12 Interactive Books To Captivate Your Restless Reader

If you have a child that struggles to sit still through a book, an interactive book might be just what you need to help make reading more enjoyable for both of you.

These books are perfect for involving your squirmy little one in the reading experience and holding their attention for more than a mere page or two.

I Don’t Want to Read This Book

by Max Greenfield, illustrated by Mike Lowery

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If your child loved The Book With No Pictures, slip this title into their storytime stack. The funny, engaging text directly involves the reader in the story, and the cartoon-style illustrations will keep reluctant readers coming back for more.

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There’s a Dragon in Your Book

by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Greg Abbott

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This participatory book will have your audience of young readers stamping, blowing, and flapping. Why? Because there’s a baby dragon in your book, of course! Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. And it’s an absurdly cute dragon, so really, what’s to lose?

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You Are a Lion!

by Taeeun Yoo

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Introduce your little one to yoga with amusing animal poses. You Are a Lion! encourages them to squawk, bounce, and stalk like the animals they’re imitating, too. Encouraging both the flexibility and focus required of yoga as well as their own spunky creativity and energy, this is a must-have for fidgety kids.

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A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk Into a Book

by Jonathan Fenske

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The narrator of this book insists that the unicorn, dinosaur, and shark are the stars of this story. However, the animals have doubts and love arguing about their roles. This hilarious and interactive story is perfect for wiggly little ones who love to laugh.

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High Five

by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

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The creators of the family-favorite Dragons Love Tacos (and its equally hilarious sequel) are back at it with a ridiculously fun guide to high fives. Including stretches, silly lessons, and good-spirited competition — and capped off with totally original neon illustrations — this book is a guaranteed hit with your energetic reader.

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Green Eggs and Ham: A Magnetic Play Book

by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Jan Gerardi

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As if Green Eggs and Ham wasn’t interactive enough — the first memorized story for so many children — now it comes in the form of a magnetic play book so they can act out the story, or make up a new one of their own. Complete with an attached resealable case, this one’s extra handy for reading on the go.

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There’s a Ghost In This House

by Oliver Jeffers

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Take a tour of a haunted house in this interactive picture book from beloved children’s book creator Oliver Jeffers. Readers will help a young girl search the house for ghosts, which appear on translucent pages between each spread. Kids will love finding the adorable spooks wandering the house.

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Hands-On Science: Matter

by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Druscilla Santiago

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Press Here by Hervé Tullet meets a chemistry lab in this interactive, hands-on STEM picture book. As the reader smashes, pours, jiggles, blows, and twirls the pages, they learn about matter. A little imagination is all you need. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the backmatter provides a simple science experiment to try.

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Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Breathe Like a Bear

by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts

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Toddlers who feel agitated or anxious will benefit from this interactive mindfulness book. With the help of adorable animal characters, children will learn how to control their breath and self-soothe.

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A is for Apple

by Tiger Tales, illustrated by Georgie Birkett

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Trace the letters, lift the flaps, and learn first words with this bestselling board book. Bold, bright illustrations and interactive elements make this book a must-have for every squirmy reader!

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Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

by Mo Willems

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The Pigeon knows he’s not supposed to drive the bus, but that doesn’t stop him from begging, pleading, and nagging you to let him. Kids love telling the Pigeon “no” every time he asks if he can drive. This giggle-inducing, award-winning picture book has been a favorite with children for over 20 years!

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How to Talk Like a Bear

by Charlie Grandy, illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths

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Get your vocal cords warmed up because you’ll roar and growl through every page of this book. But be careful! Roaring too loudly or too long can have unexpected results. Kids and adults will love learning how to speak bear with this funny and interactive picture book.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2023.