Incorporating reading into your little one’s bedtime routine not only helps them to wind down, but also nurtures curiosity, creativity, conversation, and connection. Reading aloud supports cognitive development and language skills, and can also help children learn to navigate challenging situations.
The Harbor team compiled their favorite books for different developmental stages, from infants to preschoolers. Comb through our proverbial shelves for stories to spark your little one’s imagination and unlock a portal to sweet dreams.
3 best books for infants
You're My Little Baby by Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s illustrations have been loved by babies and parents for decades, and with good reason. In this book, they’re paired with tender couplets that strengthen the bond between parent and child.
Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
We love this book as a way to teach babies about colors and color mixing. This story follows young paint blobs as they go to school, play with friends, and reunite with their families at the end of the day.
Look! Look! by Peter Linenthal
The black and white graphics in this board book are gentle on developing eyes, making it perfect for infants. With flying ladybugs, zooming cars, and floating clouds, plus engaging text, it’s a great choice for tummy time, keeping baby engaged and entertained.
3 best books for toddlers
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
A classic, this charming book engages young readers with sing-song rhymes and vibrant illustrations. It’s a great way to teach the alphabet, as the story follows letters as they climb a coconut tree.
First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
This book encourages young minds to identify and search for specific items, turning reading into a scavenger hunt. The Harbor team has yet to encounter a child who doesn’t repeatedly request to read this one!
Where Is Baby's Belly Button? by Karen Katz
Interactive books can blur the lines between reading and bedtime. This story’s illustrations and peek-a-boo flaps make it both fun to read and educational, teaching baby about basic body parts in an engaging way.
3 best books for preschoolers
Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection by Mo Willems
The dialogue in this series is presented in sizable speech bubbles, making it easier to read, and the plotlines are entertaining and motivating. You’ll find commonly used words and ample repetition, making it accessible to young readers.
Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak
At first glance, this book may seem doomed from the start. But as you flip through its pages, ordinary words transform in color, font, and size to captivate young readers. It invites everyone within earshot to participate, empowering little ones to join in on the fun and prompting playful teasing of the reader. If you’re looking to embrace a bit of silliness as a parent, this one’s for you.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
This plot revolves around dragons’ love for tacos and simultaneous aversion to spicy food, which typically makes them breathe fire. When one dragon accidentally eats a jalapeño, chaos ensues as the house burns down. The dragons then team up with the child protagonist to rebuild in good fun.
Nurturing a lifelong love of reading
Making reading a habit from a young age not only supports a consistent bedtime routine, but also nurtures language and literacy development, fosters curiosity, and encourages problem-solving. It’s a screen-free activity that promotes relaxation and bonding, and the Harbor team’s favorite bedtime ritual for parents and children alike.
