Perfect Interactive Books
for Antsy Readers
by Janssen Bradshaw
My sweet baby just turned one a few weeks ago — and she is always on the move. She wants to be walking or climbing whenever possible, and it’s becoming more challenging to get her to sit still for storytime.
In order to make things a little more fun and to keep her interested in reading while her physical development is in hyper-drive, I’ve turned to interactive books.
By offering something she can touch, a surprise pop-up, or an intriguing sound, these books hold her attention and keep her coming back for more. Try them and see whether they grab — and keep! — the attention of your little runner, too.
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Pop-Up Peekaboo! Seashore
Buy from:This pop-up board book will become a favorite for animal-loving babies and toddlers. With rhyming text, colorful illustrations, flaps to lift, and a pop-up surprise on every page, antsy young readers will have no problem staying engaged.
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LEGO DUPLO Number Train
Buy from:This adorable board book combines learning with play. Little readers can push this train-shaped book on its moving wheels, turn the sturdy pages, and learn numbers one through ten. It’s an excellent choice for tiny train lovers and antsy readers.
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Pat the Bunny
Buy from:When you want a book that antsy readers can’t resist, this classic book is just the thing. Each page offers a new way to interact with the story, from touch-and-feel elements to cut-outs to a mini book within the book. This book has been delighting tiny readers since 1940!
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Sounds of New York City
Buy from:Whether you live in New York City or want to explore the city’s sights and sounds from the comfort of your living room, this board book delivers an interactive experience for tiny readers. From honking taxis to roaring crowds, each page highlights an iconic New York experience.
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Things That Go: A Swirling Spinner Book
Buy from:Most interactive board books feature touch-and-feel elements or flaps to lift, but this book has a die-cut spinner on every page. Busy little fingers will love spinning the wheels of a tractor, a paddleboat wheel, and a helicopter’s blades.
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Lift Touch and Learn First Words: Animals
Buy from:This adorable board book introduces children to a variety of animals, from frogs to whales and everything in between. Curious fingers will love lifting the flaps on each page and feeling a polar bear’s fur, a lamb’s wool, and a dolphin’s skin.
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Sounds of Alaska
Buy from:Transport your little one to the wilds of Alaska with this sound book. Babies and toddlers will love listening to you read the simple text, looking at the stunning photos, and pushing the sound buttons. From animals to airplanes, this book offers plenty of sounds to engage your little one.
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My First Finger Puppet: Moo! Moo!
Buy from:Finger puppet books are an excellent way to engage antsy readers, and kids will love this one! Follow a cow as she explores her farm and learns the noises that a tractor, sheep, and pig make.
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I Love You, Axolotl
Buy from:Axolotls are popular with children of all ages, and toddlers who love the adorable pink salamanders will find this finger puppet book irresistible. With gentle text, cute illustrations, and a soft finger puppet that brings the story to life, this book will become a storytime favorite.
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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Cloth Book
Buy from:If your little one likes to chew on books, then this cloth edition of the classic song is perfect. With a teether, cloth crinkle pages, and a baby-safe mirror included, this book offers toddlers an interactive, comforting bedtime reading experience.
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The Unbreakable Piñata
Buy from:Bilingual toddlers will love clapping, spinning, and shaking this interactive board book to try breaking open a piñata. With both English and Spanish words, colorful illustrations, plenty of interaction, and a pop-up surprise at the end, this book is a must-have!
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Glow
Buy from:Join a little firefly as he goes on a journey to find his glow. From the moon in the sky to the jellyfish in the sea, the firefly sees lights all around him. Press a button to see the pages light up and hear the sounds associated with each scene. This delightful, interactive board book is great for bedtime or anytime.
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The Serious Goose
Buy from:This bestselling book from late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel challenges kids to do their best to make a serious goose laugh. It’s no easy feat, and antsy young readers will get a kick out of making silly faces into the mylar mirror to make the goose crack a smile.
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Peekaboo: Dinosaur
Buy from:Little dinosaur lovers will have a blast pushing, pulling, and turning the sliders in this adorable board book. With cute, colorful illustrations, simple text, and a baby-safe mirror, this book will become a storytime favorite for antsy readers everywhere.
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There’s a Dragon in Your Book
Buy from:This interactive picture book breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the reader and inviting them to participate in the story. From page turns and nose tickles to popping a water balloon, this story invites young readers to engage every step of the way. If you love this book, check out the rest of the titles in the Who’s In Your Book series!
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How It Works: Tree
Buy from:Learn about the life cycle of an apple tree with this interactive board book featuring layered, die-cut pages. Readers will learn how trees change throughout the seasons, provide shelter to animals, and grow food. Little ones who love learning how things work will enjoy this nonfiction board book.
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This Superhero Needs Your Help!
Buy from:Dr. Dreadful is on the loose, and a superhero needs your help saving the city from his evil plans. Use the included marker to capture errant robots, repel rodents, and give treats to toddlers. Once you’ve saved the day and thwarted all of Dr. Dreadful’s plans, wipe the pages clean and start again!
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There’s a Ghost in This House
Buy from:A little girl lives in a haunted house and needs help finding the ghosts. As she checks under the sofa and up the chimney, readers turn transparent pages, revealing the ghosts in each scene. The adorable spooks and unique seek-and-find game make this interactive book perfect for Halloween or any time of year.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2026.