Reading these books with your child will get both of you to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you want to relive a holiday classic (like The Polar Express, The Night Before Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas) or find a new festive read, you’ll find lots of great options in our favorite Hanukkah and Christmas books for babies and toddlers.
The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry
Join Little Bear in smelling the wonderful smells associated with Christmas in this sweet, scented storybook. As you scratch and sniff apple pie, Christmas trees, hot chocolate and more, you and your child will share the Bear family's excitement about the upcoming holiday.
Show a child the magic of Hanukkah traditions and festivities with this sturdy board book designed with rounded corners and a padded cover for safety. Using real-life photos and simple language, this book shares the miracle of the oil, the lighting of menorah candles, the dreidel game, and the yummy treats of the holiday, from chocolate coins to latkes.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Bear’s friends are determined to keep him from hibernating through the Christmas festivities this year. Mouse, Raven, Badger and more favorite characters from this book series take Bear to find a Christmas tree, help him decorate for the holidays, and enjoy spending time together. There’s even a visit from a certain special guest in a red suit.
Is there anything more exciting for a child than being welcomed aboard a train heading to the North Pole? We love this classic story that takes you on a mysterious and magical trip to the north. It’s a beautiful book for the holidays and sure to be a favorite among everyone in your home.
The 30th anniversary edition is available on amazon.com, $7.89.
Jonny Lambert's Ten Little Reindeer
Renowned artist Jonny Lambert lends his engaging style to this holiday-themed counting book. Count from ten reindeer down to one and then back to ten again by lifting the flaps to see the reindeer checking gifts, powering Santa's sleigh and having lots of fun along the way. The flaps and pages are sturdy for small hands and help kids develop fine motor skills, while the counting rhyme helps with number skills and language acquisition.
Pete the Cat's 12 Groovy Days of Christmas by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete the Cat is a very groovy guy who goes on lots of adventures, making friends and learning new things along the way. And he’s at it again in this holiday story, rockin’ around while he counts down the days until Christmas. Kids will love the fun rhyming and silly twist on the classic Christmas carol—and you’ll love their giggles.
It just doesn’t feel like the holidays without the Grinch! This Christmas classic is fun and heartwarming in pure Dr. Seuss style for you and your little Whos. It’s as much a part of the season as candy canes and mistletoe and brings with it a heartwarming message about the Christmas spirit.
With a retro-cool illustration for each letter of the alphabet and Hanukkah-themed items such as latkes, the menorah, and dreidels, this book is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your little ones to Hanukkah and the Festival of Lights.
Eric Carle's unique style in books—like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See?—is well known and well loved by little ones. Dream Snow has the same gorgeous illustrations and beautiful language, but with a holiday twist. In this story, an old farmer settles down for a nap on December 24th and dreams about a snowstorm. It’s available in board book format with lift-the-flap reveals or in hardcover with glossy flaps and music at the end.
Reading this whimsical holiday poem by Clement Clarke Moore is a time-honored tradition in many families. It's widely available and has been since it was first published in 1823! This oversized heirloom edition features a four-page gatefold and beautiful illustrations.
Olivia is one adorable little piglet who is pretty excited for Christmas. In this story, Olivia is busy with all things holiday—helping set up the tree, hanging stockings and watching her mom make dinner. The cute story and beautiful illustrations make this board book a great holiday tale for little ones.
Okay, this is cute. Elmo wants to know what a dreidel is, so he finds out by celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with friends. From learning Hanukkah songs to lighting the menorah, this book uses a classic and well-loved character to introduce toddlers to the traditions of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
The Llama Llama series of books is well-loved for good reason. The rhyming language and the super-cute story with an even cuter main character make all the Llama Llama stories both fun to read and listen to. In this Christmas tale, Llama Llama learns a heartwarming lesson just in time for the holidays.
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford
If you have little ones who love Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Mighty, Mighty, Construction Site, this holiday book will bring them just as much construction joy! Characters like Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer are sweet, and the illustrations are vibrant. Definitely a fun read for you and your child.
STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. With their natural curiosity and great capacity to learn, babies and toddlers are born scientists and mathematicians. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.
Nerdy Babies: Space by Emmy Kastner This new series of board books and picture books covers cool topics like space and the ocean in language littles can understand. Written by a former teacher, the books cover topics with simple text, engaging questions and cute imagery kids will love. In the space book, your kids will learn all about the sun, solar system, gravity and orbits.
Baby University ABCs Four-Book Set by Chris Ferrie Teach baby the ABCs of space, mathematics, physics and science with these board books. The colorful illustrations complement the STEM concepts for every letter of the alphabet—times four! Written by a father who is also a mathematician and award-winning physicist, we imagine he can calculate the path of the spaghetti before it gets thrown from the high chair.
STEAM for Babies–Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math by Andrea Scalzo Yi Even the youngest of babies will be enamored by the high-contrast black, white and red pictures and simple text in this image-driven book. In addition to introducing STEM words, it includes the bonus “A” for art concepts.
Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews Counting is one of the earliest math skills babies learn. This visually striking counting book is written and illustrated by the creator of multiple Caldecott Honor Books. The rhyming text and bold art take young ones on a journey of discovery where they learn what a dot, or two or three…up to ten, can make.
HTML for Babies by Sterling Children’s Get your little techie familiar with the language of coding by using a book from the Code Babies series. Bold fonts and colors present the letters and symbols used for web-based programming, vital to learning in today’s digital world. In addition to HTML, there are books for CSS and JavaScript.
This Little Scientist: A Discovery Primer by Joan Holub Short rhymes beginning with the phrase “This little scientist…” tell the stories of ten diverse scientists, including Isaac Newton and Jane Goodall. A fact box under the charming illustrations further explores the work of each trailblazer.
Baby Loves Science Board Boxed Set by Ruth Spiro Taking a baby-centric approach to abstract scientific ideas, the Baby Loves Science series is thoughtful and fun. Each book shows how a baby might encounter concepts like gravity and thermodynamics in their everyday life. These books will continue to encourage curiosity as baby grows.
My First Math Book: An Introduction to Math Symbols For Babies and Toddlers by Christine Dillard Picture equations introduce babies to the basic symbols of mathematics. All the math signs—equal, addition, subtraction and more—are big for little eyes to spy, and adorable animal and nature pictures accompany them. Great for learning counting as well.
Counting Kisses by Karen Katz With the whimsy of a traditional picture book, count down the kisses from one to ten in this sweet bedtime story. In addition to counting, babies will get a lesson in different body parts and likely the comfort of a few kisses!
Architecture for Babies by Jonathan Litton Learn the building blocks of architecture with this selection from the Baby 101 series. Find out what architects do and learn about the world’s most famous structures, including the Colosseum and Taj Mahal, in the straight-forward text and detailed illustrations.
Hello World! Solar System by Jill McDonald The sun, the moon, the planets and more come alive in this bright introduction to the solar system. The illustrations are full of basic shapes, and the text features simple science facts with prompts for engaging little explorers, all in a sturdy board-book format.
Little Scientist Board Book Set by Emily Kleinman Meet the real people behind the world’s greatest scientific discoveries. These four chunky board books are perfect for little hands. They feature scientists from four different disciplines (astronomy, physics, chemistry, and earth & life) with a short description and a bright illustration on each page.
On the Launch Pad Counting Book by Michael Dahl Combining math and science, this counting book is perfect for all aspiring astronauts or astrophysicists. Your budding voyager will enjoy finding the hidden numbers in the colorful illustrations. Countdown and blast off for fun learning!
Girls Who Code: Baby Code! By Sandra Horning Although part of the Girls Who Code series, this book is for all babies. Using items your little one is sure to be familiar with, like a phone and a teddy bear, the text and illustrations work together to show how baby performs an action and a computer does a similar task.
Baby University Four-Book Set by Chris Ferrie Explore four fundamental science concepts with this book set by father, mathematician and physicist Chris Ferrie. The titles include Quantum Physics for Babies, Rocket Science for Babies, General Relativity for Babies and Newtonian Physics for Babies. Grownups might even learn a thing or two!
A new baby in the house changes everything. A new brother or sister sounds like a great idea, but once the squalling bundle comes home, it can be a different story! These books face the issue head-on with humor and a knowing wisdom for a smoother transition.
Wolfie the Bunny is a completely fresh take on the arrival of a new sibling. If kids see the new baby as a wolf in baby's clothing, they'll relate to little Dot, a bunny whose family comes home to their city stoop to discover a basket with a baby wolf.
In this new-baby book, the boom-voiced announcer dad and the boy's irritated retorts make for a fun, theatrical read-aloud with a familiar emotional arc: Boy hates baby, boy learns to love baby.
This light, bright bouncy story about a rambunctious little alligator in a pink tutu would be a perfect read for anyone introducing a new baby to a slightly older sibling.
This charming and humorous book refers to babies as "lazy little loafers" and questions whether these creatures contribute anything to the world. It's the perfect read for an older sibling who has to head off to school while the younger sibling stays home and plays.
Little Miss, Big Sis emphasizes the joys and rewards of being an older sibling. Jealousy doesn't rear its head in this story. The rewards and closeness grow as the sisters do.
Likely every kid who's become a big sibling will relate to the feelings described in this book, and reading the story will give them the opportunity to explore those feelings without guilt, and with a happy ending.
The Year of the Baby, a follow-up to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-year-of-the-book">The Year of the Book</a>, is a sweet story about an older sister concerned about the health of her adopted baby sister. Anna's full of curiosity about what baby Kaylee's life was like in China, where she was abandoned by her family and left at an orphanage.
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
Got an avid little reader in your house? We’ve got you covered. From the newest book releases for toddlers to the hottest grade school books (Hello, brand-new Diary of a Wimpy Kid!) here are our editors’ picks for the best kids books of 2018. These are the stories that our own kids read again and again (or begged us to read to them one. more. time.). And we think your kids will love them just as much.
Books for Babies and Toddlers
My First Book of Feminism (for Boys)
"Play dress-up or wrestle. Make art. Play with toys! Games are not made for just girls or just boys." This board book with rhyming text and sweet illustrations cover topics of essential equality that we promise you will enjoy reading to your tots, and we think older kids will benefit from this message too. From "no means no," to "women's rights are human rights," important, grownup ideas are made clear and fun for young, impressionable minds. This is the book every parent should read to her son.
Fun fact: Get ready for everything holiday with the newest release, Construction Site on Christmas Night, slated for hardcover release October 2018.
Little Scientist Board Book Set
STEM learning has never been so fun! This colorful new board book set by Mudpuppy features real women who have made history in their scientific fields. Little readers will learn about trailblazers in astronomy, physics, chemistry and earth and life science. The set includes four mini board books, each with eight chunky pages, packaged in a slipcase box.
Poor Mouse tries everything to move Bear out of his favorite chair. But nothing seems to work. Once Mouse has gone, Bear gets up and walks home. But what happens when the Bear spots a mouse at his house?
Have you ever seen a banana in a bikini? Or a tangerine in trunks? What about grapes in goggles? Jared Chapman uses colorful illustrations of fruit to teach kids there are suits for everything, from swimming to scuba diving. In this funny story, kids learn the importance of holding onto their suits when jumping in the water.
When Mama leaves her young penguin Kipling, he knows she'll return home soon―yet he still can't help but miss her. This beautifully illustrated picture book is a perfect book to read anytime a kiddo needs to be reminded of the strength of a mother's love.
For any kid (or grownup) who doesn't feel like they're enough, who wishes they were a little bit taller or had different color hair, this book about body positivity will make a deep impression. Written from the perspective of a tiny version of the author and illustrator (Samantha Berger) it's a beautiful, rhythmic told story about learning to love who you are and rock it!
From award-winning lettering artist Jessica Hische comes her debut children's book, Tomorrow I'll Be Brave. Inspired after the birth of her own daughter, Hische wanted to give kids an opportunity to reflect on their day, to understand that tomorrow is a new beginning and that self-forgiveness is the best gift you can give yourself. Filled with strong words like Brave, Confident, Creative, Smart and Curious and complimented by gorgeous illustrations, Hische's first foray into children's literature is a success.
Written by legendary thriller author James Patterson and his wife Susan, this follow-up to their best-selling first book (Big Words for Little Geniuses) takes kids on an animal journey that leaves the cows, chickens and sheep in the barnyard. From swimmers to flyers and beyond, kids will discover the sloth, the wombat, the tarsier and much more. Charming illustrations from Hsingping Pan complete the equation, making this book a must-have bookshelf addition.
Not only is JuliánIs a Mermaid beautifully illustrated by author Jessica Love, it is one of the most important picture books of the year. When Julián, riding the subway home with his abuela, sees three lavishly dressed women with mermaid-like fishtailed gowns he tells his grandma he wants to be like them. He makes a mess of grandma's house, trying to dress like those lovely ladies he saw...but what does his grandmother do when she sees the mess he's made? And what does she think of a little boy who wants to dress like a woman? The answer is beautiful in picture and in message: love is love. Acceptance is what is normal. A powerful message in a gorgeous package. For anyone who wants to raise a woke kid, and maybe influence a few family members to do the same!
Anna Dewdney may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on. Fans will be overjoyed to learn that her first posthumous book, Llama Llama Loves to Read was released in May 2018. The book features all of the beloved rhymes and storytelling you've come to know and love from the Llama Llama series. Follow along as Llama Llama goes to school and learns to read. Your kids will be inspired to learn their ABCs and open this book time and again.
Elmore by Holly Hobbie is an endearing read with beautiful illustrations. Elmore, a porcupine, is lonely and is in search of new friends. But, all his potential friends are deterred by Elmore's spikes. Find out how the creative and kind Elmore seeks out companionship in his community of forest critters.
Pat Zietlow Miller's thoughtful book explores the question: What does it mean to be kind? Through the story of Tanisha spilling grape juice on a classmate at school, this story explores how simple words and small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world.
If you're looking for a book about feelings, Grumpy Monkey written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang is a must read. Follow along as Jim, the chimpanzee, is in a no-good, grumpy mood. All of his friends tell Jim to cheer up and just be happy, but the fact is: Jim just feels grumpy. Find out what happens to Jim, the grumpy monkey and how he sorts through his feelings.
This book teaches kids what makes different animals unique and what they have in common. Diane Lang writes the story in rhyming verse with facts alongside beautiful illustrations that will lead young readers to want to learn more about the creatures around us.
As Annie prepares for career day at her school, she talks to her family about their hopes for her future as she plans her future career as an astronaut. Suzanne Slade's book includes lots of bonus material about famous female astronauts and facts about the moon.
Pearl is trying to build the perfect sandcastle, but she is not having any luck with fellow beach-goers ruining her efforts. That's when Pearl turns to a robot named Pascal to teach her computer coding concepts to build a foolproof sand castle.
Islandborn Lola is an immigrant who enlists the help of family and friends to learn about the country she came from and the culture she left behind. Junot Díaz's book teaches kids about cultural differences and how we all learn from each other.
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing
This interactive picture book by mindfulness experts Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor will help kids process their emotions and consciously breathe through the moment to help find calm. With a read-along-breathe-along element, this illustrated story provides prompts to inspire conversation between parent and child of how they feel.
Miles and Fargo are two turtles who usually spend their days arguing in the aquarium on a New York high rise apartment. But one day they see a little girl's violin being stolen outside their window. These two turtles must put aside their differences in order to solve the crime and bring the thief to justice.
Who Am I? I Am Me: A Book to Explore Gender Equality, Gender Stereotyping, Acceptance and Diversity follows the story of Frankie, a lively child who likes to dress up, play soccer, bake and so much more. Frankie chooses what Frankie loves and this book helps children understand that being themselves is 100% okay. And letting others be who they choose is, too. Through Frankie’s active and fun encounters, readers soon learn that in Frankie’s world there are no gendered roles — kids are just kids! Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators, and extra tips on how to reduce gender stereotyping.
Order it at amazon, $15.95 hardcover or $9.95 paperback.
Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure
Simon & Schuster
Torben Kuhlmann’s third mouse-adventure book just might be his best one yet. The author-illustrator of Armstrong and Lindbergh has done it again Edison, an epic novella of the prettiest kind. Young mouse Pete stumbles upon an old diary which tells of a missing treasure, and Pete embarks on an amazing journey all the way to the bottom of the sea to find the treasure. Inspired by Thomas Edison, the book includes an about-Edison fact page. This book is not to be missed.
The first book in a new travel series, The Adventures of Lily Huckleberry in Scandinavia by Audrey Smit and Jackie Knapp,combines beautiful illustrations with the magic of travel. A curious little girl named Lily Huckleberry finds herself in possession of a magic globe and is inducted into a secret adventure society. She heads to Scandinavia for a Midsummer party and is immersed in a strawberry mystery as she travels around Denmark, Norway and Sweden trying to solve it. Fans of Moomin will appreciate the rich artwork and Nordic aesthetic. All parents will appreciate the message: bravery and creativity for the win!
Winner of the 2018 Moonbeam Book Award in Gold for Children’s Picture Books, Just Bee is a delightful, rhyming book written by Shannon Nataf, with wonderful illustrations by Echo Li. It’s the story of a boy who decides he doesn’t want to “be” himself. He always gets picked last for games and feels left out. But soon he meets a bee who teaches him that being who you are is the best thing in the world. The book is full of a positivity in a way that kids can totally relate to and parents will feel good about reading. The perfect antidote to an anxious day.
She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein
Written by Lynn Fulton with fab illustrations by Felicita Sala, She Made a Monster pays tribute to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the literary genius who brought the world Frankenstein. It was 200 years ago when Shelley gave birth to this infamous monster, and this book will let the young audience know not only the significance of writing it, but how important it is to follow one’s own dream.
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
This story introduces readers to Raye Montague, a hidden mastermind who made a huge impact in the U.S. Navy. When she was growing up in the 1940s, Raye decided to become an engineer. A culture of sexism and racial inequality challenged her plans but never deterred her from accomplishing her dream.
The latest in the Destroy This Book series is a totally interactive workbook that really does invite kids to tear it apart: pop-out models, step-by-step science experiments and lessons in everything from the theory of relativity to optical illusion to the discovery of radium (includes making a mini Marie Curie!). The black and white pages also call for a creative side: kids can color to their heart's content while learning tons of useful facts. Endless hours of entertainment, but don't be surprised when your kid starts correcting his teacher.
Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere
Amazon
Our editors have a soft spot for beautifully illustrated kids books that hold a history lesson, and Otis & Will Discover the Deep definitely checks all of our boxes! This gorgeous picture book is written by Katherine Roy and illustrated with stunning images throughout, tells the story of the creation of the Bathysphere, the world’s first diving machine, created by Otis Barton and Will Beebe. Sure to foster a sense of adventure and perseverance in anyone reading, this is definitely a must-read.
There’s one surefire way to get kids to eat a greater variety in their diet, including more fruits and veggies. Get them in on the cooking process! And The Help Yourself Cookbook for Kids: 60 Easy Plant-Based Recipes Kids Can Make to Stay Healthy and Save the Earth by Ruby Roth does just that. From snacks (Life Boats), to sandwiches (Leprechaun Tracks) to yummy drinks (Tickled Pink) the kids will find easy-to-follow recipes that will get them exciting about food.
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Global Reefs
Amazon
If you like the kind of book that makes you want to literally dive into its pages, this is the book for you. With dreamy illustrations by Matthew Forsythe, the powerful story of Ken Nedimyer’s quest to rescue the world’s coral reefs. This book written by Kate Messner reminds kids everywhere that “it starts with one.” Not only will you be enchanted by the layout of the book, but you’ll also be inspired by Ken. Includes a coral-reef glossary and ways kids can help.
Get ready to learn all about one of the hardest-working creatures out there: the honeybee. Kids will learn how bees talk to one another, the life of a queen bee, and what a worker bee actually does. Discover how much bees matter, why they're declining, and what everyone can do to help the bee population.
When eight-year-old Zach’s prized signed baseball goes missing, he and his twin sister swing into sleuthing action. This story is the first in a new mystery series for young readers.
Peanut Butter and Jelly (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #3)
Narwhal and Jelly are back together, and Narwhal is obsessed with peanut butter. In fact, he's so in love with peanut butter that he's ready to change his name. Jelly tries to talk him out of this idea in this fun book about accepting who we are with two of the newest lovable literary pals.
Got a marine biologist in your midst? You will once you hand them Squidtoons, written by Garfield Kwan,a PhD candidate at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego with digital illustrations by Dana Song. This book explores everything from sea dragons to the life cycle of salmon to the anatomy of a coral polyp, all with pictures that help kids visualize the beauty, mystery and diversity of ocean life.
Max's mom has surprised him with some big news: they're going on a road trip! But this is one of the first family trips they'll be heading on without Dad, and not only that, they're going to a family reunion to meet people Max has barely even heard of. Linda Urban artfully navigates the world and mind of a kid whose parents are divorced, with the distinct ability to look at it from the child's point of view. Not only that, but her clever storytelling, accompanied by occasional illustrations from Katie Kath make this book a pleasure to read. Whether you're looking for something to help relate with your child after divorce, or you just want a good bedtime story, this book is one of the best of the year, competing only with Weekends with Max and His Dad, Urban's other book. A great reminder about the power of a family, no matter what.
Meet Jordan and Justin, two besties who are the only two kids in their grade’s advanced math class. That is, until Stephanie Lewis arrives. Soon the three kids are united as the crime solving after-school sleuths, The Math Kids. They must use their math skills to make sense of the mysterious burglaries that are plaguing their neighborhood. And they even use math to learn to how to handle the class bully. We have a feeling that author David Cole has more of these exciting math-based adventures to come. (Available Dec. 3.)
This cute chapter book out just in time for that spooky feel, features a diverse cast of characters and an adventure any kid can appreciate. After an embarrassing incident at the Space Museum, Sam is on a mission to prove to his friends and the school bully that he’s not actually afraid of everything, or anything. Does this include the ghost that seems to live in the walls of Sam’s own house? By Katie & Kevin Tsang.
What kid can't relate to a bunch of misfits trying to fit in at summer camp? This story centers around a group of troubled boys, and it also tackles issues such as the social pecking order with humor and honesty.
How to Draw a Unicorn and Other Cute Animals with Simple Shapes in 5 Steps
Andrews McMeel
Keep those little minds (and hands) busy all winter long with this super cute book by illustrator Lulu May. Step-by-step instructions on how to draw creatures from anteaters to piglets to llamas and more, all using simple basic shapes like triangles, rectangles and circle. This makes it a book that allows kids to master their creatures in no time.
This brand-new chapter book will take your children to a world of magical realism alongside the sea. Alberto the widower and coffin maker, lives alone in the town of Allora, where fish fly from the glittering sea below. And then one day a little bird—followed by a little boy—arrive at Alberto’s doorstep and everyone’s lives change. With whimsical illustrations by Anuska Allepuz, this first book from author Matilda Woods reads a bit like an Isabel Allende novel for young readers. A beautiful reading experience for kids ages 8-12 (and their parents).
We can't think of anything more magical than being inspired by unicorns when cooking. This cookbook is full of brightly-colored, beautiful photos, easy to follow recipes and a decorating guide. Many of the recipes can be made in 20 minutes or less. Young chefs will love cooking up Unicorn Hot Chocolate, Slumber Party Unicorn Balls, Rainbow Cake Nirvana, No-Bake Mermaid Cheesecake, Peeps Pizza, and Dirt Worm Pie.
Escape From Shudder Mansion (Goosebumps SlappyWorld #5)
The latest in the popular Goosebumps series features twins Riley and Scarlett as they create a documentary video about their adventure being trapped in a haunted house. Can the kids make an "A" grade for staying in the haunted house overnight?
The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry: 24 Experiments for Young Scientists
Workman
Take a trip through the periodic table with the ultimate STEM book from Sean Connolly. With 24 hands-on experiments (which you can try again and again) and easy-to-follow instructions, kids can learn about chemistry by doing things like using ultraviolet light to locate bad cat smells, making “hot ice” by crystallizing vinegar and baking soda and so much more. (Available Oct. 30)
Stanley Fortinbras has a lot of anxiety about signing up for a trivia treasure hunt at the famous San Diego Comicon comic book festival. But the thought of actually winning and getting VIP tickets to the event pushes him to overcome his fears and try something new, all with the help of his neighbor, Liberty, and a superhero.
Dork Diaries 13: Tales from a Not-So-Happy Birthday
Fans of the Dork Diaries series should mark their calendars for Oct. 16, 2018. That's when the latest book in the series—Tales from a Not-So-Happy Birthday—is released. In this story, it's Nikki Maxwell's birthday, but will the day be amazing or a total bust?
This fantasy story takes place in Nedarra, a kingdom plagued by war. Byx is a dairne, a doglike creature with opposable thumbs and the ability to walk on two legs. Her pack members are the latest casualties of the fighting, so she sets off on a journey to find shelter and meets two unique creatures along the way. The story tackles complex themes while rooting for brave and lovable characters.
In 1947 India, 12-year-old Nisha is not sure where she belongs as a half-Muslim, half-Hindu in her country. When her father decides to leave Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark on a long and challenging journey to find a new home. The hopeful and personal story of this family is told through Nisha's letters to her mother.
Wimpy Kid fans are in luck! The latest story in this series comes out Oct. 30, 2018. When middle school is closed for a snow day, the neighborhood quickly transforms into a winter battlefield. Snow forts are built and snowball fights ensue, and in the middle, is Greg and Rowley. But will their friendship survive the snow meltdown? Ages: 8 - 12 Available at amazon.com, $9.90.
— Leah R. Singer with Erin Lem, Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier
Gather around and check out this collection of funny books that keep babies and toddlers in stitches. We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes for parents reading the story. Read on for your child’s new favorite books!
Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera
There’s a crisis: Polar Bear can’t find his underwear. Your little one gets to help him find it and, along the way, discover silly, surprising undies that belong to his animal friends—like Squid’s ten-legged pair. Bright colors and interactive pages make it extra fun.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
What’s a Gruffalo? Don’t you know? You’ll get to find out as you follow a clever little mouse who makes his way around the forest to have lunch with a fierce (and possibly fictional) beast. Sprightly rhymes combine with vivid illustrations for a delightful read. Pick the sturdy board book that’ll hold up to reading after reading.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Among the list of toddler faves (trucks, underwear, dogs) dragons are right up there at the top. And, as Adam Rubin’s funny story will tell you, they absolutely can not get enough tacos. Read this on taco Tuesday with—you guessed it—tacos for dinner. Just be sure the salsa’s not too spicy, or, as the story shows, there might be trouble!
Boynton’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 by Sandra Boynton
Babies go gaga over Sandra Boynton’s bubbly animals. This collection of four classic board books will keep your kiddo in stitches with pigs that say “la, la, la” and a silly turkey who can’t figure out how to wear his clothes. In Blue Hat, Green Hat, Doggies, A to Z and Moo, Ba, La La La, you’ll find the sort of mixed-up humor that’s perfect for the littlest story-lovers.
Available at amazon.com, $16.69 for a set of four.
I Am Invited to a Party (an Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems
You can’t go wrong with Mo Willems’ books, all of which know just how to hit a kid’s funny bone. In this Gerald and Piggie classic, worried Gerald and free-spirited Piggie prepare for Gerald’s first party and figure out what to wear—combining fancy dress, costume, and pool party looks in one silly get-up.
The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone
You might remember getting the giggles when you were a kid as you followed furry, lovable Grover toward the surprising monster on the last page (no spoilers!). Now, your toddler will get to demonstrate their super-strength as they break through Grover’s brick walls and locks and chains to turn page after page. This humor in this classic leaps across generational lines.
Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Been staying up late at night wondering how, exactly, the dinosaurs went extinct? Worry no more. As this silly book will show you, it was all about the underpants. Kids who are potty training, or just interested in the Jurassic period, will get a kick out of these undies-crazy dinos.
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff
Laura Numeroff’s If You Give… series of picture books takes readers on wacky journeys that begin with an unsuspecting kid giving a wily animal a treat. Little ones will be tickled by the pig’s antics as a pancake leads to sticky syrup, an overflowing bubble bath, and loads more silliness.
Poo in the Zoo! by Steve Smallman
Busy zookeeper Bob McGrew has to clean up all sorts of messes—parents, you might be able to relate. Then, an encounter between a ravenous iguana and glowing bugs leads to a magical mess that attracts a man who runs a poo museum. Yup, you read that right. This picture book is sure to unleash loads of giggles.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Farmer Brown’s typing cows send him notes chock-full of demands for all sorts of silly things. When they don’t get them, they go on strike: No milk today! Babies will love the bright pictures of their fave farm animals, and in no time they’ll catch on to the jokes centered on the animals’ off-the-wall demands.
Dog by Matthew Van Fleet
Matthew Van Fleet’s big book of dogs comes packed with flaps to lift, ears to pet, and tails to wag. The laughs here are gentle, like the one caused by the silly wag of a wet dog post-bath. This interactive picture book makes for a sweet, simple and surprising read for animal lovers.
I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty
Follow Frog as he proclaims all the reasons he does NOT want to be a frog, arguing with his exasperated father. This silly tale tends with a gut-busting twist, and includes jokes for both the grown-ups reading the book and little ones listening to it. Plus, there’s a bonus: Laughter make the book’s important message about embracing who you are go down easy.
A Birthday for Cow! by Jan Thomas
It’s time for Cow’s birthday, and Duck knows just what to add to the cake: a turnip. That’s where the fun begins in this book. Jokes on almost every page are designed to land perfectly with babies and toddlers. If your kids like this one, other books from Jan Thomas, like The Doghouse, are sure to please.
It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton
Little Liam wants nothing more than to get something in the mail that’s just for him. He imagines all sort of silly things—including, it must be said, boogers—and he finally gets something surprisingly big, just for him. With clever visual gags and wordplay, this book has layer upon layer of jokes in it.
Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter
This interactive board book with simple pictures prompts little ones to touch the irresistible, forbidden button, and then laugh at what happens next to Larry. This might be the one time in the day that your toddler will like hearing “no!” Written by a former preschool teacher who knows all about little-kid humor, this short-and-sweet tale will prompt a giggle-fest.
Want to raise a bookworm? A bookshelf packed with a mix of classics and new faves makes for blissful bedtime reading and is the first step to raising a reader. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 storybooks that have been mesmerizing little ones for years, from tales about ravenous caterpillars to mischievous bunnies. You’ll probably remember a few from your own childhood.
Everywhere Babies
This sweet book, available in sturdy board book and hardcover editions, celebrates beloved babies sleeping, eating and being snuggled. It’s a short, sweet read with vibrant illustrations of diverse babies that will mesmerize your little one.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
There’s a reason illustrator Eric Carle has his own museum. You could fill a little one’s library just with his brilliant, award-winning work, but if you only pick one Eric Carle book, pick The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It offers early exposure to counting and vibrant art that pops off the page. Plus, little ones love feeling the tiny holes the caterpillar has chomped through the strawberries and salami. Fun fact: Did you know a hole puncher provided the inspiration for this tale?
Boynton’s Greatest Hits
Sandra Boynton’s joyful words and exuberant animals make story time extra fun. Instead of picking just one of her books, snatch up a copy of Boynton’s Greatest Hits, a collection that includes four of your kid’s soon-to-be faves, including Blue Hat, Green Hat and Moo, Baa, La La La. These books have just the right kind of mixed-up, silly humor that toddlers love, and the short and sweet language is perfect for tiny attention spans.
Chika Chicka Boom Boom
Fair warning: You may find the catchy alphabet rhymes from Chicka Chicka Boom Boom running through your head long after story time is over. Poppy, bold illustrations and clever text introduce little ones to their A to Zs.
Goodnight Moon
Your parents probably read you Margaret Wise Brown’s classic Goodnight Moon when you were a wee one. It’s the right length (short!) for baby bedtime reading, and the repetitive text is soothing. Plus, little ones love revisiting the rhythm of the bunny’s routine and bidding goodnight to the pair of mittens and three little kittens.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter’s beloved book makes for a perfect first birthday gift. As your little one’s attention span grows, you can introduce mischievous Peter’s adventures in Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden and delight over the sweet supper of blackberries and milk.
Guess How Much I Love You
Remind your little one that you love them to the moon and back by reading about the little nut brown hare and his papa. Older kids will love mimicking the story and trying to find as many big, big things as they can to express their love for you. Extra bedtime hugs guaranteed.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Mo Willems’ story of a lost stuffed bunny hits home for any little one who’s ever had a stuffie go missing. Knuffle Bunny stars bald-headed Trixie, who is every toddler, amid a mix of photos and cute illustrations.
Green Eggs and Ham
Introduce your child to Sam-I-Am, and to trying new things, with Dr. Seuss’s classic Green Eggs and Ham. With any luck, it’ll inspire your toddler to try a bite of spinach alongside scrambled eggs. Hey, it’s worth a try!
Last Stop on Market Street This Newbery Medal winner is one of the new classics. Matt de la Peña’s story of a grandmother and her grandson riding the bus across town reveals the beauty in every day life in the city.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Get out the tissues: This book sends a heart-warming message that our differences are valuable, one that kids are never too young to hear. It’s available as a sturdy board book that’ll stand up to reading it over and over (and over) again.
Llama Llama Zippity Zoom
Anna Dewdney’s short, simple Llama Llama books have loads of baby and toddler superfans who’ve fallen in love with Llama Llama’s never-ending energy and the story’s ear-catching rhymes. In this book, Llama Llama zooms around the playground. Others have him going to sleep in red pajamas, learning to share, and missing mama when he starts preschool.
Say Hello!
Follow Carmelita and her pup as they walk through their neighborhood in this new classic, which introduces little ones to all the ways there are to say hello.
Good Night, Gorilla
Zoo lovers flip over Peggy Rathmann’s tale of animals who follow the zookeeper home. The silly animals’ mischievous antics always tickle toddlers’ funny bones. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading this one nightly.
The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats’ Caldecott award winner shows his beloved character Peter exploring the snow-covered street outside his apartment. It’s a sweet, quiet story of life in the city that little ones adore.
A Child’s Book of Poems
Illustrator Gyo Fujikawa’s roly poly, chubby-cheeked little ones fill the pages of this collection of classic poems. Toddlers love looking at the layered illustrations while listening to poems like “Winken, Blinken, and Nod” and the classic nursery rhymes that fill these pages.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Vehicular-minded kids go nuts for Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne. Author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton tested her work on a tough audience, her own two sons, so you know it’s good.
Corduroy
This classic tale of friendship between a teddy bear and his girl stands up to multiple readings. Don’t be surprised if your child starts begging for a Corduroy of their very own.
The Little Red Caboose
You probably remember hardcover Little Golden Books from your days of learning the A-B-Cs. If you only pick one Golden Book for your baby’s bookshelf, make it The Little Red Caboose, the story of a hard-working train car that wants to be noticed like the big steam engine.
Make sure to capture all those cute moments with your budding bookworm—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Have a baby or toddler who loves visiting the zoo and waving to all the neighborhood dogs? Then we have some books for you. Your little one will love learning animal sounds while flipping through these stories packed with pictures of cute and cuddly animals. Below, you’ll find 11 fantastic animal-themed books, from old favorites to soon-to-be classics, that will turn your animal lover into a bookworm.
Baby Animals Take a Nap
Want your little one to drift off to dreamland? This collection of snoozing animal friends just might encourage your babe to go to sleep. Sweet illustrations combine with interesting facts about animal sleeping patterns (dolphins nap while they swim!) in this sturdy board book.
While staring into those gorgeous baby eyes never gets old, new parents do in fact get the urge to leave the house. When you need something stimulating, these classes pull triple duty. They carve out beautiful bonding time for the two of you, they keep the stir crazies at bay, and you just might meet some friends that will last a lifetime – for you both.
photo credit: The Zimmer Children’s Museum
crEATe at the Zimmer
The first thing babies do is put everything in their mouths. And here, it’s ok! In this edible art class, your little ones will develop fine and gross motor skills by exploring artistic techniques with a yummy twist: the materials are organic and edible. Think fruit pop painting, noodle play and veggie sculpting. You’ll learn ways to recreate the activities at home, too.
Ages: crawlers – 24 mos Cost: $10 plus museum admission for drop-ins, $60 for session of 6 weeks Location: The Zimmer Museum, Miracle Mile Online:zimmermuseum.org
photo credit: KidSwim
Parent & Child Swim Lessons with KidSwim
Water safety is extra important in the land of beaches and swimming pools, and you (literally) can’t start them too young. This is a no-brainer of a bonding experience, as it’s fun for both babies and parents, and boy, does it feel good when it’s warm out (which is most of they year). Here you’ll learn how to hold your child in the water so that both you and she feel safe and comfortable, as well as teach your baby to kick, blow bubbles, jump in and climb out of the pool, float and glide.
Ages: 6-30 months Cost: $20/parent + child per lesson Location: Multiple pools around town. Or they’ll come to you for private lessons in your pool. Online:kidswim.org
photo credit: Orit Harpaz
Play Music
If you’re at home with more kids than just a new baby, this mixed-age, music and movement class is perfect. Welcoming for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and parents, the music here draws from a variety of cultures, genres, and traditions, and helps kids explore music and moving at their own pace. We love that you can grow with this class, take your older siblings if you need to, and stick around for drop-in art activities after class.
Ages: 6 months – 4 years Cost: $240 for a 10 week session, with discounts for siblings. Location: Play on 3rd in Mid-City LA Online:play-losangeles.com
Mommy & Me (Daddies too!) at Golden Bridge
Baby yoga classes are popular around town, and this is one of our favorites. The class is a chance for parents to get some real exercise, while relaxing (sometimes new parents need the reminders to breathe, and yoga is great for that!) dancing and playing together. In this class, the kids are by your side as you stretch and strengthen. Then the kids join in for their turn with movement, coordinated with songs, dancing and brain development exercises. We also highly recommend the Aquarian Family class at Ra Ma Yoga in Venice and the Baby & Me class at Silverlake Yoga.
Ages: 6 weeks to 3 years Cost: $20 Location: Golden Bridge in Hollywood & Santa Monica Online:goldenbridgeyoga.com
Moo Moo Musica
We’ll get to how much kids love the class in a minute, but first we have to praise how perfectly this class understands parents. There’s a class every day of the week. You can buy a series of classes, but you don’t need to take them once a week or even on the same day of the week. The price is the same for the whole family (a blessing for parents of twins or multiple littles under 4), and there’s no restriction that requires one parent per child, as there are at many baby classes. Moo Moo Musica is a multi-language music, dance, and play class that stimulates motor and social skills – as well as messages and experiences that support ecology and community. And it’s there for you when you need it.
Ages: babies to 4 years old Cost: $17 per class (per family, however many kids you have!). Keep an eye out for special $10 classes that pop up frequently. Your first class is free. Location: Electric Lodge in Venice Online:moomoomusica.com
Zooga Yoga
This space wins for the most fun room for kids! We have two fave classes here. Baila Baila Bebe is a Spanish immersion music class that we love because it gets your brain working again (that infamous Mommy brain comes by it’s reputation honestly). And we also love the Sing and Sign Babies class that helps parents learn to communicate with babes when their typical communication is a wail. A bonus from taking any class at Zooga Yoga is that kids get used to coming here. As soon as they’re potty trained, you can take advantage of the Parent’s Night Out and get date night back on the calendar!
Ages: 6 weeks -2 years Cost: Drop in classes are $22. We really recommend starting with the $50 for one month of unlimited classes. This way you can test out all the classes and pick the one that’s the best fit for your baby. Location: Zooga Yoga in Culver City Online:zoogayoga.com
New Mom’s Group at The Sanctuary
This is less of a class and more of a gathering. If you don’t have an active Mom’s group in your immediate neighborhood, this is a wonderful starting point for brand new parents to re-engage in the world. Bring you baby and hang out with other new parents who have questions and stories to share and commiserate (there’s lots of poop and sleep talk). This is perfect when you don’t feel like exercise or play, but you want to snuggle with your baby and connect with each other, and other parents and babies. If you want a fabulous one-time class, we also recommend taking the Baby Massage workshop.
Ages: newborn to six months. Cost: $15/class or 5 meetings for $50 Location: The Sanctuary in Mar Vista Online:birthsanctuary.com
photo credit: Ladybug Music
Ladybug Music
We have to include these two time Totally Awesome Award winners! The focus here is on playing a diverse and eclectic music that parents will enjoy, as well as kids, (Reggaeton jams to Appalachian lullabies, Surf punk ditties to Brazilian beats) so that everyone looks forward to class. Kids learn about pitch, tempo, melody and rhythm and use their bodies and voices to make music. Parents go home with a CD of the music, and the tools to keep learning and teaching music at home.
Ages: baby to 4 years old. Cost: You can take a free demo class before sessions start. A session is 10 weeks and is $240 per child, $140 for additional siblings. Location: With classes at 6 locations from South Pasadena to Hollywood to Santa Monica to the Valley, there’s probably a Ladybug Music near you. Online:ladybugmusic.com
The Pump Station
Of course you know about the Pump Station – it’s your first stop for nursing and baby gear. But it should also be one of your fist stops for classes. They offer several Parent and Me classes led by different instructors, as well as specific groups for dads, twins, first time parents and second time parents. They also offer classes in music, fitness and books for babies. If you’re not sure where your interested lie, but you’d like to meet other moms and dads and spend some bonding time with baby, a great place to find a class that fits your needs is the Pump Station. (And if you’re a new and overwhelmed parent, you can also take some great workshops here on breastfeeding, infant massage, CPR or getting baby to sleep.)
Ages: Ages vary by class, from newborn to 4 years. Cost: Prices vary depending on class and location. Location: Locations in Hollywood, Santa Monica and Westlake. Online:pumpstation.com
Music & Signing at Wondertree
Music & Signing is the most popular class they offer at Wondertree, and we can see why. The class teaches parents the basics of American Sign Language to babies started signing at an early age, which means you can communicate before they’re verbal. With play, music, instruments and other developmentally appropriate activities, your tiny tot will learn to talk to you (and set you straight) at a very young age. There are all types of props used in the classes: musical instruments, drums, parachutes, scarves, guitar, piano and bubbles, so if you’re thinking that a language class is too rigorous (and not fun) for baby, think again!
Ages: 6 weeks to 10 months Cost: $25 per drop in or $79 for a month of once a week classes. You can sign up to take your first class here for free. Location: Wondertree in El Segundo Online:wondertreekids.com
-Meghan Rose
Do you have a favorite class to take with baby? Chime in, in the comment section below.
