Toddlers judge books with their hands first. If pages tear easily or text runs long, the book will sit untouched.
Look for bold pictures, repeated phrases, and themes you are ready to explain in one sentence. For preschoolers, add a little more story length and room for questions.
Age as a guide, not a ruleSome three-year-olds sit for longer stories. Some five-year-olds want only activity pages. Watch your child, not the label on the shelf.
When in doubt, choose the simpler book and read it well. Depth grows with return visits to the same pages.