Some toddlers crave ice cream. Others crave an audience for their one-dinosaur puppet show.
But every toddler, at some point, becomes obsessed with a particular board book (or ten), to the point where you start reciting the lines in your sleep and wonder if you’ll ever read grown-up prose again.
The good news: The right board book can buy you a few precious minutes of peace, a cuddle, or even a nap (as mythical as that sounds).
Here’s a round-up of ten board books that have reached cult status among little hands and sticky fingers—chosen for their indestructibility, infectious rhythm, and magical ability to make “Again!” the happiest word in your child’s vocabulary.
1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
This classic feels like it’s been passed down through the DNA of every toddler parent. Every page offers a new animal and a fresh splash of Eric Carle’s iconic collage art.
The comforting repetition and simple structure make it a hit for kids learning colours, animals, and the art of finishing each other’s sentences.
Research shows that repetition helps toddlers build vocabulary and confidence. That explains why, if you skip a page, you’ll be forcefully corrected by a tiny but firm voice.
The sing-song text also means you’ll find yourself humming “Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?” in the shower. Sorry (not sorry).
2. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
This lift-the-flap adventure is basically the OG interactive book. Toddlers love opening each flap to find out which animal the zoo has sent—some too big, too fierce, too naughty, but at last, the perfect pet appears.
Flaps might not survive a teething phase, but the anticipation of “What’s behind this?” never gets old.
Plus, you get to work on animal noises, which is a fun way to embarrass yourself in public places (libraries, trains, dentist’s waiting rooms—don’t ask).
3. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
Speaking of flaps, here’s the book that made them famous.
Spot’s mother is searching high and low, and the suspense is real—even on the tenth reading before breakfast. Each flap reveals a new animal or a twist, and young readers delight in shouting “No!” or “There he is!” at the top of their lungs.
The book’s simplicity is its genius: short sentences, clear illustrations, and lots of chances for your toddler to “read” along.
Fun fact: child development experts recommend lift-the-flap books like this for building memory and prediction skills.
4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
It’s not just a bedtime book—it’s a ritual. The gentle rhymes and soft illustrations wind everything (and everyone) down for the night.
Even after you’ve “goodnighted” the cow and the red balloon for the thousandth time, there’s a strange comfort in its predictability.
Parents report that, after a few reads, kids start to point out their own “great green rooms” and say goodnight to everything from socks to the family dog.
It’s a sweet way to slow down, catch your breath, and maybe, just maybe, encourage a little sleep.
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This one’s basically the Beatles of board books—universally adored, instantly recognisable, and likely to get stuck in your head.
Kids adore poking their fingers through the little holes as the caterpillar munches its way through apples, pears, and (on one glorious day) a stomach-ache’s worth of treats.
It’s a sneaky way to introduce counting, days of the week, and healthy eating (well, until Saturday rolls around). Early childhood literacy experts consistently recommend it for its tactile elements and bright visuals.
6. Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden
Peek-a-boo isn’t just a game—it’s a lifestyle for babies and toddlers.
This clever little book uses die-cut windows to keep the surprises coming, with rhyming clues that have your child guessing what’s next.
Short and punchy, it’s perfect for wiggly kids who rarely sit still for long. The grand finale (“Peek-a…YOU!”) is guaranteed to bring a big grin.
And you’ll be “peek-a-ing” your way through supermarket aisles and nappy changes before you know it.
7. Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
Boynton is the queen of absurdity, and this book proves it. Three singing pigs, a chorus of barnyard animals, and just enough nonsense to keep everyone giggling.
The rhythmic, rhyming text makes it easy to memorise (which is handy when you’re reading it upside-down while fending off a toddler’s foot in your face).
Studies show that playful, rhyming books can help boost phonological awareness—a fancy way of saying your toddler might someday thank you when they ace spelling tests at school.
8. Where is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz
A celebration of tiny tummies, chubby cheeks, and the never-ending delight of peek-a-boo, Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? is a favourite for good reason.
Karen Katz’s bright, gentle illustrations and soft colour palette make this lift-the-flap book feel as cuddly as your kiddo’s post-bath pajamas.
Each page hides a different body part—baby’s eyes, hands, feet, and of course, that elusive belly button. The flaps are big enough for little hands to manage, and the text is so simple, your toddler will be “reading” it back to you in no time.
9. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
The alphabet never sounded so good. This high-energy romp up the coconut tree uses rhyme and repetition to make letters irresistible.
The zippy illustrations are pure 1980s technicolour, and your toddler will be chanting “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!” all through dinner.
Alphabet recognition gets a head start, and if you’re lucky, the refrain might just drown out the theme song from Cocomelon (for five minutes, at least).
10. The Going-To-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Yes, more Boynton. Blame the genius of a book about animals getting ready for bed, exercising on the deck of a boat, then scrubbing up in the bath, and tucking in.
The gentle humour and singable rhyme make this a bedtime staple.
Many parents report that it actually makes the bedtime routine easier, which is the kind of magic that should be available on the NHS.
The illustrations are playful but never overstimulating—just right for winding down.
How to (Almost) Survive Reading the Same Book for the 187th Time
There’s a reason toddlers fixate on a favourite board book. Predictability feels safe. Familiar words build confidence.
And let’s be honest, it’s fun to have power over the grown-ups for once—“Read it again!” is an irresistible command.
If you find yourself longing for a change, try these parent-tested tricks:
- Switch up your delivery. Silly voices, dramatic pauses, or a whispered version can bring a fresh twist.
- Hand the book over and let your child “read” to you, even if it’s just babble. You’ll be amazed at what they remember.
- Use the characters for impromptu puppet shows or retellings. Brown Bear at bath time is a crowd-pleaser.
- Keep a small rotation of books within reach and stash the others for a few days. When a “lost” book magically returns, it’s suddenly as exciting as a new toy.
And remind yourself: this phase won’t last forever. Soon enough, they’ll be onto picture books, then chapter books, and you’ll look back fondly (ish) on the days of reciting animal sounds at bedtime.
Why Board Books Matter More Than You Think
Behind every toddler’s request for “more book” is a growing brain: learning words, building routines, and discovering that books mean joy, connection, and comfort.
The right board book can turn a cranky evening into a cuddle, and a curious child into a lifelong reader.
Next time your little one drags a battered, banana-sticky board book onto your lap for the fifth time in ten minutes, know that you’re not just repeating yourself—you’re laying the groundwork for language, empathy, and maybe even a few precious minutes of stillness.
Here’s to well-loved pages, taped-up flaps, and the endless refrain of “Again!”
