Reading is a fun activity that can be enjoyed at any time of day, not just at bedtime. Toddlers learn through play, so allow your child to access books at their level.
Around this age, your child may begin to enjoy being read longer stories. Encourage your child to join in when reading the story. Point out the pictures, ask them what they see or what they think could happen next. Pause and give them time to process an answer, even if your child isn’t able to verbalise a response.
Don’t feel pressured to finish a book if your child is not enjoying it. Try again at another time or try another book.
Further resources:
- Find advice for more reading stages on our Literacy and reading resources for families page
- Register for the 1000 Books Before School program on our 1000 Books Before School page
- Explore more recommended reads on our Booklists page
- Visit our Toddler 1 to 3 years page for more information and services for you and your child.
Book recommendations
Programs for toddlers 1 to 3 years
We offer a range of events and activities for children.
To find events and programs:
- Visit our Children's Storytimes and activities page
- Find out about upcoming events by following our Eventbrite page-external site
- Subscribe to our newsletter by filling in our What's On newsletter subscription form-external site
- Follow our Facebook page, Twitter account, or Instagram account.
Bedtime storytime - live online
Wed 1 February 2023 –
Wed 13 December 2023
Wed 13 December 2023
Free
Delivered via Microsoft Teams

Greek storytime - Hawthorn
Tue 7 February 2023 –
Tue 5 December 2023
Tue 5 December 2023
Free
Hawthorn Library

Wurundjeri Storytime
Fri 24 February 2023 –
Fri 24 November 2023
Fri 24 November 2023
Free
Delivered via Microsoft Teams

Chinese storytime – English and Mandarin
Wed 1 February 2023 –
Wed 13 December 2023
Wed 13 December 2023
Free
Greythorn Library Lounge

Tiny tots – Ashburton
Wed 1 February 2023 –
Wed 13 December 2023
Wed 13 December 2023
Free
Ashburton Library

Tiny tots - Balwyn
Thu 2 February 2023 –
Thu 14 December 2023
Thu 14 December 2023
Free
Balwyn Library

Tiny tots – Camberwell
Tue 31 January 2023 –
Tue 12 December 2023
Tue 12 December 2023
Free
Camberwell Library
