Not only is learning to identify foods a necessary part of learning for toddlers, it helps pique their interest in fruits and veggies they may otherwise not want to try. We’ve rounded up our four favorite food books — from informative to goofy, these stories help teach your child about animals and the foods they eat, how we create recipes, foods from around the world, and learning to identify the foods they see on their own plate at meals.

Do you have your own favorite food books for your toddler? Let us know in the comments!

My Very First Book of Food 

This beautifully illustrated book has the art style that’s typical of Eric Carle (who also wrote the Hungry Caterpillar), so it’s full of color and texture. The book has split-level pages, so your toddler can practice matching the animal to the food that it eats. While it doesn’t follow a story-line, it’s a great way to teach your little one about the foods that animals eat.

Ten Apples Up On Top! 

This story is full of silly antics and the fun rhythm typical of Dr. Seuss. The apples on the animals’ heads are also a great way to practice counting up to ten. Many parents will remember reading this themselves as young children, which makes it nostalgic and something fun to share with your little one.

Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z

This fun rhyming book not only teaches about fruits and vegetables from around the world, but teaches upper and lower case letters. The colors are bold and bright, and the illustrations will encourage your little one to try new foods. There’s even a glossary at the end of the book that gives interesting facts about each food!

Curious George Makes Pancakes

Not only does this Curious George book have a funny story-line, it includes coloring activities, fun facts, and a recipe for funny faced pancakes! It’s a great way to talk not only about individual foods, but how mixing ingredients can create different flavors and recipes we can all enjoy. If you toddler loves breakfast foods or silly stories, this is the perfect book.

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Does your little one have a favorite food book? Is there a book you remember reading as a child that had an impact on you? Share with us in the comments!