The Best Books for Two-Year-Olds (Types + Titles)
I’m sharing the best books for two-year-olds. We are exploring the types of books and favorite titles I’d recommend for toddlers. These were all chosen because they are developmentally appropriate, high quality, and enjoyable for very young readers.
Toddlers have the motor skills to interact with books and confidently turn pages. They can begin to experience books independently and are developing emergent literacy skills.
A lifelong love of reading and stories is starting. Two-year-olds often find a favorite book and want to read it again and again. They enjoy the story and the experience they share with a loved one while reading.
Two-year-olds have developed enough language to talk about their favorite books. Adults can use books to expand children’s understanding of the world and also to inspire their imagination.
Board Books
What are board books?
A board book is a picture book made of sturdy, durable cardboard.
Why board books are great for toddlers
Board books are small and easier for toddler hands to hold and turn pages. Board books are designed to be loved on a little harder, without pages easily ripping.
Sensory Books
What are sensory books?
A sensory book adds a tactile experience to reading. These books have different textures and sometimes sounds that encourage deeper interaction.
Why sensory books are great for toddlers.
Toddlers can engage with the story while stimulating the touch and proprioceptive senses.
If I had to pick one to recommend.
TouchThinkLearn: 123 by Xavier Deneux
Indestructibles
What are Indestructibles?
Indestructibles are picture books that are rip-proof, chew-proof, waterproof, and essentially impossible to destroy. They come in a wide range of themes, including sounds, nature, nursery rhymes, animals, and home life.
Why Indestructibles are great for toddlers.
Indestructibles books are made of paper-like material that toddlers can explore without ripping. No choking hazards and no toxins. The company was dedicated to creating books that are both made for babies and baby-proof.
Many of the books have little to no text in these books, which lets adults create a unique reading experience every time. These stories can grow with your toddler.
If I had to pick one to recommend.
Let’s Go Outside illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan
Diverse, Inclusive Books
What are diverse, inclusive books?
Diverse, inclusive children’s books include representation of BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ children and families. They share about various cultures and languages in respectful, authentic ways.
Diverse board books introduce babies and toddlers to the incredible diversity of the human race. Children start seeing what they have in common with others and appreciating differences.
Learn more about the importance of diverse, inclusive books.
0-2-year-old Book Club
from: Little Feminist
Why diverse and inclusive books are great for toddlers.
Children need to be able to see themselves and their families represented in the books they read. This lets children learn about their own identities and how they can value the uniqueness of others. These books set children for a lifetime of empathy and respect for other humans.
If I had to pick one to recommend.
Really, I recommend 15. Learn all the details in 15 Diverse Books for Babies + Toddlers.
Books with Real Photos
What are books with real photos?
Books with real photographs share what animals, people, and places look like instead of using illustrations.
Why books with real photos are great for toddlers.
Books with photographs give children a real look into the world and provide the perfect foundation for adults to talk about life with children.
If I had to pick one to recommend.
Edible Numbers: Count, Learn, Eat by Jennifer Vogel Bass
Bath Books
What are Bath Books?
Bath books are waterproof and bubble bath safe. They are usually made of plastic and will float in water.
Why Bath Books are great for toddlers.
These books extend reading experiences into the tub. Often, the topics of these books relate to bathtime or water themes.
Books with Poetry, Song, and Rhyme
Why books with poetry, song, and rhyme are great for toddlers.
As language skills rapidly develop in two-year-olds, books with poetry, rhyme, and song can extend learning. Readers can begin playing with letter sounds, rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm.
Classic Stories
Why books with classic stories are great for toddlers.
Classic stories teach valuable lessons about empathy, friendship, and problem-solving. They promote values like loyalty, courage, hard work, and dreaming.
Not only do toddlers learn from these books, but adults can pass down traditions and feel personally connected to the stories too. This creates a loving, meaningful reading experience.
Homemade Books
What are homemade/DIY books?
Homemade/DIY books are made from materials you already have around the house or can purchase for a low cost.
Why homemade/DIY books are great for toddlers.
It’s a chance to create something special, personal, and unique with your toddler.
My favorite DIY books for two-year-olds.
- Photo album
- Child’s art
- Family members
- Homes of loved ones
- Educators can ask for photos of each child’s front door for a classroom DIY book.
Book Activities for Two-Year-Olds
- Ask open-ended questions
- Act out parts of the book with puppets or toy
- Talk about real-life connections
- “We are eating red salsa just like in the book.”
- “You feel happy too when it is time to eat.”
- Store books on low shelves or in baskets on the floor to keep them accessible
- Build vocabulary while you and your child search for things on the pages
- Read favorite stories again and again
- Store books in the car, travel totes, or different rooms, so they are always on-hand
- For educators, set books in each learning center of the classroom. Rotate books as you update each center.
- Books about food in the kitchen area
- Books about construction or buildings in the block area
- Books with various artistic illustrations the art area
- Books about science topics on the sensory area
Easily create a cozy children’s reading space with this free home library checklist.
What is BookShop.org
BookShop.org is an online bookstore that supports independent, local bookstores. They provide an ethical alternative to purchasing books on amazon (I said what I said).
Thrifty Book Tips
Find books at:
- Local library
- E-books through the local library
- Garage sales
- Thrift stores
- Buy, Sell, Trade groups online
