Top 10 Best Books for Kids aged 2-3

Have you ever shared a book with a toddler? It’s an absolute joy!

Pick up one of the many delightful picture books available for 2-3-year-olds, full of colours and sounds, relatable characters, or fun, made-up worlds, and bathe in the love and connection that a shared story brings.

But which book to choose out of so many available?

Preferences are personal and subjective. As parents, many of our book choices are based on what we read as children, but it won’t be long before your toddler is very clear on what they like and demands to make their own selection.

In the meantime, we have compiled a short list of ten best books, from toddler classics to newer releases, to kickstart your shared reading experience.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle

First published in 1969, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a timeless classic loved by children and adults through generations. Fun, interactive and educational, it ticks all the boxes for the perfect shared read.

I Want My Potty, by Tony Ross

Toilet training toddlers will love this simple, relatable tale of the little Princess and her potty. Full of ‘giggle’ moments, put on your best Princess voices and shout together, ‘I want my potty!’

Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney

A simple yet beautiful story that is perfect for bedtime. Cuddle up and follow Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare as they compete to find the words that express just how much they love each other.

The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson

You’ve probably seen the animated adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s famous Gruffalo series on television. The book is a gem! It’s full of rhyme and repetition, making it the perfect shared read.

Hairy McClary from Donaldson’s Dairy, by Lynley Dodd

Who doesn’t love Hairy McClary and SCARFACE CLAW, the toughest Tom-cat in town? Fun rhyming text and great pictures make for a memorable story.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, by Judith Kerr

Another much-loved classic first published in 1968 and adapted for television in 2019. Toddlers love this story about a tiger who invites himself for tea and eats all the food!

Where’s Spot? (Lift the Flap book), by Eric Hill

Spot is the main character of a series of children’s books about a little dog having lots of adventures. This first story is a fun, interactive lift-the-flap book. Can you find where Spot is hiding?

Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson

Another Julia Donaldson book full of fun, fictional characters. A kind witch and her cat invite a collection of animals to join them on her broom. Full of the rhyme and repetition that toddlers love and want to listen to over and over again.

Owl Babies, by Martin Waddell

A lovely story that your toddlers will relate to immediately. Three little owl babies awake to find mummy owl has gone. Oh no! They fret and worry in her absence, only to be thrilled at her return. Owl Babies is accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Patrick Benson.

Zog, by Julia Donaldson

Zog, a young dragon, wants to be top of the class at school. Follow his attempts to breathe fire, fly, and roar as they end in disaster! Another Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler collaboration.

This book list isn’t exhaustive and is intended to offer some quality literature for 2-year-olds that will help to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Photo by Andy Kuzma