Parenting

Building the Best Library for 2 Years and Older— Classics and Newfound Favorites

by Lesley Chen
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
I Will Take a Nap Baby Book

Reading to your toddler is a great way to spend quality time together, spark their imagination, and most importantly, win the battle of bedtime. But beyond fun pictures and silly characters, books can also provide kids with valuable life lessons and an increased vocabulary, which can set them up for success later in life.

One thing that’a guaranteed about young kids is that once they like something, they really like it. So be prepared to read their favorite books over and over and over. Check out these mom-approved books for two year olds that you won’t mind reading the first, second, or the hundredth time.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr.
$6
Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli
$6
Corduroy by Don Freeman
$5
Counting Kisses: A Kiss & Read Book by Karen Katz
$8
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
$5
Maisy Cleans Up by Lucy Cousins
$4
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr.
$5
Brave Little Camper: Interactive Children's Sound Book by Carmen Crowe
$10
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
$10
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
$8
I Will Take a Nap! by Mo Willems
$7
If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul
$5
A is for Awesome! by Eva Chen
$7
It's Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman and Eric Metaxas
$8
I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
$6
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do You Hear? by Bill Martin, Jr.
$11
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
$6
The Best Pet by Louise Tate
$15

Now that you’ve got the babes’ library ready to go, check out all the other kid gear they’ll be begging for soon enough.

SHOP THE STORY

Counting Kisses: A Kiss & Read Book by Karen Katz

Not that you need any additional reasons to shower your toddler with smooches, but this book will give you one. This fun picture book counts down from 10 kisses, giving your tot a mini math lesson and plenty of opportunities for kisses.

$8
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

Kids can learn a sweet message about the power of kindness in a story about a friendly blue truck who helps a cranky dump truck get unstuck in the mud.

$5
Maisy Cleans Up by Lucy Cousins

Maisy is a little white mouse who is busy with adventures both big and small. In this book, Maisy can teach your toddler that cleaning is fun — a win-win for both of you.

$4
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr.

In this rhyming, colorful book, the ABCs run up a coconut tree, and what happens next, you’ll just have to read and see.

$5
Brave Little Camper: Interactive Children's Sound Book by Carmen Crowe

RVs are so trendy right now, even for kids. The Brave Little Camper book has a soundtrack built in — your toddler can add sound effects to the story with a push of a button. #sorrynotsorry

$10
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle

If you’re looking for something a father or father figure will love to read, this book is a great pick — it’s about the lengths a papa will go to make his daughter happy. The pages fold out to make the story feel even more special.

$10
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon is a classic for a reason — it’s still the perfect way to wind down the day and prepare little ones for bedtime.

$8
I Will Take a Nap! by Mo Willems

Piggie and Elephant are best friends in Mo Willems’ funny books for kids. Gerald the elephant is cranky and wants to take a nap in this story, something everyone, no matter their age, can relate to.

$7
If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul

Animals, they’re just like us — they kiss their kids goodnight, too. This cute story shows how different animals send their little ones off to dreamland.

$5
A is for Awesome! by Eva Chen

For a dose of empowerment and inspiration, A is for Awesome! will teach your little one their ABCs and educate them about powerful women in history.

$7
It's Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman and Eric Metaxas

Help convince your toddler that it’s time to go to sleep with a book that shows animals all over the world settling down for the night.

$8
I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

Everyone deserves love, even if you’re a stinky skunk or a slimy swamp monster. This heartwarming book is all about the unconditionality of a mother’s love.

$6

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