Young children learn best when learning connects directly to their interests. If your child loves Toy Story, this printable set will make educational play exciting. The Toy Story Tot Book offers a simple file folder system to practice early learning skills in an engaging way.
What Is a Tot Book?
The Tot-Book was developed originally in 2008 for my then 2 year old son who was obsessed with the movie Cars. He carried around his Cars Tot-Book and had fun learning shapes, colors, his name, and more because his friend McQueen was “teaching” him.
A tot book is a compact lapbook made specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. You construct it by cutting a standard paper file folder in half and folding the side flaps inward toward the center. This creates a small interactive folder that holds targeted educational activities.
Using themed folders gives younger children a hands-on project while older siblings work on larger homeschool assignments. It builds confidence, preserves fine motor creations, and serves as a wonderful memory keeper.
How to Assemble a Tot Book (w/VIDEO)
Assembly takes only a few simple steps:
- Cut a standard file folder in half horizontally using a paper cutter for smooth edges.
- Fold the right and left edges inward so they meet neatly in the center.
- Print and cut out the activity components from the printable PDF.
- Glue or tape the activities into the interior sections of the folder.
- Optional: Staple a spare piece of folder onto the back to create a storage pocket for loose sheets or extra cards.
- Click here to see helpful supplies.
Check out a quick step-by-step assembly video on Instagram to see how Tot Books come together. Watch the video to see how to fold the folder, attach the pieces, and set up the interactive components before printing. The video features our Five Little Monkeys Tot Book.
Tot Book Components & Activities
This printable pack targets several early learning skills through interactive mini-activities:
- Color Recognition: Includes a printable color pocket along with picture cards featuring character elements in pink, red, blue, yellow, brown, green, purple, and orange.
- Alphabet Exposure: Contains a full set of A to Z alphabet cards featuring Toy Story graphics to help children connect letters with initial sounds.
- Emergent Reading: Features an “I see” accordion mini-book that builds simple sentence confidence using sight words and visual character cues.
- Name Practice: Includes an editable PDF “My Name” mini book to help children spell and recognize their own name.
- Fine Motor Skills: Provides dedicated sheets for line tracing and coloring exercises to strengthen pencil grip and hand muscles.
The base Tot Book is created with the components listed above and can be assembled like this:
Favorite Books and Toys for a Toy Story Theme
Pairing printables with real books and sensory play creates a rich learning environment. Because toddlers respond so well to physical objects, we love combining our printable activities with physical storybooks and interactive toys.
Here are a few favorite items to pair with this tot book:
Download Your Free Toy Story Tot Book Today
Using interest-based printables keeps young learners excited about daily routines. The Toy Story Tot Book brings structure and play together while reinforcing foundational early learning skills. Click Here to Download the Free Toy Story Tot Book Printable Set!
Click here for more tot books!
