After the nursery reveal, many of you asked for a post about Arlo’s favorite books. I plan to share several updates over time, since his tastes change often as he grows.
I read to Arlo every night before bed. He loves turning the pages, so our books need to be short and durable—board books are essential or he quickly tears the pages. For fellow parents of busy squirmy toddlers, you know the struggle. Below are a mix of books that Arlo enjoys and books I enjoy reading to him. Some are bilingual, some celebrate different cultures or families, and some are simply entertaining for reasons that only a toddler can explain. In no particular order, here are his current favorites.
Press Here by Hervé Tullet: This playful, interactive book was passed down to us and quickly became a family favorite. Readers press dots and follow simple instructions through the pages. It’s cleverly designed and highly engaging—sometimes a bit beyond Arlo’s comprehension, but always fun to enjoy together.
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle: A sweet series about a persevering truck, Little Blue Truck is spirited and gentle. We have the original plus the city and Christmas editions. The rhymes are catchy and the animals and farm scenes keep Arlo entertained.
La Catrina by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein: Part of the Lil’ Libros collection, this bilingual board book uses vibrant illustrations inspired by Mexican traditions. It’s been a great tool for introducing Spanish vocabulary, and Arlo adores the skeleton characters—he even gives the pages kisses.
Contando Con Frida by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein: Another Lil’ Libros title, this counting book draws on Frida Kahlo’s life and artwork. The illustrations are rich and colorful, and for some reason Arlo is fascinated by the page with portraits of Frida’s family—faces seem to captivate him.
The Family Book by Todd Parr: Bright, bold illustrations and simple language made this one of the first books Arlo would sit through. It celebrates all kinds of families and the many ways they begin and grow, which makes it both inclusive and comforting.
Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada by Jimmy Fallon: Originally a Father’s Day gift, this playful book is now a crowd-pleaser at storytime. The animal sounds and short, repetitive pages get big laughs from Arlo, and he enjoys flipping through it rapidly so we can read it multiple times.
The Crayons Book of Colors by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers: While The Day the Crayons Quit is too long for bedtime at this age, this board-book adaptation is an excellent substitute. It’s quirky, fun, and encourages creative thinking about color—perfect for little ones exploring art and imagination.
Cook In A Book: Tacos! by Lotta Nieminen: This interactive concept book is a standout. It teaches simple recipes and includes cardboard props like a pretend knife that Arlo can hold and “use” as we read. The tactile element makes it especially engaging and has turned this into one of his favorites.
Petite Boutique’s Nursery Rhymes: For reasons I can’t fully explain, this collection of classic nursery rhymes is like baby crack for Arlo. He’s loved it since my mom gifted it months ago. The combination of rhythmic songs and lively illustrations sparks joy—and singing is mandatory.
Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli: This was tucked into his first Easter basket and recently rediscovered on his shelf. The die-cut letters and clever, nontraditional objects for each letter make it visually appealing and fun. As someone who reads many ABC books, I appreciate the creative choices here.
What were the favorite books for your little ones around age one? Board books are especially well-suited for this age, thanks to their durability and brevity. I’d love to hear your recommendations and discoveries in the comments below.