Best Books about Five Senses for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Toddlers are at a stage of life where they are eager to explore the world around them, and one of the most effective ways to support their learning is through books that engage their five senses. From the feel of different textures to the sight of vibrant colors, books can help young children develop a deeper understanding of how they perceive their environment. Introducing sensory books at an early age not only fosters curiosity but also strengthens cognitive and motor skills, making it a fun and educational experience for both parents and children.
Best Books about Five Senses for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Incorporating books that focus on the five senses into a toddler's reading routine can open up a world of discovery. These books are designed to be interactive, allowing children to touch, hear, see, smell, and even taste their way through the pages. Whether it's through the playful repetition of animal sounds, the textured surfaces of a touch-and-feel book, or the vibrant illustrations that capture their imagination, sensory books offer a holistic approach to learning. They provide a hands-on experience that is essential for toddlers as they grow and develop, helping them connect with the world in meaningful and memorable ways.
Teaching toddlers about the five senses can be both fun and educational, whether you're a parent or a preschool teacher. Here are some effective strategies and activities to help young children understand and explore their senses:
1. Incorporate Sensory Play
Touch: Create a sensory bin filled with various objects of different textures (e.g., sand, rice, soft fabrics, rough sponges). Let the toddlers explore these materials with their hands and describe how each item feels.
Sight: Use brightly colored toys, picture books, or nature walks to help children observe and discuss different colors, shapes, and sizes.
Hearing: Introduce sound-based games, such as playing with musical instruments, listening to different types of sounds, or identifying noises from the environment (e.g., birds chirping, cars honking).
Taste: Organize a taste test with different flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter). Encourage toddlers to try new foods and describe the taste.
Smell: Use scented playdough, flowers, or spice jars to let toddlers smell different scents. Ask them to identify and describe the smells.
2. Use Books and Stories
Read books that focus on the five senses, as these can provide a narrative context that helps toddlers understand how their senses work. Engage the children by asking questions about what they see, hear, feel, taste, or smell in the story.
3. Interactive Songs and Rhymes
Use songs and rhymes that involve the five senses. For example, sing songs that talk about touching with hands, seeing with eyes, hearing with ears, tasting with the tongue, and smelling with the nose. Encourage toddlers to act out the lyrics to reinforce the concepts.
4. Art and Craft Activities
Create art projects that involve different senses. For instance, use scented markers, textured paper, or materials like sandpaper and cotton balls. You can also encourage children to describe the sensory elements in their artwork. If you are looking for preschool crafts and ideas, be sure to check out this Crafty Kids blog for different ways to engage small children in fun crafts.
5. Outdoor Exploration
Take toddlers on nature walks and encourage them to use all their senses. Ask them to describe what they see, hear, smell, and feel. You can also have them taste safe edible plants like herbs or fruits.
6. Cooking Activities
Involve toddlers in simple cooking activities where they can use all their senses. Let them feel the texture of different ingredients, smell the spices, hear the sound of food being cooked, see the colors of the finished dish, and taste the final product.
7. Role-Playing Games
Set up role-playing scenarios where toddlers pretend to be in different environments (e.g., a kitchen, a garden, a zoo). Encourage them to use their senses to explore and interact with the environment.
8. Sensory Activities / Walks
Organize sensory walks inside the classroom or home, where different stations focus on one of the five senses. For example, a station for touch could have various textured objects, while a station for sound could have different instruments.
9. Learning Through Everyday Activities
Incorporate sensory learning into daily routines. For instance, during bath time, talk about the temperature of the water (touch), or while eating, discuss the flavors and smells of the food. I love using Mr. Potato Head characters with little learners to remove / add the body parts that teach 5 senses.
By using these strategies, parents and preschool teachers can create a rich sensory learning environment that helps toddlers develop an understanding of their senses in a natural and enjoyable way.
The Best Toddler Baby Books About Senses
Here’s a list of 25 books that are perfect for helping toddlers learn about the five senses. As an amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission based on purchases made through these affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Whether you are looking for books for a preschool classroom or something for your own home these wonderful book options with sweet illustrations are such fun choices for preschool kids.
Toddler / Preschool Books about the Five Senses
Books about Senses of Sight
"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" is a timeless classic that captures the attention of toddlers with its rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations. The great book takes young readers on a visual journey as they encounter different animals and colors on each page. The repetitive, predictable text of simple sentences makes it easy for toddlers to follow along, helping them build their vocabulary and color recognition. Eric Carle's signature collage-style artwork adds a layer of visual stimulation that keeps little ones engaged from start to finish.
"Peek-a-Boo! I See You!" by Eric Carle
"Peek-a-Boo! I See You!" is a delightful board book that combines the beloved game of peek-a-boo with the joy of reading with fun mirrors. Each page features interactive flaps that toddlers can lift to reveal different characters and objects, making it a fun and engaging way to introduce the concept of sight. The bold, colorful illustrations and simple text make this book a perfect choice for babies and toddlers who are just beginning to explore the world around them
"I Spy Little Book" by Jean Marzollo
"I Spy Little Book" is a simplified version of the popular "I Spy" series, designed specifically for toddlers. This is one of the best books that encourages young children to use their sense of sight to find and identify various objects within the vibrant, detailed photographs. The rhyming text guides toddlers through the pages, making the search-and-find activity both fun and educational. This book is an excellent way to help toddlers develop their observational skills and attention to detail as they search for familiar objects in each picture for the senses theme.
"Baby Loves the Five Senses: Sight!" by Ruth Spiro
"Baby Loves the Five Senses: Sight!" offers a gentle introduction to the science behind the sense of sight, making complex concepts accessible to even the youngest readers. The book explains how light and eyes work together to help us see, using simple language and bright, engaging illustrations. Ruth Spiro’s clear and concise explanations, paired with Irene Chan’s appealing artwork, make this book a great choice for curious toddlers. It's part of a series that helps young children understand their senses, laying the groundwork for a deeper appreciation of how they perceive the world.
Baby Loves the Five Senses: Sight! by Ruth Spiro
Baby loves the five senses! Accurate enough for experts, yet simple enough for baby, this clever board book explores the science of vision, light, and color. Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby's sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well.
Toddler Books about Sense of Touch
"Touch and Feel Farm" by DK Publishing
"Touch and Feel Farm" is part of a beloved series that introduces toddlers to the sense of touch and feel through a farm-themed adventure. Each page features different textures for little fingers to explore, such as the soft fur of a sheep or the rough skin of a pig. The book’s large, clear images and simple text make it easy for toddlers to engage with the content, while the tactile experience helps them connect with the material in a meaningful way. It’s an excellent choice for introducing young children to different textures and the concept of touch.
"The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle
"The Very Busy Spider" is another Eric Carle classic that combines storytelling with sensory exploration. The story follows a determined spider who spins her web throughout the day, despite the distractions from other animals. What makes this book particularly special is the raised texture of the spider’s web, which even the youngest learners can trace with their fingers as they follow the story. This tactile element adds an interactive dimension to the reading experience, helping toddlers connect the sense of touch with the narrative.
"That's Not My Puppy" by Fiona Watt
"That's Not My Puppy" is part of a popular touch-and-feel series that invites toddlers to explore different textures while searching for the right puppy. Each page features a different puppy with a unique texture, such as fuzzy fur or shiny nose, encouraging toddlers to engage their sense of touch. The repetitive text and bold illustrations make it easy for young children to follow along and anticipate what comes next. This book is perfect for little hands and is sure to be a hit with toddlers who love to touch and explore.
"Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt
"Pat the Bunny" is a classic touch-and-feel fun book that has been loved by generations of toddlers. The book features various interactive elements, such as feeling Bunny’s fur, playing peek-a-boo with Paul, or smelling the flowers. Each page offers a new sensory experience, making it a highly engaging read for young children. The simple text and familiar activities make it easy for toddlers to connect with the book, while the interactive elements help them develop their fine motor skills and understanding of different textures.
"Touch and Feel: Baby Animals" by DK Publishing
"Touch and Feel: Baby Animals" is a delightful silly book that introduces toddlers to the world of animals through touch. Each page features a different baby animal with a texture that mimics the feel of its fur, skin, or feathers. The bright photographs and simple text make it an engaging and educational read, helping toddlers develop their sense of touch while learning about animals. This book is a great addition to any toddler’s library and is sure to become a favorite for little ones who love animals and exploring with their hands.
Books about Sense of Hearing
"Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
"Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" is the auditory counterpart to "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" and focuses on the different sounds animals make. As toddlers turn the pages, they are introduced to a variety of animal sounds, from the roaring of a lion to the trumpeting of an elephant. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations by Eric Carle make this book a captivating read, while the focus on sounds helps toddlers develop their sense of hearing and listening skills. It’s a fun and educational way to explore the world of animals through sound through this classic book.
"Listen, Listen" by Phillis Gershator
"Listen, Listen" is a beautifully illustrated awesome book that takes toddlers on a journey through the seasons, introducing them to the sounds that accompany each one. From the chirping of birds in spring to the crunching of leaves in autumn, the book encourages children to pay attention to the sounds around them. The rhythmic, repetitive text makes it easy for toddlers to follow along, while the detailed illustrations provide visual context for the sounds. This book is an excellent tool for helping young children develop their auditory awareness and appreciation for the natural world.
"The Listening Walk" by Paul Showers
"The Listening Walk" is a gentle, reflective story that encourages toddlers to take a quiet walk and listen to the sounds around them. The interesting book follows a little girl and her father as they stroll through their neighborhood, paying attention to the different noises they hear along the way. The simple text and soft illustrations create a calming atmosphere, making it a perfect read for quiet time or bedtime. This book helps toddlers develop their listening skills and teaches them the value of slowing down and observing the world through their sense of hearing.
"Quiet Loud" by Leslie Patricelli
"Quiet Loud" is a fun, contrasting book that introduces toddlers to the concept of volume by comparing quiet and loud sounds. Each page features a pair of opposites, such as "whispering" and "yelling," helping children understand the difference between soft and loud noises. The bold, colorful illustrations and simple text make this book easy for toddlers to grasp, while the playful comparisons keep them engaged. It’s a great tool for teaching toddlers about volume and the different ways sounds can be experienced.
"Hello, World! Music" by Jill McDonald
"Hello, World! Music" is part of the "Hello, World!" series, which introduces toddlers to a variety of subjects in an accessible way. This particular beautiful book focuses on the world of music, introducing young children to different instruments and the sounds they make. The bright, cheerful illustrations and simple explanations make it easy for toddlers to understand how music is created and enjoyed. It’s an engaging and educational read that helps toddlers develop their sense of hearing and appreciation for music.
Books about Sense of Taste
"Yummy Yucky" by Leslie Patricelli
"Yummy Yucky" is a humorous board book that teaches toddlers about taste by comparing foods that are "yummy" and those that are "yucky." With simple, bold illustrations and straightforward text, the book helps young children understand the concept of taste and the differences between foods that are good to eat and those that are not. The playful tone and relatable scenarios make this book a fun way to introduce toddlers to the sense of taste, while also reinforcing the idea of making healthy food choices.
"Baby Loves the Five Senses: Taste!" by Ruth Spiro
"Baby Loves the Five Senses: Taste!" is a scientifically accurate yet simple introduction to how the sense of taste works. The book explains how taste buds on the tongue help us experience different flavors, making complex ideas accessible to toddlers. The bright, engaging illustrations and clear, concise language make this book a great choice for young children who are curious about how their bodies work. It’s part of a series that helps toddlers understand their senses, encouraging a deeper appreciation of how they experience the world.
"Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant" by April Pulley Sayre
"Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant" is a vibrant celebration of vegetables, designed to encourage toddlers to explore different tastes. The book’s rhythmic, chant-like text is paired with colorful photographs of a variety of vegetables, making it a fun and educational read. It introduces toddlers to the idea of tasting new foods and helps them develop an appreciation for the variety of flavors found in healthy, natural foods. This book is a great tool for promoting healthy eating habits in young children.
"Eat Your Colors" by Amanda Miller
"Eat Your Colors" is a delightful book that introduces toddlers to the concept of taste through the exploration of colorful fruits and vegetables. Each page features a different color and the foods that match it, encouraging young children to try a variety of flavors. The bright, appealing illustrations and simple text make it easy for toddlers to understand the connection between colors and taste, while also promoting healthy eating habits. It’s an excellent choice for parents and teachers looking to introduce toddlers to the world of nutritious, tasty foods.
"I Can Eat a Rainbow" by Olena Rose
"I Can Eat a Rainbow" is a colorful book that teaches toddlers about healthy eating by encouraging them to "eat a rainbow" of fruits and vegetables. The book’s simple text and bright illustrations make it easy for young children to understand the importance of a balanced diet, while also introducing them to a variety of flavors. Each color represents a different group of foods, helping toddlers learn about the different tastes and nutritional benefits of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s a fun and educational read that promotes healthy eating habits from an early age.
Books about Sense of Smell
"Little Bunny Follows His Nose" by Katherine Howard
"Little Bunny Follows His Nose" is a classic scratch-and-sniff book that invites toddlers to explore the sense of smell as they follow Little Bunny on his adventures. Each page features a different scent, from the sweet smell of flowers to the earthy aroma of vegetables, allowing children to engage their sense of smell in a fun and interactive way. The charming illustrations and simple, repetitive text make this book an enjoyable read for toddlers, while the scratch-and-sniff elements add an extra layer of sensory engagement.
"Baby Loves the Five Senses: Smell!" by Ruth Spiro
"Baby Loves the Five Senses: Smell!" is part of the "Baby Loves Science" series and provides a simple yet accurate explanation of how the sense of smell works. The book introduces toddlers to the idea that our noses help us detect different scents, using clear language and vibrant illustrations. It’s designed to make complex scientific concepts accessible to young children, helping them understand and appreciate the world through their senses. This book is a wonderful addition to any toddler’s library, especially for those curious about how their bodies work.
"My First Book of Smells: Fruits" by Orianne Lallemand
"My First Book of Smells: Fruits" is a delightful scratch-and-sniff book that introduces toddlers to the scents of various fruits. Each page features a different fruit, with a corresponding scent that children can scratch and sniff to experience. The bright, cheerful illustrations and interactive elements make this book a fun way to engage toddlers’ sense of smell while also teaching them about different fruits. It’s a great choice for parents and teachers looking to introduce young children to the world of scents in an engaging and educational way.
"I Smell Honey" by Andrea Davis Pinkney
"I Smell Honey" is part of the "Mealtime" series and focuses on the sense of smell, particularly in the context of food. The book takes toddlers through the process of preparing and enjoying a meal, with an emphasis on the aromas that make food so inviting. The simple, rhythmic text and warm illustrations make this book an enjoyable read, while also helping toddlers develop an understanding of how their sense of smell enhances their eating experience. It’s a perfect book for teaching young children about the connection between smell and taste in a relatable, everyday context.
These books offer a range of ways to engage toddlers in learning about their senses, making the exploration of sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell both fun and educational.
Introducing toddlers to the concept of senses through books is a wonderful way to nurture their natural curiosity and aid in their development. Each of these books offers a unique way to engage one or more of the senses, making learning both fun and interactive. Whether it’s through the vibrant colors of "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" or the tactile experience of "Touch and Feel Farm," these books provide toddlers with the tools they need to explore and understand the world around them.
