Sharing is a big ask for toddlers. Imagine you’re having the best snack of your life, and someone says, “Give it to your friend now!” That’s exactly how toddlers feel when they’re told to share—especially when the object is something new, exciting, or comforting.

But sharing can be taught gently, without yelling, shaming, or bribes. And one of the best tools for this? Storybooks.

Why Toddlers Struggle to Share

Before age 3, toddlers are in a very egocentric developmental stage. That means:

• They’re focused on their own feelings and needs
• They don’t yet understand that others have the same
• They equate possession with comfort and safety

So when we demand “Share that now!”, it can feel like we’re threatening their sense of security. That’s where books come in—to model what sharing looks and feels like in a way toddlers can understand.

How Storybooks Teach Sharing Gently

Books help toddlers:

• See examples of kids like them learning to share
• Feel empathy for characters who wait or take turns
• Understand the joy of giving, not just the loss of taking

When sharing is presented through a playful, safe story, toddlers are far more likely to absorb it—without a meltdown.

Our Favorite Books About Sharing

Ellie Shares Her Sunshine by Harnimom

Ellie is having a bright and happy day — and she wants to share that sunshine with everyone around her! Whether it’s offering a toy, saving a seat, or giving a warm hug, Ellie learns that even small acts of kindness can light up someone else’s world.

This sweet story celebrates empathy, sharing, and the joy of being kind — all through the eyes of a cheerful toddler.

SHOP NOW

Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama doesn’t want to share his new toy—but when it breaks, he learns the value of caring over ownership. Great for slightly older toddlers with clear emotional cues.

Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

Elephant and Piggie tackle the dilemma of sharing something really yummy. Funny, expressive, and perfect for reading aloud.

Real-Life Tips to Encourage Sharing at Home

1. Narrate sharing moments you see: “Look! Ellie gave her block to her friend. That was kind.”
2. Role-play with toys: Have stuffed animals share snacks or trucks while you narrate.
3. Offer choices, not commands: “Would you like to share your shovel now, or after one more turn?”
4. Celebrate effort, not perfection: “You tried to wait your turn! That was hard, and you did it.”
5. Reread favorite sharing stories often to reinforce the message gently.

Final Thoughts

Teaching a toddler to share is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and lots of modeling. But with storybooks, you can plant the seeds of kindness without tears or threats.

Keep reading. Keep modeling. Keep praising the tiny wins.

Up next: Books That Model Turn-Taking and Fairness →