The most recommended books for 2 year olds

Who picked these books? Meet our 179 experts.

179 authors created a book list with books for 2 year olds, and here are their favorites.

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Book cover of On the Night You Were Born

Beth Cox Author Of All Bodies Are Wonderful: An Inclusive Guide to talking about you!

From my list on embracing who you are.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m an inclusion consultant working with publishers to help ensure all children are included in books. Itā€™s easy to forget how important embracing all types of bodies is when thinking about diversity and inclusion. But inclusion is essentially about welcoming and appreciating all different types of bodies. The best way to promote this is to build a sense of awe about how bodies are created, understand the science behind why differences occur, and see that bodies come in many shapes and forms, and are all beautiful. There are so many books that can help with this, but alongside my book, the books on this list are a great place to start.

Beth's book list on embracing who you are

Beth Cox Why did Beth love this book?

I read this book to my son when he was a baby every single night for over a key, and it still gives me goosebumps.

Personally, the road to becoming a parent hadnā€™t been straightforward, and this celebration of a new life in the world put my feelings about the wonder of this into words. A key part of building self-worth and self-esteem in children is creating a sense of awe and wonder, and this book does that alongside helping each child to see how special and unique they are.

Itā€™s relevant for any of us at any age to remind us that we all have immense value.

By Nancy Tillman,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked On the Night You Were Born as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 1, 2, 3, and 4.

What is this book about?

On the night you were born,
the moon smiled with such wonder
that the stars peeked in to see you
and the night wind whispered.
"Life will never be the same."
On the night you were born, the whole world came alive with thanksgiving. The moon stayed up till morning. The geese flew home to celebrate. Polar bears danced.
On the night you were born you brought wonder and magic to the world. Here is a book that celebrates you. It is meant to be carried wherever life takes you, over all the roads, through all the years.
This debutā€¦


Book cover of Mog's Christmas

Michael Newton Author Of It's a Wonderful Life

From my list on celebrating Christmas (or just somehow to getting through it).

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a cultural historian, film critic, literary critic, editor, and essayistā€“and a closeted fiction writerā€“fascinated by ā€˜the fantasticā€™ in art or in life. And Christmas seems to me the perfect example of a time that unites realism and the strangeā€“the time of ghost stories and nativities. I wrote a book on Itā€™s a Wonderful Life (2023) because it triumphantly succeeds at bridging the connection between ordinary life and the marvelous. I have also edited anthologies of Victorian and Edwardian ghost stories, The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories: From Elizabeth Gaskell to Ambrose Bierce (Penguin, 2010), and Victorian Fairy Tales (Oxford Worldā€™s Classics, 2015), both of which include many seasonal classics.  

Michael's book list on celebrating Christmas (or just somehow to getting through it)

Michael Newton Why did Michael love this book?

As a dad, Iā€™ve spent every December for at least the last dozen years returning to read out loud once again a set of childrenā€™s Christmas classics. With no slight to Dr. Seuss and the Grinch, itā€™s Judith Kerrā€™s Christmas story that I am most happy to read again. I asked my youngest daughter this morning why itā€™s the best choice, and she simply said, ā€˜Because itā€™s got Mog in it.ā€™

Being a creature of habit, Kerrā€™s anti-heroic cat rather dislikes the Christmas celebrations, and opts out, as the Grinch would too. But as the Christmas story means new life in the dark of midwinter, then it's only appropriate that the books end with reconciliation and pleasure. And the aunts and uncles who stay with Mogā€™s family bring back to me relatives who were young in the 1930s and who visited us for our own family Christmases.

By Judith Kerr,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mog's Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

The enchanting classic Christmas story of Mog - everyone's favourite family cat! This funny and warm-hearted escapade has a stunning foiled cover for extra Christmas sparkle. As seen on TV!

From the creator of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat comes the delightful Christmas adventure about a really remarkable cat!

It's Christmas, and Mog's house is full of strange noises and peculiar smells. Everyone is busy hanging holly and blowing up balloons, and where is that tree going...? But it's always a Merry Christmas in the end when you're with Mog and her family.

Judithā€¦


Book cover of Dream Snow

Petr Horacek Author Of A Best Friend for Bear

From my list on illustrations that inspire reading and writing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an award-winning author and illustrator of 20 board books and over 20 picture books, who very occasionally illustrates books for other authors too. I was born in Czechoslovakia, but have spent the second half of my life in England. 

Petr's book list on illustrations that inspire reading and writing

Petr Horacek Why did Petr love this book?

I could choose any of Eric Carleā€™s books purely for his beautiful, timeless illustrations, but my choice this time is Dream Snow. It is a lift-the-flap book about a farmer who falls asleep on Christmas Eve and wakes up just in time to deliver Christmas presents to his animals. They are called One, Two, Three, Four, and Five. The book has a lovely festive atmosphere and anyone who has come home tired from playing in the snow and fallen asleep in front of the fire will immediately recognise the cosy feeling of this book.  

By Eric Carle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dream Snow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It's December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter's nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! In his dream he imagines a snowstorm covering him and his animalsā€”named One, Two, Three, Four and Fiveā€”in a snowy blanket. But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside and places gifts under the tree for his animals, bringing holiday cheer to all.

"Few in number are the parents who have made it through their toddler's years on justā€¦


Book cover of Peek-a-Flap Space

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Author Of The Transformational Path: How Healing, Unlearning, and Tuning into Source Helped Me Manifest My Most Abundant Life

From Claudia's 2-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Clairaudient medium Spiritual creative Entrepreneur Bibliophile Francophile

Claudia's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Claudia's 2-year-old's favorite books.

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did Claudia's 2-year-old love this book?

The chunky flaps on this book are incredible for tiny hands! As any parent knows, flap books are prone to ripping, but not this one! He can explore all of space to his heartā€™s desire, and he gets very excited by the bright and beautiful illustrations!

This book is a winner with my little spaceman.

By Jaye Garnett, Junissa Bianda (illustrator), Cottage Door Press (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Peek-a-Flap Space as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Welcome to the planetarium where you will begin your SPACE exploration! Friendly little astronauts guide you through the solar system, give you a lesson on our sun, land you on the moon, and take you inside a space ship. Big chunky flaps look inside and under and all around, with fun peek-a-boo holes to keep you guessing. A wonderful book for curious kids who want to know who, why, and what! Space is a really big subject and this lift-a-flap board book can help you explain stars and the sun, planets and the moon.

Check out more peek-a-flap and lift-a-flapā€¦


Book cover of Don't Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe

Michael Buckley Author Of The Snow Leopard's New Friend

From my list on explain rare & endangered species to kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for hunting Tibetan wildlife (with a camera) started with tracking the near-mythical Takin in Bhutan for BBC Wildlife Magazine. The Takin is a beast about the size of a moose and surprisingly agile on steep mountain slopes. Where wild animals live, there is always lots of beautiful wild scenery! But Wilderness is in very short supply on the planet these days. So, my passion branched into speaking up for these wild animals and for preserving their precious habitats. In various books, such as my guidebook to Tibet (Bradt Travel Guides), I profile the incredible animals of Tibet. But the biggest inspiration is the readers themselves. 

Michael's book list on explain rare & endangered species to kids

Michael Buckley Why did Michael love this book?

Might as well start them young: this work by Chelsea Clinton cites reading ages of 4 to 8 years old. Chelsea Clinton? Rings a few bells? Yes, she is the only daughter of former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. Targeting such a young reading age, the book relies heavily on superb illustration by Gianna Marino, who brings a dozen animals to life with engaging artwork. Extinction means gone forever. Can you imagine a world without tigers or rhinos?

Humankind is driving these two species to the brink of extinction. In the book, the reasons for this are covered by the phrase: ā€˜poaching and habitat lossā€™ā€”without going into detail that ā€˜poachingā€™ mainly means hawking tiger-bone and rhino-horn concoctions as bogus cures in Traditional Chinese Medicine. But there is only so much bad news that a five-year-old can take.

By Chelsea Clinton, Gianna Marino (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Let Them Disappear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Did you know that blue whales are the largest animals in the world? Or that sea otters wash their paws after every meal? The world is filled with millions of animal species, and all of them are unique and special. Many are on the path to extinction.

In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to a selection of endangered animals, sharing what makes them special, and also what threatens them. Taking readers through the course of a day, Don't Let Them Disappear talks about rhinos, tigers, whales, pandas and more, and provides helpful tips on what we all canā€¦


Book cover of Little Bear's Spring

Anita Loughrey Author Of Rabbit's Spring Gift

From my list on introduce young children to spring and the seasons.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child I was always fascinated by nature, especially the way the trees changed throughout the seasons. This may be what stimulated my love of growing and caring for bonsai trees and why I have written many books about the seasons myself. Now as an author, ex-primary school teacher, parent, and grandparent I am aware of the importance of encouraging other children to have this same interest and fascination in nature and the ever-changing seasons. I believe it fosters an awareness of how the world is far bigger than themselves and everything is interconnected. I hope these books will inspire young mindā€™s love and understanding of the natural world.

Anita's book list on introduce young children to spring and the seasons

Anita Loughrey Why did Anita love this book?

Little Bear's Spring is an inspired picture book about friendship that emerges from the unlikeliest of things. When Little Bear wakes up from his long winter sleep he discovers everywhere is covered by a blanket of snow and is eerily quiet. He feels alone and afraid. You canā€™t help but go Ahhhh when Little Bear picks up a small pebble which he thinks is just as alone as he is. He clutches it tightly in his paw and sets off on this heart-warming adventure in search of friends.

You can really identify with Little Bear as he wonders at the magnificent changes the seasons have on his environment. This caring picture book is a celebration of how amazing the natural world is.

By Elli Woollard, Briony May Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Little Bear's Spring as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Little Bear's Spring is a glorious reminder for children and adults of just how wonderful the natural world is, and that, sometimes, the unlikeliest of friendships are the best kind.

Little Bear has just woken up from his long winter sleep. But when he pokes his head out of the den, the world around him is vast, white and silent. The only thing he sees is a smooth little stone, just as alone in the snowy wilderness as he is. He nestles it in tight to his fur and off they go in search of friends.

Little Bear's Spring isā€¦


Book cover of Little Tigers

Fabi Santiago Author Of Tiger in a Tutu

From my list on children's books with tigers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a childrenā€™s book author and illustrator and I have a special fondness for picture books. Theyā€™re often a childā€™s first experience of reading ā€” or being read to, and thatā€™s such a magical time! I still remember my favourite picture books as a child. Iā€™m also a crazy cat person and I love all cats, big and small. My first picture book, Tiger in a Tutu, is about a tiger who lives in Paris Zoo but wants to be a ballet dancer. I made a small list of my favourite tiger picture books for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Fabi's book list on children's books with tigers

Fabi Santiago Why did Fabi love this book?

Little Tigers tells the story of a mom tiger and her cubs searching for a new safe place to live. Itā€™s a simple story about animals and survival, but it serves as a metaphor for humans too; when the place where we live isnā€™t safe anymore, donā€™t we seek refuge in a new home too? This book is perfect in every way, and Joā€™s charcoal illustrations are just magical.

By Jo Weaver,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Little Tigers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 1, 2, 3, and 4.

What is this book about?

Told through the eyes of a tiger and her two cubs, this beautiful book is a celebration of the love between parent and child, and the wonders of the natural world.

There are humans in the jungle... So Mother Tiger and her cubs need to leave their den. Follow them on their journey through the deepest parts of the jungle, exploring its secret places, in search of somewhere warm and dry to lay their heads. A safe place. A new home.

With evocative charcoal drawings and gentle, lyrical storytelling, Little Tigers has the feel of an instant classic. Perfect forā€¦


Book cover of Hello, World! Birds

Danna Smith Author Of The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry

From my list on for children about birds.

Why am I passionate about this?

My father was a life-long falconer. When I was a child, spending time with my father meant spending time with a menagerie of winged friends like goshawks, peregrine falcons, parrots, owls, and even vultures. I didnā€™t know it back then, but as I went hawking with my dad and helped him care for his beautiful birds, I was gathering a nest of passion and ideas for the writer and poet I would become. Today, I enjoy sharing my love of birds, nature, and books with children (and children at heart).

Danna's book list on for children about birds

Danna Smith Why did Danna love this book?

It's never too early to introduce children to the world of birds! This colorful board book with simple information about our feathered friends is a perfect choice. "Peck Peck Peck, the noisy woodpecker is looking for food inside a tree trunk."ā€”curious babies and toddlers will learn animal names, behaviors, and habitats in this sturdy take-along book that is just the right size for little hands!

By Jill McDonald,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hello, World! Birds as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?



Young children love watching birds. Now hereā€™s a Hello, World! board book that teaches toddlers all about our feathered friendsā€”with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts. 

Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms (ā€œPeck, peck, peck! This noisy woodpecker is looking for food inside a tree trunkā€) and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each sturdy page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. Itā€™s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world ofā€¦


Book cover of The Travel Activity Book

Joni Hilton Author Of Family Funbook

From my list on family activity books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love playing with my kids. When my eldest was eight and we were sitting on the porch together he said, ā€œOn my last day of being playful, I want to play with you the whole day. I sure hope itā€™s on a Saturday.ā€ My kids know that I turn most things into a game, that Iā€™ll screech and stop for a tarantula on the road because itā€™s educational, that I'll get them to sing their quiz answers, and that Iā€™ll sculpt a cake into almost anything for a school project. I believe learning should be fun, so we would drink lemonade out of measuring cups, guess how many hops from the bed to the closet, and have Whipped Cream Spray Wars every summer (outside, thank you). I also think families would spend more time together if they had a great collection of coolā€”and easyā€”stuff to do together. As a writer Iā€™m creative, and never run out of fun ideas. Why not share them with the world?

Joni's book list on family activity books

Joni Hilton Why did Joni love this book?

Traveling is a time when you often need to entertain a bored child on a train, plane, or in a car. This book has tons of great games, puzzles, stickers, and even cultural information that will educate your child. Lots of photography and illustrations to entertain, as well. A good mix of education and fun.

By DK Publishing,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Travel Activity Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Make car and plane trips a blast with these fun, educational travel activities for kids. The interactive games and travel journal will keep kids busy during vacations and school holidays.

Doodles to draw, puzzles to solve, games to play, and stickers to find--children will be entertained whether the family is traveling by car, plane, or even just hanging poolside. The Travel Activity Book includes a unique blend of illustrations and photography for lots of visual fun. The book also highlight facts and information about real destinations and monuments, so children can discover life and culture around the world. Learns aboutā€¦


Book cover of Outside, Inside

Sarah Warren Author Of Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice

From my list on to read when you donā€™t have the answers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™d been a preschool teacher and a childrenā€™s author for years before I decided to become a mom. I was pretty sure Iā€™d kill it at motherhood, I mean, I knew all the songs and I had lots of books. I was always up for giving advice to the caregivers at my school, heck, I was the perfect parent before my son was born. I knew everything then. Not anymore. Thank goodness for books. Over the years, my child has asked some tough questions, read onā€¦youā€™ll see. Do they sound familiar? If so, these books might help you find your footing as you go looking for answers. 

Sarah's book list on to read when you donā€™t have the answers

Sarah Warren Why did Sarah love this book?

ā€œWhen we couldnā€™t go to Grandma and Grandpaā€™s house, were they playing without me?ā€

Itā€™s hard for me to put the last two years into context for my son. I was a little detached. I was busy thinking about the future, a ā€œsomeday soonā€ when we could be around people, go to the movies, go to school, hug our friendsā€¦I feel like I missed nearly half of his life! This book is a reminder of what weā€™ve experienced, how weā€™ve changed, and how we got to the place we are now.

By LeUyen Pham,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Outside, Inside as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

From Caldecott honoree LeUyen Pham, Outside, Inside is a moving picture book celebrating essential workers and the community coming together to face the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Something strange happened in 2020, just before the seasons changed. Everyone who was outside, went inside. Outside, it was quieter and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried, we baked, we exercised, we kept in touch... and we grew. We remembered to protect the ones we love and love the ones who protect us. We watched with admiration and respect as key workers risked their own wellbeing to help others. We knewā€¦


Book cover of On the Night You Were Born
Book cover of Mog's Christmas
Book cover of Dream Snow

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