Updated 30th December 2021.
Why read to your two-year-old? Well, for many of the same reasons that you might read to a one-year-old or younger. It helps to nurture reading and writing skills, an understanding of the wider world, and a strong parent-child bond.
In certain respects, however, reading to a two-year-old boy or girl is a little different. For a start, as babies start to become toddlers, repetition becomes even more important. Studies show that, after about the age of one and a half, being read the same story four times rather than two times tends to improve memory and recollection. So we've put together this guide on the best books for two-year-olds so you know what to look for and what books are best to buy for your two-year-old.
What to consider when buying books for two-year-olds
By the age of two, children can follow simple stories and you can also start relating stories to your child’s real experience. The tiger who came to tea loves milk, just like your toddler might. So pick out the parts of stories that your child will most relate to and expand on them. More than just what they relate to, there's a few other key things to consider in getting the best books for your 2 year old:
The 15 best books for 2 year olds
Editors Review
“Fun imaginative verse and characters your two-year-old will relate to, especially when they ask for just one more story before bed!”
As it turns out, diggers, snow ploughs and tractors enjoy the same bedtime routines as little boys and girls.
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Editors Review
“A family favourite, this heartwarming story helps to teach young children about their emotions."
When Lily loses her favourite toy, Blue Kangaroo wonders if he will ever see her again.
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Editors Review
“This just released book is full of mischief and fun.”
When the kittens spot the beasts of Dinosaur Island, all they can think of is climbing and sliding. But for those teeth!
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4. Oi Puppies!
Editors Review
“It’s so funny it won the 2017 Laugh Out Loud Awards.”
Dog, Cat and Frog are looking after some puppies - lots of puppies. What could possibly go wrong?
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Editors Review
“Great vivid illustrations and a fun story that also has a great message.”
Bear and Hare go for a walk and find lots of nice things. Problem is, Hare doesn’t want to share.
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Editors Review
“This is a great version of the old classic, with ingenious die-cut holes, and large, colourful illustrations.”
You know the story: woman swallows fly, which she chases down with a series of evermore elaborate creatures. As a strategy, it’s unlikely to end well.
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Editors Review
"This is just a stone-cold classic, with adorable characters and a great, quirky story."
Just as Sophie and her mum are sitting down to tea, the doorbell rings. Who could it be (there’s a clue in the title)?
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Editors Review
"A lovely story about determination, acceptance and triumphing on your own terms."
Giraffes are too long and stringy to dance, aren’t they? Gerald sets out to prove the doubters wrong.
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Editors Review
"Sticky, icky fun for slime-loving toddlers, but there’s also an educational message about hygiene."
Stanley has a snotty nose and never uses a tissue. Can he learn to wipe it away?
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10. The Go-Away Bird
Editors Review
"A great rhyming story, as you’d expect from Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo."
The Go-Away Bird doesn’t need friends, right up until she does.
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11. Peace at Last
Editors Review
“Tired parents will relate to Mr Bear, and toddlers will love the noise repetitions and colourful illustrations.”
Snoring, fidgeting, dripping and tapping….it’s no wonder Mr Bear can’t get a good night’s sleep.
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12. Waiting for Baby
Editors Review
“The text does a great job of promoting questions and conversation."
Waiting for the arrival of a new baby can be confusing and unsettling for siblings, but this series of four board books uses simple text and illustrations to help small children understand what’s going on.
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Editors Review
“It’s all about squishing, sorting, mixing and pouring - no knives or hobs in this cookbook.”
A book that lets toddlers help out in the kitchen, in a totally safe and fun way.
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Editors Review
“Great rhymes and illustrations, and there’s a nice advent calendar in the back.”
A beautifully illustrated picture book showing woodland creatures preparing for Christmas. This book will ramp up the excitement as the big day gets ever closer.
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Editors Review
"This is basically a game of hide and seek in book form!”
Is that a lion in the restaurant? Or the beauty salon? It’s up to you to find it.
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How to read to a two-year-old
As with all young children, the real secret is to read to them often, and every day if you can. After that, the difference with two-year-olds is that they’ll be happy to read the same books over and over again, and they’ll also appreciate more input from you. Here's a few other key things to consider when you're reading to a two-year-old girl or boy:
Reading to a two-year-old: Your Stories
There's nothing we love more than seeing parents and their two-year-olds reading together. Here are some of the stories we've loved and been inspired by.
