Exploring God’s World: 5 Information Books Our Toddlers Have Loved
If I were to look on your kids’ bookshelf would I see more storybooks (fiction) or information books (nonfiction)? My guess is fiction. Most people read storybooks with their kids. Their children’s library is filled with Elephant and Piggie, Pete the Cat, and stories written by Eric Carle. These aren’t bad options, though I’d love to introduce you to Jan Brett (The Mitten) or Michael Bond (Paddington), but kids, especially young kids really thrive with information books.
Simple board books with real photos, labeled images or facts can help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and for seeing the world as something to explore and enjoy. Over the years we’ve amassed quite the collection of information board books. These are books that we keep coming back to again and again even into preschool years making them a great investment. I pray this list gives you a few new titles to add to your own shelves—and that these information books bring the same engagement, joy, wonder, and connection to your family that they have to ours.
This post contains some Amazon affiliate links, which simply means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to purchase through them. Thanks for supporting my small business and family in this little way!
1. Lovevery
We LOVE LOVEVERY! We have used Lovevery products since our daughter was born.
A couple years ago, Lovevery was one of the only companies producing information books for toddlers with REAL photos! Their books have relatable stories that help your child understand real life concepts and make connections.
They are our MOST READ books of all time and have helped our kids through some tricky spots (stop hitting, transition to a bed, etc.). I cannot recommend them enough.
Now I’m so excited to share that there are easier options.
Amazon has several books including their Tricky Topics series.
Target sells a set of three perfect for their first year.
Early Reader Book Club will send you three books that match with your child’s development every 2 months for about $15 a month.
I do not work with Lovevery (yet, I would love to), but I do really believe in their products and especially their books!
2. Hands Can by Cheryl Willis Hudson
Hands Can by Cheryl Willis Hudson is a classic early childhood book. It encompasses the 90s/2000s childhood feel and helps babies and toddlers understand what their hands can do. The rhythmic language, simple concepts, and real life photos, engage and encourage the littlest listeners.
3. The Babies and _____ Series by John Schindel & Molly Woodward
When Lovevery books were not widely available, I did some deep digging to find other information books for toddlers with real photos. That’s how I stumbled upon John & Molly’s Babies and Books. Our favorite is the Babies and Bunnies Book. It offers full page images of babies and bunnies doing the same thing, climbing, jumping, eating, etc. We love most of the photos and the simplicity of the story.
4. Songs of the Birds by Isabel Otter
This is a lovely book! We stumbled upon this at the library. It does not have real photos of birds, but the illustrations are lovely and life like and the sounds are so engaging. The only books we have that make sounds are bird books. This a great addition to your informational library. Your toddler will love this! You can also check out Nature Baby’s Birds if you would like a bird book with real photos—but there aren’t any sounds.
5. Momo series by Andrew Knapp
Let’s Fine Momo! is a hide-and-seek board book featuring an adorable corder collie hiding around the world. This book, Let’s Fine Momo Outdoors (featuring Boo) and Let’s Fine Yaya and Boo invite all readers to search for Momo (or the other dogs) and other hidden objects within a vibrant photograph. It’s like a real life hidden picture. There are no words just adventures.
These books were some of our daughter’s favorites when she was a toddler. We have spent many nights looking for Momo and Boo! They are perfect for naming objects, practicing prepositional phrases, describing things, and even counting.
6. National Geographic Kids Look & Learn Series
The National Geographic Kids Look & Learn series is a collection of informational books for young kids. Each book focuses on a topic and uses real-life photos and simple text to engage readers. Every book concludes with a little check for understanding. They have books on a myriad of topics though we’ve found not all books have been as engaging.
7. I Can Say Mamma! written by Stephanie Cohen
Forget Jimmy Fallon, Stephanie Cohen’s books I Can Say Mamma! and I Can Say Dadda! offer your child real-life practice and exposure to your beloved title. The real-life photos are engaging, the text offers simple, repeatable phrases for your toddler, and showcases real-life connection points. It might not be as “cute,” but it’s guaranteed to be more effective in helping your child say Mamma or Dadda.
It’s the perfect first Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift.
As you explore some new titles with your baby or toddler, don’t throw out your beloved storybooks. There’s a place for them on the shelf, just try to make some room for some information books too. Real photos, real-life connections, and simple straight forward texts can help your child learn more about the world around them. They help foster language, learning, and curiosity. Happy reading and happy learning!
