The holiday season is the perfect time to give a gift that lasts far longer than December: a good book. Reading with children from birth through age five is one of the most powerful ways to support brain development, language growth, emotional bonding, and early literacy skills. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that shared reading builds stronger neural connections and is a major predictor of later school success. Instead of choosing books based on marketing, this guide helps you choose high-quality, developmentally meaningful books that are similar to the ones your child already enjoys at Training Wheels Childcare.
- Board Books for Babies (0–2 Years)
Why they matter: Board books are perfect for tiny hands, strengthening early motor skills and encouraging tactile exploration. Babies learn language from hearing your voice and begin forming vocabulary long before they can speak. Simple, sturdy books allow them to chew, bang, and turn pages which are all important parts of early literacy.
Developmental research: Zero to Three emphasizes that infants learn foundational communication skills from face-to-face interaction and hearing rich, repetitive language.
What to look for:
- High-contrast images
- Repetition
- Simple, rhythmic text
- Real photos of babies, animals, or family life
- Books with textures, flaps, or mirrors
Already at Training Wheels Childcare: Our infant and toddler classrooms use board books with real images, simple text, and sensory features. If your child enjoys turning pages or pointing to pictures during circle time, these books will feel instantly familiar at home.
- Picture Books for Toddlers (Ages 2–3)
Why they matter: As toddlers grow, stories help them expand vocabulary, understand emotions, and follow simple sequences. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child notes that early storytelling builds key executive function skills such as working memory and attention.
What to look for:
- Short, predictable stories
- Books that name emotions
- Animal or daily routine themes
- Rhyming and repetition
- Bright but uncluttered illustrations
Holiday gift ideas: Need a few titles? Think to the classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, or Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker,
Already at Training Wheels Childcare: In our toddler rooms, children love books that repeat phrases, involve animal sounds, or allow them to “read along.” If your child often helps finish lines in a story during circle time, choose books with strong patterns and rhythm.
- Stories for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
Why they matter: Preschoolers are ready for richer plots, humor, character emotions, and imaginative worlds. Books for this age support early comprehension, narrative thinking and vocabulary growth. As a parent, you know you have found a good book when your child begins problem-solving or having social–emotional thoughts relating to the characters.
The AAP highlights that picture books stimulate brain areas supporting imagery and story comprehension, especially when adults engage children in conversations during reading.
What to look for:
- Engaging stories with beginning, middle, and end
- Themes of friendship, curiosity, emotions, perseverance
- Diverse characters and cultures
- Opportunities for prediction (“What do you think will happen next?”)
- Lyrical language or interesting vocabulary
Holiday gift ideas:
- The Mitten by Jan Brett
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
- Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
- Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Already at Training Wheels Childcare: Preschool classrooms regularly enjoy seasonal stories, friendship-themed books, and books tied to our monthly curriculum. If your child talks about “the bear book,” “the snow book,” or “the owl book,” these suggestions will extend that excitement.
- Books That Build Social–Emotional Learning
Why they matter: Managing feelings, navigating friendships, and practicing empathy are skills learned over time. Books are one of the easiest ways to help young children understand emotions safely and simply. Zero to Three notes that children develop emotional literacy through naming feelings, observing others, and talking about experiences.
What to look for:
- Stories about managing big feelings
- Characters who solve problems or show kindness
- Books that teach patience, turn-taking, and empathy
- Stories with clear, relatable events
Holiday gift ideas
- The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
- Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
- In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
- Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
Already at Training Wheels Childcare: Teachers frequently use books to help children identify emotions and practice calming strategies. If your child references “the feelings book,” these SEL-focused stories will reinforce the same lessons at home.
- Books That Encourage Participation
Why they matter: Interactive reading boosts attention span, engagement, and language growth. These books let children take an active role in storytelling which is something that develops early narrative skills and memory.
Types of participatory books include Lift-the-flap books, “Press here” / movement-based books, Songbooks or rhyme books, and Repetitive pattern books.
Holiday gift ideas
- Press Here by Hervé Tullet
- Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
- The Wheels on the Bus (any illustrated version)
- From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
Already at Training Wheels Childcare: Children love participating in motion stories and lift-the-flap books during group read-alouds. If your child wiggles, jumps, or shouts along during story time, interactive books are perfect.
- Culturally Diverse Books
Why they matter: Exposure to diverse books helps children develop empathy, a sense of belonging, and an understanding of the world. Representation matters even for the youngest readers. The AAP encourages reading inclusive books to support identity development.
Holiday gift ideas
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
- Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard
- Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
- Holiday books from different cultures and traditions
Choose Books That Invite Conversation, Imagination, and Connection
A high-quality children’s book:
- Has rich language or engaging rhythm
- Helps build vocabulary and emotional understanding
- Encourages questions and curiosity
- Invites your child to connect with the story
Most importantly: you make any book better simply by reading it together. Snuggling up with a story not only strengthens language and literacy for it strengthens your bond.
If you’d like personalized suggestions based on the kinds of books your child loves at Training Wheels Childcare, feel free to ask your child’s teacher. Reading is a gift that truly grows with your child all year long.