Let’s talk about my favorite books for speech therapy for toddlers! This post contains affiliate links. Several of these titles are actually members of a series; all of which present the same concept and opportunities using different topics- so, be sure to check them all out. You can also listen to the podcast episode by clicking the picture below!
These books are listed in no particular order and some of them are actually series! You can also grab my handout listing these books and what I target while using them! This FREEBIE includes links to all the books listed in this blog post plus the different goals and concepts that can be targeted with each book!
1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Brown Bear, Brown Bear is great for introducing the concept of reading to babies and toddlers. This book can target vocabulary, environmental sounds, and expanding utterances. With the simplicity of the format and the rhythmic repetition; language learners are encouraged to engage with the book and participate in read aloud activities. There’s also an app that follows along with the book! The sequence within the app has a different ending than the book, however, it follows the same recognizable characters. Honestly, it’s worth every penny! (the book is the affiliate link- not the app)
You can also find a Brown Bear, Brown Bear book companion for speech therapy. This printable resource includes activities for following directions, matching, sequencing, Brown Bear coloring pages,
2. Never Touch a…Series
Vibrant colors and multiple textures make these books interactive and highly engaging. I use these books as an activity to increase toddler attention span and engagement. There are multiple opportunities for tactile and visual sensory exploring within the pages. While looking through the book, talk with your child about the colors, textures, and incorporate environmental sounds.
3. Poke-a-Dot Series Melissa & Doug
I was actually introduced to these Melissa and Doug books by a co-worker and y’all… they quickly became some of my best books for speech therapy! My favorite thing about these books is they’re engaging, interactive, and repetitive. The pop-it’s on each page also allow for opportunities to produce multiple targets.
4. My First Touch and Feel Sound Series
These books for toddlers are always a hit when it comes to engagement and interactions. This series offers a variety of textures, sensations, and noises. They are perfect for encouraging sensory exploration. Plus most of them come with an on/off switch!
5. Pop-Up Peek-a-Boo…Series
Full disclosure- when I purchase books for toddlers, I always go in with the understanding that they may be well “loved” [read: torn] …even under the closest supervision. Babies and toddlers get very excited when the items “pop out” of the books. These books are fun for practicing rote phrases such as “peek-a-boo” or “ready, set, GO/OPEN”, answering “where” questions, playing hide and seek, and naming vocabulary.
6. That’s Not My...Series
These are actually just a smaller and quiet version of My First Touch and Feel. They are typically they’re purchased through Usborne booksellers [but you can also find them on amazon]. These sensory friendly books offer a variety of touch and feel textures. In addition to vocabulary and environmental sounds, these books also provide opportunities for yes/no questions and negation.
7. Where’s Spot
Where’s Spot is often listed in the best books for early intervention speech therapy. And for good reason; it’s on my list of best books for speech therapy because of the simple format and opportunities for engagement. It provides multiple opportunities to practice exclamatory sounds, answer “where” questions, and name animals as you help Sally find Spot!
8. Little Blue Truck... Series
Little Blue Truck series often presents a more advanced storyline geared toward older toddlers/preschoolers, but they’re also a great addition for toddlers. These books offer detailed illustrations and provide a lot of opportunities for engagement. The noisy book pictured also provides opportunities for matching while teaching the concept of reading left to right as you match each picture to the button.
There are several book companions on TPT made by other SLPs/educators for this series to increase engagement and interactions for preschoolers!
9. First 100 Words…Series
I’ll be 100% honest with you here- these are not always my first choice when it comes to choosing books for little ones. I typically save these books for toddlers who understand how to actively engage in shared storybook reading. There are a lot of pictures presented on each page and a lot of colors throughout the books. I do like these books, but only for certain populations. If you have a toddler or little one who shy’s away from these, it might be that they find them overstimulating.
10. High Contrast Books
High-contrast books are typically recommended for newborn babies as they begin to develop their eyesight. These books provide vivid pictures and bold patterns some may even include printed words. However, these aren’t just for newborns….these books are also ideal for littles that become overstimulated easily or have difficulty with vision. I’ve even used them with some school aged friends successfully.
Want to know more about the importance of reading with babies and toddlers? Check out this blog post!
