The best books for two-year-olds

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Image: Alex Francis/Penguin

From interactive books with fun flaps to noisy books with unexpected surprises, our ultimate list of books for two-year-olds will give a little helping hand whatever the occasion – whether it’s playtime or nap time!

Books for bedtime

Ten Minutes to Bed: Baby Unicorn by Rhiannon Fielding & Chris Chatterton (2021)

Twinkle has always wanted to be a big sister and now her baby brother Fizz has arrived, she can't wait to show him off. As they set off on a bedtime adventure full of magic and surprises, will the pair manage to get to sleep on time? The newest book in the Ten Minutes to Bed series is a heart-warming tale that should calm down even the most excitable of unicorn lovers.

Peppa Pig: Goodnight Peppa (2015)

It’s nearly bedtime for Peppa and George, but they are not sleepy yet! In this illustrated storybook, our favourite piggies do whatever they can to get out of going to bed. They play in the garden, take a big splashy bath, brush their teeth and listen to Daddy Pig tell a story until they finally nod off. Sweet dreams!

Hey Duggee: Goodnight Duggee (2019)

Duggee is trying to help the Squirrels fall asleep and earn their Sleeping Badges. They’ve tried sleeping upside down like bats, sleeping standing up, sleeping while holding hands as otters do… but so far, they’re still awake! The perfect board book for Hey Duggee fans, will our favourite friendly dog help the Squirrels settle down for bedtime?

In the Night Garden: Sleep Tight, Upsy Daisy (2017)

Upsy Daisy is dancing in the garden and does not want to go to bed. This captivating picture book is perfect for In The Night Garden fans and will help your two-year-old wind down after a busy day. Written with little sleepy heads in mind, this is a calming tale ideal for bed or nap time.

Early learning books

A World of Words by Emily Lapeyre (2021)

Help turn little listeners into little readers with this illustrated collection of everyday first words. Emilie Lapeyre’s bright and stylish artwork will keep children’s attention as they explore the themed pages and busy world scenes. With simple questions on every page, your child’s curiosity is sure to be sparked as they connect the words to the corresponding images. And with over 250 words to recognise, this will be a book they turn to again and again on their language-learning journey.

Magic Windows: Weather by Libby Burns (2021)

Learn how puddles form, what hides behind clouds and how a rainbow is made in this fantastic interactive book. Toddlers will watch the world transform as they reveal a surprise in each magic window. They will not only learn about the wonders of our natural world but also explore and play with it too by using the sliding mechanism on each page.

Little Pop-Ups: Cinderella by Nila Aye (2020)

This abridged story of Cinderella has been designed to help little children learn their first numbers and take part in the reading experience. Featuring a central pop-up on each double page and bright, colourful illustrations, be prepared for this to become a repeat read! If you want to introduce your little reader to colours, try Little Pop-Ups: Little Red Riding Hood.

Books for playtime

Little World: In the Forest by Samantha Meredith (2021)

Bring the big, wide world into your home with this new title in the colourful and interactive Little World series. Children’s imaginations will run wild as they follow rangers, help to plant trees and learn about the inhabitants of our forests. The colourful illustrations and push-or-pull elements will encourage them to interact and ask questions. With so much to see on every page, this really will be a busy adventure!

Busy Day: Firefighter by Dan Green (2021)

Have your helmet and hose ready for a big day out with a busy and brave firefighter. Join her as she slides down the pole, sprays water, puts out the fire, and much more. The clever flaps will really make children feel part of the action and are great to keep little hands busy during storytime. If there is another career path your little one would prefer, check out the rest of the Busy Day series.

Hey Duggee: Duggee and the Squirrels (2021)

Duggee loves playing with his friends the Squirrels – his favourite thing to do is hang out with them all in the clubhouse. And now you can meet all his friends and find out what some of their favourite things are! This board book is a wonderful gift for wannabe Squirrels.

Peppa Pig: Peppa Goes Dancing (2020)

Peppa and her friends can’t wait to show off their dance moves at Mr Potato’s Super Fantastic Dance Competition. Will Suzy Sheep, Mandy Mouse, Rebecca Rabbit and Peppa win a prize for their dance routine? And will Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig be persuaded to join in too? A fun and beautifully illustrated board book that will get everyone up and dancing.

Jack and the Giant Tantrum by Louis Growell & Chris Jevons (2021)

Toddlers are known for their sometimes tricky and unpredictable behaviour and Jack is no different. In Monster Town the monsters are friendly but not always well-behaved. Jack is kind and gentle most of the time but every now and then he finds his temper gets the better of him and he throws a huge, howling tantrum! This picture book gives parents and children practical tips to help manage the difficult behaviour which sometimes comes with being a toddler in a reassuring and playful way.

Books to make potty time easy pee-sy

Poo Poo Bum Bum Wee Wee by Steven Cowell & Erica Salcedo (2021)

Potty training can seem like a daunting prospect but there’s no reason why it can’t be fun too. Toddlers and children will love this hilarious rhyming picture book which is designed to help them learn to use the toilet in a reassuring and stress-free way. Written in consultation with parents, Poo Poo Bum Bum Wee Wee takes readers through the steps of using the toilet from how to wipe all the way to handwashing. We’re sure the whole family will have made up a catchy song in no time!

Princess Polly Potty Sticker Activity Book (2014)

Potty-training phenomenon Princess Polly returns with an interactive sticker book. While Princess Polly gets rid of the nappies and learns how to use the potty for the first time, your little Princess Polly-in-waiting can follow along with the story, using the 70 stickers included to add to the pages and their very own potty-training reward chart at the end. And for Pirate Pete fans, he's also having some sticker fun in Pirate Pete Potty Sticker Activity Book.