Reading with your child is a rewarding experience but with so many titles to choose from selecting a book can be a daunting task. So here is a selection of toddler books as chosen and reviewed by The Baby Maze recommends
Toddlers (1-2 years)

Dot and Dash at the Beach by Emma Dodd
Join Dot and Dash as they play on the beach. Lift the flaps to reveal different textures and colours. Nice sturdy book whose lively illustrations and simple but engaging story will really appeal to little ones. Buy now
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
For those of you who haven't read it the story follows the author's quest for the perfect pet. The zoo sends a number of candidates hidden behind different size crates. Lift the flaps to see the procession of unsuitable animals including a lion and a snake! Featuring simple, repetitive text, nice illustrations and sturdy flaps this book is an absolute must. Buy now
The Very Hungry Caterpillar [Board Book] by Eric Carle
This classic board book tells the story of a caterpillar's journey from egg to butterfly via a feast of different foodstuffs. Small children will love to put their fingers into the tiny holes the caterpillar has made in the food and older children will enjoy the interesting text and beautiful illustrations. Buy now
Where Is Maisy?: A Lift the Flap Book by Lucy Cousins
Lucy Cousins is a gifted author/illustrator and has created a great children's character in Maisy the Mouse. The series features a number of titles such as Where is Maisy? Maisy Tidies Up and Maisy's Favourite Animals. Many of the Maisy books are interactive and feature lift the flaps. The simple stories and bright illustrations will definitely be a hit with younger children. Buy now
Lucy Cousins' Big Book of Nursery Rhymes by Lucy Cousins
This collection of nursery rhymes features Lucy Cousins distinct style. The illustrations are bright and zany and the text is simple and easy to follow. This 64 page book is a great introduction to nursery rhymes. Buy now
The Baby's Catalogue by Janet Ahlberg and Allan Ahlberg
Containing few words this books consists almost entirely of pictures enabling you to tell your toddler about the images in your own words. Beautifully illustrated the book features snapshots of everyday life. Toddlers will be enthralled to see how other children live and will recognise and identify with many of the situations. Buy now
Toddlers (2-3 years)
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
What would you do if a tiger showed up at your house expecting to join you for dinner? This is exactly the situation that Sophie finds herself in. At first the tiger is great company but boy is he hungry! Will there be enough food left for Daddy? This is a beautifully illustrated book and all children will love the tale of a naughty tiger. Buy now
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
Three baby owls sit on a branch and wonder where their Mummy could be. The owls grow increasingly concerned until at last their Mummy returns "You knew I'd come back". This is a beautiful book which is great for young children who have ever worried about being apart from their parents. Buy now
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Walker Story Board Books) by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
An entire family (including a baby and a dog) decide to go on a bear hunt, insisting that they're not scared. Their journey takes them through a forest, into some oozy mud and finally to the opening of a dark cave... The text has a lovely sense of repetition so it won't be long before your little one is joining in. Watch out for the journey home - it contains some great comic touches. It is easy to see why this book has become a modern classic. Buy now

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
The tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare will appeal to children and adults of any age as it is all about love and how difficult it is to measure. Beautifully illustrated. Buy now
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
This is a really original story of a little boy who loves the stars so much he decides to catch one for himself. The trouble is he waits all day and doesn't see any stars at all. As the day draws to a close he finally sees one. But does he catch it? You'll have to read the book to find out. The book is complemented by a lovely selection of unusual illustrations. Buy now
Lulu's Shoes by Camilla Reid
All children love shoes and Lulu's Shoes is a real treat. Featuring some delightful illustrations it also gives readers the chance to get to grips with doing up a variety of beautiful shoes using velcro, laces and buckles. Great fun. Buy now
Visit our Amazon store The Baby Maze Recommends where you'll find more books for babies, toddlers and older children. The astore is powered by amazon.co.uk so ordering is easy and secure.