Books that help with life skills for little ones

We think these books are perfect for developing everyday life skills in toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–4). Whether you’d like to help your child use a potty, tie up their shoelaces or get themselves dressed, how about sharing a fun story to encourage and show them how?

  • Zeki Gets a Checkup

    by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson 

    2018 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Zeki is a big boy now – he loves hiding toys, playing ball, singing and dancing. Today, he’s going for a checkup at the doctors’ with Daddy and his toy Mister Seahorse. A lovely book to share with toddlers, which marks their developmental milestones.

  • Getting Ready

    by Child’s Play, illustrated by Cocoretto 

    2016 0 to 4 years 

    • Interactive
    • Touch and feel books
    • Visual impairment

    Time to get up! Pull back the covers and choose your clothes. Getting ready for the day is made both fun and interactive in this touch-and-feel book. An irresistible tactile treat.

  • How to Brush Your Teeth with Snappy Croc

    by Georgie Birkett, illustrated by Georgie Birkett 

    2015 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    The little girl in this delightful board book takes Snappy Croc through each teeth-cleaning step: from squeezing out the toothpaste to brushing round and round, and showing off her sparkling smile at the end.

  • I Want My Potty!

    by Tony Ross 

    2012 2 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    The Little Princess hates nappies, and thinks there must be something better. This is classic picture book entertainment, which will be especially appreciated by any children who are learning to love their potty!

  • Still Stuck

    by Shinsuke Yoshitake 

    2017 2 to 7 years 

    • Around the world
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    A boy wants to get ready for his bath on his own, but his top gets stuck over his head. What if he is stuck forever? This charming, funny picture book shows the boy realising that everything is OK – and thinking of all the advantages of this new point of view.

  • Can I Eat That?

    by Joshua David Stein, illustrated by Julia Rothman 

    2016 4 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    A quirky combination of fact and fun, this distinctive picture book about food poses questions that inquisitive children typically ask, such as: If I eat jelly and I eat fish, can I eat jellyfish?’ Stylish, witty and informative.