The 6 Best Books for 2 Year Old

Best Overall Toddler Book

The Pout-Pout Fish

Format: Board Book | Author: Deborah Diesen

The Pout-Pout Fish is a fishy tale starring Mr. Fish, who feels a bit glum, spreading the “dreary-wearies” all around. Other sea pals notice Mr. Fish's mood and offer advice on how to turn his frown upside down. Will Mr. Fish cheer up? Swim through the pages to find out. The repetitive text is irresistibly catchy, which is something toddlers often enjoy. We also like the illustrations of underwater sea life.

This book may become monotonous for some parents due to its repetitive structure. Another standout favorite, Love Makes A Family, departs from rhyming lines and offers concise text and bright illustrations. But, the jolly rhythm of The Pout-Pout Fish has a charming side effect; toddlers seem to naturally memorize and recite lines alongside the reader. Overall, we consider The Pout-Pout Fish a keeper and one to select if you enjoy melodic rhyming.

Best Book for Family Diversity

Love Makes a Family

Format: Board Book | Author: Sophie Beer

Love Makes a Family is a quick and delightful read with modern warmth. This book is all about families and the most important ingredient - love. Whether a family has two moms, two dads, one parent, or a blend of both, this sweet book highlights those precious moments that make hearts happy. The bright and fun pictures catch little eyes and show how different families can be.

We acknowledge that diverse family structures may elicit varied reactions, especially if views differ. For those drawn to classics with nostalgia, Goodnight Moon is a solid choice. Nevertheless, Love Makes A Family shines as a true gem in our toddler book collection. It beautifully and simply reminds children of the love surrounding them daily.

Best Bang for the Buck

First 100 Box Set

Format: Board Book | Author: Roger Priddy

If supporting your child's vocabulary is a top priority, consider First 100 Box Set. It's great for little learners and talkers. The set includes three books, each filled with pictures of familiar objects and routines. Toddlers enjoy relatable content, and the colorful photos are visually engaging without overwhelming them with too many words. The books are sturdy, and we think they offer long-term value.

Ditching a storyline, this set focuses on vocabulary, helping children learn and practice words. If you're searching for a more interactive book supporting toddlers in vocabulary learning, Where's Spot? involves lifting flaps. Despite its upfront cost, we think the First 100 Box Set is a well-rounded option that's worth the investment.

Best Classic Bedtime Book

Goodnight Moon

Format: Board Book | Author: Margaret Wise Brown

There's a good reason why Goodnight Moon has been a classic bedtime story since its debut in 1947. This sleepy tale (in a good way!) is about a young bunny snug in bed, saying “goodnight” to various objects. By the story's end, the lights are out, the moon is high, and the little bunny whispers, “Goodnight stars. Goodnight air. Goodnight noises everywhere.” This story unfolds like a gentle lullaby, and voices tend to soften when reading aloud until the final page. The book's illustrations alternate between bold and monochrome colors, and some toddlers enjoy spotting familiar objects around the room. As an added element of fun, spot the little mouse hiding around the green room.

Goodnight Moon is celebrated for its calming and soothing tone, especially with its unvarying color palette. It's great to help children wind down and prepare for sleep. We suggest exploring Giraffes Can't Dance for those seeing a more energetic read with a different pace. Overall, Goodnight Moon is a beloved choice that brings comfort and tranquility to bedtime.

Our Favorite Body-Positive Read

Bodies Are Cool

Format: Hardcover | Author: Tyler Feder

What's not to love about Bodies Are Cool? This book is one of our favorites for it's a celebration of bodies, regardless of shape, size, skin color, and unique flair. The positive vibes and lively sense throughout make it a joy to read. While toddlers might not catch every detail, the book's upbeat vibes and lively illustrations are some of our favorites and foster understanding and embracing diversity. Setting the stage for a positive self-image early on boosts a child's confidence as they grow.

Some might not be into the book's open-minded approach to diversity, but we think it's pretty cool. The idea of embracing everyone's uniqueness makes the world friendlier and more understanding. Another book that embraces diversity is Love Makes A Family. It would be great to have this book in a sturdy board book format so you can worry less about pages getting destroyed when you hand it over to a toddler. Nevertheless, it's a feel-good book that's hard not to love.

Our Favorite Lift-the-Flap Book

Where's Spot?

Format: Board Book | Author: Eric Hill

Babies love the lift-the-flap feature in Where's Spot?. It's not just a story; it's a hide-and-seek game with Spot, a mischievous but adorable puppy. The flaps add an extra layer of fun that never gets old, and little readers spend lots of time searching for Spot. This book is great for toddlers with short attention spans. If you're ready for more flap-flipping fun, check out Where is Baby's Belly Button?

For a different interactive experience, consider Press Here. Otherwise, the flaps may show wear and tear over time, but we see it as a small gamble worth taking. The joy and benefits of babies playing and exploring books outweigh the potential for wear. We believe Where's Spot? is perfect for your toddler's first lift-the-flap book, and your child will be excited as they discover the surprises beneath.

Best Interactive Book

Press Here

Format: Board Book | Author: Herve Tullet

Press Here is a brilliant and unique interactive book that provides screen-free entertainment. Follow the instructions and let the magic begin as dots move, change colors, multiply, and grow. The real mystery? Can the yellow dot return to its normal self? The anticipation builds as you explore the pages.

A toddler may need some assistance here and there to master the dot-powered magic, but it won't take long before mastery. This delightful book turns reading time into an interactive adventure for little ones and their grown-ups. We believe it is a must-have book for your toddler's reading list. Where's Spot? and Where is Baby's Belly Button? are other interactive books for little ones with flip-the-flap fun.

Best for Friends and Helping

Good Night, Little Blue Truck

Format: Hardcover | Author: Alice Schertle

The Good Night, Little Blue Truck is not only fun to read aloud (thanks to its rollicking rhymes), but it also shares an adorable tale of friendship and helping others, especially during a storm that is creating some racket. We are sure this book with whimsical illustrations will leave you and your child smiling. If your child is a fan of Little Blue Truck, there are plenty more books to read, like Little Blue Truck Leads the Way, available in hardcover and board book formats.

We don't see any significant drawbacks with this book. It is a hardcover book, which can be more fragile than board books. Besides that, if you're looking for a popular book to add to your child's bedtime routine, we suggest giving this one a go. Goodnight Moon is another option that works for nighttime and creating bedtime routines.

Best Quick Read

Blue Hat, Green Hat

Format: Board Book | Author: Sandra Boynton

Blue Hat, Green Hat may be simple, but it is silly, and toddlers delight in yelling, “Oops!” Every animal tries on clothing, each wearing a different color; however, the last animal can't get it right and messes up the pattern. This adorable story is written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton, and the illustrations are charming and simplistic; plus, they teach about colors and clothing in a silly way. We think Sandra Boynton is a talented children's literature author and illustrator, especially for this age group. If you agree, you may also like Moo, Baa, La La La! and Doggies.

The book is a quick read, but the story will keep you and your child smiling. If you seek humor, this amusing book is perfect for younger audiences, and it is a book we often read with our little ones during storytime.

Best Book About Individuality

Giraffes Can't Dance

Format: Board Book | Author: Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can't Dance is a tale about individuality, confidence, and overcoming challenges. At the jungle dance, the warthog's waltz, the rhinos rock 'n' rolled, the lions tango, but Gerald, the giraffe, is clumsy and can't seem to dance. Will Gerald find his rhythm? This book offers humor, rhyming lines with a catchy cadence, and colorful illustrations full of details.

The story is longer than other books in our review, making it more fitting for children with a longer attention span, such as older toddlers or preschoolers. Besides, it's an endearing story that we think you will love. The Wide-Mouthed Frog is also a sweet book with animal characters that could appeal to those who like silly animal antics.

Best British Classic Book

Each Peach Pear Plum

Format: Board Book | Authors: Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Each Peach Pear Plum is a pure delight and a British classic. Written in an 'I spy' format, spot beloved fairy tale characters hiding in the illustrations, from Tom Thumb to Cinderella, and more. We think this book is a must-have with rhyming words and Mother Goose nostalgia for caregivers. The interactive hide-and-seek concept adds an extra layer of fun, making it perfect for shared reading moments.

A few rhymes may call for a stab at a British accent to hear the rhyming. Who knows, it may make you giggle - but there's nothing wrong with that. We recommend this timeless book to all ages and think it earns a well-deserved spot on your toddler's bookshelf. If your little one enjoys silliness, Giraffes Can't Dance could be a more joyful choice.

Best for Cultural Adventure

Baby Goes to Market

Format: Hardcover | Author: Atinuke

Baby Goes to Market shows the hustle and bustle of an African market. As baby and mama stroll through the market, various vendors are drawn to the adorable baby and offer treats. The book introduces simple counting concepts, and the illustrations capture the atmosphere of the market. We think parents will enjoy the engaging and educational experience this book offers.

Some parents prefer sturdier board books, especially for young toddlers who may be prone to tearing pages, and this book is typically available in hardcover or paperback. It's always a good idea to consider the preferences and developmental stage of your child when choosing a book format. But we enjoyed this book and loved the bustling atmosphere of the African market. Antiracist Baby and Bodies are Cool are other books we love for the introduction of diversity.

Best for Folktale

The Mitten

Format: Hardcover | Author: Jan Brett

The Mitten is a Ukrainian folktale retold and illustrated by Jan Brett. A little boy named Nicki accidentally drops one of his white mittens in the snow, and curious critters of all sizes come to investigate. Will Nicki find his mitten again? This book has beautiful, intricate illustrations. We also enjoyed that the page's borders have a subplot featuring Nicki wandering around the woods. This storytelling technique is unique to the author, and it offers an extra layer of detail.

The detailed illustrations, while stunning, could be a tad overwhelming for some young readers. Also, clocking in as a longer read, The Mitten may not be your go-to choice for a quick bedtime story. For bedtime stories, Goodnight Moon is hard to beat with a soothing routine of wishing things goodnight. But The Mitten book is timeless and a delight to read.

Good Pop-Up Book

The Wide-Mouthed Frog

Format: Hardcover | Author: Keith Faulkner

The Wide-Mouthed Frog is curious about what the other creatures like to eat until he meets the alligator… “splash!” The pop-up illustrations are large and capture the attention of readers. We also like the educational lesson of learning what other animals eat is a perk.

Some readers might find the story too short, and while pop-up illustrations are a delight, their fragility may be a drawback, especially for younger toddlers who may not the book with care. But don't let these flaws stop you. We believe reading and using a book is more important than allowing it to collect dust on a bookshelf. This funny pop-up book is fun. Giraffes Can't Dance is another good animal book with an endearing character kids love.

Baby's Guide to Equality

Antiracist Baby

Format: Board Book | Author: Ibram X. Kendi

Written with young readers in mind, Antiracist Baby packs a powerful punch against racism. Through simple language and colorful illustrations, this book introduces the concepts of fairness and equality. It's all about sparking those early conversations about treating everyone right, no matter their skin color.

This book may be everyone's cup of tea in terms of introducing concepts of racism at an early age, and it can lean heavily on caregiver interaction to discuss the book's themes. Bodies Are Cool is also a book that introduces diversity for those wanting more with this theme. However, we think it's a worthy addition for parents who want to stock their baby's library with books on diversity and inclusion.

How We Tested Toddler Books

BabyGearLab has tested various child-related gear over the past decade, including the best car seats, strollers for every occasion, products for your baby's nursery, and more. We develop extensive testing methods for each gear category we test to determine the best. We believe the combination of our experiences and knowledge has made us experts. BabyGearLab purchased each book for our review and completed hands-on testing (lots and lots of reading and page-turning) to evaluate toddler enjoyment.

Why Trust GearLab

Leading this review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and a key member of the BabyGearLab team. With her background as a seasoned nanny and former Early Learning Specialist for AmeriCorps, Molly is well-versed in the world of toddler books. Having read an abundance of children's books, she has witnessed firsthand the impact of captivating books on little minds. Guided by Molly's expert insights, this review presents a carefully curated selection of toddler books that go beyond the ordinary. Given the likelihood that your toddler will request their favorite book repeatedly, why not choose one that's exceptional?

Analysis and Test Results

We carefully evaluated each contender to determine our lineup rankings of toddler books, focusing on captivating features and stories that resonate with the younger audience. Also, we considered the book format, and while this did not influence rankings, our goal is to provide insights to help you choose what option best suits your specific needs.

Features

Selecting an engaging and interactive book can contribute to your child's enjoyment and comprehension of a book. Various features can include liftable flaps, pop-up illustrations, rhythmic lines and repetition, humor, and visually stimulating illustrations. We took this into consideration when evaluating the competition.

Where's Spot? has flaps to lift, making it fun for toddlers as they search for the cute puppy. This feature keeps little ones engaged and helps with their motor skills. Even if they spend time playing with the flaps, it's a beneficial and enjoyable activity. Each Peach Pear Plum turns reading into a game of hide-and-seek as toddlers find beloved characters on the pages. Similarly, Goodnight Moon has a sneaky mouse for toddlers to find, adding a fun twist to the story. With Press Here, toddlers can press, tap, and follow the instructions, making reading a playful, interactive reading experience.

Books in our lineup with rhythmic lines and repetition include The Pout-Pout Fish, Good Night, Little Blue Truck, and Giraffes Can't Dance. We think these books are enjoyable for parents and toddlers, and if your child enjoys reading them over and over again, we don't think you'll mind. Repetition through the same phrases or patterns can make a book more engaging and easier for toddlers to follow. It also helps memory retention and language acquisition.

For lots of laughs (a big selling point for babies and toddlers), try Blue Hat, Green Hat. This funny book features a silly turkey who keeps getting dressed the wrong way. This book also folds in repetition, making it easy for toddlers to follow along. The Wide-Mouthed Frog is the only book in our lineup with pop-up illustrations, and the ending is a bit unexpected and humorous. The pages come to life with three-dimensional images, entertaining most toddlers.

Even if some books lack interactive features, they can still captivate young readers through colorful, bright illustrations, as seen in Love Makes a Family. This can hold the attention of toddlers and contribute to their overall enjoyment of the book.

Regardless of which books you choose, we recommend offering a diverse selection of books with exciting features. Also, if your child is curious about a topic or a particular book, offer them similar books to keep them engaged. In our opinion, nurturing a love of books and reading starts early.

Book Format

When picking a book for your toddler, choose what book format works best for your child and goals, but don't stress too much about it. In our review, you can find different types like board books, hardcovers, and paperbacks. For little ones who are not super gentle, opt for sturdy board books. They have thicker pages that are easy for small hands to hold and can handle a bit of drool and chewing. As fine motor skills develop, toddlers will master the art of turning pages, an exciting milestone in their reading journey. In comparison to board books, hardcovers and paperbacks are a bit more delicate, with thin pages that can rip or crease. However, they'll likely last through the toddler years, and there's always tape to fix a torn page. If a book has flaps or pop-ups, be a little more mindful of their delicate nature. But, even if they show some wear, the fun and learning greatly outweigh a book that has experienced lots of reading.

Benefits of Reading

The human brain is truly amazing as it develops at an extraordinary rate during the beginning years of a child's life; in fact, science shows that 80 percent of a child's brain forms during their first three years. Reading to your child significantly impacts their development within this window of time. It creates neural connections, and those brain connections strengthen, link, and build over time, setting the stage for everyday life tasks, such as thinking, communicating, learning, etc., creating success in school and beyond. Plus, the benefits don't stop there. Reading is a bonding experience between caregiver and child, providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes a love of reading. So, don't hesitate or feel silly while reading, singing, and playing with your child, even if they're a little newborn. Interactions during these early years are rich in learning and can make all the difference.

Conclusion

With many children's books to choose from, we believe our review includes top-notch books that will help build your child's book collection. Children who enjoy shared book reading often become lifelong readers, so snuggle up with your little one and read away.