1.
Green Eggs and Ham
regular / USED - Acceptable
It won't be a surprise to see Dr. Suess ranked #1, but why this one, when there are so many others? For us, books for pre-readers have to engage an infant, but also the adult reading to them. No book gives adults the chance to be engaged narrators better than Green Eggs and Ham.
2.
Goodnight Moon
regular / USED - Acceptable
While many may argue over the best board book, fewer will challenge the best bed-time book. This Brown & Hurd milestone book captures the cadence of winding down for sleep like no other.
3.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
regular / USED - Acceptable
Open and honest, with a beguiling rhythmic meter, this classic takes the concept of change and welcomes it in a way that make children (and adults!) less fearful of what lies ahead.
4.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
regular / USED - Good
An absolute classic that erodes the barriers we impose on our imaginations. A top ten on any list.
5.
Moo, Baa, La La La!
regular / USED - Acceptable
No list would be complete without this Sandra Boynton animal noises board book. No accident that she also has a dominant presence as a cartoonist and songwriter as well.
6.
The Velveteen Rabbit
regular / USED - Acceptable
Arguably the greatest of the "message stories" in children's literature. A tale of love outlasting age, first published more than 90 years ago. We are definitely still in love with this book.
7.
Dr. Seuss's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book!
regular / USED - Acceptable
Who else but Dr. Seuss could entertain infants while also giving them their first alphabet lesson?
8.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
regular / USED - Acceptable
Carle, like many other authors that made this list, takes a fundamental concept and distills it for our youngest minds. The marriage of images and text is also a winner.
9.
The Little Engine That Could
regular / USED - Acceptable
A book (a book for children at that) with a title that has passed into common parlance. This book distills the skill of persistence for children of all ages.
10.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
regular / USED - Acceptable
Another classic from Eric Carle This is one of our favorite titles that falls into a call and response cadence.
11.
The Rainbow Fish
regular / USED - Good
With a unique message of generosity and sharing this tale, with one-of-a-kind iridescent images, quickly became an international best seller and one of our favorites.
12.
The Foot Book
regular / USED - Acceptable
The published age range for this book it 0-2 yrs. Make that 0-99 yrs. Any one of the creations of Dr. Seuss that have this instantly recognizable meter are our instant favorites.
13.
14.
There's a Wocket in My Pocket
regular / USED - Acceptable
Ridiculous and nonsensical rhymes; yes, but this book scores points for the message of acceptance; a must.
15.
On the Night You Were Born
regular / USED - Acceptable
A masterpiece for Nancy Tillman's illustrations alone, this book celebrates the arrival of a new life, providing endless opportunities to celebrate, but also to foreshadow the arrival of others.
16.
Stellaluna
regular / USED - Acceptable
Teamwork and friendships theme this whole series. We're in love with this untraditional character.
17.
The Very Busy Spider
regular / USED - Acceptable
This is Eric Carle again, and a wonderful complement to "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and others.
18.
Big Red Barn
regular / USED - Good
Often the secret of the best board book is matching the content perfectly to the development level of the infant. Few do this more successfully than Margaret Wise Brown, this time with illustrator Felicia Bond.
19.
Harry the Dirty Dog
regular / USED - Acceptable
Our "hero" rebels and gets so dirty his owners don't recognize him, but it isn't long before he is recognized and reunited with them. An enchanting tale and dare we say the illustrations are "spot" on?
20.
21.
The Carrot Seed
regular / USED - Acceptable
One of the greatest marriages between the narrative and each illustration, this book appeals to infants and older children alike.
22.
The Monster at the End of This Book
regular / USED - Acceptable
An all-time great from the Sesame Street team, starring the loveable, furry old Grover. A guaranteed hit with infants of all ages.
23.
Little Blue Truck
regular / USED - Acceptable
Schertle's sound effects classic is a perfect length for kids two years and younger. This is one of the most popular board books ever, showing the gifts of friendship and teamwork.
24.
Just in Case You Ever Wonder
regular / USED - Good
Any adult familiar with Lucado's books aimed at helping adults reach their potential, will find the same messages about love, comfort and protection here in this absolute classic.
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