Reading aloud with the right short storybook will ease them into the habit of reading. Storytelling is a tried and tested technique in teaching kids about language, emotions, and moral values. Before you know it, you'll have a cute little bookworm requesting new titles! Moreover, reading storybooks promotes brain development and imagination.
It also creates a wonderful bond between parents and their little ones. It's never too early to start a book routine. In this article, we've prepared a buying guide and a top 10 list of highly recommended short storybooks for your little ones. We also asked for some comments and tips from pediatrician Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao!
Quick List - Top Short Storybooks for Kids
Learning Is Fun
Visually Appealing Introduction to Basic Concepts
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Short storybooks are captivating journeys condensed into a few pages, offering young readers vibrant characters, engaging plots, and valuable lessons. Dive into these compact treasures and watch children's imaginations soar, one story at a time. Continue reading below to find out the factors you should consider when choosing a storybook for kids.
Kids have different interests depending on their age, so it is important to choose a storybook that captures their attention and encourages them to finish reading.
Most moms like to introduce a storybook routine as early as the infancy stage. Since a newborn's eyesight is not yet fully developed, select books with black-and-white designs, bright colors, or those with highly contrasting images.
The book must have either one to two objects or large illustrations so that your baby can easily focus on it. Photos of other babies and family members are also engaging for them.
Also, choose small books with rounded edges and thick pages so you can easily flip through the pages while holding your baby. Older infants also like books with interactive features such as pop-ups, textures, scents, and mirrors. Soft vinyl and cloth books are also best for infants for safety precautions.
A newborn’s eyesight is not fully developed at birth, and they see best from about 12 inches. Books with simple images and bold colors are great visually. In terms of content, try rhyming books or very short stories. Take the time to read the book out to them with emotions and a lot of color in your voice, as they can appreciate and respond to that already.
For older infants, it’s developmentally appropriate for them to chew on and grab books, so do keep that in mind when choosing books for them. Go for hardy or sturdy books with rounded edges or those soft, cloth books that are washable. Short stories are also best (for younger infants, their attention span is about 90 seconds), and nice, colorful illustrations help keep them engaged.
Begin with small board books with a few words on the page. This allows your toddler to create their version of the story, hence stimulating their imagination. They also enjoy simple storylines that are accompanied by large colorful pictures and touch-and-feel features.
Toddlers can appreciate a wider range of topics. These include storybooks about animals and everyday chores or routines, especially bath time and goodnight books. They also enjoy learning new words, especially when these are paired with specific gestures.
Choose books with many rhymes and repetitions because they are starting to hone their memory skills during this age. Plus, these are fun to read out loud. Lastly, a storybook that features their favorite movie or cartoon character is always a winner!
Toddlers are really receptive and love to learn. Go for books that have simple stories that they can easily follow and understand. Choose books with nice big letters and simple sentences, as these can be a great tool to help your child learn to read. It's also good to have a variety of children's books available for your toddler to explore, including fairy tales, poetry, and nursery rhymes.
Allow your toddler to take the lead during reading time. If they want to go back to a page or repeat a word or line, indulge them. Make reading a fun and positive experience. Reading time is always a great opportunity to encourage their love for learning.
Older kids, meanwhile, enjoy books with more complex storylines and one to two paragraphs per page. At this age, most kids can finish reading the sentences, especially when they are in a predictable or familiar text pattern.
Some children also like books that involve problem-solving and decision making. For example, books that present interactions or conflicts with friends or family members are very relatable for older kids.
While familiar concepts and situations are always important, remember to also choose storybooks that introduce your kids to varied themes such as cultures around the world and simple life situations which they haven't encountered yet. This is also the best time to incorporate books that teach moral stories and good conduct.
Books for preschoolers should have stories with basic plots, engaging illustrations, and easy to read text. Ideally, the storyline should move rapidly so it can be read in one session. It's also great to choose books that promote the use of their imagination and problem-solving skills.
Children this age also find interest in books about real-life circumstances that mirror their concerns, such as stories about going to school and playing with friends. This is also a good time to read books with a good message or meaningful moral of the story.
See which book titles spark interest in your children by allowing them to pick the book themselves. Find titles that feature their interests, for example, storybooks about princesses, pirates, or animals. Give them a narrowed down list of options, then let your little ones choose which book stands out from the rest.
Sometimes, kids are also interested in books that mimic events in their own life. Some common examples are books about having a new sibling, first day in school, and going to the doctor. Another option would be offering them books about different careers, their favorite places like parks or the zoo, or a toy that they love.
You'll notice that there are times when your child will pick the same book over and over again. That's perfectly normal! Repeated readings of the same book help children learn novel words, particularly for kids aged three to five years. Repetition actually helps in learning complex information by increasing opportunities for the information to be encoded.
By allowing your child to read the same book over and over again (if that's what they choose to do), you let them focus on different elements of the experience, providing them with opportunities to explore, ask questions, and connect concepts together.
Building a book collection is a wonderful hobby to start with your kids. It introduces them to different topics and types of books. Storybooks come in a variety of classifications. Provide your little ones with options so that every book reading session will be an exciting one for them.
Books that cultivate family values and morals must be a top priority. These will help you instill manners and proper conduct without appearing pushy or assertive. These books help your kids to distinguish between good and bad behavior.
Find books that provide your kids with useful information as it tells a story. Storytelling is an effective method in explaining topics that are taught in school. Some examples of such topics are: how the body works, mommy and baby animals, and the different types of plants. Some children's books incorporate history and math lessons in the story, too.
Reading time is also a great opportunity for teaching your children lessons and values. Choose stories that clearly portray the message you want to impart to your child. In rereads of the book, you can ask them what the character in the story should do next. Discuss the book with them, and ask them how the story makes them feel.
Books are also a great way to help prepare your child for new experiences. Before a trip to the zoo, you can read a book about animals or a story about a family going to the zoo. If your child will be joining preschool or daycare, you can choose books that have children as characters interacting with each other. You can even use books to help your child become acclimatized to having a new sibling.
Tales as old as time are a delight to read again and again. Wouldn't it be a nice family tradition to pass on a classic story that you've enjoyed as a child? Such books have universal themes and relatable characters that a kid of any generation would enjoy as well.
Most of these books are written by best-selling and award-winning authors. If this technique works and your kid ends up loving one of the author's books, you can find more titles from the same author. Your child can then enjoy more stories with a familiar style of writing and illustration.
Revisiting books that you enjoyed as a kid with your own child is always a memorable experience. More than giving your child the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the same books, it also allows you to share your own memories and experiences with the book with your child.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age | Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | Educational Value | |||||
1 | Adarna House Hating Kapatid | ![]() | Teaches Fairness and Sharing Using Eye-Catching Illustrations | 6 Years Old and Up | Fairness, Sharing, Equality | |||
2 | World Publishing Company The Very Hungry Caterpillar | ![]() | Well-Loved Book That Teaches Many Concepts | 1 Year Old and Up | Eating Healthy Foods | |||
3 | Adarna House Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy | ![]() | Overcome Limitations With the Power of Imagination | 8 Years Old and Up | Using Your Imagination, Be Limitless | |||
4 | Learning Is Fun Early Learning Board Books With Carry Case | ![]() | Visually Appealing Introduction to Basic Concepts | Not specified | Basic Concepts | |||
5 | Walker Books Guess How Much I Love You: Here I Am! | ![]() | Build Fond Memories With Your Child Using This Beloved Story | 6 Years Old and Up | Appreciating Parent's Love, Genuine Love | |||
6 | Charles Perrault Little Red Riding Hood | ![]() | A Classic Tale Upgraded to Entertain Your Child | Not specified | Not Trusting Strangers Easily | |||
7 | WS Pacific Publishing Inc Aesop's Fables | ![]() | Timeless Stories That Teach Essential Life Lessons | 6 Years Old and Up | Life Lessons | |||
8 | Disney Sofia the First Storybook Collection | ![]() | Collection of Engaging Stories About a Crowd-Favorite Princess | Not specified | Self-Confidence, Honesty, Compassion, Loyalty | |||
9 | Adarna House Alamat ng Ampalaya | ![]() | Imparts Valuable Lessons While Honing Children's Creativity | 1 Year Old and Up | Contentment, Caution Against Greed and Lying | |||
10 | Kahel Press Every Sunday | ![]() | Promotes Sign Language and Diversity | 3-5 Years Old | Diversity |
This book tells the story of siblings, a young ant, and an older brother ant. The story begins with the young ant's curiosity about what "hating kapatid" means. However, the older ant tricks the younger ant into receiving a bigger share of the food they've collected. Ultimately, it imparts to the reader the essence of fairness.
The book also showcases different Filipino snacks and delicacies with beautiful illustrations by Fran Alvarez. Written by Raissa Rivera Falgui, this children's book received the 2014 Best Read for Kids award at the 3rd National Children's Book Awards. Parents who purchased it appreciate the illustrations and the infusion of Filipino culture into the storyline.
Age | 6 Years Old and Up |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Fairness, Sharing, Equality |
Who isn't familiar with the beloved story of the very hungry caterpillar? This tiny creature has become a staple in countless homes and classrooms, thanks to its irresistible charm and universal appeal to toddlers and children of all ages. Even parents and teachers find themselves captivated by its narrative! Through Eric Carle's simple yet ingenious storytelling and distinctive artistic style, children worldwide eagerly turn the pages of this book.
This storybook is an educational tool, teaching numbers, one-to-one correspondences, and the days of the week. Moreover, children embark on a journey through the life cycle of a butterfly as they witness the caterpillar's voracious appetite, its transformation within a cocoon, and its emergence as a vibrant butterfly. With such rich educational content seamlessly woven into its pages, it's no surprise that this book has also become a staple in Filipino households, especially during bedtime stories.
Age | 1 Year Old and Up |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Eating Healthy Foods |
This story will ignite your little ones' imaginations as they embark on Titoy's thrilling adventures! With his magical chair, Titoy transcends his physical limitations and journeys to extraordinary realms—a rock 'n' roll party, an undersea kingdom, and a palace amidst rice fields. Penned in Filipino by Russell Molina, this storybook also features an English translation.
The narrative showcases children's boundless creativity, showing that even an ordinary chair can morph into a car, a plane, a submarine, or even a spaceship! But the creativity doesn't stop there— based on reviews, this storybook is adorned with vibrant and captivating illustrations that have captured the hearts of many children.
Age | 8 Years Old and Up |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Using Your Imagination, Be Limitless |
Age | Not specified |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Basic Concepts |
For a heartwarming story that doubles as an opportunity to bond with your child, look no further than this beloved children's book. In the tale, Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare engage in a game of hide-and-seek. As they play, they express their love for each other using increasingly grand measures.
Published in 1994, Guess How Much I Love You has since sold over 40 million copies worldwide. It has been adapted into various formats, including an audiobook and animated TV series. Beyond its captivating narrative, parents also appreciate the book's high-quality printing and rounded edges, ensuring a safe reading experience for your curious child.
Age | 6 Years Old and Up |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Appreciating Parent's Love, Genuine Love |
Age | Not specified |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Not Trusting Strangers Easily |
Age | 6 Years Old and Up |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Life Lessons |
Age | Not specified |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Self-Confidence, Honesty, Compassion, Loyalty |
Who says the alamat is dead? This book from Adarna House proves otherwise. Augie Rivera resurrects the art of storytelling with a delightful tale on the origins of the ampalaya, or bitter gourd. At its heart, the story serves as a cautionary tale against envy and greed, imparting valuable lessons humorously and engagingly.
Presented in a bilingual format, the book not only entertains but also enriches children's vocabulary in both Filipino and English. Moreover, this versatile book doubles as a coloring book, providing an interactive experience that keeps children entertained for hours. Parents applaud its multifunctional design, which not only sparks creativity but also reinforces the story's lessons.
Age | 1 Year Old and Up |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Contentment, Caution Against Greed and Lying |
Storybooks that teach diversity to young children are rare gems, making this book a welcome addition. It tells the story of a unique friendship between a little girl and a sorbetero named Kuya Berto. What makes their friendship special is that Kuya Berto is deaf, while the little girl is not. Join her as she learns sign language to connect with Kuya Berto and form a lasting friendship.
Additionally, the book provides practical resources, including common sign language greetings and a chart of the Filipino Sign Language alphabet. Parents appreciate the chart's utility, using it as a bonding tool to spell out their children's names. More than the introduction to sign language, the book teaches young readers to see deaf individuals as people worth connecting with. With lessons of acceptance, diversity, and friendship, it deserves a spot on your child's bookshelf!
Age | 3-5 Years Old |
---|---|
Themes and Topics Align with Child's Interests | |
Colorful and Engaging Illustrations | |
Educational Value | Diversity |
Babies, especially younger infants, may not know what the pictures in a book mean or represent, but they can find a lot of interest and enjoyment in them, especially pictures of faces, and those with bright colors and different patterns. Books with rhymes are also great for the younger babies, as your baby will appreciate and enjoy the rhyme and rhythm, especially if you are able to read to them with color and emotion.
As for older babies, they're already starting to become more familiar with the world and objects around them. Choose books that show familiar objects and take the time to point them out to your baby. Books with simple sentences or nursery rhymes are also very enjoyable for older infants.
Are you still unsure about how establish a book routine with your child? Dr. Cuayo-Estanislao answers more questions to help parents feel more confident as they start their book-reading journey with their kids.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that parents begin reading to their baby starting at birth. Many studies have shown that there are significant differences between kids who are read to and those who aren’t.
Research has even found that those differences become quite apparent as early as 18 months. Children who have daily reading time with their caregivers have more expansive vocabularies and can identify objects or words they know.
Toddlers can already enjoy and appreciate stories with a plot. Choose books that have simple but interesting stories. Because they're also developing their ability to think and analyze, you can ask them what they think will happen next in the story.
They're also honing their ability to memorize and may enjoy reading the same books. You can ask your child to help you read or tell the story. You can also ask them questions about what they think about what's happening in the story and how it makes them feel.
It's not an uncommon scenario: you try to read to your baby, but they seem uninterested or would become fussy after a while. This is not unusual and is not a predictor, at a few weeks or even months old, that your child will become an avid reader or not. It’s perfectly normal for babies to cry and, once older, to crawl around or not pay attention while you are reading. Don't lose heart and keep going.
Try to choose books that you can do fun and dramatic readings or voices with (a great example that quickly comes to mind is the Three Little Pigs!). Books that have rhymes are also great, as these often sound pleasant to a child's ears. Like with building any habit, consistency is key. Read with your child every day, even if it's just for a few minutes a day.
Don't forget that reading should be fun for your child. You don’t have to finish a story if your child loses interest. You can always try the book again at a later time or another day. For toddlers, let them choose the book you'll be reading, even if it means reading the same book over and over (and this can be the case for weeks and weeks!).
Always praise them for selecting a book. Make the experience engaging, especially for a toddler who loves being active and involved. Let them help you turn pages, talk about the pictures, point to different things in the pictures, and name them, then ask your child to name them with you and praise your child for their response.
Ask older tots open-ended questions: "Why do you think the little girl is going into the woods? What do you think will happen next?" This helps your child to think about the story and to ask questions.
Any time your child wants to read a book is a great time to read! In general, though, a good time to sit down with your child and read is before naptime and bedtime. This is the best time to have a little quiet, one-on-one time with your child as they're settling down to sleep.
For older kids, if your toddler will let you, have them sit on your lap while you read. This helps your toddler feel safe, relaxed, and happy. It also shows them that they have your full attention and would encourage your child to participate.
Aside from books, your child can also learn a lot from playing and doing other activities. below are some products that can help you bond and help your child to learn new stuff.
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Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan
Re-editor: J. Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Adarna House|Hating Kapatid
No. 2: World Publishing Company|The Very Hungry Caterpillar
No. 3: Adarna House|Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy
No. 4: Learning Is Fun |Early Learning Board Books With Carry Case
No. 5: Walker Books|Guess How Much I Love You: Here I Am!
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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