The 15 Best books for 2 year olds (2023 Buying Guide)

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

As it turns out, diggers, snow ploughs and tractors enjoy the same bedtime routines as little boys and girls.

When Lily loses her favourite toy, Blue Kangaroo wonders if he will ever see her again.

When the kittens spot the beasts of Dinosaur Island, all they can think of is climbing and sliding. But for those teeth!

Dog, Cat and Frog are looking after some puppies - lots of puppies. What could possibly go wrong?

Bear and Hare go for a walk and find lots of nice things. Problem is, Hare doesn’t want to share.

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.

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)?

Giraffes are too long and stringy to dance, aren’t they? Gerald sets out to prove the doubters wrong.

Stanley has a snotty nose and never uses a tissue. Can he learn to wipe it away?

The Go-Away Bird doesn’t need friends, right up until she does.

   11.    Peace at Last

Snoring, fidgeting, dripping and tapping….it’s no wonder Mr Bear can’t get a good night’s sleep.

   12.   Waiting for Baby 

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.

   13.    The Tickle Finger Toddler Cookbook

A book that lets toddlers help out in the kitchen, in a totally safe and fun way.

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.

Is that a lion in the restaurant? Or the beauty salon? It’s up to you to find it.

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.