illustrations; and the clever hole in each page for you to peep through, manage to keep a child interested throughout what is actually quite a long book. This makes it a great book for encouraging an increased attention span in your child, at the same time as developing observational and vocabulary skills from looking at the gorgeous pictures. This is great fun to read together and talk about, but be warned: the rhyme will stay in your head for a VERY long time!