Confession: I hate Dr. Seuss books.

Okay, maybe not all of them, but most of them. They’re just too full of nonsense for kids to really understand and they’re annoying to read! In general, I’m not a huge fan of picture books that are written in longer rhyming verse. Sometimes, I feel like they just rhyme for the sake of rhyming and it turns the word choice into something really difficult for children to understand, which then makes the overall story hard to understand and follow.

But, there are many rhyming books that really get it right — the rhyme becomes the rhythm of the story and because the story is simple and short, many of the rhymes are also predictable. I find rhyming books are also fantastic for infants young toddlers, because while they might not be able to understand all of the words, they can definitely connect with the cadence of the rhymes.

Here are some of my favorite rhyming books for you and your little one(s) to enjoy…some of them are also listed on some of my other book recommendation posts, but they’re so good, they’re worth repeating!


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My Truck is Stuck!: We received this book as a gift when Lil’ CB was about 16 months and it quickly became one that he liked to have read to him over and over. The illustrations are colorful and fun and the repetitive text make it engaging for little ones, and it also helps them learn numbers.

Bear Snores On: This is the first in a great series by Karma Wilson with illustrations by Jane Chapman. The sweet forest friends in the book are ones your child will love reading about and their rhyming adventures will continually draw them in.

Llama Llama Red Pajama: I am sure that this book is one that you already know and love, but it absolutely deserved to be mentioned and highlighted here! Anna Dewdney’s illustrations are just gorgeous and the text is equally awesome. Each of the books in the series feature rhyming verse that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers surrounding themes that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Besides this first book in the series, I think Llama Llama Holiday Drama is a close second!

Two Little Monkeys: I really love Mem Fox’s work. She is so purposeful and intentional with her word choice and it creates adorable stories like this one. Your little ones will love this story and these clever little monkeys!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Of course this title is included here! This is one of those books where the language is just fun to listen to and the rhythm draws in the listener. It will undoubtedly become one that you (and your child!) will memorize and chant to yourselves, but I promise, it’s good for your budding reader!

Bee Bim Bop:  I’ve mentioned this book before, and it totally holds a special place in my heart. This was another one of Lil CB’s favorite books as a toddler and he would happily recite the last line with me on each page. Plus, I love the fact that it features a Korean family and gives Lil’ CB the chance to see a family similar to ours in a picture book.

Where is the Green Sheep: I adore this book…the concept is so silly with all the different kinds of sheep, but it is fun and engaging and a great way to introduce the concept of opposites.

I Love You Through and Through:  This is one you’ll love reading to your child and you’ll both giggle in agreement with all of the ways you love him!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight: Another great book from another great series by another great author. Your toddlers will enjoy seeing these large dinosaurs first showing beastly behaviors and then modeling appropriate ones. There are lots of great stories in this series that can be used to introduce different social situations.

Giraffes Can’t Dance: This is silly and funny story about following your heart and the hilarious illustrations (lions doing the Tango!) will make you laugh along with your kiddo as you read!

Little Blue Truck: The illustrations in this book remind me of picture books from my childhood. It’s a sweet story of a (no surprise) Little Blue Truck and the farm friends he meets as he drives along the countryside.

Everywhere Babies: I love this book…the illustrations are delightful and the few lines of text on each page are easy for little ones and their grown-ups to relate to and understand. Another big bonus is that the pictures feature lots of diversity with the types of families that are featured — love, love, LOVE!

What are some of your favorite rhyming books?