Toddler Transitions
We have picked our favorite books about many different toddler transitions, including potty training, moving from a crib to a bed, and starting school.  These titles can all be found in the Easy section of the library unless otherwise noted.
Bad Dreams 
Sloth Wasn't Sleepy
by Kate Messner

When Sloth tells her mama that she is not sleepy, Mama Sloth knows just the thing to calm her daughter's worried mind and help her get to sleep.
Tiny Barbarian
by Ame Dyckman

Tiny fantasizes he is a mighty Barbarian who can conquer anything, but even he has trouble conquering the dark.
Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark
by Jonathan Stutzman

The indomitable star from Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug returns in a story about overcoming fear that finds Tiny T. Rex and his dino friend, Pointy, working together to figure out a solution to their fear of the dark during a first backyard campout.
Dragon Night
by J. R. Krause

A boy and his dragon embark on a dazzling nighttime journey while overcoming their respective fears of the dark and each other, in an imagination-sparking tale of friendship.
Love Monster and the Scary Something
by Rachel Bright

The fuzzy red hero from Love Monster struggles to overcome his fear of a hungry, scary unknown something that he hears rustling, creaking and bumping around in the dark as he tries to muster his courage so he can fall asleep.
Good Dream, Bad Dream: The World's Heroes Save the Night! = Sueño Bueno, Sueño Malo: Los Héroes del Mundo Salvan la Noche!
by Juan Calle

A father comforts his restive son by telling him that people all over the world have imagined that heroes can help turn their bad dreams into good ones (with bilingual Spanish translation).
Blanche Hates the Night
by Sibylle Delacroix

Hating the nighttime and engaging in numerous activities to avoid going to sleep, little Blanche is repeatedly reprimanded by her mother to stop making a racket and return to bed, admonitions she responds to with riotous facial expressions that convey her frustrations.
There's a Nightmare in My Closet
by Mercer Mayer

At bedtime a boy confronts the nightmare in his closet and finds him not so terrifying after all.
Go To Sleep, Monster!
by Kevin Cornell

A whimsical twist on the monster-under-the-bed story finds little George's efforts to go to sleep overshadowed by the challenges of settling down the monster under his bed, who claims there is another monster under the floor.
Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?
by Martin Waddell

In this popular bedtime story, Big Bear patiently helps Little Bear learn that the dark is nothing to be scared of. 
From Crib to Bed
The Big Bed
by Bunmi Laditan

A loving African-American family navigates the laugh-out-loud efforts of a little girl to sneak her way into her parents' big bed, an endeavor that prompts her to drag a camping cot into the room for her father so that she can make more room for herself.
Big Kid Bed
by Leslie Patricelli

Looking forward to saying goodbye to the crib and transitioning to a soft, big-kid bed, Baby happily says goodnight after jumping and playing on the new bed before discovering how actual sleep will change. 
I Am Just Right
by David McPhail

A bunny preschooler who has grown too big for his grandpa to pick up celebrates the milestones of transitioning away from the crib and tricycle to the big-boy bed, new clothes and just-right hugs. This book can be found in the Early Reader section of the library. 
I Sleep in a Big Bed
by Maria Van Lieshout

A child who used to sleep in a crib celebrates graduating to sleep in a big kids' bed--even though waking up there in the middle of the night can be a little scary.
My New Big-Kid Bed
by Debbie Bertram

When his new dinosaur-themed bed casts scary shadows at night, a child seeks comfort from other family members.
Go Sleep in Your Own Bed!
by Candace Fleming

Discovering Cow fast asleep in his sty, a tired Pig nudges the intruder back to her own bed, where Hen is found sleeping, in a giggle-inducing story featuring an out-of-place chain reaction of snoozing barnyard friends. By the award-winning author of Oh, No! 
Giving Up a Pacifier
Bye-Bye Binky: Big Kid Power
by Maria Van Lieshout

A little girl explains that she does not need a pacifier anymore, because she is a big kid now.
Little Bunny's Pacifier Plan
by Maribeth Boelts

Little Bunny learns to smile, laugh, crawl, dance, and even talk with his pacifier tucked safely in his mouth, but when the dentist suggests it might be time to give up the pacifier, Little Bunny is not sure he is ready.
No More Pacifier for Piggy!
by Bernette G. Ford

Ducky wants to play peekaboo with his friend Piggy, but every time Piggy tries to smile or call out "I see you!" his pacifier gets in the way.
Moving 
Little Blue Truck Makes a Friend 
by Alice Schertle

When a newcomer arrives at the farm, setting all the animals atwitter, Blue knows just what to do to help his friends, old and new, feel at home.
Ten Beautiful Things
by Molly Beth Griffin

Lily is moving into her grandmother's farm in Iowa, and she is sad about all the changes necessary in her life--but on the long drive her grandmother challenges her to find ten beautiful things that they can share together.
Home Is a Window
by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard

Moving from a beloved home into a new residence, a family discovers how they can bring everything they love about their old home to the new one because they still have each other.
Birdsong
by Julie Flett

A celebration of art, nature and connecting across generations traces the experiences of a young girl who moves to a small town, where her friendship with an elderly fellow crafter is shaped by the seasons and her awareness of her friend’s failing health. 
A New Home
by Tania De Regil

Text that combines the voices of two narrators and detailed artwork of parallel urban scenes depict a girl in Mexico City and a boy in New York City who simultaneously ponder moving to each other's locale, discovering their commonalities along the way.
Mabel and Sam at Home
by Linda Urban

A three-part tribute to moving house and imaginative play finds two children taking refuge in safe areas of their new home while the grownups organize boxes and furniture, a situation that inspires the siblings to imagine that they are sailing the high seas of the new house and touring it from their packing-crate boat. 
A Kiss Goodbye
by Audrey Penn

When Mrs. Raccoon tells Chester that they need to move because the trees in their part of the forest are being cut down, Chester is saddened and fearful of what the move might bring. Much to his pleasure, what it ends up bringing is a new playmate!
Lenny & Lucy
by Philip Christian Stead

Moving to a new house beyond the dark unfriendly woods, Peter becomes homesick despite the companionship of his faithful dog and sews two giant stuffed pillow friends to stand as guardians against scary things.
Before I Leave
by Jessixa Bagley

When her family tells her that they are moving away, a little hedgehog and her anteater best friend decide to play together one last time like nothing is changing and discover, in spite of their sadness, that the most important things find a way of working out.
I'm Not Moving, Mama!
by Nancy White Carlstrom

Fighting every step of the way, Little Mouse refuses to leave his home, yet after his mother explains that the rest of the family will not be staying behind with him, Little Mouse quickly realizes that being with them is what truly makes a house a home.
New Sibling
It's Big Brother Time!
by Nandini Ahuja

A heartwarming story for first-time older brothers depicts a boy who embraces the important duties of setting positive examples and helping his family raise an infant sibling who needs to learn everything about the world. 
How to Welcome a New Baby
by Jean Reagan

In this funny, creative and sweet new addition to the best-selling How to series, young readers will follow along through the first year of a baby's life, learning what to do along the way! 
Roly Poly
by Mem Fox

Loving being an only child who does not have to share anything, Roly Poly the polar bear is frustrated by the birth of a baby sibling who requires him to share his bed, fish and favorite walrus tooth.
New Baby!
by Carol Zeavin

When a new baby comes, toddlers often wonder what will happen.
Pecan Pie Baby
by Jacqueline Woodson

When Mama’s pregnancy draws attention away from Gia, she worries that the special bond they share will disappear forever once the baby is born, in a heartwarming story for kids adjusting to the idea of a new family member.
Toby Is a Big Boy
by Lou Peacock

A relatable tale told through simple text and heartwarming animal artwork finds a young elephant struggling with frustration over the attention his new baby sister is receiving
.
I Love You, Baby
by Giles Andreae

Gentle verses and endearing illustrations combine in a celebration of a new baby's welcome to the family as experienced from a toddler's viewpoint.
Froggy's Baby Sister
by Jonathan London

Froggy hoped for a brother to play with so he is disappointed with his new baby sister, Pollywogilina, but only until she is old enough to start learning from her big brother.
The New Small Person
by Lauren Child

Feeling jealous when a new sibling arrives, little Elmore Green becomes frustrated when the "small person" knocks over his things and licks his jelly bean collection until a special night when their relationship changes.
My Blue Bunny, Bubbit
by Maggie Smith

In a sweetly illustrated story that is perfect for crafty kids as well as families expecting a new baby, a little girl—who loves the blue wool bunny that her grandmother made for her when she was born—makes a special toy friend for her new baby brother. 
Potty Training
Chones, por favor! = : Undies, Please!
by Sumana Seeboruth

When a boy wants to wear colorful underwear just like his older brother, it's time for him to learn to use the toilet.
I'm Not Using the Potty
by Laura Gehl

When little Egg the chick reveals a fear of using the potty, Peep tries a variety of encouraging ideas to help Egg become more comfortable with the idea of answering the call of nature.
Time to Pee!
by Mo Willems

With the author's signature humor and a group of sign-holding mice, children are gently led through each step in the process that will finally bring them to their emancipation from diapers. This title can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library.  
What to Expect When You Use the Potty
by Heidi Eisenberg Murkoff

Explains why using the toilet is necessary and encourages youngsters to become toilet trained. This title can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library.
Once Upon a Potty: Girl
by Alona Frankel

Explains in simple text and illustrations why and how a little girl uses a potty. This title can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library.
My Big Boy Potty
by Joanna Cole

With the help of understanding parents, a young boy learns how to use his potty so he does not have to wear diapers any longer, in a potty training book that includes tips for successful potty teaching. This title can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library.
Starting School
Llama Llama Back to School
by Reed Duncan

Longing for summertime to last forever, Llama Llama is anxious about starting school until he discovers learning is fun with the help of his friends and Mama Llama.
Lola Goes to School
by Anna McQuinn

The book-loving heroine from Lola Gets a Cat poses for photographs, gets assigned a cubby, chooses activities, enjoys snacks, sings songs and reads alongside new friends during a first day of school.
First Day of School
by Esther van den Berg

Despite his misgivings, Robin has the best first day of school during which he skips rope, builds a tower of blocks, and even goes to the bathroom by himself! 
 
I Don't Want to Go to School!
by Lula Bell

Feeling so jittery about their first day of school that neither can eat their breakfast, Mouse and Dinosaur wonder about their classmates, teacher and activities before a big surprise makes the day more reassuring for everyone. 
Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma
by Keith Calabrese

Lena prepares for her first day of kindergarten and reports that while she is excited, her favorite shoes are too nervous and must be convinced by her supportive father that the day is actually going to be lots of fun. 
Hello School!
by Priscilla Burris

A cozy introduction to what makes school so much fun features a diverse group of students who share first-day milestones, from getting a cubby and making new friends to taking a nature walk and participating in arts-and-crafts activities. 
It's Your First Day of School, Busy Bus!
by Jody Jensen Shaffer

A group of first-time students excitedly and nervously board a happy yellow Busy Bus, who has first-day jitters of his own and wonders if the children will like him, if he will be homesick or if he will get lost. 
Butterflies on the First Day of School
by Annie Silvestro

When Rosie begins feeling nervous about starting kindergarten the night before the big day, her mother reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly. To Rosie’s surprise the next day, a butterfly flies out of her mouth when she greets a new friend at school, which helps another shy student release hers, too.
Tibili: The Little Boy Who Didn't Want to Go to School
by Marie Léonard

After Tibili, a young African boy, follows Crope the spider's suggestion as to how he can avoid starting school, he discovers he wants to go after all.
Foxy
by Emma Dodd

Emily is worried about starting school for the first time, but Foxy waves his magic tail to provide what she needs to be ready.
It's the First Day of Preschool, Chloe Zoe!
by Jane Smith

Chloe Zoe is starting preschool today, but she's a little nervous. What if she doesn't like it? Mommy tells her that she will get to sing songs, read stories, and paint pictures. But Chloe Zoe isn't so sure. She'd rather stay at home and play with her little sister. Will Chloe Zoe discover how fun preschool is before the day is over?