When asked about the best board books, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes is forever at the forefront of my mind. It is also a favorite when it comes to diverse books for toddlers. Why? Check it out!
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox is one of the very first books that was in Pickle’s library, gifted to us as soon as he was born. It quickly became one of the best board books we owned. We loved it immediately, taken by the lilting cadence and rhymes so perfect for a read aloud. The manner in which it celebrates diversity, highlighting our differences in lifestyle and culture while at the same time recognizing that we are all one and the same is such a beautiful message to share with even the youngest of children. It is definitely one of our favorite diverse books for toddlers!
The book is wonderful in its simplicity, highlighting that all babies, everywhere around the world, each have ten little fingers and ten little toes. It’s rhyming couplets are sweet and rhythmic, making the sing-song narrative one that children just adore. I also love the repetitive text – it is fantastic for helping toddlers anticipate the coming words, remember information, and enhance memory development. And let’s not forget the charming illustrations by Helen Oxenbury. The pages depict the cutest little babies, all highly expressive in their actions, who convey emotions such as glee, curiosity and acceptance with each page turn. Most importantly, whether born on the ice or in a tent, in the hills or the city, the story is a beautiful testament to the power of humanity. This makes for an excellent gift for a new baby and is sure to be a hit in any little one’s library. Hands down, this is one of the very best board books out there, and we can’t rave about it enough!
Want the book? Get it here! Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, by Mem Fox. *This is an affiliate link.
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This was also one of the first books in our baby library and I love it so much, read it every night to my son. All babies are amazing, especially the one that is mine, all mine! 🙂