Books for little ones? Yes, yes, and yes! From a very young age, you can offer books to your baby. There’s no need to wait: every age group can find something to support motor, emotional, and sensory development, and more. The benefits of reading for babies are numerous, and sharing reading moments as a family helps create a very strong bond. Here’s why reading with your little one is so important, along with our selection of children’s books.

Why read stories to your child?

Reading is a special moment to share with your child. It helps build bonds, develop language, dream together, and create lasting memories. There is no age to start reading stories to your baby : the earlier you begin, the more your little one will get used to listening—and later, to reading books.

What is the importance of the book for the toddler?

With your little one, reading helps develop their senses and also creates a strong emotional connection . It’s a special moment of sharing, centered on the pleasure of reading. A book is also an excellent way to soothe a child, especially during bedtime rituals that help your child feel safe and approach the night peacefully.

Reading also supports your baby’s observation skills and encourages the development of their language . Some books, such as audiobooks and tactile books, will stimulate their senses . It’s a time when your little adventurer can settle down and enjoy a quieter moment, discovering all kinds of things that will help them grow in autonomy .

Developing imagination in older children

When your child starts to speak, reading helps you communicate with them and share messages . That’s why you can easily find books on everyday topics that can support you with certain issues: school, cleanliness, the arrival of a new baby at home, etc.

Beyond practical topics, reading books with your child helps develop their imagination and their ability to tell stories. Your child can build a rich imaginary world, play, dream, and grow into the little individual they are becoming.

Our selection of children's books

It’s not always easy to navigate the vast ocean of today’s children’s literature. To help you see more clearly, we’re sharing a selection of our must-have books and children’s albums classified into two age categories, to best match your baby’s needs. If you feel your child is ready for longer books but isn’t three years old yet, for example, don’t hesitate to offer books intended for children who are theoretically older, while respecting your little explorer’s sensitivity . You know them better than anyone else—trust yourself.

The best books for ages 0 to 3

Between 0 and 3 years old, children typically gravitate toward discovery books that introduce your little adventurer to the joy of reading while helping them explore the world around them in a fun way. You’ll also find many picture books and short stories inspired by everyday life in bookstores.

Black and white books for the little ones

Up to about five months, your baby distinguishes contrasting colors and black and white much more easily. In fact, high-contrast images stimulate your child’s sense of sight and are wonderful tools for early development. Here are our favorite black-and-white books:

• The series "Good for Babies" by Thierry Dedieu, published by Éditions du Seuil jeunesse, features excerpts from classic texts, nursery rhymes, idiomatic phrases, and more in a large black-and-white format. These books play with adapted illustrations, as well as the discovery of the pleasure of words and consonances. Our favorite: The Pythagorean theorem , deliciously absurd. A recommended series for children between 0 and 3 years old.

• Black on White and White on Black by Tana Hoban, published by Kaléidoscope. Small hardcover books without text, featuring simple black-and-white drawings. A hit with little ones, who can also put them in their mouths to chew. Ideal for ages 0 to 1 year.

Sound and musical books

Sound and musical books are unique because they’re interactive, helping stimulate your baby’s senses while supporting language acquisition.

• The entire "My Little Sound Picture Books" series from Gallimard Jeunesse. There is absolutely everything, from musical instruments and animals to all kinds of sounds. They are very easy for little hands—babies from just a few months old can use them. Some even combine sounds and textures to touch.

• "Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies from Around the World" by Didier Jeunesse. Books with a CD and beautiful illustrations. Each book focuses on a country, a language, or a culture. They help open the minds of little ones and make wonderful baby gifts . These books are generally enjoyed by children from 0 to 4–5 years old.

• "Paco" by Magali Le Huche from Gallimard Jeunesse. A series in which Paco, a little dog, travels and has music-filled adventures: rock, classical, disco, hip-hop, reggae, etc. From 2–3 years old.

De belles histoires à partager

Children’s books are full of real treasures. Discover our selection of books and albums that made us fall in love with reading with your little one aged between one and three years:

1. I saw a lion by Séverine Vidal, published by Milan. A hardcover book featuring a little boy who saw a lion in his garden. A funny and quirky conversation between a mother and her son.

2. Hugs friends by Frédéric Stehr in the "Pastel" collection from L'école des loisirs. A sweet story about friendship—an absolute delight.

3. My car by Byron Barton, published by l'école des loisirs. A classic: a short, simple story with childlike, colorful graphics that hits the mark every time.

Bonus: What's in your ? by Guido Van Genechten, about a little mouse who inspects her friends’ beds. A playful, humorous book—just the right amount—that will help your little one in their journey toward cleanliness .

The most beautiful albums for 3 years and older

Starting from the age of three, you can start reading longer stories to your child. Our favorites will take you on many family adventures:

• Shh, we have a plan by Chris Haughton, published by Thierry Magnier. A funny and charming picture book. We won’t tell you more—except that it’s a must-have for your child’s library.

• The comforter eater by Julien Béziat at L'école des loisirs. An album featuring your little adventurer’s favorite comfort object.

• Cornebidouille by Magali Bonniol and Pierre Bertrand at L'école des loisirs. A witch who shows up when children don’t eat their soup. But Pierre won’t let it happen—and he really doesn’t like soup.

• The wolf in underwear by Paul Cauuet, Wilfrid Lupano, and Mayana Itoïz at Dargaud editions. The wolf frightens everyone in the forest, but is he really that terrifying after all? Not so sure.

• A super story of cow-boy from Delphine Perret to Red Ants. A terrifying story in which the author doesn’t want to offend the reader’s sensibility and therefore draws much more joyful and friendly things than what the story actually tells.

Reading stories to your child has many benefits: awakening, dreaming, learning, sharing, and bonding. It’s a special moment you can easily incorporate into your family routine. Don’t hesitate to visit your local library or a bookstore with your little one and let them choose their next adventure. Happy reading!