Beautiful first picture books with simpler text, familiar settings or playful language — perfect for sharing with toddlers and emerging book lovers. Suitable for children aged 2 and up.
Eva Wong Nava and Holly Sterling, Walker Books
Wednesday Is for Wiggling takes us through a week of exciting daily activities, with family time, nursery fun and plenty of wiggling! With gentle, inclusive storytelling, charming illustrations and lovely use of alliteration, this delightfully sweet book is a joyous read for little ones.
Nadia Shireen, Jonathan Cape
Billy and Fatcat find a key and a map, in a bottle. Pirate-captain Howl believes it will unlock a treasure chest and seeks to steal it. Can our daring pairing outwit him, and how will they escape the clutches of mermaids, sharks and a kraken? A rip-roaringly fun read!
Evgenia Golubeva, Child's Play
Every time Olivia’s mum calls her “Mouse,” Olivia turns into one. After a couple of close calls with some helium balloons and the cat, her mum sees sense – but now it’s happening to everyone! Reflecting on kids outgrowing baby treatment – and ending in sweet revenge when Olivia’s mum turns into a chicken.
Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw, Alanna Max
Lulu learns to plant a garden and invites her friends to enjoy it with her. The story starts with the classic 'Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary,' and ends with Lulu's own version, both sweet songs to sing to a little one at bedtime.
Smriti Halls and Rosalind Beardshaw, Walker Books
Mabel gets to choose a pet for her family but none of the ones she chooses seem right – they’re either too big, or too small, or too scary, or too wriggly. At last she decides on one she’s sure will be perfect, but will her family agree?
Rikin Parekh, Hodder and Stoughton
Riku is a little tiger with big sky-high plans to fly! Coming from a line of triumphant tigers, he’s determined not to give up. He tries springs, beans, balloons and a bouncy castle all to no avail. He finds help and support from his feathered friends.
Corrinne Averiss and Rosalind Beardshaw, Orchard Books
A little girl finds a fallen star, and nurses him back to health. As he grows stronger, so does their friendship. When he is well enough to leave, she lets him, and as he dazzles in the night sky, she is happy to remember their time together. Adorable illustrations!
Timothy Knapman and Joe Berger, Macmillan Childrens Books
A young child longs to assert his independence: sometimes he will do what he’s supposed to, but sometimes, he just WON'T! This funny and relatable story may well help to diffuse family tensions. With cheerful, skillful illustrations.
Reading with your toddler is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your bond, support their development, and spark a lifelong love of books.
As well as fostering an emotional connection through those calm, cuddly moments, shared reading is also linked to better language skills and long-term academic success.
Meanwhile, inclusive children's books nurture a sense of belonging, healthy self-esteem, empathy, and mutual respect and undertanding.
That’s why we founded Inclusive Books for Children. We make it easy to find the best diverse toddler books, all reviewed by experts and searchable by theme, age, and representation. Learn more about us here
Sources:
Why Is It Important to Read to Your Child – Child Mind Institute
Shared book reading with toddlers boosts academic development – ScienceDirect