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25 Best Books for Toddlers: 2024 Picks

Updated
Discover captivating toddler books of 2024 that both you and your little one will love.

Reading books to your toddler strengthens your bond and lays the foundation for a lifetime love of books. Not only that, but reading helps develop language skills and teaches life lessons.

So it’s crucial to pick the right ones. The pressure is on, but fear not; we’ve done the legwork!

With careful consideration and a focus on development, learning, and fun, we present the top 25 best toddler books tailored for you and your child’s enjoyment.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Goodnight Construction Site
A Different Good Night
Goodnight Construction Site
  • 30 pages board book
  • Comes in different reading formats
  • Well-written
Product Image of the One Sheep, Two Sheep, Three Sheep
Count to Fall Asleep
One Sheep, Two Sheep, Three Sheep
  • Educational early learning book
  • Fun and adorable
  • Budget-friendly
Product Image of the The Giving Tree
Giving is Good
The Giving Tree
  • Comes either as Kindle or hardcover
  • 57 pages
  • Beautiful story
Product Image of the Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book
Lift and Discover
Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book
  • Creates an interactive experience
  • Eye-catching illustrations
  • Enjoyable read
Product Image of the Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Tell Me What You See
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
  • Comes in five formats
  • 28 pages
  • Fun and educational
Product Image of the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Best for Alphabetic Rhymes
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
  • Very affordable
  • 36 pages
  • Sturdy and easy to handle
Product Image of the The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Loving and Truthful Messages
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
  • 36 pages
  • Beautifully illustrated
  • Inspirational
Product Image of the Llama Llama Red Pajama
Worries About Bedtime
Llama Llama Red Pajama
  • 40 pages
  • Reassuring story
  • Comes in four formats
Product Image of the The Kissing Hand
Tackling Separation Anxieties
The Kissing Hand
  • Includes stickers
  • Sweet book to read
  • 32 pages
Product Image of the The Snowy Day
Multicultural Snow Day
The Snowy Day
  • 40 pages
  • Timeless classic book
  • Affordable


The Best Toddler Books of 2024

We tried to find simple books with little text and intriguing illustrations. That’s your best bet for engaging your child.

Here is our list of the 25 best toddler books around.

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

A Different Good Night

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site is a charming and heartwarming book that is perfect for toddlers who love trucks and construction. The New York Times bestselling book has rhyming text and colorful illustrations sure to capture your toddler’s attention. Just long enough for the soothing story to help them turn off their engine and rest.

Pros

  • Engaging rhyming text.
  • Colorful, detailed illustrations.
  • Soothing story helps toddlers wind down.
  • Introduces different construction vehicles.

Cons

  • Some text may be challenging for younger toddlers to understand.

User Experience

My experience with this construction-themed book has been enjoyable for both my child and me. The book's rhyming and vivid illustrations kept my little one engaged, as they could recognize various trucks at a construction site. It's durable and good quality, making it perfect for young hands. Although the colors are slightly muted, it adds to the calming bedtime atmosphere.

One Sheep, Two Sheep, Three Sheep Dance

Count to Fall Asleep

With this newly-released book from Christina Young, your toddler gets to follow 12 little sheep during their day. It’s a quirky bedtime story that teaches your little one how to count using sheep and rhythmic rhymes.

You and your toddler can snuggle up and count together until they’re fast asleep. The illustrations are adorable, great for grabbing a little one’s attention.

Pros

  • Quirky and fun bedtime story.
  • Teaches toddlers how to count.
  • Adorable illustrations.
  • Soothing story.

Cons

  • Some text may be challenging for younger toddlers to understand.

Personal Perspective

Excellent bedtime story for kids, "One Sheep, Two Sheep, Three Sheep, Dance" by Christina Young is a delightful children's book that combines counting and getting ready for sleep. My little one and I enjoyed the vibrant illustrations and catchy rhythm of the story. We had fun swiping through the pages on my Kindle, taking turns reading the story together. This book has become our favorite way to bond and wind down before bedtime.

The Giving Tree

Giving is Good

In this old classic, your child can learn about generosity and self-sacrifice, but also to be thankful. The story is about an apple tree that unconditionally gives and gives to a little boy. As he grows, he continues to ask for more until the tree sacrifices itself.

It is a thought-provoking story that can be interpreted in many ways. And, since the moral of the story isn’t set in stone, it allows for questions, which sparks curiosity. If you have a sensitive child at home, though, you should be aware that this one can be a tearjerker.

Pros

  • Teaches the importance of giving and self-sacrifice.
  • Sparks discussion and critical thinking.
  • Beautifully illustrated.
  • Timeless classic.

Cons

  • Can be a tearjerker for some children.
  • Some readers found the story’s message too idealistic.

Community Feedback

Love this classic book that has been a part of my childhood, and now I'm sharing it with friends who have children. The story teaches a powerful message about unconditional love and selflessness, making it a valuable read for both young and old. Reading this book at a private Christian school opened up deep and meaningful discussions with the kids. This heartwarming tale never fails to bring a tear to my eye, and I'm sure it will continue to touch the lives of those who read it.

Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book

Lift and Discover

Step into the vibrant world of the zoo with this interactive board book, perfect for toddlers. “Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book” offers a tactile experience, encouraging little ones to actively engage with the story.

Eye-catching illustrations bring the zoo to life, while the lift-the-flap design makes every page a delightful surprise. Watch your child’s curiosity bloom as they search for the monkey, lion, or elephant, sparking enriching conversations about their favorite animals.

Pros

  • Interactive design engages young readers.
  • Bold illustrations capture a child’s attention.

Cons

  • The flaps could be sturdier.

First-Hand Impression

In my experience, Dear Zoo is an engaging picture book that captivates young children with its simple story and adorable animal illustrations. This book has been a hit with both my preschool classroom and second language learners, thanks to its easy-to-understand words and sturdy flaps revealing delightful animal surprises. My own children, from infants to five-year-olds, have enjoyed reading it over and over, making animal sounds and interacting with the flaps.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Tell Me What You See

Dive into a vibrant world of forest animals with your little explorer! As each page turns, a colorful creature emerges, prompting a delightful game of “What do you see?” From the happy frog to the handsome horse, every animal will capture young imaginations.

Not only does this book offer a visual feast, but it also provides an opportunity for toddlers to expand their knowledge of animals and their behaviors. Whether they fly, crawl, or gallop, each animal has a story to share, making it an essential read for budding animal enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Captivating illustrations.
  • Encourages interactive reading and animal recognition.

Cons

  • Some buyers noticed issues with the printing, however, this was very rare.

User Experience

My experience with this board book has been delightful, as it not only presents colors in various hues but is also sturdy enough for my baby to turn pages and play with. The size is perfect for my 2-year-old to carry around, and the captivating rhythm keeps my child engaged. While reading this book, I enjoy adding animal sounds, which my little one loves.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Best Toddler Book for Alphabetic Rhymes

Teach your toddler the alphabet with this fun book by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. The alphabet letters race each other up the coconut tree, but is there enough room?

The book’s text has a fun rhythmic beat to it, which your toddler will love to hear repeatedly.

Pros

  • Rhythmic narrative that resonates with toddlers.
  • Fun and innovative way to teach the alphabet.

Cons

  • A few buyers feel that the pages are hard to turn.

Personal Perspective

I'm delighted to share my experience with this classic children's book, "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," which I used to read with my grandma as a child. Now, I'm enjoying it with my own kid, who loves the captivating illustrations and cheery rhyme that aids in memorizing the alphabet. This book has become a staple in our bedtime routine and even sparked spontaneous sing-alongs during the day. It's wonderful to see a timeless favorite continue to bring joy to new generations of children.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Loving and Truthful Messages

The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a heartfelt ode to the boundless love and dreams parents hold for their children. Through poetic rhymes paired with captivating and sometimes humorous illustrations, the book offers a touching narrative that will resonate with both parent and child.

It teaches your toddler about unconditional love and how parents see them, even during tough periods. It’s not a book full of long sentences and words, which makes it a great choice for a little beginner to read.

Pros

  • Beautifully written; evokes emotion.
  • Imaginative illustrations that captivate young minds.

Cons

  • Some parents thought the pages could be more durable.

Community Feedback

Great gift for new parents, this book offers a cute and fun bedtime read that provides children with positive reinforcement. I found the story engaging with beautiful illustrations, though I wish there were a board book option for increased durability with toddlers. Nonetheless, it has become my go-to option for baby showers and young children's birthday gifts.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Worries About Bedtime

If your toddler struggles to sleep alone, then the Llama in the red pajama might help. The bedtime book is about a little llama tucked into bed by his mom — but as soon as she leaves, he starts to worry.

Llama Llama Red Pajama tenderly tackles the common bedtime anxieties many toddlers face, instilling a comforting message that even if out of sight, parents are always close by.

The beautifully penned narrative captures the blend of vulnerability and assurance, making it an essential read for the bedtime routine.

Pros

  • Addresses common bedtime anxieties in a relatable manner.
  • Provides reassurance to toddlers.

First-Hand Impression

After purchasing this Llama Llama book for my toddler, I noticed how much she loves the rhyming and repeating the lines with me. The story teaches patience and provides a comforting message about feeling secure at night, even without parents in the room. The book is short and features vibrant, emotional illustrations that keep my little one engaged.

The Kissing Hand

Tackling Separation Anxieties

This book helped my child right before the first day of school. It’s the story of Chester Raccoon, who doesn’t want to go to school in the forest. His mom then shares a little family secret to give reassurance when it’s most needed.

The book includes stickers, so your little one can take the kissing hand with them to fight their insecurities at daycare or school. Even if your toddler isn’t struggling with separation anxiety, it’s still a fantastic, sweet book to read. Toddlers can relate to Chester Raccoon, which reassures them that such feelings are normal and okay.

Pros

  • Addresses separation anxiety with a gentle narrative.
  • Comes with stickers.

Cons

  • Some parents felt the book focuses only on the solution rather than the process.

User Experience

I've recently come across this book, and it has been a delightful addition to my child's bedtime routine. The overall concept of easing separation anxiety through the Kissing Hand is both heartwarming and comforting. My son has been experiencing some separation anxiety, and this book provides a tangible reminder of the love surrounding him. The illustrations are captivating, and the story resonates with both children and adults alike, as it brings back warm memories from my own childhood. However, I must note that the book could do a better job at emotional validation before presenting the solution, as it seems to focus more on the positive outcomes rather than acknowledging the child's feelings. Despite this minor critique, I still appreciate the message of love and comfort this book brings to our family.

The Snowy Day

Multicultural Snow Day

Upon its release in 1962, The Snowy Day broke new ground by presenting a realistic, multicultural urban setting. Celebrated for its inclusive portrayal of children from diverse ethnic backgrounds, it has since cemented its place as a cherished classic.

Experience the wonder of the season’s first snowfall through the eyes of a child and all the magic and possibilities it brings. This book is especially heartwarming to read around Christmas time.

Pros

  • Genuine multicultural representation.
  • Captures universal joy and wonder towards snow.

Cons

  • The paperback version can be on the flimsy side.

Personal Perspective

My experience with this sturdy children's book has been incredibly positive, as it has become a go-to addition to my little one's growing library. The Snowy Day tells a heartwarming story, and I appreciate that it features a Black child as the main character, making it a classic and inclusive piece of literature. Having read this book to numerous children over the years, I've noticed that it consistently captures their attention and brings joy to storytime.

Make Way For Ducklings

A Lesson in Kindness

Embark on an endearing journey with a duck family searching for the perfect place to rest. At last, they settle on Boston’s Public Garden. But the challenge remains: how do they safely usher their ducklings to this haven?

Along their trek, the ducks encounter a friendly police officer who displays the essence of kindness and community support. The book teaches about kindness and the importance of helping one another.

Pros

  • Captures the spirit of community and kindness.
  • Engaging illustrations.

Cons

  • Some readers wished the illustrations were more vibrant.

Community Feedback

My experience with this children's book has been nothing short of delightful. As a parent, I appreciate how it captivates my two-year-old with the charming duckling characters, rhyming names, and beautiful illustrations. Not only does this book create an enjoyable bonding experience, but it also fosters a love for reading in young children. Having gifted this timeless classic to multiple family members and friends, I can confidently say it's a cherished addition to any child's book collection.

Press Here

Interact and Press

Press Here is a whimsical journey through a world of vibrant dots. While minimal in words, it brims with playful interaction. Each page invites the reader to press, tilt, or shake it, transforming a simple reading experience into an exhilarating game of cause and effect.

As toddlers gleefully follow along, they’ll be captivated by the dots’ reactions, ensuring belly laughs with each turn of the page.

Pros

  • Interactive experience encouraging active participation.
  • Simple yet captivating visuals.

Cons

  • Some consumers said the book arrived damaged.

First-Hand Impression

Got this book for my little one and the interactive read-aloud experience was truly entertaining. The simplicity of the primary colors and circles in the illustrations surprisingly captured the attention of both my child and other kids whenever we read it in public. Although the book might seem a bit long for younger toddlers, it's a fantastic way to engage them and foster their interest in reading as they grow.

Big Girl Panties

For Potty Training Girls

Big Girl Panties takes a light and positive approach to the world of potty training. With its catchy rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the book follows a little girl’s milestone moment of trading diapers for her very own big girl underwear.

Not just a tool for potty training, it’s a delightful read that celebrates growing up, offering encouragement with a dash of humor.

Pros

  • Playful rhymes.
  • Engaging artwork to captivate young readers.

Cons

  • Some parents wish it was more informative about the process of using the toilet.

User Experience

I've recently used this potty training book for my stubborn toddler, and to my surprise, it had a significant impact on her progress. The illustrations are cute and engaging, and the story emphasizes the privilege of wearing big girl panties, making it a fun and positive experience. My little one loved the parts about only big girls being able to wear panties and how mommies, grandmas, and aunties wear them too. This book has been a great tool in keeping my toddler interested in potty training by making it enjoyable. However, I did find the use of the word "panties" slightly off-putting and will be substituting it with "big girl underwear" from now on.

Where's Spot?

Teaching Spatial Concepts

With this fun, colorful book by Eric Hill, you get to help the mother dog find her lost puppy, Spot. She looks everywhere — under and over, inside and outside — she sees a lot of animals on the way, but no Spot. Your toddler can help open the different flaps to expose who’s hiding.

Beyond its playful narrative, the book cleverly introduces spatial concepts like ‘over,’ ‘under,’ and ‘inside,’ making learning a delightful game.

Pros

  • Interactive flaps engage toddlers.
  • Colorful, simple illustrations.

Cons

  • Some parents feel the flaps could be sturdier.

Personal Perspective

As a parent, I found this thick book to be perfect for both newborns and toddlers due to its durability and safety features, like being resistant to teething. The repetitive language, predictable responses, and simple colorful illustrations, combined with the physical lifting of flaps, make this book engaging and enjoyable for young children and beginning readers. My child loves "reading" this book daily, going through each page, opening the flaps, and making noises, which is absolutely adorable. This book is also great for interactive reading, allowing kids to read along and pull up different parts of the page.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

A Goofy Favorite

We all know the song, but did you know that reading it to your toddler could be even better? The book is full of goofy, mischievous images of the five little monkeys getting in trouble. There’s no lesson to the story other than not to jump on the bed.

Their antics are a visual treat, prompting giggles with each turn of the page.

Pros

  • Delightful illustrations capture attention.

Cons

  • Some parents find the book repetitive.

Community Feedback

Bought this classic book for my young grandchildren, and it has quickly become a favorite among all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens. This sturdy book features the familiar "Five Little Monkeys" song, which captivates my little ones and has them asking for repeated readings. My grandchildren also enjoy acting out the scenes and singing along with the story, making it a lively and engaging experience. Along with the book, I purchased the Five Little Monkeys plush toys, which added to the overall enjoyment and interactive fun.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Using Words

Follow Trixie and her dad as they venture off to the neighborhood laundromat along with Knuffle Bunny. Through its lively illustrations and relatable narrative, the story highlights the challenges faced by non-verbal toddlers. It beautifully portrays the importance of understanding and the magic of a child’s first words.

Pros

  • Relatable for parents.
  • Engaging for toddlers.

Cons

  • Some reviewers said the pages tore easily.

First-Hand Impression

When I first read this children's book, I immediately appreciated the heartwarming story and engaging illustrations. As a parent, I could relate to the tale of a child trying to convey their feelings without knowing the right words, and it brought laughter to both my children and myself. The narrative is well-suited for young readers and the book's sturdy quality makes it ideal for gifting.

Diapers Are Not Forever

Diaper Ditching Motivations

For toddlers who are potty training, this is one book they can relate to. It addresses the process in a charming, straightforward way that’s easily understood by small children. The colorful and intriguing illustrations make it a hit.

The book discusses how to use the potty and why it’s essential to do so. It encourages confidence as tots approach this milestone. We also love this book because the story is in both English and Spanish.

Pros

  • Dual-language narrative (English and Spanish).
  • Effectively aids the potty-training journey.

Cons

  • The Spanish translations has some errors.

User Experience

Definitely a helpful tool for introducing potty training to young children, this book features diverse characters and emphasizes the importance of hand washing. My toddler enjoyed pointing out the various characters and even took the book to the potty with him. The illustrations could be less cartoonish, and while the Spanish translation has some errors, it still effectively communicates the main ideas.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Transformations

Eric Carle’s timeless classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, invites children into a world of discovery. As the caterpillar munches its way through foods, toddlers learn about counting, days of the week, and how the little caterpillar transforms from an egg into a butterfly.

It’s a delightful mix of education and entertainment, and great for toddlers as they can follow along, seeing the holes the caterpillar has eaten.

Pros

  • Multi-faceted learning through a simple narrative.

Cons

  • Some parents found the book quite small.

Personal Perspective

Definitely a must-have for little ones, this classic children's book features vibrant illustrations and a sturdy board book format perfect for small hands. As a speech therapist, I find myself using this story constantly, proving its timeless appeal to kids. The captivating artwork and engaging narrative make this book a fantastic addition to any child's library or a thoughtful gift for baby showers.

If Animals Kissed Good Night

Cozy Bedtime

How do animals say goodnight? This is a whimsical little bedtime story about a girl asking if animals are kissed goodnight and wondering how they would do it.

Giraffes must stretch high in the sky to kiss. Sloths move slowly, so they’ll still be saying goodnight after the other animals are sleeping. The book tickles your toddler’s curiosity, forcing them to use their imagination and ask questions.

Pros

  • Sparks curiosity and imagination.

Cons

  • Some reviews mention the book being too long.

Community Feedback

After adding this book to our collection, it quickly became a favorite for both me and my little one. The charming illustrations and engaging storyline about animals and their nightly routines make it an enjoyable read. I've even started gifting this book to expectant mothers as it's an excellent alternative to traditional baby shower cards. Not only is it easy to read, but the vibrant colors keep my child captivated throughout the story.

Bright and Early Board Books by Dr. Seuss

The Best from Dr. Seuss

In this bundle from Dr. Seuss, you’ll receive four board books wrapped together in a cute blue box. You get Hop On Pop, Oh, The Thinks You Can Think, Ten Apples On Top, and The Shape Of Me And Other Things. 

We love Dr. Seuss, and this bundle is a wonderful beginner’s package.

Pros

  • Iconic tales for budding readers.

Cons

  • The books are small.

First-Hand Impression

As a gift for a teacher's baby book shower, this Dr. Seuss collection proved to be a delightful choice. The mini books are well-made, sturdy, and easy for toddlers to handle during their "I do it" independent stage. While not the best Dr. Seuss collection, children enjoy taking the books out, looking at them, and putting them back in the container. The set is particularly popular among 2-year-olds who love Dr. Seuss, making it an appreciated addition to any child's library.

Olivia Helps with Christmas

Christmas Helper

Join Olivia, the spirited piglet, as she navigates the festive chaos of Christmas preparations. Ian Falconer’s story is simple, with few words and sentences on each page — but the illustrations are whimsical and cute.

Toddlers can experience the December anticipations through Olivia’s eyes as she hangs stockings and eagerly awaits her gifts.

Pros

  • Whimsicle illustrations.

Cons

  • Some parents thought the book was a bit long.

User Experience

If you're looking for a charming Christmas book, look no further than Olivia Helps with Christmas. This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and delightful stories on each page, making it a perfect holiday read for both children and adults. My toddler absolutely adored Olivia's antics and couldn't wait for me to read it over and over again. It's a classic that will definitely be a part of our holiday collection for years to come.

P is for Potty! (Sesame Street)

Potty Training 101

Let Elmo and friends from Sesame Street tell your little one about using the potty with this lift-the-flap book. It includes more than 30 flaps to flip, so there are plenty of things for your toddler to discover.

The book is sturdy and can easily be read while on the potty.

Pros

  • Interactive book that makes learning fun.

Cons

  • The flaps are flimsier than the pages.

Personal Perspective

From the moment my toddler showed interest in potty training, this book became a valuable tool for our journey. The engaging illustrations, familiar Sesame Street characters, and interactive lift-the-flap feature kept my little one entertained while also learning about the potty process. I appreciated how the story addressed accidents as a normal part of learning, easing any potential anxiety.

Hands Are Not for Hitting

Best Toddler Book for TeachingNot to Hit

This book will teach the many things that hands can do other than hitting. It addresses an important topic — that violence is never okay. Instead, it shows that everyone is capable of performing positive, loving actions.

It’s bright and inviting but also durable with simple words toddlers understand. Additionally, there are tips for parents and caregivers.

Pros

  • Empowers children with positive behavior.

Cons

  • Some parents find the text too simplistic.

Community Feedback

My experience with this book has been positive, as it helped my toddler understand that hands are not for hitting. The illustrations and examples provided a clear message, which even led to my child repeating the phrase during moments of frustration. Although the book doesn't delve deeply into the emotions behind hitting, it serves as a helpful reminder and communication tool. It has become a favorite in our household, aiding in managing my toddler's hitting phase.

ABC's For Boys

Boy-Friendly ABCs

For small boys, this take on the ABCs teaches the alphabet using all the things boys love.

This includes airplanes and construction vehicles, among many other things. It’s excellent for boys from an early age up to 5 years.

Pros

  • Relatable content for young boys.

Cons

  • Parents pointed out that the letter ‘B’ is supposed to depict a bulldozer, but the image is of a front loader.

First-Hand Impression

If you're looking for a captivating alphabet book for young kids, this one is a great option. My child and I enjoy the colorful illustrations and the variety of objects depicted, like garbage trucks, trains, and firetrucks. However, some of the letter-item correlations can be a bit confusing, such as B for Bulldozer with an image of a front-end loader. Nonetheless, this book has helped improve my child's language and knowledge of the alphabet.

The Feelings Book

Dealing with Emotions

Toddlers can’t always label their feelings, which often leads to tantrums. The Feelings Book can help your little one learn about the various emotions they experience.

The book illustrates different moods with fun images the young reader can relate to.

Pros

  • Bright illustrations depict varied emotions.

Cons

  • The ‘feelings’ discussed aren’t all ‘standard’ emotions.

User Experience

My experience with this book has been quite enlightening, as it not only serves as a great tool for children to understand their emotions, but also helps adults in identifying and communicating their feelings effectively. This book with its vibrant, colorful illustrations has become a favorite in our household, capturing the attention of both my young son and myself. It goes beyond teaching about emotions, and subtly conveys the message that it is okay to have different feelings and to express them. The Feelings Book, by Todd Parr, encourages emotional literacy, which is essential for everyone, including adoptive families dealing with complex emotions.

Why Reading Is Important

Reading with your child is good for them. Sharing stories, singing, and simply talking every day support your little one’s development in various ways. Here are some benefits:

  • It helps them recognize sounds, language, and words.
  • It develops early literacy skills.
  • It sparks curiosity and imagination.
  • It teaches your child to value stories and books.
  • It develops your toddler’s brain, communication, and social skills.
  • It helps them understand changes, new events, and the emotions that may follow.
  • It helps them understand the difference between make-believe and reality.

You don’t always need to read aloud to your toddler; sometimes, merely looking at the pages can make you the best storyteller. Your little one will watch you hold the book correctly, turn the pages gently, and show interest in its contents (1).

The best toddler books address daily events like eating, sleeping, and potty training. Look for board books, as they’re less likely to break if your toddler gets handsy.

Handling Toddlers Who Won’t Sit Still

As a parent, I know the challenge. My little one would rarely sit still during storytime unless it was before bed. It became frustrating, but then I discovered that sitting isn’t a requirement (2).

Keep in mind that a toddler’s attention span isn’t long — this is why short stories are often best. If your little one prefers to stand up while you read, then that’s okay, too.

Engage them in the story, ask about the pictures, or make funny voices. Try to find a favorite book that you can read repeatedly.

If reading doesn’t catch their interest, don’t push it. Instead, leave the book for now. Perhaps your toddler prefers singing nursery rhymes or simply hearing your voice.

Toddler Book FAQs

What Type of Story Do Toddlers Enjoy Most?

Toddlers often enjoy stories that are simple, rhythmic, and include repetition. They love books with colorful illustrations and themes that are familiar to their everyday lives, like animals, family, and play.

Do 2-Year-Olds Need Board Books?

Board books are ideal for two-year-olds due to their durability and easy-to-handle format. Their sturdy pages are perfect for little hands still learning to turn pages gently.

How Many Books Should a 2-Year-Old Read?

There’s no set number but aim for regular reading sessions, even if it’s just a few books a day. Consistency is more important than quantity at this age.

What Words Should My 2-Year-Old Be Saying?

By two years old, many toddlers can say simple phrases and have a vocabulary of around 50-100 words. They should be able to name familiar objects and people.

What Do I Do If My 2-Year-Old Doesn’t Like Books?

If your two-year-old shows little interest in books, try interactive books with textures or sounds. Reading aloud with enthusiasm and acting out stories can also spark interest.

Is it Too Late to Start Reading to My 2-Year-Old?

It’s never too late to start reading to your child. Starting at two years old still offers significant benefits in language development, listening skills, and instilling a love for reading.


Any Time Is Storytime

Reading books to your toddler is one of the best ways to aid their development. They establish early literacy capabilities, expand their vocabulary, and build social and communication skills. It’s also a way for you to bond and have a special time with them.

Try to find a favorite story — one that revolves around their interests. Still, don’t worry if your little one doesn’t want to read a book — some toddlers prefer songs or simple conversations.

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Headshot of Shannon Serpette

Edited by

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development.