🌈📚 Teaching Colors, Counting & Healthy Eating: 6 Picture Books Your Toddler Will Actually Sit Still For

Because learning should be fun for you and your child.

If you’ve ever tried to teach a toddler colors, numbers, or literally anything while they’re simultaneously eating a cracker, removing their socks, and asking why the moon “doesn’t have a face,” you know the struggle is real.

Good news: picture books can do the heavy lifting for you. Even better news: these books are adorable, in print, and perfect for ages 2–6.

Let’s dive into the fun!

🌈 Healthy Hedgehog Eats the Rainbow – Dr. Leo Bright

Ages: 3–6

Buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5WTHQW8

Meet Healthy Hedgehog, the tiny woodland friend who discovers that eating colorful foods makes him feel strong, zippy, and downright fabulous. This book sneaks in nutrition lessons so gently your kid won’t even notice they’re learning — they’ll just be pointing at strawberries yelling “RED!” like they’re calling bingo numbers.

🍎 Eat the Rainbow! (Series) – Gareth Stevens Publishing

Ages: 3–6

Buy: Available through major retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)

Each book in this series focuses on one color and the foods that match it. Think of it as a toddler‑friendly tasting menu… minus the tasting, unless you’re brave enough to offer beets at snack time. Bright, simple, and perfect for early learners who love matching games.

🔢 Color, Count, and Create: ABC Fruit & Veggies Activity Book – by Shardae Webb and Juanita Golondrina

Ages: 3–6

Buy: Amazon link

Part coloring book, part counting book, part “please entertain yourself for five minutes while I drink this coffee” book. Kids learn letters, numbers, and healthy foods all at once — a triple win. Great for preschoolers who love to color outside the lines (artistically, of course).

🥕 Let’s Count Healthy Snacks! – Stacy Brown

Ages: 2–5

Buy: Available on Amazon

This one is a counting book disguised as a snack menu. Your child will gleefully count apples, carrots, and other wholesome goodies while you silently pray they don’t ask for a snack again. Perfect for toddlers who are just learning numbers and parents who want to encourage healthier choices.

🐻 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle

Ages: 2–5

Buy: Everywhere books are sold

An absolute classic for a reason. This rhythmic, predictable pattern book teaches colors, sequencing, and the fine art of chanting along with dramatic flair. Toddlers adore it, preschoolers memorize it, and parents can recite it in their sleep (and probably have).

🎶 Rattle, Rattle, Click‑Clack A Book That Teaches Colors, Counting, Patterns & Healthy Eating – by Marijo Tinlin

Ages: 2–6

Buy: buy on Amazon 

A joyful romp through rhythm, sound, and movement and Riley Rabbit's rainbow garden — written by our very own Marijo Tinlin! This picture book invites little ones to wiggle, shake, tap, and giggle their way through the pages. It’s perfect for toddlers who love making noise (so… all toddlers) and parents who want to channel that energy into something educational instead of chaotic. Also works well as an early reader because of the repetition and kids feel accomplished that they were able to read the whole thing.

✨ Final Thoughts

These books teach colors, counting, patterns, and healthy eating in ways that feel playful, not preachy. Whether you’re building a toddler library, refreshing your preschool curriculum, or just trying to keep your child from licking the shopping cart again, these titles will help you bring learning to life.