List of Best Montessori Books For 1 Year Olds

This is a continuation of my Montessori book recommendations. You can check out the books I recommended for infants up to 1 year old and guidelines in choosing Montessori books in my previous post.

Note that these books can also be read to children in succeeding years, and the recommended ages are for when the books can be introduced.

Montessori-Aligned Books for 1 Year Olds

1. My First Padded Book of Opposites

This board book features illustrations of opposite concepts such as big and small, fast and slow. It promotes cognitive development and vocabulary building.

2. Hands Can by Cheryl Willis Hudson

This book features photographs of children and adults performing different actions with their hands. It promotes vocabulary building and encourages children to explore their own capabilities.

3. I’m Not Tired! by Janice Behrens and Marybeth Butler

This board book features a child who insists they are not tired despite clear signs that they are. It promotes language development and social-emotional learning as children learn to express their feelings and needs.

4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This classic book features colorful illustrations of the life cycle of a butterfly. It also includes a section for counting up to 5, which is perfect for this age. It encourages children to understand life and learn more about the natural world.

5. Off to the Park! by Stephen Cheetham

This board book with tactile features, rhythmic text, simple illustrations are such a fun read for 1 year olds! It is about a child and their caregiver on a trip to the park, with each page having sensory experiences for the young reader.

6. Leo Gets a Checkup by Anna McQuinn and Ruth Hearson

This board book features a child going to the doctor for a checkup. It promotes health awareness and comfort with medical procedures.

7. My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith

This board book features simple text and illustrations that promote positive feelings and emotions. It encourages babies to explore their emotions and feelings.

8. The Babies and Doggies Book by John Schindel and Molly Woodward

This board book features photographs of babies and dogs in different scenarios. It promotes object recognition and appreciation for animals.

9. All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon

This book features beautiful illustrations and beautiful meaning, overall. This is perfect for young children who are just beginning to explore the world around them. It encourages children to explore and appreciate the world around them.

10. The Little Airplane by Lois Lenski

This book features realistic illustrations of airplanes and promotes an appreciation for transportation and exploration. It makes a fun introduction of pilots and encourages one’s interest in airplanes.

11. Before After by Matthias Arégui and Anne-Margot Ramstein

This book teaches children about the concept of before and after through simple text and illustrations and encourages discussion about life and transformation happening around us. It leads the child to be aware of the natural world and appreciate it more.

12. Montessori: Number Work by Bobby and June George

This board book encourages the child to count and to learn the numerals associated with the quantity. It also is a fair alternative for developing hand movements or practicing hand muscles to write the numbers as is the purpose of sandpaper numerals.

13. Baby 101: Architecture for Babies by Jonathan Litton

Introduces young children to the basics of architecture – different kinds of buildings, materials, and workers. It promotes vocabulary building and recognition of architectural environment.

These books promote cognitive development, language skills, social-emotional learning, and an appreciation for nature and the world around them. With engaging illustrations and simple text, these books are perfect for young children who are just beginning to explore the world of reading and learning.

I will continue to add more to the list. Browse through my other book recommendations for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers:

• Montessori Book recommendations for infants to 12-month-olds
• Montessori Book recommendations for 2-year-olds
• Montessori Book recommendations for 3-year-olds and beyond