Books on Growing Up for
Kids Ages 0 – 2
by Lindsay Barrett
Any parent or infant caregiver has firsthand appreciation for the growth that happens during the first two years of a child’s life. From immobile, squawky newborn to busy, opinionated toddler, ages 0 to 2 are full of nothing but growing. All along the way, of course, are plenty of snuggly opportunities to celebrate both the everyday and the momentous milestones through sharing books together. These seven titles are great start.
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Love Makes a Family
Available from:Love is … growing up surrounded by those who care for you deeply. This oversized board book features diverse families experiencing everyday childhood moments together, from the joy of stomping in puddles to the sadness of a special teddy bear getting swiped by a sibling. The love that radiates from these colorful pages is for every family.
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A Little Princess
Available from:If your favorite memories of growing up include losing yourself in classic stories, you’ll love this fresh board book version of the timeless tale of Sara Crewe. Even difficult circumstances can be overcome with the love of a caregiver.
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Big Boy Underpants
Available from:Even if a toddler isn’t quite ready for real-life toilet training, books about underwear are a pretty fascinating preview. Cars, stars, rockets, and planes — the possibilities for big kid undies are endlessly appealing in this rhyming celebration of a universal rite of passage.
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P is for Potty!
Available from:Elmo is an expert at introducing concepts to the younger set, and this story of how he teaches his little cousin to use the potty is no exception. Toddlers will enjoy peeking under the many flaps, too.
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Tooth
Available from:Teething is the source of so much angst — for both children and their parents. Leslie Patricelli’s signature baby protagonist offers both empathy and practical advice on brushing, flossing, and what’s okay to bite.
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You’re One!
Available from:A child’s first birthday can signify the shift from baby to toddler; these rhyming lines capture the exhausting delight this brings. Walking, talking, running, tumbling — it all happens when you’re one! This perfectly mini board book is like a sweet greeting cards that curious little hands can’t rip.
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Littles: And How They Grow
This title captures both the minute details and the fleeting speed of a baby’s first years of life. Lilting rhymes are soothing to read aloud, and toddlers will love the images of diverse babies doing all the familiar baby things.
