14 Must-Have Books for 2-Year-Olds
by Dena McMurdie
Two-year-olds aren’t terrible. In fact, they’re pretty awesome — especially when they have a book pressed between their chubby little hands. Some of my favorite memories of my kids as toddlers are of them snuggled on my lap with a giant stack of books.
With my youngest child nearing her second birthday, I’m digging out all the books I read with my older kids at this age. We read these books hundreds of times and I hope to read them hundreds more.
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Adventures with Barefoot Critters
Buy from:This is the cutest alphabet book I've ever seen. The adorable illustrations, short sentences, and gentle rhyme make it a favorite with toddlers as well.
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Guess How Much I Love You
Buy from:Little Nutbrown Hare and his dad try to give words to the special love that exists between parent and child. Warm and comforting, this is the perfect book to snuggle up with before nap time.
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Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?
Buy from:Parents of vehicle-obsessed little ones can expect repeat requests for this story at bedtime. From diggers and dump trucks to tractors and cranes, sweet rhymes about familiar bedtime routines gently lull trucks (and kids) off to sleep.
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Voyage to the Bunny Planet
Buy from:Every child needs a trip to Bunny Planet. In three separate stories, Janet the Bunny Queen takes three little bunny children having a hard day to Bunny Planet to show them the day that should have been. Rosemary Wells's simple stories and charming illustrations are comforting and popular with young readers.
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You’re Two!
Buy from:You’re Two! is a spirited celebration of a special age. Children will love the personalized feel of this little board book that looks for instances of two in the world — like two thumbs up, and two arms for hugs!
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The Monster at the End of This Book
Buy from:Two is a good age to be introduced to the concept of suspense, and it’s also a prime age for spending some time on Sesame Street. This Little Golden Book classic predates Elmo and Abby, featuring our old pal Grover panicking with each turn of the page. It’s entertaining to read, and shows children that books were “interactive” long before kid games existed on the iPad.
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Play with Me
Buy from:Play with Me invites toddlers to join a playful picnic, giving them choices and teaching them about sharing and friendship. It’s the perfect companion for quiet moments when your little one wants someone to play with.
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Raffi Songs to Read Boxed Set
Buy from:I've never met a toddler that doesn't like music. This adorable board book boxed set includes Raffi's beloved songs “Baby Beluga,” “Wheels on the Bus,” and “Down by the Bay”. These sing-along stories are the perfect way to get your two-year-old clapping and swaying with the tune.
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Duck & Goose, 1, 2, 3
Buy from:Count clouds, feet, and eyes with the help of Duck and Goose. These little birds have won over the hearts of many toddlers, including mine. My kids demanded to read this book so much I can (and do) read it with my eyes closed.
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A Little Stuck
Buy from:Oliver Jeffers’s work is a favorite for kids of all ages, but this young-reader edition of his best-selling picture book is sure to induce a whole bunch of giggles. To rescue his kite from a tree, Floyd tries throwing just about everything up there to knock the kite down — from his shoe to an orangutan — in a hilariously unsuccessful endeavor.
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Up, Up, Up, Down!
Buy from:This concept book about opposites is full of energy and surprises. As a little boy goes through his daily routine with his stay-at-home dad, it’s all “no, no, no, yes!” and “yay, yay, yay, uh oh!” Sound familiar?
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Grumpy Monkey
Buy from:Some days we just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Jim’s friends can’t understand why he’s acting so grumpy, but as this comical story teaches, feeling our feelings is often the best way through them.
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Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise
Buy from:Ms. Rachel is looking for a special surprise. Is it inside this wrapped present? Or this one? A song accompanies each reveal (a yellow school bus, a teddy bear, and a farm). The last box features a mirror, which, of course, toddlers love to look at. This richly interactive book is ideal for brain development and language acquisition.
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Raindrops to Rainbow
Buy from:We all know the gloomy feeling of a rainy day, but when a "beaming rainbow, bold and bright" cuts through the sky, everyone gets to experience the joy of all the colors that can only come after the rain. This playful, color-concept book is a favorite for dreary days stuck indoors.
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You might also like:
- Tougher Than Your Toddler: Robust Lift-the-Flap Books
- The Best Informational Books for Toddlers
- Super Fun Books for Sandra Boynton Fans
- Classic Board Books for Your Little One’s Library
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2025.