1
Learning Through Touch
The die-cut holes invite toddlers to poke their fingers through, turning reading into a hands-on experience that reinforces counting and sequencing concepts.
Why It's On Our Shelf
This book is one of those rare things that works on multiple levels without trying too hard. The story itself is simple - caterpillar eats, gets fat, transforms - but the die-cut holes and collage illustrations turn it into something kids want to touch and interact with. I've seen toddlers stick their fingers through those holes a hundred times and never get bored. What I appreciate most is how it sneaks in counting, days of the week, and the whole metamorphosis concept without feeling like a lesson. It just feels like a fun story about a hungry bug. The art style is also distinct enough that kids recognize it immediately, which matters more than people think when building early reading memories.
Why It Works
2
Pattern Recognition
The repetitive structure (eating through different foods each day) helps young children predict what comes next, building early literacy skills and confidence.
3
Understanding Change
Introduces the concept of transformation in a concrete, visual way that helps children grasp that change can be positive and natural.
First Wonders
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
A beloved classic featuring rhythmic text and bold, colorful illustrations that introduce children to animals and colors.
View on Amazon
First Wonders
Goodnight Moon
Margaret Wise Brown
A gentle bedtime story that has lulled generations of children to sleep with its soothing rhythm and cozy illustrations.
View on Amazon
First Wonders
Where Is Baby's Belly Button?
Karen Katz
A lift-the-flap book that delights babies with peek-a-boo fun while teaching body parts.
View on Amazon