100+ Best Books for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers With Messages of Positivity, Empathy and Kindness

We all understand the importance of reading aloud to our children from infancy: cognitive and language development, increased attention span, vast vocabulary, emotional intelligence…

The best way to do it? Start reading to your kids ASAP.

To make it easy, we’ve compiled the best books for kids so you don’t have to read about reading anymore. You can skip the research and go directly to reading to your kids.

All of these books support positivity, empathy and kindness. This list contains books without any negative connotations, inappropriate subject matter or questionable messaging so that you can feel confident picking up any of these and reading it to your young child’s impressionable mind!

All of these books are from Amazon, they all have a 4+ rating and most are available through Prime!

We start with board books for babies and toddlers, and then move on to books for preschoolers & kindergartners, so if you have kids in the older age bracket, feel free to skip the first few.

Here we go –

Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

The Monster at the End of This Book

A tiny board book version but with all the same action. Get in touch with your sillier self and your child will be begging for more! An innocent Grover is trying to convince you, the reader, not to keep turning pages with a “love yourself” message as the sweet ending.

Press Here

So much fun — an interactive, shake-it-up surprising book that’s so simple but enchanting. My son has loved this from babyhood and he still grabs it to read on his own just for fun at age six!

Moo Baa La La La

The best board book, according to my 14 month old (and thousands of other parents on Amazon). A fun read with lots of animal sounds and silliness!

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas

This is a “panel” book, so the pages aren’t as thick as a regular board book, but it’s definitely a good rhyming Christmas counting story for young kids and the last page lights up. (My six year old still loves this book)!

I Love You to the Moon and Back

An enchanting classic that will have you and your baby sharing a lot of love and snuggles before bedtime.

The Going to Bed Book

A sing-song night time rhyme that’s perfect for bedtime. There’s just enough fun in it to keep your toddler’s attention while the animals get ready for bed and then drift off to sleep at the end.

Goodnight Moon

A wonderful classic that should be on every bedside table: lovely images that switch from color to black and white, fun rhymes and beautiful in its timelessness.

Very Busy Spider

The images in Eric Carle’s books are unique and eye-capturing. This book has many farm animals and the spiderwebs are raised a bit so there is a great tactile element to this board book.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?

Colors, animals and captivating imagery. A simple, repetitive story sure to delight all young kids!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

A little science alongside a rollicking story about a hungry caterpillar with beautiful illustrations, holes and differently shaped pages for curious baby hands to explore.

Baby University

For babies on up to elementary school kids, these have simple illustrations and the books break down complex science concepts into baby sentences. Great for science-driven parents!

Bright and Early Board Books by Dr. Seuss

The perfect starter set of baby Dr. Seuss books for rhyming and silliness!

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site & Steam Train, Dream Train

Two great baby board books in one package! For the planes, trains and automobile type kids, these construction rhymes are sure to please.

Busy Noisy Farm

A story, farm animals, simple counting and buttons to push = a toddler’s dream come true!

First 100 Words

Brightly colored with great photos, this is the ultimate way to introduce common words to your baby and toddler.

Corduroy

A slightly longer board book that touches on emotions and problem-solving.

The Napping House

A bigger classic board book with lots of beautiful illustrations and repetition for toddlers to thrive on.

One Love

Based on Bob Marley’s song “One Love,” this board book simplifies the lyrics and shares love on every page. It’s a feel-good book!

What a Wonderful World

Read or sing along to this beautiful board book! Celebrate the beauty of the world and of the art within this story every time you pull this book out.

Welcome Little One

A story depicting the love of bringing home a baby — it’s a “love letter” to your baby that you can read and share!

Llama Llama Little Library Collection

Llama llama’s little library has four board books for babies in it and each book is only about 6 pages long. Perfect introduction to the llama llama books.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

A fun, silly story about a family’s walk in the woods with much repetition for toddlers. Your kid will LOVE if you act it out as you’re reading too: stomping, splashing, running and hiding is sure to entertain them as you read!

Big Red Barn

Introduce farm animals with fun and sweet illustrations, a sing-song rhyme and all the animals go to bed at the end, making this a great story for any time of the day!

Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

A lift-the-flap, fun and interactive way to teach body parts to young children. Be prepared to read it many, many times.

Babies in the Forest

Follow Ruby and Rusty the baby foxes as they explore the forest — with thick lift-the-flaps that are durable and easy for babies to open. This is a favorite of my one year old!

All the World

For the artistic family! This board book is peaceful, emotional and beautifully illustrated. The rhyme is melodic and there are not too many words involved. Great for discussions on emotions as kids get a little older.

Peek-a-Who? (Lift a Flap)

Fun rhymes, bold photos! Great for toddlers and young kids who like to interact with their books with fun peek-a-boo flaps.

Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?

If your child loves trucks, tractors or things with motors, this might be the bed time story you need. It’s melodic and has a nice flow, so it’s enough to keep a toddler’s or preschooler’s interest while still guiding them towards sleep.

Room on the Broom

Not just a board book–there are slides, flaps and other maneuverable parts in this fun story. This is an abridged version for babies and is not the full book version.

Poke-A-Dot: Wheels on the Bus Wild Safari

Some toddlers, like mine, are squirmy and won’t sit down to read a book with me. This is the one where he WILL! Because of the snappy buttons (they pop back and forth), he loves poking as I count and read. It’s like an introduction to fidgets and reading all-in-one.

Little Blue Truck Leads the Way

A nice spin-off of the original. This is a bigger board book and the story follows little Blue in the city encouraging everyone to be patient and nice to one another.

Barnyard Dance

This book is FUN. If you have any kid from 0-5, this is a great book to read, sing and dance along to.

Nature Friends Lift-a-Flap Board Book Set

This four book set is big and the flaps are chunky so babies can be rough with them. Four nice stories about animals, bees and the high seas!

Everything is MAMA

There are only a few words in this book, and half of them are “Mama!” Mama is trying to teach baby new words, but baby just keeps calling for Mama. It’s cute with nice images, but don’t expect a story line.

Thomas and Friends Board Book Set

This is a small-sized set that’s wonderful for train-loving toddlers. The plots are very simple and the books are great for small hands.

Good Night, Gorilla

Think of this as a storyteller’s book–you get some words, but not many. Mostly you follow the illustrations to a funny ending. It’s a good alternative night time book!

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

A contemporary classic, great for counting, rhyming and bedtime reading.

Guess How Much I Love You

Here’s a book that shares the love between a father hare and his son. A great, small board book for babies with a simple, loving story.

Where’s Spot?

Find Spot in this board book with flaps! It’s colorful and is usually a favorite for toddlers, especially with all the “no” answers in the book.

Books for Preschoolers & Kindergartners

Goggles: The Bear Who Dreamed of Flying

Follow along with a little bear named Goggles as his dreams of flying come true. There’s even a bit on the history of flight at the end.

A Little Spot of Emotion: Box Set

There are 8 books in this set featuring: Anger, Anxiety, Peaceful, Happiness, Sadness, Confidence, Love and “Scribble Emotion.” A great way to start understanding emotions at a young age.

What Should Darla Do?

Consider this the preschooler’s introduction to “choose your own adventure” books with Darla having to endure the consequences of her own good or bad actions! There are 8 different stories within that will spark many great follow-up questions from parents to discuss with young kids.

What Should Danny Do?

Danny is the original character for this author’s “choose your own story” adventures. Danny has 9 different stories in this book and lots of opportunity to develop (or not!) some social and emotion skills.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

A classic Christmas tale! Great for introducing compassion, the meaning of Christmas, and emotions to young minds.

Polar Express

Hop aboard the Polar Express in this magical story with beautiful illustrations. If you like the notion of the spirit and magic of Christmas, this book should be in your library.

How to Catch a Mermaid

Fun rhymes and vibrantly colorful illustrations make this book a must-have. Join the adventure and head into the ocean to explore underwater with the mermaid-finding crew!

They All Saw a Cat

Science, empathy, art and perception all rolled into the most artistically complex yet simple book you’ll ever read to your child. Amazing imagery and a great platform for talking about how people and animals actually see.

Bats at the Beach

The Bat Books are big, beautiful and fabulous in their rhymes. The pictures are great for small details and discussions and the story is fun with many opportunities for expanding your child’s vocabulary.

There’s No Place Like Space

The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library books are a wonderful way to take a step beyond the classic Dr. Seuss books. There are many topics to explore with excellent rhymes and discussions!

Good Night Little Blue Truck

This is a typical hardcover and not a board book. Little Blue Truck and all the friends face some thunder, lightning and rain before going to bed in this fun book.

Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: Definitive Pop-Up

This pop-up book is utterly amazing. Keep away from the younger ones, but if you want your child to say “WHOA!” every time the page turns, then get this book. I learned a lot about dinosaurs, too!

Elephant and Piggie Collection

My now six year old can read these on his own, but we started reading these together when he was five. The stories are so much fun and the ending is always a pleasant, positive surprise and they are some of the only books that actually have him laughing aloud. All 25 of Piggie and Gerald’s books are in this set! If you’re not sure if your child will love them all, check out this volume instead:

An Elephant and Piggie Biggie! (5 Books in One)

If you don’t want all 25 books, this is a great way to get 5 of those titles in one bigger book to try out! It’s also a great way to enjoy Piggie and Gerald without having that many hardback books around. Here is Volume 2 and Volume 3 if this first book was a hit for your family.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Are you prepping your child for a first day of school? This book addresses all the typical anxieties of school in a fun and silly way that should have you both giggling.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

A fun book about Llama being afraid to be alone at night without his mama. The illustrations are colorful and the rhymes are melodic while also being very entertaining!

The Velveteen Rabbit

A true classic as long as you’re okay with a bit of magic, fantasy and faeries. This edition is as close to the original from 100 years ago as you can get, and the story is very touching. A great conversation starter on love and loveys if your child has one!

The Spooky Wheels on the Bus

If you’re burnt out and can’t sing the original “Wheels on the Bus” one more time, try this one instead. Using the same tune, this Halloween-themed version adds in some ghoulish counting and fun!

Dr. Seuss’s ABCs

Probably the best ABC book to enjoy with your child. Fun rhymes, lots of nonsense and it covers capital letters, lowercase and lots of practical application when sounding out each letter rhyme.

Be You!

Here’s a great book that promotes self-confidence, self-esteem and being proud in who you are. It’s uplifting and the imagery is gorgeous as well.

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

Celebrate everyone’s differences in this book on teamwork and diversity. A great book for teaching our children how to be good and helpful people in life.

Hair Love

A touching and sometimes humorous story about a daddy’s girl who wants her hair to be extra-special. Great for encouraging self love, pride and confidence!

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Another beautiful book to boost self-esteem by focusing on every child’s kindness, creativeness and adventurousness. Features great diversity and a positive, happy message.

Go, Dog. Go!

To the tree! My son continually asks me throughout his life, “do you like my hat?” This book is wonderful for counting, opposites, colors, and FUN.

We’re Different, We’re the Same

Everyone looks different on the outside, but on the inside we’re quite alike. This book brings in great diversity while simultaneously promoting the teaching of body parts. Great for celebrating our differences in a positive way.

Full, Full, Full of Love

A sweet story of a boy spending time with his Grannie and family for a big dinner! Don’t read this while you’re hungry though 🙂

My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things

For curious kids! Awesome photos and lots of facts and information packed in. Great for about age 4 but younger kids might really enjoy the images too.

Where’s Waldo? Deluxe Edition

This is a fun fold-out that is good for building teamwork and enjoying a moment of nostalgia for parents. Better for slightly older preschoolers that can refrain from ripping out the pages.

Breathe Like a Bear

I just bought this for my 6 year old, and it would be wonderful for ages 3-10 in my opinion. These are mindfulness/focus/calming 1 minute exercises that my hyper son loves to do before we start homeschooling each day. Let’s be honest…it helps me calm down too!

I Promise

Talk about a positive message, building self-esteem and being a good human. It’s a good read for all parents who are wanting to affirm positivity!

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

The most purchased book for graduations and life events! A classic that subtly teaches our children that sometimes we get lost, but we can always get out of the rut and keep moving forward. A great life-lesson book for any age.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

This is a fun, circular tale with nice cadence. A classic and a general favorite among kids.

I’ve Loved You Since Forever

For all kids, this is the book to share amazing photos and a short story of love. Also great for adopted kids to show that “you and me” can become “we!”

Strictly No Elephants

A sweet story that promotes inclusion, friendships, empathy and boosting up each other. It’s also filled with beautiful images.

I Am Enough

Let’s promote kindness, acceptance and positive self-image. This is a great story for inspiration and positivity!

Paw Patrol 5-Minute Bedtime Stories

This has nine stories in all and it’s great for kids to enjoy any time of day. Fun for a Paw Patrol fan!

What Do You Do With an Idea?

Have a kid with big ideas? This is a great way to learn about how to follow your dreams, even through rejection and obstacles. A great read for children and anyone of any age!

The Snowy Day

Experience Peter’s first time in the snow in this classic little book. No rhymes or long pages here, just brightly colored images of little Peter exploring snow with one to two sentences per page.

The Christmas Wish

Amazing (tastefully Photo-shopped) photographs guide this story about a Norwegian girl named Anja that is trying to become one of Santa’s elves. It’s whimsical and embodies the essence of Christmastime.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

Does your child pull the usual bedtime shenanigans? Well, read them this before bed so they can see all of their tactics used by the dinosaur trying to avoid going to sleep. A great bedtime story!

Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail

Let’s get outside with the books! Think of this as a fun field guide for anywhere outdoors: bugs, birds, treasure hunts, art projects, games, checklists and stickers make this a must-have book for when your little one needs a new environment to explore.

Pete the Cat: 5 Minute Bedtime Stories

There are 12 stories in this book. It’s a good variety of Pete adventures for kids who like the eccentric, groovy style of Pete.

Cozy

Jan Brett has a distinct artistic style in her books, and Cozy does not disappoint! Follow the lonely musk ox through winter as he helps others and finds his way back to his family. Lots of hidden gems in this book, too!

Are You My Mother?

If you don’t know what a “Snort” is…you’re missing out, so get this classic story for your kids! Follow the baby bird as he learns about the world and discovers his mother with help from a Snort.

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

Tiny the T. Rex won’t let his small stature stop him: follow his story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles as he does his best to support his friend. A feel-good story about kindness and love.

The Most Magnificent Thing

A truly wonderful tale of creativity and perseverance. Awesome vocabulary and cadence make this story even more fantastic; the story teaches us to never give up and always keep learning.

Pick a Pine Tree

Here’s a friendly Christmas story about decorating a Christmas tree with lots of friends. Great lilting rhymes and lovely illustrations make the story shine!

The Rabbit Listened

This book is great for any age (including us adults). It’s a big, simple book but the message is very powerful. If you want to help put empathy and kindness into words for your kids, this simple story starts that conversation beautifully.

Falling Up

Shel Silverstein is The Child’s Poet in my opinion. Talk about provoking imagination, deep thoughts, good laughs and lots of quesitons, this book of poetry for kids will keep you entertained for years.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Celebrate a true classic to spark the imagination of any child. This Seuss masterpiece has some counting, some colors, some fantasy and a lot of creativity.

The Day the Crayons Came Home

Colorful crayons, postcards to pull out and read, emotions and friendships. These crayon books are hilarious and fun; you will not regret adding this to your library!

The Jolly Postman

Another book that has actual letters in it to take out and read! Read the mail sent between classic story characters and enjoy the creativity and fun shared with them.

Never Let a Unicorn Scribble

This story weaves art, empathy, education and learning by imagination into one excellent story. It’s a cute and fun read that you can dive deeper into later if you want!

If I Built a Car

Do you have an engineer kid who loves to invent crazy machines with random objects around the house? Just me? Well, my little one loves reading about this fantastical car designed by this kid. Such a delight for creative and imaginative minds!

The Lorax

It doesn’t get any more classic than The Lorax. Here’s a story that promotes protecting nature, being kind and speaking up for others.

Mighty, Mighty Construction Site

Have a toddler interested in trucks? Get this. There are lady trucks in this too. It’s a great story about asking for help when you need it and having fun completing the task at hand.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

I find this book is great for reminding us to always look on the bright side, have a good attitude and roll with the punches! You can also download the song to go along with the story.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Here’s an artistic and cultural experience rolled into one fabulously illustrated book. The author’s note is also fanastic and helps even adults dig deeper into this family story.

Peppa in Space

Go with Peppa on an adventure learning about space and astronauts! And there are stickers and glitter on the cover to make this book special.

Snowmen at Night

Mischievious and charming, read the fun rhymes to find out what those snowmen do at night when we’re all sleeping. Great for sparking imagination!

I Am a Big Brother

Need to prep your son for the arrival of a new baby? This book is great for detailing his day with a new baby. And don’t worry, I added the big sister one right here too 🙂

I Am a Big Sister

And this is for baby girls that are becoming big sisters! The same concept as the brother version, it’s a nice book to have around if you have a baby on the way.

Mercy Watson Set: Adventures of a Porcine Wonder

You get 6 books in this set! This is the ultimate easy, fun read for kids and beginning readers. These books are purely entertaining and yes, your child may want to eat buttered toast when you’re done reading 🙂

Have You Seen My Dinosaur?

Find the dinosaur with your kids on every page as you follow the fun rhymes of the story. A good Beginner Book to add to the library!

The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings

Emotions, illustrated! Teach your toddler or preschooler to identify, process and talk about their emotions with this excellent book.

The Not-So-Friendly Friend

For the young (and older!) kids that are starting school or are starting social relationships with other children, this book’s rhymes detail how to set healthy boundaries, navigate bullying and protect yourself from emotional  upset; it can help kids stand up for themselves in an emotionally-aware way!

You are Special

Disclaimer: This book is allegorically very Christian. It is a lovely story that promotes respect, love, kindness and seeing the specialiness within oneself even if the outside world doesn’t see it; a story that teaches us all to feel good within our own selves!

Five Minute Stories: Over 50 Tales and Fables

Here’s a book that has all of the short story classics in one: Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and many more. They are not identical to the originals, but still just as wonderful.

How to Babysit a Grandma

This book follows a granddaughter and grandma, so be advised there are no grandsons involved. However, it’s still a superbly cute story about the love and fun between a grandma and granddaughter!

How to Babysit a Grandpa

This book is for Grandsons/Grandpas! It does mention Mom and Dad, so if you’re not a Mom & Dad household you at least know in advance. A fun story to share!

The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary

If you like The Office, this is a wonderful book for fans with kids. The overall message is to encourage kids to ask for help when needed, but it is also filled with many easter eggs for fans of the TV show.

Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever

There’s so much to see and explore in this book! Enjoy exploring it with your child to open up dialogue on anything that strikes their fancy.

Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go

We love Richard Scarry books! So many hidden gems within even though some content could be considered “dated.” There’s lots to see and discuss in this book about vehicles!

World of Eric Carle, Hear Bear Roar

30 sound buttons teach 30 different animal sounds in this fun Eric Carle book. Great for learning about animals, auditory development and motor skills too!

First Toddler Coloring Book

For the toddler that loves to color, this is a good start for both letters and number recognition while enjoying art & coloring. The pages are simple in design–like only a giant letter on one page–and thick enough for my one year old to scribble strongly without shredding apart the pages.

Play it! Piano Book

So you need a keyboard or piano for this to be of value. You tape the colorful dots to your piano keys and then start the book at the beginning to teach your child to play the piano! If you’re interested in music instruction but don’t want to branch out to hire a teacher, this may be a great way to spark interest in your child.