My Toxic Trait: I Have a Book Recommendation for Everything
Some people collect shoes, others collect coffee mugs—I collect book recommendations for every possible stage of life. If you mention your child’s age, emotional state, or reading level, chances are I’ve got a book (or ten) for you.
Here’s my ultimate guide to book recommendations, from infancy to adulthood—because there’s always a book that fits the moment.
From Infancy: Building a Love for Books Early
10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes – Sweet and rhythmic, this one is a must for every baby.
Everywhere Babies – A celebration of babies in every shape and size.
Puppy Too Small – Gentle and adorable, just like baby books should be.
The Giving Tree – Classic, profound, and a bit emotional, but a must-have.
Goodnight Moon – No explanation needed—it’s the OG bedtime book.
Toddler Favorites: Repetition, Rhyme, and Fun
Little Blue Truck – Trucks + animal sounds = toddler gold.
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site – A bedtime staple for truck lovers.
Cranky – A fun and relatable read about moods.
Grumpy Monkey – The perfect book to help kids navigate tough feelings.
The Book With No Pictures – Pure genius. Endless giggles guaranteed.
Emotional Intelligence (for Kids): Teaching Feelings & Resilience
Spot Books – Simple, clear, and essential for social-emotional learning.
My Many Colored Days – Dr. Seuss at his best, helping kids explore emotions.
Parker Shines On – A wonderful book for confidence and perseverance.
The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes – A must-read for perfectionist kids.
Grade School Must-Haves: Stories that Stick
The Entire Andrea Beaty Series – Ada Twist, Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck—YES to all of them.
Learning to Read: First Steps into Literacy
Bob Books – The holy grail of first readers.
Usborne Series – Fun and engaging books that build confidence.
Parenting Books: Read These, Thank Me Later
Good Inside (Dr. Becky Kennedy) – Emotional intelligence for adults. This book will change you.
How to Raise Successful People (Esther Wojcicki) – Big-picture parenting advice.
Lessons in Chemistry – Yes, it’s fiction, but Bonnie Garmus gets it.
Life-Changing Books for Me: Game Changers
Atomic Habits (James Clear) – The best book on habit formation, period.
Think Like a Monk (Jay Shetty) – A must-read for mindfulness and perspective.
Good Energy (Casey Means) – A fascinating look at health and longevity.
You Are More Than You Think You Are (Kimberly Snyder) – For personal growth and transformation.