Best Books for 2-Year-Olds
It is crazy how fast your baby becomes a walking, talking toddler. Their vocabulary explodes as does their need to explore everything. What books are good for 2-year-olds? Storytime needs to be engaging and fun which is why I made a list of the best books for a 2-year-old.
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, Jackie and I are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for interactive picture books, board books for bedtime, and so many more suggestions to help you raise little readers.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for a 2-year-old have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
The Best Books for a 2-year-old
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Counting Book
1-2-3 Peas by Keith Baker – Jump to section
The Best Bedtime Book
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boyton – Jump to section
The Best Alphabet Book
Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli- Jump to section
The Best Food Book
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff – Jump to section
The Best Daycare Book
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney – Jump to section
The Best Color Book
Mix it Up by Hervé Tullet – Jump to section
The Best Nature Book
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson – Jump to section
The Best Rhyming Book
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson – Jump to section
The Best Animal Book
Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess – Jump to section
The Best Classic Book
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans – Jump to section
The Best Book for Motor Development
From Head to Toe by Eric Carle – Jump to section
The Best Books About Love
I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCord – Jump to section
The Best Interactive Book
Where’s the Dog by Nosy Crow – Jump to section
The Best Family Book
Big Brother Peanut Butter by Terry Border – Jump to section
The Best Book About Feelings
I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Counting Books
1-2-3 Peas
Author: Keith Baker
Illustrator: Keith Baker
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 4
More info: The Peas Series
Plot
This charming story is one of the few counting books for toddlers that goes higher than 10! Count along with this onomatopoeia-filled story featuring everyone’s favorite peas.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORE the Peas series. The rhyming words and charming pictures lend themselves to teaching lessons to young kids in a fun way.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Learning with Llama Llama: Numbers
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: JT Morrow
Year: 2021
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
More info: Part of the Llama Llama Series
Plot
Llama Llama helps his mama clean up from a mess he made. Along the way, he practices his counting.
Why Kirsten loves it
Get your little one ready for preschool by teaching numbers with Llama Llama. Your toddler will love the cute illustrations and you’ll love that they will be learning numbers 1-10.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Llama Llama Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
The Crayons’ Book of Numbers
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Year: 2016
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Part of The Day The Crayons Quit Board Book Series
Plot
The crayons are back in one of my favorite counting books for toddlers. Duncan has lost his crayons so you’ll be collecting them and counting along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s such a charming addition to any toddler’s bookshelf, especially if your toddler loves the Crayons series.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Bedtime Books for a 2-year-old
The Going to Bed Book
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 1982
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
We read this book until it fell apart (which for a board book is difficult to do). The story makes no sense but that is part of the reason that we love it so much. If you are looking for hilarious bedtime stories for toddlers, Sandra Boyton has a few picks perfect for you, like Pajama Time.
Why Kirsten loves it
Boynton’s books are filled with humor, bright colorful pictures, and wonderful rhymes. I read this book every night to my boys and I can still recite it from memory. It’s a forever favorite.
Find this book in: Best Board Books / 2-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books
Good Night, Gorilla
Author: Peggy Rathmann
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
This book is hilarious and a favorite in our house to this day. The sweet animals and the completely clueless zookeeper are laugh-out-loud funny. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo” which says something about how amusing this book is.
Why Jackie loves it
This wordless picture book is perfect for making up new stories. It’s a creative exercise in storytelling that will delight over and over.
Find this book in: Zoo Books / Bedtime Stories for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-Olds / Wordless Picture Books / Animal Children’s Books
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Year: 2000
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 3
More info: Part of How Do Dinosaurs?
Plot
This hysterical tale is one for kids who struggle with going to bed. In the story, the dinosaurs showcase bad behaviors before showing the correct way to go to bed.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is perfect for bedtime, especially for dinosaur lovers. If you aren’t familar with this series, they tackle numerous tricky parenting lessons. If your child likes one of them, they will like them all!
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Alphabet Books
Alphablock
Author: Christopher Franceschelli
Illustrator: Peskimo
Year: 2013
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: An Abrams Block Book
Plot
Each page in this book is cut into the shape of a letter with chunky pages that are easy to turn. This huge board book is amazing to hold and a definite favorite. It’s also the first in a series featuring countablock, dinoblock, and 12 more!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love how tactial this book is for babies. The illustrations are so beautiful you can proudly display it in your home!
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Alphabet
Author: Matthew Van Fleet
Illustrator: Matthew Van Fleet
Year: 2008
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this bestselling, tactile book, animals and plants from A to Z demonstrate opposites, action words, and synonyms all while spelling out letters with their bodies and tails.
Why Jackie loves it
This amazing book has everything- plants and animals that begin with each letter, moving parts, and textures. Each page is totally interactive with flaps and pull tabs. There is even a scratch and sniff.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Alphabet Books
ABCs of Kindness
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Ekaterina Trukhan
Year: 2020
Genre: Board Books
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
This book was inspired by the 365 days of kindness movement and was designed to inspire kindness from a young age.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this adorable story that shares an act of kindness for each letter of the alphabet. From joining hands to making a heart, your toddler can practice each act even at a young age.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Food Books for 2-year-olds
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Author: Laura Numeroff
Illustrator: Felicia Bond
Year: 1985
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the If You Give A Series
Plot
If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk. And so the story continues in a big circle until the mouse is thirsty again. The adorable pictures and silly consequences will help your little one understand sequencing.
Why Jackie loves it
I use this book in speech therapy all the time to work on sequencing and cause and effect. This is a great book to give you question prompts for your little one.
Find this book in: Best Books 2-Year-Old / Kids Books About Food / Animal Books for Kids
Pizza! An Interactive Recipe Book
Author: Lotta Nieminen
Illustrator: Lotta Nieminen
Year: 2017
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 4
More info: Part of the Cook in a Book series
Plot
This adorable book is the perfect way to keep your little one engaged while reading. They can stir and mix while learning how to follow directions.
Why Jackie loves it
When you are done, why not make a pizza to eat for dinner? You can have your child help put on all the toppings! Or you can engage in pretend play with this adorable Melissa and Doug set. This book encourages imagination, promotes language development (following directions), and is wildly interactive.
Find this book in: Books for 2-year-olds / Interactive Books For Kids / Food Books for Children
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2004
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the Pigeon series
Plot
Mo Willems is a must-know author if you have preschoolers. He writes the best books for 4-year-olds! His pigeon series is particularly funny. In this story, the pigeon finds a hot dog but a clever bird outwits him into sharing!
Why Kirsten loves it
Pigeon is hilarious and his antics are so ridiculous that even younger readers will recognize his silliness. This is the perfect book to keep kids interactive when reading the book. It is also a great tool to teach appropriate social behavior because Pigeon is so silly.
Find this book in: Kids Food Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Books Set at Daycare for a 2-year-old
Llama Llama Misses Mama
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2009
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 7
More info: Part of the Llama Llama series
Plot
It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool and he is overwhelmed with feelings. He is trying to get used to the new toys and new surroundings but he just misses his mama. Soon he learns that it’s OK to love mama and have fun at school too. This was recently turned into a Netflix book adaptation starring Jennifer Garner.
Why Kirsten loves it
A solid introduction to preschool separation anxiety and how kids can deal with it.
Find this book in: Books About Feelings / Anna Dewdney Books / Books for 2-year-old / First Day of School Books
Maisy Goes to Preschool
Author: Lucy Cousins
Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Year: 2010
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
Maisy’s easy sentences, bright colors, and brevity make it perfect for younger kiddos to learn the concept of school. If you are looking for a first day of preschool book, this is a very sweet pick.
Why Jackie loves it
In my house, Maisy was a much-loved character. If your child is starting preschool at ages 2 or 3, this is the perfect book for you.
Find this book in: First Day of School Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
The Kissing Hand
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Ruth E. Harper, Nancy M. Leak
Year: 1993
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Little Racoon is heading off to school for the first time but is worried that he won’t feel comfortable in his new surroundings. Mrs. Racoon teaches him about the kissing hand so that he can have a piece of home in his heart wherever he goes.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a must-read in my opinion. It’s great for introducing the feeling of seperation anxiety with children going off to school, to a grandparent’s house, or for daycare. I used a version of the kissing hand method with my little one when he went off to preschool and it really does work!
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / First Day of School Books
Color Books for 2-year-olds
Mix it up
Author: Hervé Tullet
Illustrator: Hervé Tullet
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Book
Age: 18 months to 4 years
Plot
This book is amazing. Although you can use this book with older kids, the fun of this book is not only learning the colors but beginning to learn how to colors mix to make new colors. Let your baby try some finger painting to try this for themselves.
Why Jackie loves it
This book can be used in so many ways to promote learning while giving children a chance to interact with the book.
Find this book in: Books About Color / Books for a 2-Year-Old / Interactive Books For Children
Blue Hat Green Hat
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 1984
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
This board book is the perfect first book about colors for babies and young toddlers. It identified red, green, blue, and yellow as well as different clothing items.
Why Jackie loves it
Your kids will laugh out loud as the turkey incorrectly wears the clothing each time.
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Best Books for 2-Year-Olds
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See
Author: Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
Brown Bear, Brown Bear is a classic for a reason. It uses Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle’s signature style to teach about colors and animals. The repetitive pattern is addictive.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s a great introduction to colors and animals. There are so many activities that can be done with this great book for toddlers. But the colors and pictures are perfect for even the littlest reader.
Find this book in: Color Books / Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 2-year-old Books / Classic Kids Books
Season and Nature Books for a 2-year-old
Tap the Magic Tree
Author: Christie Matheson
Illustrator: Christie Matheson
Year: 2016
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
This is the perfect interactive board book for kids who love nature. The story will prompt your child to tap, shake, and blow on the pages within as the tree goes through the seasons.
Why Kirsten loves it
Stories like these make reading fun for the most reluctant of toddlers. If you have a kid who struggles with sitting still, and interactive story like this will do wonders for reading time!
Find this book in: Interactive Books For Kids / Books for a 2-year-old
Plot
In this adorable rhyming book, two birds fly through beautiful winter scenery to examine all the rocks, snowprints, and snowflakes. There are no two alike.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the perfect first book about winter for your little one. It’s sweet illustrations will captivate children especially if there is snow coming down outside!
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Winter / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Lift-a-Flap Autumn in the Forest
Author: Rusty Finch
Illustrator: Katya Longhi
Year: 2019
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 2
Plot
You and your toddler can learn about the fall season and all the changes it brings to the forest in this delightful lift-the-flap board book.
Why Jackie loves it
This interactive book is one of a series of seasonal books. Try putting a new one out each season!
Rhyming Books for 2-Year-Olds
Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Year: 2003
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 8
Plot
A friendly witch takes to the night on her broomstick, but as the wind blows away her hat, her bow, and her wand, she finds some cute friends to join her on her ride. Will her friends be able to save her from a hungry dragon? This classic Halloween book for kids is now a cartoon movie!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a year-round book in my house. The sweet tale by Donaldson and the fun illustrations by Scheffler will have this on your favorites list long after Halloween is over!
Why Jackie loves it
The wonderful rhymes in this book tell the story of friendship and inclusivity. This is one of my favorite books to promote reading readiness.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Halloween Picture Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Rhyming Books / Dragon Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Giant Jumperee
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
All the animals are terrified of the giant jumperee who is hiding in rabbit’s hole. When mama frog comes to help, will she be able to do what nobody else could and get the giant jumperee out of rabbit’s house?
Why Jackie loves it
My kids and I laugh out loud every time we read this book. I wanted to include books that had some rhymes without the whole book rhyming. This book has the least amount of rhymes in the book but I wanted to include it because of how adorable it is.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Bear Wants More
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Year: 2003
Genre: Board Books
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Bear Books series
Plot
After waking up from his winter hibernation, he is so hungry! Eager to help him after his long sleep, his friends help him gather things to eat.
Why Kirsten loves it
There are so many things about this book that I adore. Bear’s friends are so wonderful and supportive of him and he is so sweet and gentle. This book also has wonderful vocabulary words for little ears.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Rhyming Books
Animal Books for a 2-year-olds
Cat in the Hat
Author: Dr. Suess
Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
Year: 1957
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
This classic book for kids marks the first appearance of one of the most beloved characters in literature. The Cat in the Hat is one of the most well-known classic children’s books because of the cat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the funny rhyming phrases within the book.
Why Jackie loves it
This classic book is so silly, it is fun to read. There are also a lot of beginning words that can be sounded out which makes it a great pick if you are looking for something for reading readiness.
Find this book in: Classic Books for Kids / Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Should I Share My Ice Cream
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2011
Genre: Beginning Reader
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the Elephant & Piggie series
Plot
Gerald and Piggie are adorable. In this pick from preschool books about ice cream, Gerald is so excited to have his ice cream but cannot decide if he should share it with Piggie.
Why Jackie loves it
Each of the Elephant and Piggie books is not only funny, but teaches sweet and important lessons about friendship and kindness.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Ice Cream Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Year: 1999
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
Gerald is a giraffe who wants to dance but things that is can’t. Thanks to a friend who encourages him, Gerald finds a way to embrace his differences.
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely love this book about following your heart and being true to yourself. The bonus of rhyming makes this book that much more special. This is one of the children’s books about being different that I was happy to read over and over.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for 2-Year-Olds / Rhyming Books
Classic Books for 2-year-olds
Madeline
Author: Ludwig Bemelmans
Illustrator: Ludwig Bemelmans
Year: 1939
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
More info: Madeline #1, Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
Madeline is the smallest of the 12 little girls in 2 straight lines, but nothing frightens her. Join her as she wanders through Paris, which comes alive thanks to Bemelmans’ whimsical illustrations.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is one of my favorites of all time. There is something about the little girls in two straight lines that reminds me of my childhood. The rhythm and rhyme are perfect for any age.
Find this book in: Classic Books for Kids / Rhyming Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
The Little Engine That Could
Author: Watty Piper
Illustrator: Watty Piper
Year: 1930
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Of all the classic books for kids on this page, I guarantee you know this one. Who could forget the little blue engine and his determination to get the toys over the mountain, all while saying “I think I Can, I Think I Can.” It’s such a wonderful moral lesson for everyone.
Why Kirsten loves it
My grandmother loved to read me this story. I can still hear her voice saying “I think I can, I think I can.”
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Classic Books for Kids
Chicken Soup with Rice
Author: Maurice Sendak
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Year: 1962
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
Chicken Soup with Rice is one of 4 rhyming stories in this collection of Maurice Sendak’s work. Not only does this book rhyme but it teaches the months of the year as well.
Why Jackie loves it
The set of books by Maurice Sendak was turned into a play called Really Rosie. You can find the music and sing along.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Books for a 2-year-old’s Motor Development
Plot
This book has Eric Carle’s classic pictures while giving your child the chance to clap, stomp and move around while imitating the animals in this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
Not only can your toddler learn about the animals, but they can move around as well. This is great story for fidgetty kids, espeically if you have them touching their body parts as you read the story.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds
Clap Your Hands
Author: Lorinda Bryan Cauley
Illustrator: Lorinda Bryan Cauley
Year: 1997
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
Hooray. I love the illustrations in this book along with the rhymes and silly directions. “Clap your hands, stomp your feet. Shake your arms, then take a seat”.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the perfect book to get your toddler dancing and moving to a book. It was a favorite in my house and it is now available as a board book.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds
Plot
Raffi’s classic song is put into picture book form in this charming book. Act out Raffi’s classic song with your child as you sing this story to them. But be warned, it’s not for bedtime!
Why Jackie loves it
It’s the perfect story to help with motor development as your child dances along to the words within.
Books About Love for 2-year-olds
I Love You, Stink Face
Author: Lisa McCord
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Year: 2003
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Stinky Face series
Plot
his story is all about a mother’s love. Whether the baby is an alligator, a swamp creature, a one-eyed monster, or an alien, the mother in this tale shows a way to love her child!
Why Jackie loves it
This grossly-cute board book is a lovely bedtime story for the little monster in your life.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Bedtime Stories / Monster Books for Kids
Snuggle Puppy
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 2003
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
This story is Sandra Boyton at her best. She writes a little love song in board book form that you can sing to your child. Make up whatever tune you want and soon your little one will be singing along.
Why Kirsten loves it
When it comes to Valentine’s books for toddlers that you can read all year long – Snuggle Puppy tops the list!
Find this book in: Valentine’s Books for Toddlers / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine
Author: Alice Shertle
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Year: 2020
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Little Blue Truck series
Plot
I love this charming board book that features Little Blue Truck delivering cards to all his friends on the farm. It’s such a sweet Valentine’s Day book for babies and toddlers.
Why Kirsten loves it
Little Blue Truck was just coming onto the scene when my kids were little, but boy as Blue has blown up since then!
Find this book in: Valentine’s Books for Toddlers / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Interactive Books for a 2-year-old
Where’s the Dog
Author: Nosy Crow
Illustrator: Ingela P Arrhenius
Year: 2018
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
Plot
This book is a “beginner” question book that looks at “where”. As you and your child read this together, you can start by having your child point to the dog. You can then progress by having your child answer you.
Initially, they might answer “there” and can progress to using words like on or in. (See the next section on preposition books for toddlers). The felt flaps make this book interactive too.
Why Jackie loves it
With this book, kids have an opportunity to answer you non-verbally. This way they can demonstrate their comprehension!
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds
Flora and the Flamingo
Author: Molly Idle
Illustrator: Molly Idle
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Caldecott Honor winner
Plot
I love the fact that this book has no words because it allows you and your child to make up the story together. Flora and the Flamingo dance together.
Your child can not only flip the pictures and dance with Flora. When you are done, you can put on some music and dance with your little one.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite interactive picture books. As wordless picture book, it also helps with language development.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-Year-Olds / Wordless Picture Books / Baby Girl’s First Library / Interactive Books For Kids
Plot
This interactive board book is perfect for the littlest reader. This rhyming board book has cut-outs that make the game of peek-a-boo even more fun. The last page of this book has a mirror that allows your baby to look at themselves.
Why Jackie loves it
With simple rhyming text, this interactive book is developmentally appropriate. The mirror at the end is wonderful for interacting with young kids!
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Interactive Books
Family Books for 2-year-olds
Big Brother Peanut Butter
Author: Terry Border
Illustrator: Terry Border
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
I am a huge fan of Terry Border’s clever pictures of peanut butter asking his food friends for help with being a sibling. It’s a fun rhyming story with Peanut Butter gaining the confidence to be a great sibling.
Why Kirsten loves it
When it comes to books about becoming a big brother or sister, this adorable story is top of the bunch!
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Sibling Books
Everything is Mama
Author: Jimmy Fallon
Illustrator: Miguel Ordóñez
Year: 2017
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this delightful story, animal parents are trying to teach their children other words, but every kid only likes to say “Mama.”
Why Jackie loves it
Jimmy Fallon’s board books are so funny and charming. Between Ordóñez illustrations and the charming prose, these are classics in the making.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds
How to Babysit A Grandma and A Grandpa
Author: Jean Reagan
Illustrator: Lee Wildish
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 0 – 5
More info: Part of the How to series
Plot
These are some of my favorite books about grandparents because it’s just plain silly! It’s a box set with both books inside. I love these stories flip the script, putting the kids in charge of the adults!
Why Kirsten loves it
Your littles will love this as much as their grandparents will.
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / Books About Grandparents
Feelings Books for 2-year-olds
I Need a Hug
Author: Aaron Blabey
Illustrator: Aaron Blabey
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
When a porcupine decides he needs a hug, he has trouble finding someone willing to hug his spiky exterior. Until he stumbles upon a snake who is looking for love of their own.
Why Jackie loves it
This has a funny lesson about how everyone needs love. It’s a fun one to read over and over.
Find this book in: Books About Feelings / Best Books for 2-year-olds
When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry
Author: Molly Bang
Illustrator: Molly Bang
Year: 1999
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Caldecott-honor winner
Plot
In this charming story, Sophie – and readers – learn that it’s OK to be angry. It was one of the first books for children that addressed anger and how to deal with it.
Why Jackie loves it
This classic children’s book is an award-winner for a reason. It normalizes anger and helps with social-emotional learning.
Find this book in: Books About Feelings / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Plot
Friendship books set at the playground seem to be a big trend and this one is no exception. Then 4 letters head to the playground, and they all learn to embrace each other’s differences so they can have a good swing.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored how the letters spelled out LOVE at the end.
Find this book in: Playground Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Expert Tip
Reading to a 2-year-old is very beneficial to help them learn how to talk. Here are some helpful tips you can use when reading to your one-year-old:
- I always kept a book in my bag. Whenever we had some downtime, I would read to my kids. It is also great to read to your kids before they go to sleep. Reading is the perfect activity to wind down.
- Read with expression. Your toddler will learn to model your tone which helps with language development.
- Point out different parts of the story when you read it. The first time, you can read the story. The next time, you can ask questions and have them point to the answers.
- If it’s a board book, let your child turn the pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read with a 2-year-old?
Be patient and be sure to let your child guide you. They can choose the book or “read” the story to you. Allow opportunities for lots of repetitions. This is why we chose these books! With endless re-reads of these books, you may like them as much as your child.
Can 2-year-olds learn to read?
No. 2-year-olds cannot learn to read but the path to reading readiness starts as early as possible. Spending time reading to your 2-year-old is the best thing you can do to start preparing them early for reading.
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Epilogue
I hope that you love my list of books for 2-year-olds. What are your favorite books to read with your toddler? I would love to hear your thoughts. My favorites from when my kids were this age will never leave my home library – I plan on keeping them for my grandkids! Did you find any books for a 2-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
