Reading book tips for the very youngest – 6 to 24 months.
Reading aloud is not just fun (although of course it is); Reading aloud has many advantages: it increases vocabulary, stimulates empathy and creates a bondingmoment by diving into a book adventure together. But what are you going to read to the little ones? I mean, yours truly started working on the Harry Potter books early, but twelve months is a bit of an exaggeration.
Team Bart has worked on a number of children's bookswizards asked what their favorites are. From classics and Golden oldie to exciting new titles. See below for a great list of recommendations from The Children's Bookstore, The Children's Book MuseumThe Hague Alice in Wonderland Children's Bookstore and publishing house GottmerWe can already picture it: pajamas on, together on the couch or in bed, and off on a reading adventure. It doesn't even have to be your own bed, because here we still have a list kid proof places where reading aloud is also a celebration.
This list includes links to order directly. But be sure to visit the bookstores mentioned above. Choosing a book together is always the most fun.
Gottmer has a fantastic selection of children's books. Thanks to this publisher, we've had The Very Hungry Caterpillar on our bookshelves for over fifty years. They have a wide selection, especially for the very youngest. The people at Gottmer know what makes a good read-aloud, so here are some tips from the experts.
Ebbie in the sink – Marjet Huiberts and Milja Praagman
Ebbie is a funny, playful, and headstrong little monkey who will instantly win over readers (and likely readers will too). The everyday events Ebbie experiences are relatable to any toddler, and the interactive stories encourage conversation. €12
Just a little tickle behind my ears – Jörg Mühle.
In this sweet storybook, bedtime becomes an interactive game. Toddlers can put the bunny to bed themselves: they can clap their hands, fluff the pillow, give him a quick scratch behind the ears, and of course, give him a goodnight kiss. And on the very last page, they can turn out the light. Good night, Little Rabbit! €11
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
A classic among classics – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In this beautiful book, toddlers can search for the world-famous hungry green friend. Along the way, they'll also encounter many other forest animals behind the large flaps. New in 2025: Christmas with the Very Hungry Caterpillar €13
Bedtime manual – Anouk Ricard and Paulle Battault
This hilarious, retro-inspired book is about the moment a toddler needs to go to bed. Because as soon as parents look at each other and start talking about a bedtime story, you know what time it is. €12
A little one too – Aniek Bartels
How many little ones are in the koala family? Are there also animal families with two mothers? With this sturdy cardboard book, young children can discover which members make up animal families. Featuring beautiful illustrations by Aniek Bartels. €9
Look around you – Ingela P. Arrhenius
The illustrations in "Look Around You" are exceptionally stylish. The book is full of flaps and pictures. Learning about numbers, colors, and shapes through play is sure to delight mom and dad. €8
Pokko has a drum –Matthew Forsythe
The hilarious Pokko has a drum will make many readers laugh out loud. How relatable will Pokko's father's words be: "We should never have given her that drum." Full of humor and beautifully illustrated. €20
Everyone is amazed at the Children's Book Museum in The Hague, so grandpa/grandma/uncle/aunt can also come along. With numerous exhibitions you go on an adventure through the world of children's books and your own imagination. Extra fun for the little ones – I am Frog. A cheerful hands-on and learning exhibition about big emotions such as love, fear and joy with Bear, Duck, Pig, Rat and of course Frog. As we see it: a Golden oldie which should not be missed during reading hours.
I am Frog – Max Velthuijs
Miffy – Dick Bruna
It might seem a bit obvious, but let's be honest: Miffy simply can't be left out of a reading list. It's a world of recognition for little listeners as Miffy experiences all her adventures. Miffy's big animal book €19
Every Day Dikkie Dik – Jet Boeke
A firm favorite – Dikkie Dik. A cheerful, well-rounded, somewhat clumsy, but oh so sweet friend to everyone. After forty years, Dikkie Dik has experienced so much that now a short story can be read aloud every day. This collection contains 365 stories. €20
My sliding book Seasons – Nathalie Choux
Discovering the world is even more fun with this sliding book where your toddler can change the pictures themselves. Have fun sliding, looking, and learning. And it's good to know that these sliding books come in all sorts of different themes, such as food, the body, a house, and the garden. Plenty to discover! €12
Lost cuddly toy – Alex MacDonald
Help us find the cuddly toy in the funny and relatable picture book "Lost Cuddly Toy." Penguin Mikki searches for his favorite cuddly toy. Penguin Mikki does everything with his cuddly toy. He gets up, has breakfast, brushes his teeth, reads a book... Can you spot the cuddly toy? €16
