9 Brilliant Color Books for Babies and Toddlers

Picture books are an incredible way to share the world of colors with our babies and toddlers, connecting names of colors to the bright, fun, or silly images on the pages. Soon, your little one will learn to identify, sort, say…and—eventually—even spell them! Here are 9 of favorite color books for your baby and toddler. 

Mix it Up!

Written and illustrated by Herve Tullet

Award-winning Mix it Up takes color learning to a new and exciting level by showing tots what happens when primary colors meet and mingle...and create beautiful new colors! This interactive story lets toddlers “mix,” say, yellow and blue with their fingers, then reveals the surprising outcome on the next page—green! And...no mess!

Black Bird Yellow Sun

Written and illustrated by Steve Light

A lone black bird and its little worm pal soar their way through a day that's just bursting with vibrant colors. Bold green grass, cool gray rocks, bright orange leaves, luminous pink flowers, and so much more. Gorgeous and simple, children will adore the collage-style illustrations and parents will love helping their tyke learn shapes, sizes, textures, and, of course, colors!

Cat’s Colors

Written and illustrated by Jane Cabrera

A tiger-striped kitten searches for a favorite color. Is it yellow like the sunny beach? Or maybe blue like the sky where he chases birds? No, it must be orange—the color of Mama! Connecting key colors with familiar sights, Cat’s Colors is a sweet and helpful watercolor-filled book for little ones.

Baby Colors

Written and photographed by Rachael Hale

Instead of using illustrations, each page of Baby Colors features an eye-catching photo of a real baby styled in a monochromatic outfit and setting—think red-clad babe lolling in roses or an orange-wearing infant holding a citrus slice. It’s truly eye candy for babies!

Blue Hat, Green Hat

Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton 

Learning colors can be downright hilarious, thanks to Sandra Boynton. Her classic kids' book highlights various animals showing off their colorful garments...but a certain turkey is having trouble getting dressed! All goes afoul when he does things like accidentally stand in a yellow hat and put blue pants on his head. Every misstep has kids and parents saying “Oops!” Delighted giggles are guaranteed!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Written Bill Martin Jr, illustrated by Eric Carle

This classic read-aloud board book may play it fast and loose with colors—the cat is purple and the horse is blue, for instance—but that’s what makes this bestseller so much fun! Bonus: Kiddos learn their animals at the same time.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

Written by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean 

Pete’s brand-new white shoes have a tough day when they step in colorful messes like strawberries (red!) and mud (brown!). Colors are both the problem and solution for plucky Pete and his new white shoes. Kids will for-sure enjoy learning their hues from this cool kitty!

The Day the Crayons Quit

Written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers 

The Day the Crayons Quit is told as a series of letters from disgruntled crayons that feel they're being misused by their child owners. For kids who know the colors of the rainbow and are ready to branch out to the likes of beige and peach, check out this clever, original, silly, award-winning tale that has gone on to spawn several sequels, including the equally beloved, The Day the Crayons Came Home.

Shades of People

Written by Sheila M. Kelley, photographs by Shelley Rotner

Instead of living in a world that’s black and white, let’s celebrate the many colors of our skin—like copper, cocoa, ivory, and almond. Shades of People beautifully expands toddlers’ color vocabulary while celebrating our diversity.

More Brilliant Books for Kids:

Top Book Picks For Kids Age 1 to 5

8 Books That Teach Empathy

Learn Your ABCs with These Great Reads

15 Classic Children's Books All Tots Adore

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.