50 Best Board Books for 1 Year Old: Favorite toddler reads

best board books for one year old arranged in columns featuring the front cover illustrations from goodnight moon; ten, nine, eight by molly bang, one is one by tasha tudor; jamberry and more.

Board Books for 1 Year Old. Of course, this book list is not just for one-year-olds. That title simply makes this list more searchable on Google. 🙂 This list is filled with the BEST of the BEST board books for babies and toddlers. These precious books fill many book baskets scattered around our home. Board books are listed in alphabetical order by author. Also, these board books make great baby shower gifts!

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More than 50 Board Books for One Year Old: Best Classic Board Books for Your Home Library

1. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

A happy dancing giraffe turns a backflip under the light of the moon on the book cover features on books for six month and up. — Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

Poor Gerald cannot dance. He is always buckling at the knees. After advice from a wise cricket to find a different song, his confidence increases as he learns to dance and hear the music differently.

2. Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang

An African American female dressed in a yellow nightdress waits for her daddy to put her to bed on the book cover of "Ten, Nine, Eight," a featured book on the books for six month old and up list. — Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang

This is another precious bedtime book on this list of the best board books for one year old. A father prepares his little daughter for bed with cuddles and kisses in the bedtime countdown.

3. Silly Lullaby by Sandra Boynton

Chickens sleeping in a big white clawfoot tub on a starry night. — Silly Lullaby by Sandra Boynton

“The chickens in the bathtub, the closet full of sheep.” This one is sure to get stuck in your head. The best thing about Boynton’s books is they are simple and fun to read, making her board books great reads at the end of the day (especially for tired caregivers).

More Favorite Board Books by Sandra Boynton

It was so hard to choose one of her books, so here is a list of our favorite board books by Sandra Boynton:

4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

red and green curtains in a room with green walls and a gray fireplace with a fire going and a yellow cow running in a green pasture framed above the fireplace — Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Say goodnight to all the familiar objects safely tucked in the great green room. This classic board book for young children contains simple text and high-contrast images appropriate for babies.

5. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Two white bunnies, a mom and a baby bunny, stand in the tall grass on a clear sunny day on the book cover of "The Runaway Bunny." — The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The steadfast love and devotion of a mother are on display in this good book. A baby bunny imaginatively runs away from his mother. This book is a great way to reassure your little one that you will always be there for them no matter what.

6. Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

Farm animals are standing on the green grass in front of a big red barn on a sunny summer day. — Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

The simple yet rhythmic text describes the animals on the farm and provides a little glimpse into a day on the farm at the big red barn. This is a simple but good book.

7. Bunny’s Noisy Book by Margaret Wise Brown

A sweet fuzzy bunny hugs his mama in a grassy meadow on the classic children's book "Bunny's Noisy Book" by Margaret Wise Brown, a book on the best spring read aloud books for kindergarten booklist. — Bunny’s Noisy Book by Margaret Wise Brown

The charming book follows a cute bunny as he hears the signs of spring and ventures out of his burrow. He spends the day nibbling on grass and, as night falls, he hears Mama Bunny’s warning thumps and rushes home just before the fox barks.

8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The very hungry caterpillar crawls across the white cover of one of the books for six month old babies book list. — The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This classic picture book is a must for a child’s home library. I cannot say enough great things about this beautiful book. The very hungry caterpillar has its fill of many different foods throughout the week. With a tummy ache, he munches on a green leaf before being a part of one of the most miraculous marvels of nature.

9. The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

A colorful spider sits on a giant spider web on the classic Children's book by Eric Carle "The Very Busy Spider," a book on the Best August Picture Books for Kids booklist. — The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

This beloved book is about a busy spider who spins her web on a fence post. The animals come by and attempt to distract her from her work, but she keeps spinning. The book is filled with classic illustrations by Eric Carle and fun, rhythmic text.

10. The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

A big red and black grouchy ladybug standing in the grass is featured on the beloved classic children's book by Eric Carle. — The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

This Grouchy Ladybug is ill-tempered with poor manners. Along her journey, she learns the benefits of friends and good manners. The perfect way to address manners with your youngest readers.

11. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow

Five little monkeys dressed in the pajamas jump on their bed on the front of the classic board book "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" by Eileen Christelow, a book featured on the best board books for one year old booklist. — Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow

This is the board book version of the children’s nursery song Five Little Monkeys. The monkeys brush their teeth, put on their pajamas, and say goodnight to their mama. Then, the fun begins, but one by one, they fall off and bump their heads.

12. I’ll Love You Till The Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi

A herd of cattle gather around a rocket ship with a full moon resting over the pasture on the children's book cover "I'll love You Til the Cows Come Home," a book on the Valentine books for preschool booklist. — I’ll Love You Till The Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi

This is a perfect Valentine’s book for kids. The fun story takes you on a journey from astronaut cows and big-wheeled bike-reading frogs to Cadillac-driving yaks and sailor sheep in a humorous tribute to the old saying, “I’ll love you til the cows come home.”

13. Jamberry by Bruce Degen

A bear and a little boy wearing orange pants both joyfully celebrate over gathering baskets of blueberries on the cover of the book "Jamberry." — Jamberry by Bruce Degen

This book is filled with rhyme and rhythm as these two berry-loving friends embark on an adventure of berry-seeking.

14. Tomie’s Little Mother Goose by Tomie dePaola

Mother goose flying on a goose illustrated by Tomie Depaola on the beloved children's board book "Tomie's Little Mother Goose," a book on the best board books for one year old booklist. — Tomie’s Little Mother Goose by Tomie dePaola

Find a Mother Goose book that you love! We love Tomie dePaola’s children’s books. This Mother Goose book is one of our favorites.

It can be tempting to pass on Mother Goose BUT…”Children entering kindergarten would have better speech habits, and first-grade children would have a greater power with and feeling for words if more were done with Mother Goose in the homes. Knowing dozens of the verses expands the imagination, increases the vocabulary, and develops an ear for the music of words. Enjoying Mother Goose predisposes children to other books” (May Hill Arbuthnot, of Flora Stone Mather College, Western Reserve University from her book “Children and Books,” 1947)

15. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

A blue green striped fish with a long frown looks sad deep while he rests deep on the ocean floor on the book cover of "The Pout-Pout Fish." — The Pout-P out Fish by Deborah Diesen

The gloomy and blue Pout-Pout fish spreads the “dreary-wearies” all over the place, but he finds a fish that brightens his day, and he spreads “cheery-cheeries” all over the place.

16. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

Baby llama dressed in red pajama holds his stuffed llama tightly while tucked in bed with a concerned look on his face on the book cover "Llama Lama Red Pajama," a book on the Best May picture books for kids booklist. — Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

“Mama Llama’s always near even if she’s not right here.” This is a sweet story with simple text in a fun rhyme about Baby Llama’s struggle at bedtime. This one is perfect for little ones who struggle at bedtime.

17. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The Gruffalo looks at the little brown mouse standing on a tree stump while he discusses something intently with the use of his hands. — The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep dark woods, trying to avoid being a snack; he convinces the hungry forest creatures he is meeting the Gruffalo, a most fierce creature.

18. Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman

A white dog wearing a red collar sadly looks up at the small white bird standing on his head on the book blue cover of "Are You My Mother?" — Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman

A baby bird goes on a hunt for his mother. This one is a beloved book in our house. With its torn binding and roughed-up edges, it remains a frequent read even as my kids grow.

19. Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

Red and orange flowers growing tall fill the book cover of "Planting a Rainbow" by Lois Ehlert, a children's book author. — Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

This simple book includes the names of many flowers. A mom and her child plant a rainbow of various plants, from buying seeds in a catalog to seedlings at the nursery. They enjoy their colorful garden each year. This book is perfect for toddlers learning colors and older kids learning the names of flowers.

Another Favorite by Lois Ehlert

20. Corduroy by Don Freeman

A little brown stuffed bear wearing green corduroy overalls reaches down for his lost button a soft mattress on the red cover of the book "Corduroy." — Corduroy by Don Freeman

A little girl named Lisa falls in love with this cozy teddy bear dressed in green overalls. Corduroy notices he is missing a button and hunts for his button so that he looks his best when Lisa returns to the department store. His desire for a home is strong, and Lisa gives him a home and friendship.

21. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

A little baby boy dressed in blue with a green scarf reaches out for mom while being pushed on a wooden swing on the board book "Ten little fingers and ten little toes" by Mem Fox, a book on the best board books for one year old booklist. — Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

This is a precious board book to celebrate precious babies from all around the world and their cubby little fingers and toes.

“And both of these babies
as everyone knows
has ten little fingers
And ten little toes.”

22. Time for Bed by Mem Fox

A mama sheep and a baby sheep resting in the grass rub heads together at bedtime on the book cover of "Time For Bed." — Time for Bed by Mem Fox

This precious book is a perfect bedtime book. Cuddle up and cozy in as the animal mamas tuck the baby animals to sleep.

23. The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall

Warm beautiful illustrations of a honeybee and golden field of blooming flowers covers the children's spring book "The Honeybee," a book on the Spring read aloud books for kindergarten booklist. — The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall

This is a delightful picture book about honey bees with beautiful and vibrant illustrations written in a sing-song verse that captures the enchanting dance of the honeybees.

24. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill

A tan puppy with brown sports looks into a wooden chest with a blue background — Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill

Spot is missing, and it’s dinner time. Sally goes on a hunt to find him. This book is a classic lift a flat book that encourages kiddos to interact and find Spot.

25. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Harold, a young boy wearing a blue suit and carrying a purple crayon, scribbles on the book cover of "Harold and the Purple Crayon," an old childrens book. — Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

One night Harold and his trusty crayon draw adventures of sea, land, and woods, returning to his safe in his bed with the moon shining through his bedroom window. This book is a great way to spark a child’s imagination.

26. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

A little boy in a red snowsuit stares back at his snowy footprints. — The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

In this beloved story, Peter dons his snowsuit and goes out on a beautiful snowy day. This child’s wonder of the snowy day is so contagious.

27. Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

Peter, an African American young boy bends over to whistle for his black dog named Willie on the book cover of "Whistle for Willie," a book on the booklist of children's books about perseverance. — Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

Peter, the main character wants to whistle so his dog, Willie, will respond. He tries all day while doing the activities of an imaginative little boy in the city. At the day’s end, determined Peter gets it. Young children will love the bold, warm colors and the simple text.

28. The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

A little boy drops a carrot seed into a hole in the ground on the book cover of "The Carrot Seed," a book on the booklist of children's books about perseverance. — The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

In the face of skepticism, a young boy plants a carrot seed, waters it, and cultivates it into the biggest carrot in many neighboring counties. This simple story focuses on a little boy’s determination and patience.

29. Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire

Spot the colorful spotted leopard smells a flower while lying on his back on the board book "Put me in the zoo," a book feature don the best board books for one year old booklist. — Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire

This is a fun board book about Spot, the polka-leopard who can do amazing things with the colors of his spots. He wants to be in the zoo but he is put out. He shows all the amazing things he can do with his spots to two children and they help him find a place to belong.

30. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr

A brightly colored palm tree with two dark purple coconuts covers the pink and orange book cover "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" a book for babies and toddlers — Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr

Introduce your kids to the alphabet with these silly little alphabetic characters who pile in the coconut tree.

31. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See? by Bill Martin Jr

A big happy brown bear stands with his head tilted to the side on the book cover of "Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?" one of the board books for six month old babies. — Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See? by Bill Martin Jr

The classic book contains colorful illustrations with high contrast. High contrast is essential for the visual development of babies. And, the repetitive words make it easy for them to follow along.

32. Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson

Pink, purple and red zinnias are blooming and surrounded by bees, ladybugs, and butterfiles on a sunny day on the board book "Plant the tiny seed," an interactive board book featured on the best board books for one year old booklist. — Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson

This is a sweet interactive board book that follows a seed through its life cycle.

Content warning: the text includes references such as “like magic.”

33. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

A large nut brown hare looks down at the baby rabbit, holding onto his big brown ears on the old children's book cover of "Guess how Much I Love you." — Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare try their best to describe how much they love each other but soon discover that words cannot adequately express their love.

34. Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins

A brown monkey with rings on all fingers and a drum hanging on his neck raises his both arms high in the air on the yellow book cover of "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb." one of the books on six month old babies book list. — Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins

A perfect book for little ones to learn about their hands, fingers, and thumbs with dancing and drumming monkeys. This one is so fun to read to kids. “Dum ditty, dum ditty, dum dum dum.”

35. The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

A smiling blue engine chugs down a hill while boys and girls celebrate her coming while bringing toys and treats and a happy clown on the book cover of "The Little Engine That Could," a book on the booklist of children's books about perseverance. — The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

“I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.”The Little Engine That Could

It’s time to introduce your young readers to the smallest, most determined blue engine. The historical little engine that could pull all the toys and goodies for “all those good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain.” This is such a valuable lesson for all and is a must for this list of books of childrens books about perseverance.

36. The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The classic tale of Peter Rabbit wearing a blue jacket and carrying carrots from Mr. McGregor's garden, a beloved book on the Best Board Books for six month old babies and above booklist. — The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter illustrated letters to children that turned into classic children’s books. In 1893, she illustrated a letter about Peter Rabbit to a friend’s five-year-old child. This became her first book. A book about a little brown rabbit named Peter who rebelled against his mama’s wish to avoid Mr. McGregor’s garden. For more of the beloved stories, check out Beatrix Potter The Complete Tales.

37. Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

A black, mischievous monkey sneaks the keys out of the zoo security man's back pocket. — Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

The mischievous gorilla lets out all the animals in the zoo, and they follow the zoo keeper home. The simple story is so much fun to read. The artwork is sure to bring some giggles.

38. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

A yellow construction truck smiles at the moon on the construction site on the front of the beloved board book "Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site," a book on the best board books for one year old booklist. — Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

This is a fun board book for all the little construction site adorers. The sun is setting and all the hardworking construction trucks are getting ready to goodnight.

39. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

A family of three children and a dad are walking through a grassy meadow on an outdoor adventure. — We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

The whole family goes on a bear hunt in the great outdoors. They traverse over various terrains and into a cave where they find a big shiny nose.

40. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

An old little blue truck with a toad on the driver's side is driving down an old country road with farm animals loaded in the bed of the truck. — Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

Beep! Beep! can be heard around the farm as the Little Blue Truck is always friendly and always greets all the farm animals. After helping someone in need, he finds himself stuck trying to get the “important” dump truck out of the mud. Everyone lends a hand to help the Little Blue Truck. This board book series contains great books to foster the love of books in your little ones.

Other board books in the Little Blue Truck Series that we love:

41. Cars and Trucks from A to Z by Richard Scarry

A board book in the shape of Richard Scarry's classic applemobile, a book featured on the best board books for one year old booklist. — Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks from A to Z

This tiny board book perfect for little hands is filled with classic Richard Scarry automobiles from A to Z like the Pickle car, apple car, toothbrush car, and hotdog car. Do you remember any of these unique vehicles from your childhood?

42. I am a Bunny by Richard Scarry

A little bunny named Nicholas escapes the rain by hugging a red toadstool on the classic board book "I am a Bunny" by Richard Scarry, a book featured on the best board books for one year old booklist. — I am a Bunny by Richard Scarry

This classic board book has been in print for over 50 years. The simple text follows a bunny through the seasons. The story is gentle with sweet illustrations, a perfect fit on the booklist Best Board Books for One Year Old.

43. Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! by Dr. Seuss

Who's are walking in a circle on the book cover of Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! — Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! by Dr. Seuss

This book is a great way to encourage young children to think and use their imagination. This edition is a hardcover book. I could only find the board book in the linked board book sets below.

Beloved Dr. Seuss Board Book Collections

44. Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss

A lion on roller skates balances 10 red apples stacked on top of his head on the book cover of Ten Apples on Top a book listed on the Dr Seuss books for toddlers. — Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss

A competitive counting book as the lion, tiger, and dog compete to balance the most apples on top of their head. But watch out for the bear with the broom.

45. Mr. Brown Can Moo by Dr. Seuss

Mr. Brown is wearing a tall brown top hat and crowing with a yellow-orange rooster on the cover of the book Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can you? — Mr. Brown Can Moo by Dr. Seuss

This wonderful book is the most fun to read. I challenge you to try to rap. You may feel silly, but it is quite fun. This Dr. Seuss book is filled with fun onomatopoeias that make a fun rhyme. (This was the first book we added to our little’s board book library.)

46. Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw

A flock of sheep in a red jeep drive down a country road on the book cover of "Sheep in a Jeep," a book on the best March picture books for kids booklist. — Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw

A flock of sheep embark on a journey in a jeep across the countryside in this delightful rhyming picture book. Young children will enjoy the silly rhyme with these silly sheep. We also love Sheep Go to Sleep by Nancy Shaw.

47. A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson (Children’s Vintage Board Book)

A vintage edition of A child's garden verses features a little girl in a blue dress with a red bonnet on the front of the board book, a vintage board book featured on the best board books for one year old booklist. — A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson (Children’s Vintage Board Book)

This vintage board book includes 16 rhymes written by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is a wonderful introduction to poetry.

48. One is One by Tasha Tudor

A little boy holds a yellow duck down at the pond in the meadow illustrated by Tasha Tudor on a board book featured on the best board books for one year old booklist. — One is One by Tasha Tudor

1 is one duckling swimming in a dish
2 is two sisters making a wish
3 is three swallows up in the sky
4 is four sheep nibbling rye

Books are a child’s first introduction to art. This is a beautifully illustrated book by the beloved Tasha Tudor.

49. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Three snowy baby owls perch on a limb in the middle of the night on the classic children's book "Owl Babies" by Martin Waddell, a book on the Best October Picture books for kids booklist. — Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

This is a heartwarming book about three baby owls who awake one night to find their mother is gone. The anxious little owls cannot help but worry. But their mother does return. It’s a simple and beautiful story.

50. Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

A brown bear snores on in his warm cave while woodland creatures gather around him for warmth on the book cover of "Bear Snores On," a book about snow for toddlers and kids. — Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

Meet Bear! Oh, how we love the bear books. All snug in his cave, the bear snores on as many woodland creatures enter his home and escape the cold.

More Bear Board Books that we adore

51. The Napping House by Audrey Wood

In the napping house, a grandmother, little boy, dog, cat, and a wakeful flea all pile into the bed on to book cover featured on books for six month old and up. — The Napping House by Audrey Wood

This board book is perfect for bedtime giggles as Granny, a little boy, the dog, the cat, the mouse, and a wakeful flea pile into the comfy bed in the Napping House but the flea bites…

52. My First Real Mother Goose Board Book by Blanche Fisher Wright

The updated version of My first real mother goose board book featuring two little girls waving at a white goose on a back road, a book featured on the best board books for one year old booklist. — My First Real Mother Goose Board Book by Blanche Fisher Wright

This is a classic mother goose board book with sweet illustrations and the unforgettable rhymes of childhood.

53. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

A white dog with spots and a black dog with white spots stare at each other propped on their hindlegs on the book cover of "Harry The Dirty Dog," a classic old childrens book. — Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

This dog strongly dislikes baths. After an adventurous day, he returns home, but no one recognizes him. He is no longer a white dog with black spots but is not dirty and black with white spots. Younger children will surely giggle at this funny story.

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Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite board book from the Classic Board Books for One Year Old Booklist. Of course, this booklist is not just for precious one-year-olds but for all young children. That blog post title just makes it easier for you to discover it on a Google search. 🙂 If you have any recommendations, please feel free to share them in the comment section. If you enjoyed this booklist, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for monthly picture booklists delivered right to your inbox.

HAPPY READING!