10+ Best Board Books for 2-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect board books for 2-year-olds that will captivate your little one's imagination and foster a love for reading? You've come to the right place! In this blog, we'll explore a variety of engaging and colorful board books designed specifically for toddlers. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists that promise to make storytime the highlight of your day!

Fun Board Books for 2-Year-Olds

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: A delightful patterned text where various animals, including a brown bear, a red bird, and a goldfish, are asked what they see. Each page turn reveals another animal looking at the next, culminating in a surprise ending.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhythmic text helps toddlers develop language skills and memorization, and the vivid illustrations by Eric Carle keep them engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about different animals.

• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Lift-the-Flap Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive book takes children on a story where different animals are sent by the zoo as potential pets, but each one is returned for being too big, too scary, or too grumpy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive with flaps to lift, which makes reading a fun activity and keeps the child engaged while helping with their motor skills.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who love animals and enjoy interactive books.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting Book
  • Synopsis: This classic follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book teaches counting and the days of the week while also explaining the life cycle of a butterfly in a simple and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about nature and enjoy stories with a learning element.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: In this calming bedtime story, a small bunny says goodnight to each familiar item in the softly lit room.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its gentle, rhythmic text and comforting storyline help soothe toddlers at bedtime, making it a perfect nighttime ritual.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy calm, soothing stories before bed.

• Peek-A Who? by Nina Laden
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Interactive Book
  • Synopsis: This simple, yet engaging book plays with rhymes and surprise mirrors to capture the attention of young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: The interactive play of peek-a-boo with the pages encourages fun and laughter, helping to build a positive association with reading.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy playful and interactive reading sessions.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: A lively alphabet rhyme where the letters of the alphabet climb up a coconut tree and tumble down, creating a delightful story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces the alphabet in a fun and rhythmic way, encouraging phonics skills and early literacy in a playful setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are starting to learn the alphabet and enjoy vibrant, energetic stories.

Educational Board Books for 2-Year-Olds

• First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: This board book introduces toddlers to a collection of 100 essential words in a variety of categories including animals, food, and everyday objects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary expansion, object recognition, communication skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to help babies and toddlers enhance their vocabulary and develop picture-word associations.
  • Perfect for: Very young children just starting to learn words and identify the world around them.

• Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Rhyme, I Spy Book
  • Synopsis: This book invites children to play 'I Spy' with various characters from popular nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observational skills, familiarity with nursery rhymes, rhyming and rhythm
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the fun of rhyming and finding characters with beautifully detailed illustrations, making it a delightful read.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy interactive reading and playing games while reading.

• Where's Spot? by Eric Hill
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Lift-the-Flap Book
  • Synopsis: In this engaging lift-the-flap book, children search for Spot, the playful puppy, who is hiding somewhere in the house.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, motor skills, animal recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and playful, which helps maintain the attention of young readers while they lift flaps looking for Spot.
  • Perfect for: Young children who love animals and enjoy an interactive reading experience.

• Baby Touch and Feel: Animals by DK
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Touch and Feel Book
  • Synopsis: This tactile book provides babies with a variety of textures to touch and feel, featuring different animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory development, animal recognition, descriptive vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the senses and helps build early language skills through touch and description.
  • Perfect for: Infants and toddlers who are beginning to explore the world through their senses.

• My First Colors Board Book by DK
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: This visually stimulating board book introduces children to colors through vibrant pictures and simple labels.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color recognition, vocabulary, early concept learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses bright, clear photos that help children make real-world connections to colors and objects.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who are starting to learn basic concepts like colors.

Challenging Board Books for 2-Year-Olds

• AlphaOops: The Day Z Went First by Alethea Kontis, illustrated by Bob Kolar
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: This book turns the traditional alphabet on its head by having the letters appear out of order, creating a playful and chaotic narrative.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges the conventional way of learning the alphabet, encouraging critical thinking and adaptability.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fresh and amusing twist on learning ABCs, making it fun and engaging for both kids and parents.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy a good giggle while learning their letters.

• Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Nature Book
  • Synopsis: This book explores the secret world of animals living under the snow during the winter.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of animal behavior and habitats in a winter landscape.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about nature and animal survival in a simple yet profound way, sparking curiosity about the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young nature enthusiasts and animal lovers.

• Global Babies by The Global Fund for Children
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Photographic Book
  • Synopsis: This board book showcases photographs of babies from around the world, celebrating diversity and global cultures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of diversity and culture through real-world images, which are more abstract than illustrated characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of a global community and cultural appreciation.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers starting to learn about the wider world and its diverse inhabitants.

• Cityblock by Christopher Franceschelli, illustrated by Peskimo
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: This book explores city life through die-cut pages, featuring everything from skyscrapers to subways.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with urban concepts and introduces children to a complex, bustling environment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the vibrant, diverse, and dynamic nature of city life, making it a visually engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Young children fascinated by busy urban scenes and those living in or visiting cities.

• TouchThinkLearn: ABC by Xavier Deneux
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: This tactile book uses die-cut trails and raised elements to teach the alphabet in a hands-on way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates sensory and motor skills development with learning the alphabet, providing a multi-sensory experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an innovative approach to learning that engages multiple senses, enhancing memory and understanding of the alphabet.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who thrive on tactile learning and those beginning to explore letters.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn reading into a fun and developmental experience for your 2-year-old, you're in the right place. Board books are fantastic tools for early literacy, but pairing them with engaging activities can enhance their benefits even more. Here are a few exercises that can help your little one develop good reading habits early on:

• Read Aloud Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day to read board books aloud to your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary, improves listening skills, and fosters a love for reading.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pitch to make the story more engaging and fun for your child.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Before reading, flip through the book and talk about the pictures.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and comprehension skills by discussing what might happen in the story.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to encourage your child to think and express their thoughts.

• Point and Name
  • What it is: Point to objects in the book and name them, encouraging your child to repeat after you.
  • How it helps: Helps with word association and language development.
  • Tips: Focus on items your child shows interest in to keep them engaged.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special event and creates a comfortable environment for book exploration.
  • Tips: Include soft pillows, good lighting, and easy access to books.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Use prompts and questions to guide them if they struggle to remember details.

• Book Choice
  • What it is: Allow your child to pick which book to read during reading time.
  • How it helps: Encourages independence and increases interest in reading.
  • Tips: Rotate books regularly to provide a variety of options.

These exercises are simple yet effective ways to make reading a dynamic part of your 2-year-old's daily routine. By incorporating these activities, you're not only helping your child develop a love for reading but also supporting their overall cognitive development. Happy reading!