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.

Best Books for 2 year olds

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.

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

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.

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

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

Llama Llama helps his mama clean up from a mess he made. Along the way, he practices his counting.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Goodnight Gorilla

Author: Peggy Rathmann

Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann

Year: 1996

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 3

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.

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 goodnight

Author: Jane Yolen

Illustrator: Mark Teague

Year: 2000

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 3

More info: Part of How Do Dinosaurs?

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.

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

alphablocks

Author: Christopher Franceschelli

Illustrator: Peskimo

Year: 2013

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 3

More info: An Abrams Block Book

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!

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

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.

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

This book was inspired by the 365 days of kindness movement and was designed to inspire kindness from a young age.

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

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.

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 Cook in a Book and more books for 2 year olds

Author: Lotta Nieminen

Illustrator: Lotta Nieminen

Year: 2017

Genre: Board Book

Age: 2 – 4

More info: Part of the Cook in a Book series

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

51Vvlvt9LoL. SY418 BO1204203200

Author: Lucy Cousins

Illustrator: Lucy Cousins

Year: 2010

Genre: Board Book

Age: 2 – 4

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Author: Bill Martin Jr.

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Year: 1996

Genre: Board Book

Age: 0 – 3

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. 

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 tre

Author: Christie Matheson

Illustrator: Christie Matheson

Year: 2016

Genre: Board Book

Age: 2 – 4

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.

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

no two alike

Author: Keith Baker

Illustrator: Keith Baker

Year: 2014

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 4

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.

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

Author: Rusty Finch

Illustrator: Katya Longhi

Year: 2019

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 2

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.

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

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!

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!

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

The Giant Jumperee

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Year: 2017

Genre: Picture Books

Age: 2 – 4

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 cant dance

Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees

Year: 1999

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 1 – 5

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

From Head to Toe

Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Year: 1997

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 3

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.

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

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”.

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

shake my sillies out

Author: Raffi

Illustrator: Maple Lam

Year: 1994

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 2

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!

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 Stinky Face

Author: Lisa McCord

Illustrator: Cyd Moore

Year: 2003

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 4

More info: Part of the Stinky Face series

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!

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 and other Valentine's Day Books for Toddlers

Author: Sandra Boynton

Illustrator: Sandra Boynton

Year: 2003

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 3

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.

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

Author: Alice Shertle

Illustrator: Jill McElmurry 

Year: 2020

Genre: Board Book

Age: 1 – 4

More info: Part of the Little Blue Truck series

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.

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

Wheres the Dog

Author: Nosy Crow

Illustrator: Ingela P Arrhenius 

Year: 2018

Genre: Board Book

Age: 0 – 2

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.

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

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.

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

Peek a Who

Author: Nina Laden

Illustrator: Nina Laden

Year: 2000

Genre: Board Book

Age: 0 – 2

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.

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

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.

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

In this delightful story, animal parents are trying to teach their children other words, but every kid only likes to say “Mama.”

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

Author: Jean Reagan

Illustrator: Lee Wildish

Year: 2021

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 0 – 5

More info: Part of the How to series

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!

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

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.

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

sophie gets angry

Author: Molly Bang

Illustrator: Molly Bang

Year: 1999

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 5

More info: Caldecott-honor winner

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.

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

Swing

Author: Michael Hall

Illustrator: Michael Hall

Year: 2020

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 2 – 6

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.

I adored how the letters spelled out LOVE at the end.

Find this book in: Playground Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds

BTB Elements and icons 10

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.

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?

Alphabet Books

Book Lists by Age

If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.