The Best Books for a 2-Year-Old Your Toddler Will Love
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 a 2-year-old? Storytime needs to be engaging and fun which is why we made a list of the best books for a 2-year-old.
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, we 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.
*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.
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-read of these books, you make like them as much as your child.
Counting Books
Can my 2-year-old count? Children learn by repetition and can definitely learn to count even if they do not understand what it means.
Ten Little Ladybugs
Author: Melanie Gerth
Illustrator: Laura Huliska-Beith
Year: 2000
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info:
Plot
This interactive book helps kids count from one to ten with little 3D ladybugs that appear on each page as you progress through the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that the raised ladybugs help tactile learners so it is a multi-sensory learning experience.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for a 1-Year-Old / Interactive Books for Kids
Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang
I love this counting-in-reverse story that starts with 10 toes and ends with a child tucked in for bed. The story features a black father and baby which is sadly a rare site in books for 2-year-olds.
This award winner has been a classic for more than thirty years!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
There are so many things about this classic book for kids that I love. Not only can you talk about days of the week, food, and counting, but you can follow the caterpillar on his journey to becoming a butterfly. When it comes to books for 3-year-olds, this one is tops.
Why We Love This Book: A gorgeous introduction to nature, food, counting, and days of the week.
Appropriate for ages 0-5
Find this book in 2-year-old Books / Classic Kids Books / Preschool Books About Food / Best Board Books / Educational Books for 3-year-olds
12 Playful Counting Books for Kids of All Ages
If you are looking for more books for a 2-year-old, we have great counting books!
Good night books for a 2-year-old
Should I read my 2-year-old a story at night? We love creating a bedtime routine that includes storytime. This is a great way to get them into the habit of reading at a young age.
Goodnight Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker
Little kids love construction vehicles. Is there a better way to start bedtime than a rhyming contraction book? I think not. This delightful bedtime story for 2-year-olds is the first in a series.
Plot
Rhyming, animals, and the sweet words in this book make it the perfect companion before bed. I loved setting up a routine that let my kids know bedtime was coming.
We would bathe, put on lotion, and snuggle up to read a story. I made sure that my voice was quiet and soothing. Even if you have a new baby, incorporating a book into your nightly routine is a wonderful way to end the day.
Why Jackie loves it
The rhyming for language development and lovely illustrations of animals make this a perfect going-to-bed book for babies.
Find this book in: Bedtime Books / Classic Books for Kids / First Year Reading Tips / Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Animal Books for Kids
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Boynton’s books are filled with humor, bright colorful pictures, and wonderful rhymes. They are completely addictive. We read these books until they fall 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.
32 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Toddlers, and Babies
if you are looking for more bedtime stories to create nighttime bonding with your two-year-old, these are our favorites.
Alphabet Books
Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli
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!
TouchThinkLearn: ABC by Xavier Deneux
I love when books have texture. That added tactile element can make the difference when it comes to engagement for some kids. This book is tactile and a feast for the eyes.
Alphabet by Matthew Van Fleet
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.
For more books like these, check out our list of 22 Alphabet Books
Food Books for 2-year-olds
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
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 I Love This Book: 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.
Appropriate for Ages: 2-5
Find this book in Books for a 3-Year-Old to Create a Love of Reading/ Best Books 2-Year-Old / Kids Books About Food / Animal Books
Each Peach, Pear, Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
This adorable eye spy book has wonderful pictures, featuring nursery rhymes and fairy tale characters. It’s a perfect classic children’s book for a 2-year-old.
Why We Love This Book: The rhyming makes it memorable and easy to recite.
Appropriate for ages 0-3
Find this book in Classic Kids Books / Best Board Books / Books for 2-year-olds / Food Books for Children
I Like Fruit and I Like Vegetables by Lorena Siminovich
Any book that introduces children to healthy foods from an early age is OK in my book. Add in the lessons about colors in I Like Fruit and also the lesson of opposites in I Like Vegetables and you have two winners. Oh! And did I mention these are textured and perfect for babies to explore with their fingers too?
Why We Love This Book: Textured pages are perfect for tactile learning about colors and opposites.
Appropriate for ages 0-2
Find this book in Color Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / 2-year-old Books / Food Books for Children
Books Set at Daycare for a 2-year-old
Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill
Spot goes to school in this lift-the-flap book for 2-year-olds. If your child is getting ready for daycare, this is a great story to get them started! Your kiddo can lift the flaps to see what Spot gets up to on his first day of school.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
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.
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
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 We Love This Book: A solid introduction to preschool separation anxiety and how kids can deal with it.
Appropriate for ages 2-7
Find this book in: Books About Feelings / Anna Dewdney Books / Books for a 3-year-old / First Day of School Books
Color Books for 2-year-olds
What colors should my 2-year-old know? While kids can recognize colors, don’t be surprised if they cannot name them yet. Practicing colors is a great way to get them started.
How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors by Jane Yolen
I love the “How do dinosaurs” series for so many reasons. If your child loves dinosaurs, it will obviously be a hit, but the trouble these dinos get into will have any child giggling.
In this particular story, the dinosaurs learn their colors through routine objects found around their homes. Ask your toddler to find the colors in your home too!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr.
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. 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.
Why We Love This Book: It’s a great introduction to colors and animals.
Appropriate for ages 0-4
Find this book in Color Books / Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Learning Books for 1-year-olds / 2-year-old Books / Classic Kids Books
Freight Train
Author: Donald Crews
Illustrator: Donald Crews
Year: 1978
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
This is another classic book for kids that has both trains and colors. What could be better? The simplicity of this book adds to the fun. If you have a child who can only sit for a very limited time, this book is a perfect choice.
Why Kirsten loves it
With high-contrast images, this story is the perfect introduction to colors for train-loving children. I love this
Find this book in: Color Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Classic Kids Books
For more books like these, check out our list of books about colors for toddlers.
Season and Nature Books for a 2-year-old
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
This is the perfect interactive board book for 2-year-olds 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.
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
Caldecott Honor-winner, Lois Ehlert, teaches kids about colors in this story about planting a garden and watching it grow.
His artwork reminds me of Eric Carle. It will draw your child into the beautiful garden depicted within.
Spring is Here
Author: Taro Gomi
Illustrator: Taro Gomi
Year: 1999
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
More info:
Plot
A wonderful tale that introduces the concept of seasons. Watch as the field changes through the year and the cow grows too! Beautiful illustrations make this a mommy favorite too.
Why Kirsten loves it
The bright colors and gorgeous minimalist illustrations introduce nature and seasons to babies through high-contrast images. It’s cleverly done with the seasons growing on the cow’s back.
Find this book in: Best Board Books / Best Books for a 1-year-old
Rhyming Books for 2-Year-Olds
But Not the Hippopotamus
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Boynton
Year: 1982
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Animals are all playing together- cavorting in a bog, drinking juice etc. and the hippo is not joining them.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading this with my kids. It is utterly ridiculous and completely wonderful. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo!” It is a perfect classic children’s book.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for a 1-year-old / Rhyming Books / Classic Books for Kids
Plot
The rhythm of the story and the non-sensical rhymes make the book completely captivating. A boy and a bear head out on an adventure to pick berries in this delightful classic kids’ book. Marshmallow Cattails? Waffle and butter lily pads? Yes, please!
As a bonus, there is counting and alliteration in this picture book. No list of books for kids would be complete without this adorable read.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my favorite book to read to her kids and as soon as you look at the pictures and start reading it, you will understand why. I have a video of reading this to my son when he was 4 months old and his face lit up as I read it. It will forever be in my home.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Counting Books / Rhyming Books / Best Board Books / Kids Food Books / Best Books for a 1-year-old
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
31 Great Rhyming Books
If you love books with rhymes as much as we do, these rhyming books for 2-year-olds will be right up your alley!
Animal Books for a 2-year-olds
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
This modern classic kids’ book about fish was one Kirsten learned about in school!
It’s all about a gorgeous fish with shiny scales who is so conceited he doesn’t have any friends. After he decides to share a lovely scale with each fish in his neighborhood, he gains friends in spades! A wonderful lesson for young kids.
Plot
The descriptions of the animals in this zoo book are so funny. The flaps are fun for little ones and as kids get older, they realize how silly it is to write to the zoo for a pet.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book was an absolute favorite in our house. Its lift-the-flap pages make it a fun interactive book for babies and toddlers.
Find this book in: Zoo Books, Best Books for a 1-year-old, First Books for Newborns
Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
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.
For more books like these, check out our list of Zoo Books, Shark Books, and Octopus Books for kids.
Classic Books for 2-year-olds
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendek
Maurice Sendek explores the amazing power of imagination in this classic kids’ book about monsters. When Max gets upset with his parents, he imagines traveling to a world to be the kids of the monsters.
I love this book, the illustrations, and the message within the pages. When Max finally decides to come home, his dinner is waiting for him and it’s still hot. This act of love always touched me. Really this is a book for 2-year-olds that shows a parent’s unconditional love for their child.
Goodnight Moon
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrator: Clement Hurd
Year: 1947
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 4
More info: Over the Moon #2
Plot
This classic children’s literature is beloved by generations of readers and listeners. The quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. This is one of the most popular bedtime stories for babies ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
The soothing, repetitive phrases in this book guide children to sleep. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t read this book at least once in their life. It’s a classic that will always stand the test of time.
Find this book in: Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books / Bunny Books
Owl Babies
Author: Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Year: 1995
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 4
Plot
This book subtly reinforces the fact that Mama (and Dada) come back. It also shows that sometimes animals get anxious feelings. For babies, the white owls and dark night forest are mesmerizing before they can see in color.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a great one for working parents looking to teach little ones about separation anxiety. I found read it to my children when I went back to work.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Books for 1-year-olds / Book and Game Pairings / Gender Neutral Baby Books
Books for a 2-year-old’s Motor Development
Barnyard Dance
Author: Sandra Boyton
Illustrator: Sandra Boyton
Year: 1993
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
This charming book is a favorite Boyton of every child I know. It features a group of animals dancing to a rhyme that your child can dance along to! Your toddler will want to read this on repeat.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sandra Boyton is a go-to author and illustrator for a reason. She writes the best books for young children!
Find this book in: Interactive Books / Best Books for a 1-year-old
See, Touch, Feel
Author: Rodger Priddy
Illustrator: Rodger Priddy
Year: 2018
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 1
Plot
Everything is new for your baby. Colors, sounds, and sense of touch are all brand new. Each picture has a sensory activity that will stimulate your child’s natural sense of curiosity.
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this book gives your baby a chance to experience all these new things with great pictures. As you read to your child, you are helping them develop a language of their senses.
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old / First Books for Baby
Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley
This book was a favorite in my house and it is now available as a board book. 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.
Books About Love for 2-year-olds
Love You Forever
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Sheila McGraw
Year: 1986
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 5
Plot
Over the course of this story, a mother explains to her child how she will love him until the day she dies. The repetitive saying and sweet illustrations bring her love to life for readers.
Why Jackie loves it
The words of this book run through my head and I cannot read it to my kids without crying at the end. I adore this book for 2-year-olds about the unconditional love a mother has for her child. “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”
Find this book in: Best Books for a 1-year-old / Best Books for Baby Girls
Guess How Much I Love You
Author: Sam McBratney
Illustrator: Anita Jeram
Year: 2008
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 5
Plot
I love that this book is about a father and his son. The baby bunny is talking about how much he loves his dad who tells the baby bunny how much he loves him in return. “I love you to the moon and back”. Truer words are hard to find. I cannot think of a more perfect Father’s Day picture book.
Why Jackie loves it
This book coined one of my favorite lines from a book ever “I love you to the moon and back.”
Find this book in: Father’s Day Picture Books / Bedtime Books / Books for a 1-year-old / Rabbit Books for Babies
I Love You, Stink Face by Lisa McCord
This grossly-cute board book is a lovely bedtime story for the little monster in your life. This 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!
Interactive Books for a 2-year-old
Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
I loved reading this book to my kids. There is something about the family adventure that was so much fun. We would go over pillows, under the table, upstairs, and through chairs in our search. Not only was this the perfect way to learn prepositions, but it also made the book interactive.
This book is filled with repetition which is also good for child language development. It is filled with onomatopoeia- the best words to convey sounds and sensory input that I just love: squelch, squerch; swishy swashy; etc.
Why We Love This Book: It is interactive, helps with language development, has wonderful pictures as well as repetition
Appropriate for Ages: 2-6
Find this book in Educational Books for 2-Year-Olds / The Best Books for a 2-Year-Old
Pizza! An Interactive Recipe Book by Lotta Nieminen
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.
Why We Love This Book: Encourages imagination, promotes language development (following directions), interactive.
Find this book in Educational Books for 2-year-olds / Interactive Books for Kids
I Kissed the Baby
Author: Mary Murphy
Illustrator: Mary Murphy
Year: 2004
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 1
Plot
This black-and-white board book is perfect for newborns since they can only see black and white initially. It’s all about a new baby duckling and animals talking about their interactions with it.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is my favorite baby book to gift. It has repetition and rhyme, black-and-white illustrations for newborns, and can be made interactive by following the tasks talked about in the book – tickling, hugging, and kissing!
Find this book in: Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books
Family Books for 2-year-olds
Baby, Boo! by Beth Hardwood
My husband loved to read this to our little one over and over again. It’s peekaboo in a board book. There are black and white photos of other babies, then the baby goes missing and a mirror appears for your child to find themselves. The giggles this book produced from kids were the best!
Plot
What a sweet rhyming book about a mother’s love (or father’s if you get that version too.) Featuring mama and baby pairings from the animal kingdom this book allows you to point out new species to your little one.
Why Kirsten loves it
With its rhyming words and darling message, I loved reading this one to my boys when they were babies. It’s a nice introduction to animals as well.
Find this book in: Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Bedtime Books / Classic Kids Books
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
An amazing story about two male penguins adopting a penguin. Adorable text and photos will expose your child to this unique and true story while also teaching a lesson that there are many different kinds of families.
Why We Love This Book: This book is a cuddly way to teach a child that love is love.
Appropriate for ages 1-5
Find this book in Zoo Books, Banned Books, Father’s Day Picture Books, Books for a 2-year-olds, Best Books for Newborns
Creativity Books for a 2-year-old
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
I think this is the original book about the power of the imagination. It’s a classic book for 2-year-olds for a reason. The worlds that Harold creates with one purple crayon can inspire anyone’s imagination.
Mix it up by Herve Tullet
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 We Love This Book: This book can be used in so many ways to promote learning while giving children a chance to interact with the book.
Appropriate for ages 18months-4 years
Find this book in Books About Color / Books for a 2-Year-Old / Interactive Books For Children
Mini Masters by Julie Merberg
With enchanting rhymes pointing out details in the paintings, this board book series is perfect for introducing famous artists to your toddler.
I swear this book series is the reason my kiddos loved going to the art museum at such a young age.
Feelings Books for 2-year-olds
Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly
What a wonderful way to explore fears. As children turn the pages of this book, they are in charge. They can build the big green monster and tell him to go away.
Why We Love This Book: This book is so helpful for kids who may not be able to express their fears but, it can help them conquer them just the same.
Appropriate for ages 1-4
Find this book in: Monster Books / Books for a 2-year-old / Books about Feelings
Plot
This is a classic feelings book for 1-year-olds for a reason! Todd Parr uses his signature colorful illustrations to showcase the range of emotions we all feel from time to time. Have your little one make the faces in the book for more fun.
Why Kirsten loves it
Simple words and pictures help even the youngest children identify emotions.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Books for a 1-year-old
In My Heart by Jo Witek
Kids need to learn all about their feelings in a way that is safe and comfortable. The tactile pages in this board book will please little hands as the hearts cut in the center get smaller and smaller.
Why We Love This Book: Children will learn to identify feelings with simple words that explain what each feeling feels in their bodies and minds.
Appropriate for ages 2-5
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Books for a 3-year-old / Gender Neutral Baby Books
Educational Books for 2-Year-Olds: Making Story Time Interactive and Fun
Want to help your 2-year-old with their language development? This is one of the posts in our reading readiness program!
