29 Best books for 1 year olds

Award-winning author Emily Jenkins’ Toys Go Out was both a Junior Library Guild and Book-of-the- Month Club selection. Lumphy the stuffed buffalo, Stingray the stuffed stingray, and Plastic the plastic thing have many wondrous adventures and learn all about the world. But will they ever discover what kind of toy Plastic truly is? “. bound to be a favorite .”-School Library Journal, starred review

The acclaimed author of Finn “digs down to the bones of a classic and creates must-read modern literature” (Charles Frazier, New York Times bestselling author) with this “clever riff” (The Washington Post) on Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol that explores of the relationship between Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley.

“Marley was dead, to begin with,” Charles Dickens tells us at the beginning of A Christmas Carol. But in Jon Clinch’s “masterly” (The New York Times Book Review) novel, Jacob Marley, business partner to Ebenezer Scrooge, is very much alive: a rapacious and cunning boy who grows up to be a forger, a scoundrel, and the man who will be both the making and the undoing of Scrooge.

They meet as youths in the gloomy confines of Professor Drabb’s Academy for Boys, where Marley begins their twisted friendship by initiating the innocent Scrooge into the art of extortion. Years later, in the dank heart of London, their shared ambition manifests itself in a fledgling shipping empire. Between Marley’s genius for deception and Scrooge’s brilliance with numbers, they amass a considerable fortune of dubious legality, all rooted in a pitiless commitment to the soon-to-be-outlawed slave trade.

As Marley toys with the affections of Scrooge’s sister, Fan, Scrooge falls under the spell of Fan’s best friend, Belle Fairchild. Now, for the first time, Scrooge and Marley find themselves at odds. With their business interests inextricably bound together and instincts for secrecy and greed bred in their very bones, the two men engage in a shadowy war of deception, forged documents, theft, and cold-blooded murder. Marley and Scrooge are destined to clash in an unforgettable reckoning that will echo into the future and set the stage for Marley’s ghostly return.

“Read through to the last page of this brilliant book, and I promise you that you will have a permanently changed view, not just of Dickens’s world, but of the world we live in today” (Elizabeth Letts, New York Times bestselling author).

It’s time to change the way we see toddlers. Using the pedagogical principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Simone Davies shows how to turn life with a “terrible two” into a mutually rich and rewarding time of curiosity, learning, respect, and discovery. With hundreds of practical ideas for every aspect of living with a toddler, you’ll learn how to feed your child’s natural curiosity while also cultivating daily routines, like brushing teeth, toilet-training, dealing with siblings, and losing the pacifier. Plus, you’ll learn how to – Stay composed when your toddler is not, and set limits with love and respect–without resorting to bribes or punishment – Set up your home and get rid of the chaos – Create Montessori activities that are just right for your one-to-three-year-old – Raise an inquisitive learner who loves exploring the world around them – See the world through your toddler’s eyes and be surprised and delighted by their perspective – Be your child’s guide–and truly celebrate every stage

A New York Times bestseller!

An Amazon Best Children’s Book of the Month from the New York Times bestselling author of the Goodnight Already! series

This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know?

He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He’s been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be–happy?

With Jory John’s charming and endearing text, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for readers young and old, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.

From the bestselling Pete the Cat series, help Pete and his friends find the missing cupcakes!

Pete the Cat and his friends are busy as can be baking cupcakes for a party, and Pete can’t wait to perform with his groovy band. But some of the cupcakes have gone missing! Who could have taken them?

In this digital audiobook adventure by New York Times bestselling authors James and Kimberly Dean, Pete and the gang solve the mystery of the missing cupcakes and learn that it’s cool to be kind.

The Pete the Cat fun never stops–watch the groovin’ video online!

Don’t miss Pete’s other adventures, including Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses, Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues, Pete the Cat and the New Guy, Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie, and Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party.

Based on the New York Times bestselling sensation The Cool Bean, Jory John and Pete Oswald present: As Cool as It Gets!

When the Cool Bean picks the name of the coolest of the cool beans, Beanadette, out of a hat for the annual gift exchange, he’s not feeling very merry or festive–he’s feeling pressure! Beanadette is definitely expecting the coolest present of all. Will the Cool Bean find the perfect gift in time for the party?

Find out in this hilarious, charming, and cozy continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling Food Group series.

Check out Jory John and Pete Oswald’s funny, bestselling books for kids 4-8 and anyone who wants a laugh:

• The Bad Seed
• The Good Egg
• The Cool Bean
• The Couch Potato
• The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape!
• The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, the Spooky!
• The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool as It Gets
• That’s What Dinosaurs Do

The award-winning creator of Blue’s Clues, Super Why!, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood shares the secret sauce behind her shows’ powerful, transformative results in the form of eleven research-based, foundational “clues” to ensure that preschoolers flourish academically, socially, and emotionally during this critical time.

The preschool years–when children are between the ages of two and five–are the most influential, important years in a child’s life. Studies show that pausing to interact, playing to solve problems, diffusing with humor, and using repetition are the hidden clues conscious parents use to raise successful kids and help them learn critical thinking skills, foster empathy, and nurture their sense of self-worth.

Angela C. Santomero, MA, the award-winning creator of children’s television phenomena knows this better than anyone and has spent decades working to instill confidence in her young viewers. In Preschool Clues, she breaks down the philosophy behind her shows–educating, inspiring, and empowering kids–into concrete strategies that parents and educators can incorporate into their family and classroom to set their preschoolers up for success, such as:

-Intentionally pausing to foster bonding, independence, and resilience
-Developing empathy and confidence through soliciting preschoolers’ help
-Becoming “fluent” in the language of preschoolers: Play
-Igniting your preschooler’s curiosity
-Being an involved co-player everyday
-Designing a healthy media diet

In Preschool Clues, Angela shares the latest research from top thinkers in child development and education. Through her practical, straightforward advice and inspiring, conversational approach, you will not only understand exactly what your children are learning from the shows they watch and why these shows are so effective, you’ll know exactly how to apply these same proven approaches in your daily life and with the same powerful results.

A charming, meticulously researched, and illuminating look at how technology infiltrates every aspect of raising children today, filled with helpful advice parents can use to best navigate the digital landscape, and ultimately learn to trust their own judgment.

There’s an app or device for nearly every aspect of parenting today: monitoring your baby; entertaining or educating your toddler; connecting with other new parents for tips, tricks, and community–virtually every aspect of daily life. But it isn’t a parenting paradise; the truth is much more complicated.

The mother of two young daughters, journalist Sophie Brickman wondered what living in a tech-saturated world was doing to her and her children. She turned to experts, academics, doctors, and innovators for advice and insight. Baby, Unplugged brings together Brickman’s in-depth research with her own candid (sometimes hilarious) personal experience to help parents sort through the wide and often confusing tech offerings available today and to sort out what’s helpful and what’s not.

Filled with relatable and entertaining stories as well as practical takeaways, Baby, Unplugged is destined to become a touchstone for parents today, giving them the permission to forge their own path through the morass of technological options, to restore their faith in themselves, and to help them raise good, social, and engaged people in the modern world.

Meet Sloppy Joe

When it comes to being messy, Sloppy Joe is a pro! He slurps, spills, slouches, talks with his mouth full, and never, ever tucks in his shirt. But being messy has its challenges. So Sloppy Joe sets out to become Neat Joe, only to learn that being messy is a part of who he is–and his family loves him for it!

Step into the ring with Olivia, where the lights are dim, the color soft, and a little girl’s imagination is the main attraction.

Olivia remembers her trip to the circus very well. The performers were out sick, so she had to do everything. She…

-rode on a unicycle
-jumped on a trampoline
-juggled five balls!
-tamed lions
-and flew through the air.

Mix together an old witch, her magic pasta pot, and a greedy boy. What do you get? Mischief, wild adventure, and a big helping of fun! All the people in the little town of Calabria go to old Strega Nona for solutions to their troubles. From aching heads to broken hearts-Strega Nona can cure them all. But when she hires a lumbering boy named Big Anthony to help her, Strega Nona’s own troubles begin. Award-winning children’s author Tomie dePaola offers an original tale that will have listeners of all ages laughing out loud, especially with John McDonough’s gentle narration. He highlights all the whimsical humor of this charming story.

“To be a parent is and should be a calling. There is absolutely nothing as great, challenging, or rewarding as raising a child.” So says Uber-mom Rose Rock, who has raised 10 children in addition to caring for 17 foster children in her 40-plus years as a mother.

As a mother who does not shy away from the hard conversations, Rose isn’t afraid to present strong ideas about boundaries, discipline, choices, and consequences–and she tells it like it is. In Mama Rock’s Rules, Rose shares the funny and highly practical lessons she learned both as a parent and an educator, while offering strategies for teaching a child to be self-reliant in this world.

Written with a kicky blend of maternal spirituality and a “don’t mess with me or you won’t get old” sense of authority, the book spotlights 10 vital rules, each tackling a specific parenting issue. From “I Am Your Mama, Not Your Friend,” which helps parents regain their authority and establish respectful relationships with their children, to “Don’t Lie Down with Anything You Don’t Want to Live with Forever,” which takes a different approach to the often tricky conversation about sex, each topic is lovingly explained and bolstered by stories from Rose Rock’s own childhood and parenting experiences. We will also hear from her own kids, as they share memories and anecdotes about what it was like to grow up in the Rock household.

Rose’s heartfelt and no-nonsense advice–delivered with a dose of wit and homespun humor–will resonate with thousands of parents and will inspire them to teach their kids right, whether their brood is one child or ten.

When a young girl spies three cats in her yard, she hopes they will be her playmates! But these frolicking felines have other ideas for fun. Will they ever be her friends?

Illustrated with bright, fresh pictures by Nadine Bernard Westcott, Nola Buck’s simple text is perfect for emergent readers and cat lovers alike.

From author Pamela Jane comes a delicious Halloween treat for readers to enjoy! Perfect for fans of The Spooky Wheels on the Bus and Ten Timid Ghosts.

Over in the forest

Where the trees hide the sun

Lived a big mommy monster

And her little monster one.

From monsters to ghosties to goblins, everyone’s favorite beasties haunt and howl and rattle their way through their forest home in this silly, spooky twist on the beloved nursery rhyme “Over in the Meadow.”

2015-2016 Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award Winner!

With engaging illustrations on every spread, a page-turning plot, a do-it-yourself experiment on building your own rocket, and fun science facts throughout, this is the perfect chapter book for young readers! And it’s all from the amazing brain of MIT graduate Nate Ball, host of PBS’s Emmy Award-winning Design Squad series.

When a four-inch-tall alien crash-lands through Zack McGee’s bedroom window, Zack is sure he’s about to become the first victim in a new War of the Worlds. But when the alien turns out to have weapons that are more ticklish than terrifying, Zack realizes that rather than protect the world from the alien, it’s up to him to protect the alien in his pocket from the world.

The adventure begins in this thrilling new chapter book series, complete with a do-it-yourself science experiment!

Everything you need to know about getting your baby or toddler to sleep–from America’s foremost baby and childcare experts

For every parent deprived of sleep by a restless infant or toddler, now there’s hope. The Baby Sleep Book is the comprehensive, reassuring, solution-filled resource that every family will want to own.

Babies don’t automatically know how to sleep through the night; they need to be taught. The Sears family has learned from decades of pediatric practice, bolstered by their own parenting experiences, that different babies have different nighttime temperaments–and, of course, different families have different lifestyles. Instead of espousing the kind of “one method fits all” approach advocated in other baby sleep guides, the Sears family explains how you can create a sleep plan that suits the needs of your entire family.

With a sharp focus on practical tools and techniques, The Baby Sleep Book covers such topics as the following:

The facts of infant sleep vs. adult sleepFiguring out where, when, and how your child sleeps bestFail-safe methods for soothing a crying infantHow to make night nursing easier, and how to stopNighttime fathering tipsWhether co-sleeping makes sense for youNap-time strategies that workMedical and physical causes of night wakingSleep habits in special situations such as traveling, teething, and illness

Like all books in the highly popular Sears Parenting Library, The Baby Sleep Book is clear, comforting, and uniquely authoritative. Its flexible sensitive approach to solving babies’ sleep problems distinguishes it as definitive–an unrivaled book that offers immediate results.

An all-new guide from the mega-bestselling How To Talk series applies trusted and effective communication strategies to the toughest challenges of raising children.

For forty years, readers have turned to Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish’s How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, the book The Boston Globe called, “the parenting Bible,” for a respectful and practical approach to communication with children. Expanding upon this work, Adele’s daughter, Joanna Faber, along with Julie King, coauthored the bestselling book, How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen. Now, Faber and King have tailored How To Talk‘s tried and trusted communication strategies to some of the most challenging childhood moments.

From tantrums to technology to talking to kids about tough topics, How To Talk When Kids Won’t Listen offers concrete strategies for these and many more difficult situations.

Part One introduces readers to the How To Talk “toolbox,” with whimsical cartoons demonstrating the basic communication skills that will transform readers’ relationships with children in their lives. In Part Two, Joanna and Julie answer specific questions and share relatable stories, offering practical tools for addressing issues such as homework hassles, sibling battles, digital dilemmas, problems with punishment, and more. Readers can turn directly to any topic of interest and find the help they need, with handy “reminder pages.”

Through the combination of lively stories from real parents and teachers, humorous illustrations, and entertaining exercises, How To Talk When Kids Won’t Listen offers real solutions to struggles familiar to every parent, grandparent, teacher, and anyone else who lives or works with children.

A can, a fly, a seesaw, a bee.Two jaunty cats see it all as they spend the day playing their own version of I Spy.Soon enough, their play grows into boisterous fun where wordplay is the name of the game, and the ingenious concept behind this My First I Can Read Book.

“Clever and bright.” –Kirkus Reviews

Pete the Cat loves to play hide-and-seek! When his friends hide, Pete covers his eyes and counts to 10. He opens them and just knows he will find them soon.

But finding his friends may be harder than Pete thought. Are they behind a tree or on a bus? Or will Pete give up?

Find out how Pete learns to chill out in this cool story full of surprises at every peek!

From the authors of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat series, James and Kimberly Dean, this book is reminiscent of Pete favorites like Magic Sunglasses and perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang.

Don’t miss Pete’s other adventures, including Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses, Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues, Pete the Cat and the New Guy, Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie, Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes, and Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party, Pete the Cat: Crayons Rock!, and Pete the Cat’s Groovy Imagination.

A New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat holiday picture book!

Spend the holidays with your favorite blue cat! In this rockin’ spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

The fun never stops–don’t miss Pete’s other spin on a holiday classic, Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas.

Don’t miss Pete’s other adventures, including Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses, Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues, Pete the Cat and the New Guy, Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie, Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes, and Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party.

The must-read second book in the Alien in My Pocket series. Zack and Amp are back and up to even more trouble in this hilarious story, complete with a do-it-yourself science experiment!

Ever since Amp crash-landed his spaceship through Zack McGee’s bedroom window, Zack’s life has gotten crazier and his grades have gone from bad to worse. Who has time for homework when there’s an alien invasion to stop? But now Zack’s up against his greatest challenge yet–the school science fair. If Zack doesn’t get an A on his project, he’s going to flunk the class. Luckily, Zack has Amp around to help, but when Zack’s experiment turns out to be too good, he winds up in a whole different kind of trouble.

Complete with many illustrations, a riveting plot, and fun scientific facts, this book is perfect for young readers!

Supports the Common Core State Standards

*NOW A HIT TV SERIES ON DISNEY JUNIOR*

What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles–and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la!

This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?

In this merriest of stories from bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way!

Perfect for fans of other fancy holiday picture books such as Eloise at Christmastime and Olivia Helps with Christmas.

Ooh la la! Fancy Nancy is starring in her own fabulous TV show on Disney Junior. READ THE BOOKS THAT STARTED IT ALL!

Fancy Nancy

Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique

Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet

Fancy Nancy: Fanciest Doll in the Universe

Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century

Fancy Nancy 10th Anniversary Edition

Fancy Nancy: Saturday Night Sleepover

Fancy Nancy: Oodles of Kittens

This must-read Alien in My Pocket book is the fourth in the series by Nate Ball, the host of PBS’s Design Squad and Design Squad Nation. In this hilarious new adventure, Zack and his alien friend, Amp, learn about friction, deceleration, and how to soften a crash-landing.

When Zack McGee crashes his bike, he’s stuck at home with his arm in a sling and his baseball season on the line. What’s worse, his bike crashed because his four-inch-tall houseguest, Amp, experimented on the brakes! Now Zack is easy prey for his little brother, Taylor, who’s determined to find out once and for all what mysteries Zack has hidden in his pocket.

Like every book in the Alien in My Pocket series, On Impact! mixes Common Core-aligned science and safe, hands-on experiments with a hilarious story that young readers will love.

Publishers Weekly said of Alien in My Pocket: Blast Off!: “With its screwball comedy and lively dialogue, the novel gives readers the opportunity to laugh as they learn.”

Supports the Common Core State Standards

In Appley Dapply’s Nursery Rhymes, Beatrix Potter’s delightful original nursery rhymes are accompanied by the lifelike illustrations of animals that made books like The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Story of Miss Moppet so critically and commercially successful. The twentieth of Beatrix Potter’s 22 charmingly illustrated tales of animals in amusing situations, Appley Dapply’s Nursery Rhymes has delighted children and adults alike since its release in 1917.

Pete the Cat’s cool adaptation of the classic children’s song “Itsy Bitsy Spider” will have have young listeners laughing and singing along.

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout. Down came the rain….

As the itsy bitsy spider struggles, Pete and his friends know just what to do to help out!

Fans of James Dean’s #1 New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat will love rocking out with Pete.

Hush, Little Bunny is a heartwarming, lyrical love letter from a papa bunny to his little one-from David Ezra Stein, Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Interrupting Chicken and Leaves. Fans of Kevin Henkes and Beatrix Potter will adore this gorgeous book. Come, little bunny, don’t be shy . . . “Hush Little Baby” is a lullaby that parents have sung to their children for generations. Now Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein has reimagined the classic featuring an irresistible papa bunny and his little one.

New York Times bestseller!

From the warm and colorful imagination of Mary Engelbreit comes a Mother Goose book bursting with warmth and humor.

This delightful treasury includes everyone’s favorite time-honored characters–Little Bo-Peep, Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, Jack and Jill, and many, many more. With one hundred rhymes in all, this collection of time-honored verses is truly a book to treasure. Makes an excellent gift for baby showers, new parents, and other special occasions!

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs meets There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly in this clever, irreverent update of our most beloved children’s classics.