Dive into the world of the best books for toddlers! These captivating stories and colorful illustrations are designed to nurture your 2-year-old's growing vocabulary, enhance their understanding, and foster a love for reading.
At the heart of the Complete 2 Year Curriculum, these handpicked books align with key themes and learning goals. The fun activities in the Lesson Plans will help bring the stories to life, making learning even more engaging and memorable.
Tap here to download the Best Books for 2-Year-Old list. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more age-specific reading recommendations.
For easy ordering, you can also view the 2 Year Curriculum Book Supply List on Amazon.
When the Elephant Walks by Keiko Kasza is a charming, circular story about a chain of animals fleeing in a sequence of cause-and-effect. The elephant's walk scares a bear, which in turn frightens other animals, down to the smallest mouse. The book ends on a playful note, with the mouse scaring the elephant, bringing the story full circle. The repetitive pattern and gentle illustrations make it fun for young children to follow along.
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney is a charming story about a little llama who is ready for bed and calls out for his mama, but she doesn’t immediately come to his side. As Llama Llama grows more anxious and cries for his mama, he eventually learns that she is simply downstairs and will be back to tuck him in. This sweet, rhythmic book addresses feelings of separation anxiety in young children while reinforcing the reassurance of a loving, dependable caregiver.
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton is a cheerful and humorous board book that introduces young children to the sounds animals make. With simple text and lively illustrations, the book features a variety of animals, including cows, sheep, and ducks, all making their signature sounds. The repetitive, playful nature of the book makes it a fun read for toddlers, helping them develop language skills and an understanding of animal sounds.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss is a playful and imaginative exploration of silly creatures and whimsical situations. Through its rhyming text and colorful illustrations, the book introduces a variety of oddball characters, from fish of many colors to creatures with unique habits and features. With its fun language, this classic encourages early readers to engage with words, sounds, and counting while fostering creativity and humor in learning.
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann is a charming, nearly wordless picture book about a mischievous gorilla who quietly follows a zookeeper as he says goodnight to the animals. As the zookeeper locks each cage, the gorilla unlocks them, allowing the animals to follow him back to the zookeeper’s house. With its humorous and delightful illustrations, this simple story engages young readers in a playful bedtime adventure, encouraging observation and imagination while gently leading to a cozy goodnight.
Old MacDonald Had a Farm by various authors is a classic nursery rhyme that introduces children to various farm animals and the sounds they make. As you sing along or speak the words, each verse features a different animal, and children can join in by making the animal sounds. It's a fun and interactive way to help little ones learn about animals while encouraging participation and language development.
Help a child grow through fun, hands-on activities designed for their stage of development. The ABCJesusLovesMe 2 Year Curriculum builds early academic, Bible, and developmental skills with simple, engaging lesson plans that make learning exciting for children.
Perfect for use at home or in preschool!
Time for Bed by Mem Fox is a soothing, rhythmic bedtime story that features a series of animal parents gently helping their babies get ready for sleep. With its repetitive, lyrical text and soft, dreamy illustrations, the book creates a calming atmosphere as each animal says goodnight to their little one. This gentle story is perfect for winding down before bed, reinforcing the comforting routine of saying goodnight and preparing for sleep.
The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss is a fun, rhyming exploration of opposites using feet as the central theme. From "left foot" to "right foot," "wet foot" to "dry foot," the book introduces young readers to basic concepts through playful language and whimsical illustrations. With its catchy rhythm and repetition, this simple yet engaging story helps children learn about opposites, directions, and movement in a lighthearted way.
My First Body Book is one option of a naming books that helps teach children the names of their body parts. Follow the child's lead by naming the items over and over. With time, the child will be able to point to the items you ask for and eventually name them on their own. Learn how to use naming books effectively by watching the How to Grow a Reader video.
Five Little Speckled Frogs is a popular counting song and story that has been illustrated by various artists. The story features five frogs sitting on a speckled log, eating some most delicious bugs. One by one, each frog jumps off the log into the water, and the count decreases, helping children practice subtraction and counting. With its catchy, repetitive lyrics and vibrant illustrations, this story is a fun and educational way for young children to learn numbers and enjoy the playful antics of the frogs.
Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire is a playful story about an unusual animal who wants to be part of the zoo. With his amazing ability to change the color of his spots, he tries to prove he belongs in the zoo. However, in the end, he discovers that there’s an even better place for him to showcase his talents - the circus!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle uses repetition to help the child name animals, mimic their sounds, and join in on the familiar repeating phrases.
I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak is a sweet and tender book that expresses unconditional love for a child. Through simple, rhyming text, it describes love for every part of the child, from happy to sad, silly to mad, and everything in between. Paired with soft, heartwarming illustrations, this book is a perfect way to reassure young children that they are loved no matter what.
Help your little ones master shapes with our vibrant and fun shape flashcards—perfect for preschoolers! These engaging cards make learning interactive and enjoyable. Click the link below to download your free set today and watch your child's shape recognition skills grow!
Where's Spot? by Eric Hill is a classic lift-the-flap book that follows a mother dog, Sally, as she searches for her puppy, Spot. As Sally looks behind doors, under furniture, and in various hiding places, young readers are invited to lift the flaps and discover if Spot is hiding there.
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt is a beloved interactive book for babies and toddlers. It features simple text alongside touch-and-feel activities, like patting a bunny's fur, playing peek-a-boo, or feeling Daddy’s scratchy face. The sensory experiences in the book encourage exploration and engage young readers, making it a classic introduction to books for the very young.
Peek-a Who? by Nina Laden is a fun, interactive board book perfect for young children. Each page features a cut-out window that gives a peek at what’s coming next, inviting kids to guess what they’ll find.
Clifford: The Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell introduces young readers to Clifford, a lovable and oversized red dog. The story follows Clifford and his owner, Emily Elizabeth, as they navigate life with a dog who is much bigger than all the other dogs in the neighborhood.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is a fantastic book for exploring spatial relationships. Encourage the children to act out the movements as you read. Invite them to repeat each line after you.
The "That's Not My..." book series by Fiona Watt is a beloved collection of interactive, touch-and-feel books designed for young children. Each book in the series introduces a different character or object, such as a puppy, dinosaur, or princess, with the child searching for the "right" one by feeling various textures on each page. The simple, repetitive text and engaging tactile elements help develop sensory skills, language, and early literacy, making the series a fun and educational experience for little ones.
Wheels on the Bus brings the classic children's song to life with lively illustrations and playful details. As the bus travels through town, young readers can follow along with each verse, from the wheels going "round and round" to the wipers going "swish, swish, swish." It’s a fun, interactive book that invites kids to sing, move, and explore all the sights and sounds of a busy bus ride!
Old Hat New Hat by Stan and Jan Berenstain is a playful story that explores the concept of hats through the eyes of a bear. The book contrasts old hats and new hats, showing how the bear tries on different hats and expresses his feelings about them, from silly to serious. With its simple, repetitive text and humorous illustrations, this book introduces young readers to opposites and encourages them to have fun with fashion and creativity.
Cover your children, grandchildren, or students in prayer with this 31-day calendar of powerful Bible verses. Each day focuses on themes like wisdom, courage, love, and godly character, praying for spiritual guidance and strength for the next generation.
Jamberry by Bruce Degen is a fun and whimsical story that takes readers on a journey through a world full of berries, bears, and colorful adventures. The story follows a young boy and a bear as they explore a land where they find everything covered in delicious berries, from jam-filled landscapes to berry pie skies. With its catchy rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and playful, imaginative storyline, Jamberry engages young readers while teaching them about rhythm, rhyme, and the joys of nature.
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle tells the story of a spider who works tirelessly to spin her web, despite being distracted by various animals offering to play. As each animal approaches and asks her to join in their activities, the spider continues her work, demonstrating focus and perseverance.
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton is a delightful and calming bedtime story for young children. The book follows a group of animals as they go through their evening routine, from taking a bath to brushing teeth and getting into bed.
Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood is a lively and engaging counting book that follows ten little fish as they swim through the sea, one by one disappearing until only one is left. Each page introduces different sea creatures, with the fish swimming away for various reasons, such as being eaten by a bigger fish or swimming to the bottom of the ocean. The rhythmic, repetitive text and vibrant illustrations make it a fun way for young children to practice counting down from ten while learning about ocean life.
How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? by Jane Yolen is a fun and interactive counting book that features a variety of dinosaurs learning to count from one to ten. As the dinosaurs go through different activities, they count objects, actions, and creatures in a playful, engaging way.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. is an energetic and fun alphabet book that brings the letters to life. As the letters of the alphabet race up a coconut tree, they tumble down in a playful and rhythmic sequence when the tree can’t hold them all.
Gossie by Olivier Dunrea is a charming story about a little gosling named Gossie who loves wearing her bright red boots. When Gossie’s boots go missing, she goes on a search, looking for them and encountering her friends along the way.
