As parents, we only have so much control over our little ones. But one privilege we do get is the ability to tell them their first stories. As your child learns what storytelling is, you get to curate that experience by picking books featuring clever, uplifting storylines and vibrant illustrations. We’ve compiled a list of beautifully illustrated early childhood books for toddlers with relatable storylines and positive messages. These creative books are a great way to instill a love of good stories in your youngster that will benefit them for years to come. Why Bully Me by Michael Gordon Look at those two cute critters on the cover. No one could bully animals that adorable, right? Well, you clearly haven’t met Monkey, who is as impish as all get-out, hurling mean insults at both Giraffe and Elephant. The first few pages of this book are rough, but it gets better. Giraffe and Elephant form an unlikely friendship despite their differences as they bond over how Monkey’s mean words made them feel. When the two of them have each other’s friendship and support, Monkey finds that his attempts to rile them are no match. Michael Gordon’s book is as beautifully illustrated as it is heartfelt and empowering. It’s a great message to teach your kids from the outset, as it can be a jungle out there. Pros: Uplifting message Great early childhood illustration Written in rhyme Cons: Bullying content may be upsetting to sensitive toddlers Terry Treetop and the Christmas Star by Tali Carmi Terry Treetop isn’t just for Christmas, folks. He’s a recurring character in his own series of books, although we think Terry Treetop and the Christmas Star shows him at his best. This book introduces a new friend, Sammy the Squirrel, who Terry saves from the frigid winter weather. After that ordeal, the two become inseparable, and Sammy even pitches in on the Christmas tree decorating. Tali Carmi’s books are well-written on their own, but the colorful illustrations by Mindy Liang make this a must-have for your toddler. The opening image of children ice skating in an idyllic small town is sure to stick in the minds of little ones when that special time of year rolls around. Pros: Endearing characters Compassionate message about kindness to animals Great use of color in illustration Cons: Christmas-specific content may not resonate with all kids Millie Va al Espacio/Millie Goes to Space by Erika Deery Early childhood is the best time to teach multiple languages, and this book is a perfect addition to your educational toolkit. Erika Deery’s fully bilingual book is in both English and Spanish. On the one hand, this book will engage the minds of young readers as it teaches them how to say the same thing in two different ways. But it will also engage their imaginations, as Millie Goes to Space is a cosmic odyssey with a clever illustrative rendering of the final frontier. Quaint images of dark blue skies, sparkling stars, simple spacecraft in flight, and creative kids dreaming come together to get your toddler engaged in an unforgettable orbit. Pros: In both English and Spanish Minimalist text blocks and illustrations Short read Cons: Not ideal for those looking for more humor-based storytelling We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Kates & Joe Mathieu The gang from Sesame Street guides us through this little book about our shared humanity. Need we say more? These beloved characters have been entertaining and educating kids for generations, and We’re Different, We’re the Same is no exception. The smiling Sesame Street gang is drawn in with real-life kids of different backgrounds, shapes, and sizes to teach youngsters that we’re all part of the same neighborhood. It’s a clever and reliable starter for your kids, who are sure to love the classic Sesame Street characters as much as parents did. Pros: Familiar characters from Sesame Street Detailed illustrations Upbeat tone Cons: More of a “message” book than a “story” book, for parents looking to tell their kids a bedtime yarn The New Baby by Mercer Mayer If you have multiple kids, one or two of them may know exactly what the Little Critter is going through in Mercer Mayer’s The New Baby. Whether they met their new sibling with joy, confusion, or something in-between, we think kids can appreciate the Little Critter’s experience in this well-written and brilliantly illustrated book. Mercer Mayer’s stories have a vintage vibe to them — he’s been writing since 1966 — and there’s a classiness to his storytelling that entices children while filling their parents with sweet nostalgia. And if this book makes more older siblings a little bit kinder to their younger siblings, well, we’re not complaining. Pros: Good message about positive sibling relationships Classic character with recognizable illustrations Short, visually appealing read Cons: Not as relatable to youngest siblings or only children Frequently Asked Questions Why buy these books instead of using my library card? Kids love having books that they can hold onto, come back to on rainy days, and have you read aloud until you’ve all got them memorized. Frankly, toddlerhood is one of the best ages to buy books, and their favorites will become treasured items in the years to come. Do all these books have to teach my kids a message? The messages contained in the books we recommend are largely universal and positive without getting too specific. This allows parents to start a conversation with their little one at a young age and discuss the topics in an approachable, open-minded, and lighthearted way. Related posts: The Best Baby Dolls for Toddlers The Best Puzzles for Toddlers The Best Crayons for Toddlers