41 Must-Have Books For 2 Year Olds In 2024 (That They’ll Love!)
As parents, we hear advice about reading to our children often. But two-year-olds are squirmy. They require a lot of attention and energy. At the end of the day, parents can be too drained to figure out what and how to read.
Discover the top books for 2-year-olds (that both parents and kids love). These engaging read-alouds not only captivate toddlers but also make reading a part of your daily routine.
Best Board Books For 2 Year Olds
First, explore the list of 2-year-old board books. These are sturdy and made perfectly for little hands to hold.
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1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Ages 1-3)
*#1 Best Seller in Children’s Counting Books
This is an all-time favorite book for generations. It features gorgeous illustrations as one fuzzy caterpillar eats its way through the pages. And your child will love what it becomes!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar makes the perfect gift >>
2. The Pout-Pout Fish
*New York Times Best Seller
Swim along with one special fish as he realizes that being glum isn’t really right for him. Who wants to spread dreariness when you can turn your pouty “frown” upside down?
3. I Love You Through and Through By Caroline Jayne Church (Ages 1-3)
*Great price
With gentle, sweet rhymes, read this book from the reader’s point of view. And your little one will feel like every word is straight from your heart to theirs. It celebrates every cherished aspect of a child, from their “hair and eyes” to their “giggles and cries.”
4. Yummy, Yucky By Leslie Patricelli (Ages 1-3)
Leslie Patricelli brings back her adorably illustrated baby to explore the silly things
babies and toddlers are curious about. She does not disappoint in satisfying our desire to read about unusual things such as earwax, hot sauce, and dog poop.
This simple book of opposites shows readers the good vs. bad of all things yummy and yucky.
5. Good night Gorilla By Peggy Rathmann (Ages 1-3)
*A must-have for your collection!
The cover hints at the mischief of a little gorilla after dark. Mostly a picture book with limited text, it invites grown-ups to narrate or lets children take the lead, fostering anticipation and pride in predicting the next events.
See Good Night Gorilla here >>
6. Row, Row, Row Your Boat By Jane Cabrera (Ages 1-3)
*Sing along
Be prepared to re-sing the rhymes from this book to your toddler in the car, as you prepare dinner, or waiting at the doctor’s office. Jane Cabrera’s brilliant writing introduces classic children’s songs with rhythm and animal noises..
7. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Ages 0-3)
*One of the most beloved books of all time
In this sweet rhyming picture book, we discover a quiet green room readying for bed. This book creates a secure, calming atmosphere for you and your toddler at bedtime, making it a delightful nightly read.
8. Orange Pear Apple Bear By Emily Gravett (Ages 1-3)
*Classic board books for 2 year olds
How many ways can you show a story using only 5 words? Emily Gravett’s sweet illustrations make way for a clever rearranging of 4 items into a fun story your child will soon be able to “read” all by themselves.
Pro Tip: Children learn through repetition. This book offers much for the reader to independently practice after the initial readings!
9. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle (Ages 1-3)
Little Blue is a kind truck always thinking of others. This book of rhyme introduces farm animal sounds as children discover that even big trucks need help from others at times.
10. Love By Emma Dodd (Ages 0-3)
Emma Dodd’s collection of Love You books are the sweetest way to connect and share precious moments with our little ones.
They are relatable descriptions of how we see love in our world. They are perfect for families to discuss the particular things we love about other people and how to show them we care.
11. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr (Ages 1-4)
#1 Best Seller In Early Learning Beginning Readers
It’s the alphabet chant your child can’t get enough of! Learn the alphabet through a lively rhyme that keeps the beat.
‘A told B, and B told C,
“I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree”‘
See this timeless classic here >>
12. There’s a Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone (Ages 0-3)
*Crazy popular & interactive!
Grover REALLY doesn’t want you to turn the page. You see, there’s a monster at the end waiting!
Grover is astonished (and kids are thrilled) when he realizes who the monster is! This book is a sweet delightful adventure for little ones.
See more fun interactive children’s books here >>
13. Llama Llama Red Pajama By Anna Dewdney (Ages 1-3)
*Teacher’s Pick
Little Llama, like many young children, resists bedtime separations from Mama. Anna Dewdney skillfully portrays the emotional moments of both Llama and Mama, resolving them with an extra dose of love and cuddles before sleep.
14. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? By Jane Yolen Illustrated By Mark Teague (Ages 1-4)
The youngest readers enjoy the silliness of these dinos avoiding sleep time. (As if they would never act that way!)
When guiding your little one in a bedtime routine, this book provides comical imagery that even toddlers imagine themselves doing.
15. Littles and How They Grow by Kelly DiPucchio Illustrated by AG Ford (Ages 0-3)
*Best Books Baby-Age 2
Featuring adorable pictures of little ones, this book offers more than a cute rhyme, evoking warm fuzzies in your child.
This inclusive celebration of little ones and the people who love them is a sweet reminder to children ages 0-99 that we all start small and grow up too fast.
16. Grumpy Monkey By Suzanne Lang (Ages 2-5)
*Hilarious NYT Best Seller
This chimpanzee is in a very bad mood. He doesn’t know why, and his friends can’t understand it either. So, they try to help. But the monkey has a bit of a meltdown instead.
Maybe this monkey just needs to be grumpy?
More Good Books For 2 Year Olds
These top 2 year old books aren’t board books, but they’ll still be childhood favorites!
17. Rhyming Dust Bunnies By Jan Thomas (Ages 2-5)
This silly story is about one dust bunny who seems to be bad at rhyming. Until he shows the other bunnies what his “un-rhyming words” mean in a funny surprise ending.
The brightly colored illustrations keep the reader engaged even with the very simple text.
18. Where’s Spot By Eric Hill (Ages 1-3)
*A popular lift-a-flap story
Kids have loved this puppy for 25 years! Spot is missing. Help find him in this lift-a-flap adventure with new cover designs.
19. Dini Dinosaur By Karen Beaumont: Best Two Year Old Books
Dini the Dinosaur needs a bath after fun in the mud. Your reader will enjoy the silly missteps Dini has trying to get all clean. Your toddler will even be learning a sequence of events, in this fun and practical story.
See Dini Dinosaur here >>
20. Leaf Man By Lois Ehlert (Ages 2-5)
It doesn’t need to be autumn for your toddler to see how a clump of leaves can look like a person. This photographic book shows how seemingly random things can be turned into whatever you imagine them to be!
After reading this book, your little one will be excited to create his or her own Leaf Man.
21. Waiting By Kevin Henkes (Ages 2-5)
*Caldecott Honor and Geisel Honor Book
The toys in this story show how everyone has something they are waiting for. However, each is patient, calm, and even enjoying the passing time before they can do what they have been waiting for.
You never know what fun new things you will experience while waiting!
22. Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs By Eric Litwin (Ages 2-4)
*Author of the beloved Pete the Cat
“It’s awesome to share” is the mantra of this upbeat fast paced book. An exciting rhythmic story where the reader catches onto the repetitive storyline and predicts what will happen next.
Groovy Joe just wants to enjoy his Ice cream when dinos keep barging in and wanting what he has got. Thankfully, Groovy Joe can share so everyone has fun and a treat too!
23. Are You Ready to Play Outside? By Mo Willems (Ages 2-6)
*These best friends have a blast!
In this Elephant and Piggie Book, children learn what happens when Piggie and Gerald are faced with a rainy day. Try reading with two voices as the entire book is only conversation. And as always, Willems has a surprise ending with a bit of a moral in there too.
*Look for Pigeon (another popular Mo Willems character) on the inside front and back cover for yet another added bit of fun.
Author Mo Willems is also featured in great books for 4 year olds. So, kids will love these books for years!
24. Duck and Goose By Tad Hills (Ages 1-3)
*New York Times Bestseller
Duck finds an egg, Goose finds an egg. The same egg.
After arguing about who it belongs to, Duck and Goose must work together to take care of it until they find out what type of egg it really is…
“Charming, funny, simple, and surprising. . . . Hills is master of the light comic touch.”
—The Boston Globe
25. Bear Can’t Wait by Karma Wilson Illustrated By Jane Chapman
Everyone knows toddlers have a hard time waiting. What happens when enthusiastic waiting results in trouble and a big mess?
Bear Can’t Wait has a repetitive chant that “bear can’t wait” which leaves children full of suspense to see how Bear and his friends prepare for a surprise party.
26. Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss: Best Books For 2 Year Olds (Ages 2-5)
*A Dr. Seuss beginner reader favorite!
This book is full of simple words and silly rhymes to keep your 2-year-old engaged. The combination of sounds and words helps your child recognize new words!
*Hop on Pop makes an especially great gift for father’s day.
HOP
POP
We like to Hop.
We like to hop
on top of Pop.
27. Goodnight Tractor by Michelle Robinson (Ages 1-3)
*The perfect bedtime book!
Watch as a fun day of play on the farm turns into a quiet night. Can you spot everything on the farm as you say goodnight?
Check out more of the Best Bedtime Stories & Read Alouds!
28. The Underwear Book By Todd Parr
This is a silly book about the do’s and don’ts when dealing with underwear.
Whether your little one has been potty trained or is just learning what underwear is, this book will be read dozens of times!
29. The Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz (Ages 2-5)
*Off-the-wall cute read-aloud!
This hippopotamus has a bad case of hiccups! But it’s about to get a whole lot funnier when an elephant, centipede, and rhinoceros try to help him get rid of them. Laugh along in this funny rhyming read aloud!
30. My Bus by Byron Barton (Ages 2-6)
Byron Barton expands his collection of vehicle books in this story of animal passengers.
They’re being driven, flown, and even sailed to new destinations by all sorts of interesting transportation vehicles.
Interactive Books For 2 Year Olds
These books are great learning tools and also give 2 year old boys and girls a more engaging, hands-on experience.
31. World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm (Ages 1-2)
*Best Seller in Children’s Puzzle Books
Explore the farm with this awesome sound book! Your toddler can press 30 different buttons to hear all of the noises on a farm. It’s a multi-sensory experience that your child will adore, and it includes the beautiful illustrations of Eric Carle too!
32. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell (Ages 1-3)
*Our 2 year old books family favorite!
Dear Zoo is simple and so cute! Kids must lift the flap to see what the zoo sent the child next for a pet. Will any of the animals work? You have to read to see!
33. Paw Patrol First Words (Ages 1-4)
*Sound book great for early learning
Introduce your 2 year old to the beloved characters in Paw Patrol! Toddlers match sight words to pictures and get to hear the sounds the words make. This is a great early introduction to words!
See Paw Patrol First Words here >>
34. Hide-and-Seek at the Construction Site: A Hidden Pictures®
*Lift-the-Flap Book
Kids enjoy 40 hidden puzzles in a hide-and-seek adventure! This oversized board book is perfect for little hands and explores all the work that goes on at the construction site. It’s a great find for kids that love big machines!
35. Baby Shark Sing Alongs (Toddlers 1-3)
*Amazon’s Choice (& very popular)
Enjoy your favorite catchy shark songs with this cute book! Baby Shark Sing Along is perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who love music. And of course, it includes the iconic “baby shark” classic.
36. Van Fleet Alphabet by Matthew Van Fleet (Ages 1-3)
*An Amazing ABC Safari for Preschoolers!
In this alphabet pop-up book, we watch as different animals reveal different letters! This alphabet book is unique and features many different textures for kids to touch. It also has pull tabs and even a scratch and sniff scent.
The back of this book includes a full-color alphabet poster!
Educational Learning Books
In this section, you’ll find more learning books for 2-year-olds – including stickers, activity books, and more fun!
37. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings (Growing Hearts) by Jo Witek (Ages 2-5)
*New York Times Best Seller
In My Heart helps kids celebrate their feelings. Toddlers learn that your heart can feel so many different things. Each feeling is ok and can seem different in your body.
The creative illustrations, lyrical lessons, and die-cut heart make this book a unique gem.
38. My First Library: Boxset of Board Books For Kids (Ages 1-3)
*#1 Best Seller
This comprehensive board book set gives you all the essentials in one place! Explore basic learning topics and everyday objects with your toddler using vivid pictures.
Related Posts: Start your baby with one year olds books or try these Educational Books For 3 Year Olds
39. All About Weather by Huda Hurajli MA (Ages 2-5)
Don’t miss this exciting weather adventure! Kids and parents will enjoy learning about the seasons, why it rains, how rainbows are formed, and more.
40. Count the Dinosaurs (Ages 2-4)
*Fun Picture Puzzle Book for 2-5 Year Olds
This unique counting book for kids features dinosaurs! Are there more yellow or green dinosaurs? You’ll soon discover in this fun array of creatures to explore.
Pro Tip: This book is great for early learning numbers, colors, opposites, and more.
41. 123 Counting Sticker Book (Ages 1-3)
*Colorful Illustrations
And if dinosaurs aren’t your thing, try this cute counting sticker book instead. The reusable stickers and easy instructions make it hands-on for your child.
Why are books important for toddlers?
While it sometimes seems that toddlers aren’t interested, read-alouds benefit all children at an early age.
Reading together:
- Strengthens your parent-child bond
- Enhances your child’s sense of security
- Establishes a reading routine
The chart below shows other benefits kids of all ages gain from books.
*Need more motivation? Check out these good statistics about reading success!
How do you start reading to a toddler?
Getting a squirmy toddler to sit for a book can be difficult. But have no fear!
Here are a few easy tips to help:
- Don’t always make your toddler sit. (Be ok with letting them roam freely as you read. It may seem as though they’re not listening, but they still benefit from hearing the words.)
- Choose short books that flow easily (all of the books on this list!).
- Let kids turn the pages.
- Make it part of a regular routine. Whether it’s morning or night. When your toddler knows what to expect, it will be easier for everyone to enjoy reading together.
Free Printable Pdf of the Best Books For 2 Year Olds
Grab it below!
What’s Next?
Try books by season:
- Spring Books for Kids
- Summer Books For Kids
- Awesome Fall Books for Kids
- Best Christmas Picture Books
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- Best 7 Year Old Books & Series to Read
- Great Books For 10 Year Olds
- 5 Year Old Books Kids Love To Read
- Best Kids Books About Kindness