Choose the right book for your little one by considering their interests, the book’s length and format, and how you think they will respond to the pictures and illustrations. Toddlers love repetition, so it also helps if you enjoy it, too! We carefully considered any age recommendations, illustrations, format, length, and value when reviewing products. Whether you’re looking for a sweet and sentimental bedtime story, an impressive gift, or just want to build your child’s book collection, here are our top picks for books for 2-year-olds. The author, Bill Martin Jr., writes a singsong story that combines humor, charm, and simple colorful illustrations, just like in his popular book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” Before you know it your child will be able to recognize the letters of the alphabet, along with differentiating lower case from capital letters. Price at time of publication: $8 With captivatingly colorful collage-style artwork by acclaimed children’s author and artist Eric Carle, the book’s sturdy die-cut pages introduce your toddler to colors, food, and the days of the week. This book, and others by Eric Carle, will inspire your child’s imagination and love for animals and nature. Price at time of publication: $22 With a large number of categories and items, you will begin to notice your child’s vocabulary grow quickly. This board book set is a complete learning must-have and is a great way to kickstart your child’s book collection. Price at time of publication: $20 The longest-running picture book on the New York Times bestseller list, “Press Here” will have both you and your child cheering, clapping, and giggling from beginning to end. Price at time of publication: $9 This story features playful animal images and a rhythmic format that’s short and sweet—your toddler will soon be saying the lines right along with you. Price at time of publication: $7 “The Little Blue Truck” teaches the power of friendship and teamwork and demonstrates the rewards of helping others. Fans of the book rave about the ease of reading this story over and over with their little ones. Price at time of publication: $9 On the surface, this book is about trying new things, but it also raises important questions about the relationship between experiences and beliefs. It may be time to get out the green food coloring and serve up some green eggs and ham for the family. Price at time of publication: $10 The story allows for effortless conversation back and forth with your little reader as you both help navigate the hide and seek. Reviewers say “Spot is one of the essential experiences of childhood.” We agree! Price at time of publication: $8 Perfect as a bedtime or wind-down story, this book is short and sweet, with beautifully detailed illustrations that are sure to soothe and delight your toddler. Price at time of publication: $8 With a hardcover and super-thick pages, this book is an interactive twist on a simple ABC book. It incorporates cut-outs and raised pieces, and has simple modern aesthetics for a complete sensory experience. This book literally adds a new dimension to learning the alphabet. Price at time of publication: $25
Length
The length of a book for a 2-year-old will depend on your child’s comprehension level and interest in reading. Every toddler is different and their interest in storytime will vary. That said, typically, it’s best to stick to short stories and board books with lots of page-turning and pictures.
Illustrations
Look for bright colors and fun characters when selecting a title. Again, to build their imagination, keep it simple and offer variety to keep them engaged. Your 2-year-old will look at the pictures in books to help them understand what you’re reading, so it helps if the pictures tie in with the story.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
As a writer and artist, Deanna McCormack is drawn to the beauty and design of children’s picture books. She’s an avid reader and library-goer and strives to stay up to date with the latest award-winning stories and bestsellers. In addition to her research on the topic, she’s read every book on this list many, many times to her 2-year-old son.
