Which first books should I have in my preschooler's library?

Your preschooler will naturally develop preferences for specific subjects (trains, animals), storytelling styles (rhymes, songs), and genres (scary, silly, adventurous). It's not uncommon for a young kid to fixate on a certain book and demand to hear it over and over again, with consistent wording each time (i.e. no skipping pages!). So, in addition to choosing classic books, award-winners, and favorites from your own childhood, you can let your child's interests guide you.

In general, you're looking for books that are age-appropriate, key into where your kid is developmentally, and that your kid enjoys—and hopefully you do, too! Here’s some age-by-age guidance and a few book suggestions:

Best first books for toddlers

For this age, look for picture books with imaginative illustrations that help build an understanding of basic vocabulary and numbers. Take into account pro-social messaging, dependable adult characters, and cultural diversity. Avoid violence and scariness.

1. Goodnight Moon

2. The Going to Bed Book

3. Red Sled

Best first books for three-year olds

The most appropriate media for this age help develop basic vocabulary and number sense. Select books that teach a simple message or that model social lessons like how to share and be a good friend. Be cautious about scary stuff.

1. The Little Engine That Could

2. Harold and the Purple Crayon

3. The Spectacular Tale of Peter Rabbit

Best books for four-year-olds

Anything that creates school readiness—ABCs, simple sentence structure, basic numbers—or that teaches basic scientific concepts (like gravity). Pro-social messaging, positive role models, and stereotype-defying can have a big impact. Take your kid's lead on scary stuff (some 4-year-olds like a little bit); avoid sexy stuff.

1. Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos

2. My New Friend Is So Fun!: An Elephant and Piggie Book

3. Circle Square Moose

This article was originally published on Common Sense Media in November 2018.