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Best Choose Your Own Adventure Books for Adults & Kids

Sam — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 07:48:00 +0000

Welcome to this list of the best choose your own adventure books for adults and kids. Have you ever watched one of those teenage slasher flicks and found yourself yelling at the movie? Like when the soon to be victim runs up the stairs away from the killer instead of out the perfectly good front door into the arms of the police or other protector?

Word to the wise…Don’t watch a movie like that with me. You’ll hear me saying things that’ll make a sailor blush with shame after they make that oh so wrong decision.

But…what if after yelling directions to the TV the characters actually did what you shouted?

While this interactive story may have recently shown up in modern TV–more on that later–this option has been around in books for the longest time! So without wasting anymore time, let’s dive into my personal list of the Best Choose Your Own Adventure Books!

What are the best choose your own adventure books? Here’s our top 10 list:

What Lies Beneath the Clock Tower
Neil Patrick Harris Choose Your Own Autobiography
You Are A Cat!
Which Cult Should I Join?
Time Travel Dinosaur
To Be or Not To Be
The Cave of Time
House of Danger
Secret of the Ninja
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Escape from the Carnival of Horrors

Choose your adventure books (top 10 highest rated)

1. What Lies Beneath the Clock Tower

What Lies Beneath The Clock Tower: Being An Adventure Of Your Own Choosing

Amazon Kindle Edition
Killjoy, Margaret (Author)
English (Publication Language)
192 Pages - 06/09/2011 (Publication Date) - Combustion Books (Publisher)

So, for those of you who don’t know…Ya girl is a sci-fi nut. Seriously just love it. But perhaps my favorite sub-genre of that is Steampunk. Steampunk typically revolves around a Victorian England setting that’s filled with gears, top hats, steam-powered robots, rigid airships, and other steam-powered whirlygigs.

And What Lies Beneath the Clock Tower is a Steampunk CYOA Novel! It incorporates all the essentials of a classic Steampunk tale and throws in the additions of Gnomes and Goblins. If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself inside of a Steampunk adventure, this is the absolute one of the best choose your own adventure books for adults to do so.

2. Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography

Amazon Kindle Edition
Harris, Neil Patrick (Author)
English (Publication Language)
314 Pages - 10/14/2014 (Publication Date) - Crown Archetype (Publisher)

Sci-fi’s not the only thing that I absolutely adore. Neil Patrick Harris can add his name to that list as well. He’s totes adorbs and a wonderful actor both on screen and stage. He’s a national treasure. (I promise, NPH, I don’t have a bubblegum shrine dedicated to you. Yet.)

And he’s lived a pretty unique life. So it only makes sense that his autobiography matches. It’s a revolutionary new concept that takes you through various stages of his actual life while putting you in the driver’s seat.

3. You Are A Cat!

Sale

You Are a Cat! (Pick-a-plot!)

Tija, Sherwin (Author)
English (Publication Language)
240 Pages - 10/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Conundrum Press (Publisher)

Ok. Before you run off and buy this book based off the title alone…I gotta be clear.

THIS BOOK IS NOT DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN!

The premise of this book is that you’re cat trying to make your way back into the loving arms of your family. Sounds friendly enough, right? But along the way, you’ll run into dark themes and shady characters including the crazy people, drugs, and more. It’s a twisted sense of fun for those who enjoy dark humor. But again, this is not family-friendly — it’s most definitely a choose your own adventure book for adults.

4. Which Cult Should I Join?

Sale

Which Cult Should I Join?: A Choose-Your-Own Guidebook for the Spiritually Bereft

Stewart, Jo (Author)
English (Publication Language)
144 Pages - 05/09/2017 (Publication Date) - Smith Street Books (Publisher)

This is another adult choose your own adventure book, and it’s pretty dark, too. Many believe that Choose Your Own Adventure books are strictly for children. But this book puts those assumptions to bed.

In Which Cult Should I Join, the premise is to figure out psychotic cult you should join. You’ll be faced with tough choices such as should you drink the kool-aid or eat the applesauce. This book can provide you hours of wicked entertainment provided your sense of humor allows it.

5. Time Travel Dinosaur

Time Travel Dinosaur (Chooseomatic Books)

Amazon Kindle Edition
Youngmark, Matt (Author)
English (Publication Language)
306 Pages - 09/29/2014 (Publication Date) - Atherton Haight (Publisher)

Time Travel Dinosaur is pretty much an amalgamation of all that is good in this world. Time travel, dinosaurs, steampunk, astronauts… the works.

The book’s all about a time travelling dinosaur who works as part of the Time Travel Investigation Agency. And he’s trying to track down a lab coat wearing lunatic from breaking the the space-time continuum. If that doesn’t get you excited…I’m pretty sure nothing will.

6. To Be or Not To Be

To Be or Not To Be: A Chooseable-Path Adventure

Amazon Kindle Edition
North, Ryan (Author)
English (Publication Language)
366 Pages - 09/06/2016 (Publication Date) - Riverhead Books (Publisher)

Look, I’m a fan of the classics. But there’s one author I could never really get into: Shakespeare. But this book helps change that opinion.

To Be or Not To Be takes Shakespeare’s Hamlet and flips it upside down on its head. Instead of following the standard story, you can choose to be and follow several different characters. Want to be Ophelia and change the world? Go for it! Want to avenge your father’s death as Hamlet? Do so with with ruthless efficiency!

Want to play as Hamlet’s father and die on page one? Well that’s your choice. But you do get to spend the rest of your story line making decisions as a ghost.

7. The Cave of Time

The Cave of Time

Amazon Kindle Edition
Packard, Edward (Author)
English (Publication Language)
50 Pages - 01/31/2022 (Publication Date)

This is the book that pretty much started it all for most of us into Choose Your Adventure Books. And it still remains a classic family-friendly favorite.

The Cave of Time was actually the very first CYOA book under Random House’s CYOA brand. Published in 1979 and written by Edward Packard, this book follows your adventures through the Cave of Time which can transport you to all sorts of eras throughout history.

If you’re brand new to these, I would recommend this to be the best choose your own adventure book to start with.

8. House of Danger

Sale

House Of Danger (Choose Your Own Adventure)

office shelf 3
Montgomery, R. A. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
144 Pages - 05/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Choose Your Own Adventure (Publisher)

House of Danger is from Chooseco’s CYOA line and another kid-friendly selection.

In this book, you’ll be able to investigate the dark history of your town and the criminal activities of those around it. But the one thing you can’t get past is the Marsden House and the disappearance of its owner. In order to solve the case, you be encountered by criminal rings, time travel, and mutant chimpanzees!

9. Secret of the Ninja

Secret Of The Ninja (Choose Your Own Adventure)

Used Book in Good Condition
Leibold, Jay (Author)
English (Publication Language)
144 Pages - 05/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Choose Your Own Adventure (Publisher)

This another book from Random House’s choose your own adventure series. It’s another great family friendly book geared towards 9-12 year old readers. But that shouldn’t dissuade you from a fun adventure.

Written by Jay Leibold, you’re whisked away to Kyoto, Japan where you (as a young aspiring ninja) discover an ancient Samurai sword left at the doorstep of your dojo. What path will you choose? Each decision you make will lead down its own exciting path whether it’s time travel or ninja battles.

10. Give Yourself Goosebumps: Escape from the Carnival of Horrors

Escape from the Carnival of Horrors (Give Yourself Goosebumps)

Amazon Kindle Edition
Stine, R. L. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
165 Pages - 06/30/2015 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

Last, but definitely not least… One from the Master of Young Horror, R.L. Stine. Honestly, out of all the selections on this list of Best Choose Your Adventure Books, this one touches me the most. I still have very distinct memories of reading through this book over and over on the school bus every morning. As a matter of fact, I had to purchase multiple copies of it due to how much I’d flip through the pages.

The premise of this choose your own adventure story is that you end up trapped in this super-creepy amusement park. And the only real help you find is the mysterious manager Big Al who encourages you to check out some of the most bizarre attractions. Will you make it out alive or become one of the carnival’s attractions forever? Readers beware, you’re in for a scare!

The History of Choose Your Own Adventure Books

CYOA books are a super cool, unique way to get through a story with multiple pathways and endings. But when did these really come about?

As mentioned above, The Cave of Time put the genre on the map in 1979. This book was immediately popular and spawned a whole wave of CYOA books. Originally for children, the books expanded into adult markets throughout the 80s and 90s.

Although not a popular today, the genre still holds some clout among readers. But what’s even more exciting is the dive into CYOA movies! Recently, Netflix released Black Mirror: Bandersnatch–a CYOA movie based on its Twilight Zone-esque series, Black Mirror.

The movie pauses at different points allowing the watcher to make a decision to further the story. These may lead to the movie ending early or you having to go back and make a better choice. It’s a novel concept, and one I personally would love to see repeated in the future.

How many choose your own adventure books are there?

As of this writing, there are 513 Choose Your Own Adventure books that have been published through the main companies that produce them (those that owns the trademark to the term “Choose Your Own Adventure”). Several companies have owned this trademark over the years, but here’s a quick breakdown of what has been published:

184 Published by Bantam Books
52 Published by Bantam-Skylark for Younger Readers
12 in the Wald Disney series
2 in the Super Adventure series
6 in the Passport series
18 in the Choose Your Own Nightmare series
8 in the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
3 in the Star Wars Adventures
12 in the Choose Your Own First Adventure series
6 in the Space Hawks series
49 in the main series by Chooseco
3 in the Golden Path series
18 in the Dragonlarks series
3 in the Nightmare series
7 in the Spies series
1 in the Citadel of Whispers series
30 in the main series published by McGraw-Hill Education

There have obviously been more books than this (some of which are in my top 10 list), but those books come from other companies and don’t use the official “Choose Your Own Adventure” branding.

What is a choose your own adventure story & how does it work?

If you’ve never read a choose your adventure book, you may be confused on exactly how they work.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to read one.

First, you’ll normally read through an intro without any choosing options. This sets the tone of the book and the base story line. But these intros aren’t normally too long at all. Just a few pages, and then boom. You’ll be presented with your first choice.

At the bottom of the page you’ll be offered 2 or more choices. What will the character in the book do next? Depending on what choice you make there’ll be a page number associated with it. After making your selection, turn to the appropriate page and keep reading.

This process of choosing, turning, and reading continues until you inevitably reach one of the book’s endings.

What makes up a good CYOA book?

Just like any other book, there are some good ones in the genre…and some not-so-good options. I have three main criteria that help me decide whether the book is worth reading other than just story lines.

The Number of Different Endings: If your book only has a couple of different endings, the book begins to lose its fun factor after only a couple of reads. And once that happens the magic is gone.
The Different Types of Endings: Not only do the endings need to be numerous, but they should each be unique. If every single path you take leads you down just different reiterations of the same story…I promise you’ll lose interest quick. That’s why you’ll often see some pretty wild schemes in these books. And in this type of literature, that’s A-OK.
Short Story Paths and Long Story Paths: The best Choose Your Own Adventure books have different length story arcs within the book. Sometimes, my favorite endings are when everything seems to be going well and one wrong choice sends you to your doom! It makes the book more exciting and dynamic.

Choose Your Own Adventure Nostalgia Vibe

I’m not the only who really gets that throwback wave when revisiting these books. In this video, HappyConsoleGamer goes over his experiences with Choose Your Own Adventure books.

Choose Your Own Adventure Audiobooks (WHHHAAAATTT???)

CYOA stories in print are pretty easy to fathom. And even the Bandersnatch movie can be seen as innovative. But…audiobooks? That’s kind of hard to see done. But Audible and Amazon have been able to put some together through the use of Amazon Alexa.

Just listen to your story like normal. However, when you get to the point where you need to choose, use Amazon Alexa commands to voice your decision. Alexa then relays that info so your story keeps on keeping on.

What Path Will You Choose?

Whether you read traditional books, have one of the best ereaders, are a movie watcher, or audiobook fanatic…there are CYOA options available for you. The choice lies solely with you. Just don’t be afraid to start over again if you die horrifically in a time-traveling garbage truck accident or if you find the lost of El Dorado.

Cheers,

The post Best Choose Your Own Adventure Books for Adults & Kids appeared first on Bookishnerd.

Top 15 Best Books for 1 Year Olds: The Ultimate List

Sam — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:46:00 +0000

When I was younger, I spent a lot of time babysitting for some of my older friends with young children. In that time, I found the books were one of the best ways to keep a one-year-old’s attention.

And while I’m not a parent myself, I know a lot of people who are, and I like to research the heck out of these articles before producing them.

So with that in mind, I’ve developed a list of the best books for one-year-olds, drawing on the general consensus, my own experience, and a few surprises baked it.

I’m sure you will find something that your child will love and that will stimulate their growing little brains.

Here is a complete list of everything in an easy-to-follow list, but you can keep reading to see my rationale behind each pick, and at the bottom of this post I will also go into a few pointers on why you should read to 1-year-olds, and what to look for in the books you buy for them.

So let’s dive in.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Rise and Shine)

Now even younger children can follow the little green caterpillar as he eats his way to becoming a beautiful butterfly in this sturdy board book
Great for early development
Children will enjoy this delightful tale
Ages 3 to 7
Hardcover Book

Chances are, you’ve heard of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It’s the story of a young caterpillar who eats his way through a variety of things, then turns into a lovely butterfly.

It’s great for teaching life lessons about growing and developing, but it’s also cute and the artwork is great. Definitely one to keep on your shelf.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

Sale

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes Padded Board Book

Houghton Mifflin
It ensures you get the best usage for a longer period
It ensures you get the best usage for a longer period
Fox, Mem (Author)
English (Publication Language)

This is another classic baby book that helps the baby understand more about their own body. It celebrates the wonder of their fingers and toes, and does so with a healthy rhyme scheme that makes it easy to come back and enjoy multiple times.

I also personally love the watercolor illustrations on this one.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Board Book)

Bill Martin Jr. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
36 Pages - 07/19/2025 (Publication Date) - Little Simon (Publisher)

Believe it or not, this is a book that I grew up with. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a fantastic book to help teach your toddler about the ABCs, in a way that rhymes and tells a story.

This is one of those classics that has been around for a long time, and likely will continue to remain a mainstay of children’s books everywhere.

First 100 Words by Roger Priddy

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First 100 Words: A padded board book

A good option for a Book Lover
Condition : Good
Ideal for Gifting
Priddy, Roger (Author)
English (Publication Language)

When your child is one-year-old, they’re just starting to learn their first words. That’s why a book like this one is essential for parents who want to teach their baby new, foundational words.

This book is a classic, and it’s designed in such a way that it becomes easy for your baby to learn these new words and start early to develop a stunning vocabulary.

Playtown: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Roger Priddy

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Playtown: A Lift-the-Flap Book

Priddy, Roger (Author)
English (Publication Language)
16 Pages - 08/26/2014 (Publication Date) - Priddy Books US (Publisher)

Lift the flap books are fun because they allow your child to explore their curiosity, and participate in the storytime process.

This interactive book offers a look at different city buildings, and has 35 flaps that your toddler can lift up and explore. It’s got everything from airports to a grocery store to a hospital.

Definitely one to check out.

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr.

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Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear? sound book (Brown Bear and Friends)

Martin Jr., Bill (Author)
English (Publication Language)
24 Pages - 11/08/2011 (Publication Date) - Priddy Books US (Publisher)

In my experience, children love animals. They love to read about animals, and they love to see animals.

That’s why this is another classic on this list, as it’s one of the premier children’s books that focuses on animals and learning more about them. The language is simple and rhyming which helps develop your child’s brain.

Plus the artwork is simply iconic. In this particular version has sounds associated with it to make the fun even bigger.

Hear Bear Roar by Eric Carle

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World of Eric Carle, Hear Bear Roar 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids

Hands on interaction engages young readers
Connecting words with pictures builds vocabulary
Multisensory reading experiences stimulate the imaginations of young readers
Features the amazing art of Eric Carle, writer and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Includes an amazing amount of animals: grizzly bear, deer, fox, wolf, dolphin, lobster, wale, blue jay, bee, owl, seagull, bat, spider, woodpecker, monkey, leopard, goat, eagle, polar bear, penguin, walrus, seal, buffalo, horse, elephant, snake, lion, prairie dog, mouse, and a brown bear

A great companion book to the above polar bear book is this picture and sound book from Eric Carle.

It’s got several buttons for your child press, and 30 animals to learn about. Your little one will love it.

Bright and Early Dr. Seuss Books

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The Little Blue Boxed Set of 4 Bright and Early Board Books: Hop on Pop; Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!; Ten Apples Up On Top!; The Shape of Me and Other Stuff (Bright & Early Board Books)

Dr. Seuss (Author)
English (Publication Language)
24 Pages - 08/07/2012 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

No children’s book list would be complete without something from Dr. Seuss.

And yet, most Dr. Seuss books are actually for slightly older children. Think in the 2 to 5 year range.

But this collection provides a number of early board books that are scaled-down to be more accessible to one-year-olds.

It’s by far my favorite version of the Dr. Seuss books for the very young, and I think your child will love it.

Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill

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Where's Spot?: A Lift-the-Flap Book

Hill, Eric (Author)
English (Publication Language)
22 Pages - 06/30/2003 (Publication Date) - Warne (Publisher)

Ah, Spot. Another classic character from my childhood. And thankfully, my experience growing up is one that toddlers today can still enjoy.

Spot is a classic character with a lot of different books about him, and this is one of those books meant specifically for toddlers aged 1 to 2. It’s also one of those lift the flap books, which can be a lot of fun for young babies.

Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden

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Peek-a Who? (Lift the Flap Books, Interactive Books for Kids, Interactive Read Aloud Books)

Laden, Nina (Author)
English (Publication Language)
10 Pages - 02/01/2000 (Publication Date) - Chronicle Books (Publisher)

Speaking of lift the flap books, Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden is an absolute must for children who love this type of book. Especially if they also enjoy animal books.

This book has become a classic, and is commonly found at baby showers and in libraries around the world. It’s colorful pictures and simple rhyming scheme make it great for a developing child.

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

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The Pout-Pout Fish

Diesen, Deborah (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages - 08/06/2013 (Publication Date) - Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Publisher)

When I first saw this book in my research, I knew it had to be on my list simply because of the incredible illustration on the cover.

But believe it or not this book is actually kind of deep. It tells a story of being sad and glum and does so in a way that is sensitive to people with depression, but also playful and fun for your one-year-old.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

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Goodnight Moon

Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon, board book
Margaret Wise Brown (Author)
English (Publication Language)
30 Pages - 01/23/2007 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)

This is another classic of children’s literature. It talks of a little bunny who consistently says good night to the moon and good night to their room.

It’s a great way to teach appreciation and gratitude for the things that we have around us. You can even help your child practice saying good night to the moon and all the other things in their room.

The Going-to-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

The Going To Bed Book (BOYNTON)

sandra-boynton (Author)
English (Publication Language)
14 Pages - 07/19/2025 (Publication Date) - Little Simon (Publisher)

Another classic, this book by Sandra Boynton is a great book for introducing your child to bedtime habits.

It helps them understand that there is a time and place for everything, and the importance of their bedtime routine each night.

The Wonderful Things You’ll Be by Emily Martin

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The Wonderful Things You Will Be (Deluxe Edition)

Hardcover Book
Martin, Emily Winfield (Author)
English (Publication Language)
44 Pages - 04/02/2019 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

Imagine a self-help book that teaches you to love yourself and to aspire for greatness. Then imagine if that book was condensed down into our heartfelt, simple children’s book.

That is what this perfect book encapsulates all in one, and it is simply amazing. If I had to recommend one book on this list it would probably be this one. It’s my favorite book on this list.

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth

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I Love You to the Moon and Back

Amelia Hepworth (Author)
English (Publication Language)
28 Pages - 03/03/2015 (Publication Date) - Tiger Tales (Publisher)

I’m sure you often have moments when you just wish you could gather your baby up in your arms and tell them how much you love them. And of course they don’t understand, but one way to try and get there is to use this picture book by Amelia Hepworth.

It’s a truly touching story with amazing illustrations and a gentle rhyming scheme. It teaches them to live in the moment and show love for everyone.

Truly a heartwarming read for your one-year-old.

Why Read to 1 Year Olds?

There are a lot of great reasons why you should read to your young child. Not only is it fun for them, but it affects their development as well. Here are a few quick reasons why reading should be a daily habit for you and your one-year-old.

It acts as bonding time between you and your toddler.
It increases the size of your child’s vocabulary from an early stage.
It helps them develop phonemic awareness, understanding the differences between smaller sounds, and developing language early.
It helps the child learn that there is a correlation between the marks on the page and the sounds that you make.
It helps your one-year-old learn the alphabet.

Right now scientific evidence is showing us that toddlers who are read to as children do better in school. So it is crucial that you develop a habit to do this. And I think you’ll find that both of you will enjoy the bonding time as well.

The Reading Level of a 1 Year Old

One-year-old does not have a very high reading level. Obviously, they cannot read by themselves at all. But there is an increased awareness about the correlation between words on a page and the pictures on the page, as well as the sounds that you make. They will also become familiar with different pictures, and be able to point out objects that they know.

They may even pretend to read books sometimes, which is a great sign.

Another great sign is that they may request that you read certain toddler books that are their favorite. This shows that they are getting something out of the book, and are truly learning. And while it might be a while before you’re reading Harry Potter, it will still make a huge difference.

What to Look For in Books for 1 Year Olds

All of the books above are great options to start with when you’re looking for books for one-year-olds. But if you want more books, or the list here doesn’t tickle your fancy, here are a few things to look out for when choosing your book.

At this stage in their development, children love interactive books, books that engage multiple senses. Here are a few examples:

Flip open pages
Lift the flap books
Textured books that let your baby touch and feel
Sound books, the kind that have buttons that make different sounds

Rhyming is also a crucial factor in a lot of these early books, because it helps babies understand that there are similarities in sounds.

It’s also important to understand what your child likes. If you find that they really love animals, check out a few animal books. You could even bring your toddler to the store or library with you, and see what they gravitate to when presented with multiple options.

Final Thoughts

I love reading time as an adult, and I loved reading time as a child. I credit much of that to the fact that my mother would read books with me. And while I don’t remember as far back as my first year of life, I can say that my love of reading probably goes at least that far back.

So I encourage you to take a look at this list, find the books that you think your one-year-old will love, and spend some time bonding with them and sharing that experience together.

I think you will find it to be one of the best parenting habits you can make.

The post Top 15 Best Books for 1 Year Olds: The Ultimate List appeared first on Bookishnerd.

Top 17 Best Books for 2 Year Olds: A Fun and Educational List

Sam — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:35:00 +0000

All right, so you’re back. It’s time to talk about two-year-olds. Now, I don’t have a two year old of my own, but I have babysat a lot of two-year-olds, and reading has been a vital element of that babysitting.

I’ve already covered this topic for one-year-olds in a previous post, and you will actually find some overlap between this post and that one. That’s because it is absolutely acceptable to continue reading some of the books you read to your one-year-old when they turn two.

So with that in mind, let’s dive into the 17 best books for two-year-olds, along with my explanations for why each of them matters.

1. Baby University Board Book Set by Chris Ferrie

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Baby University Board Book Set: A Science for Toddlers (Gifts for Kids) (Baby University Board Book Sets)

Ferrie, Chris (Author)
English (Publication Language)
24 Pages - 11/28/2017 (Publication Date) - Sourcebooks Explore (Publisher)

I’ll bet when you searched for the best books for two-year-olds, a book on quantum physics wasn’t something you expected to find. But that’s just what this baby book set is all about.

These board books are written by Chris Ferrie and go into what I would consider some pretty deep educational topics, but in a way that is very simple and introductory for a two-year-old.

The set collected here has four board books, but there are actually many more written by this guy. Highly recommended.

2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

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Where the Wild Things Are: A Caldecott Medal Award Winner―A Beloved Classic of Childhood Wonder, Mischief, and the Heartfelt Return Home

Hardcover Book
Maurice Sendak (Author)
English (Publication Language)
48 Pages - 12/26/2012 (Publication Date) - Harper Collins (Publisher)

I’m pretty sure all of us are familiar with Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. It’s a classic of children’s literature, and one that, I think, all parents should expose their children to.

Not only is it a great story, but it also helps the child cope with the imagined monsters that they deal with.

Definitely one I would look at.

3. One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root

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One Duck Stuck

Root, Phyllis (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages - 03/01/2001 (Publication Date) - Candlewick (Publisher)

When I was a child, there was one day when I was climbing out of my crib and got stuck between the bars. I yelled out, “stuck!” and my mom likes to tell the story to this day.

Chances are your child gets into a number of precarious situations, and that’s why this book by Phyllis Root is a great addition to your toddler library.

Not only is it great for laughing at, but it’s also an endearing story about a duck who gets stuck.

4. You’re Two by Shelly Unwin

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You're Two!

Unwin, Shelly (Author)
English (Publication Language)
26 Pages - 09/10/2019 (Publication Date) - Doubleday Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

And hey, what better way to celebrate your child becoming a two-year-old, then with the book You’re Two by Shelly Unwin.

This book is quite obviously extremely appropriate for two-year-olds. And it helps them learn more about the number two, and all of the things that they have two of, like two arms, two legs, two ears, etc.

All in all, a great book to advance your child’s learning and celebrate their birthday.

5. ABC Universe by the National Museum of Natural History

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ABC Universe (AMNH ABC Board Books)

American Museum of Natural History (Author)
English (Publication Language)
18 Pages - 04/21/2015 (Publication Date) - Union Square Kids (Publisher)

I love books that provide an educational experience for young readers, which is why I lead with the Baby University books, but ABC Universe by the National Museum of Natural History is another great educational resource for two-year-olds.

This book takes your typical ABC approach and uses it to expose your child to the many wonders of the world and the universe. It was created by the American Museum of Natural History, so you know that exposure to science and the wonders of our world are at the top of their priority.

In general, if you want something educational for your child, I recommend this book.

6. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Sale

Guess How Much I Love You: (The Heartwarming Tale of Little Nutbrown Hare Loving Right Up to the Moon and Back - An Ideal Baby Shower Gift & Easter Basket Stuffer for Babies & Toddlers)

McBratney, Sam (Author)
English (Publication Language)
24 Pages - 09/03/2019 (Publication Date) - Candlewick (Publisher)

But sometimes you don’t want something educational, you want something endearing. You want to celebrate that special relationship that you have with your child.

If that’s the case, then Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney is the perfect book for you. It tells the story of a rabbit and their little baby rabbit, and it’s just a fun tale of a baby with her daddy.

7. BabyLit Pride & Prejudice (and the whole series really)

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Pride & Prejudice: A BabyLit® Counting Primer (BabyLit Classics)

Adams, Jennifer (Author)
English (Publication Language)
22 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - BabyLit (Publisher)

Another great thing to introduce your child to is great works of literature. And there’s a series called BabyLit that specializes in this.

And what better way to start (and I might be slightly biased), then with Jane Austen herself!

They actually have several versions of Pride and Prejudice for babies to explore, depending on what age they are. But the version I have linked here is the one I recommend for two-year-olds.

The moral of the story: it’s never too early to start that love/hate relationship with Mr. Darcy.

8. Richard Scarry’s Best Mother Goose Ever

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Richard Scarry's Best Mother Goose Ever (Giant Golden Book)

Hardcover Book
English (Publication Language)
96 Pages - 09/01/1999 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

Richard Scarry is known for being one of the biggest influences when it comes to bringing nursery rhymes and fairytales to young readers.

This collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes is the definitive edition of his work. It collects all of the major stories with his unmistakable artwork, showing that this children’s author and artist deserves the 50+ years that his books have been in print.

9. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

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The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Random House Books for Young Readers
It comes in a proper packaging.
This product will be an excellent pick for you
Hardcover Book
Martin, Emily Winfield (Author)

This is a repeat from the 1-year-old list because it is just that good. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin is a book about hope and dreams.

It’s a book that celebrates the future of your child, no matter what it holds. It talks about all of the wonderful things that they may become and how you can’t wait to see them grow up into these amazing people.

Definitely one I recommend for children of most young ages.

10. Sesame Street P is for Potty!

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P is for Potty! (Sesame Street) (Lift-the-Flap)

Kleinberg, Naomi (Author)
English (Publication Language)
12 Pages - 07/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

Next on the list is a book for potty training, because you have to be prepared. Sesame Street P is for Potty! Is an ABC-book that helps your child learn all of their letters and words while also helping them get used to using the toilet.

Even though it might be a little bit early for potty training, it’s never too early to start getting them used to the idea. That’s why I thought this book was useful. Plus, it’s a lift the flap book, and to-year-olds love those.

11. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Martin Jr., Bill (Author)
English (Publication Language)
24 Pages - 09/15/1996 (Publication Date) - Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

This is one of those classic children’s books that you can never go wrong with. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle is a book about colors and animals.

The best part about it is that the author and illustrator are both masters in their crafts, so you know that the quality of this book is great.

12. The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

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The Going To Bed Book

This product will be an excellent pick for you.
It is durable and long lasting
It ensures you get the best usage for a longer period
Sandra Boynton (Author)
English (Publication Language)

The best part about The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton is that it’s funny for both kids and adults. It’s a book about animals getting ready for bed, but the birds are too loud while they’re trying to sleep! So if your child loves animals, this one will be perfect for them.

And I know I said best books for two-year-olds, but this one is best suited to kids of a much wider range, which is why it’s included here and on my 1-year-old post.

13. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

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Goodnight Moon

Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon, board book
Margaret Wise Brown (Author)
English (Publication Language)
30 Pages - 01/23/2007 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)

Speaking of classic children’s books, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is another one that you can’t go wrong with. It’s about a bunny rabbit who says goodnight to everything in his room before he goes to bed.

It’s a short and sweet book, perfect for bedtime reading. It’s also another one that works really well for both one-year-olds and two-year-olds.

14. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

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The Snail and the Whale

Hardcover Book
Donaldson, Julia (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages - 03/30/2004 (Publication Date) - Dial Books (Publisher)

This next book is one of my favorites, The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It’s best described as Dr. Seuss meets Mr. Men in a really good way, because it tells an environmental tale about two unlikely friends who help each other out when they need it most.

It’s another brilliant book from the best children’s author and illustrator team out there, so you know it will be great quality.

15. Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

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Oh, the Places You'll Go!

From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life�s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and whimsical illustrations.
The inspiring and timeless message encourages readers to find the success that lies within, no matter what challenges they face. A perennial favorite and a perfect gift for anyone starting a new phase in their life!
Hardcover Book
Seuss, Dr. (Author)
English (Publication Language)

I will never stop recommending this book, not just for kids, but for adults too. Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss is a book about life and all of its ups-and-downs, but it’s always best to be optimistic and remember that you’re going to do great things.

If your child likes reading books with rhymes then they will love this one too, because even though it has some difficult words, they are easier to understand in Dr. Seuss’s signature style of writing.

16. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

The pigeon really wants to drive the bus
What will he try to get you to let him drive it
Will you be able to say "no" to the pigeon?
Caldecott medal winner
Hardcover Book

Next up is another book by Mo Willems, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! It’s best described as an “I want” story for kids. The pigeon wants to drive the bus but no one will let him, so he wreaks havoc until they do.

It’s a really funny and relatable picture book that your child will love reading whenever you’re on public transport together. They’ll especially like it if they are always trying to get their own way too – which all children do at some point or other!

17. Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

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Counting Kisses

Hardcover Book
Katz, Karen (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages - 01/01/2001 (Publication Date) - Margaret K. McElderry Books (Publisher)

The last book on this list is Counting Kisses by Karen Katz. It’s a board book about a mom and her son counting kisses as they say goodbye to each other in the morning.

It’s really sweet and perfect for kids who are just starting to learn how to count. Plus, it has beautiful illustrations that will keep your child engaged from start to finish.

What to Look for in Books for a 2-Year-Old

So those are my top 17 best books for a two-year-old. But what should you look for when choosing books for this age group?

Well, first and foremost, the book should be enjoyable for your child to read. It should also be educational, teaching them new things about the world around them. And finally, it’s important that the book is well-written and has great illustrations – after all, they’ll be spending a lot of time looking at them!

The best books for two-year-olds will have all of these qualities, so be sure to keep them in mind when shopping for your child’s next read. Happy reading!

How to Get a 2-Year-Old Interested in Reading

One of the best things about giving your child books at a young age is that it helps to foster a love of reading, which will stay with them for life. But how can you get a two-year-old interested in reading in the first place?

Here are a few tips:

Start with board books. Board books are perfect for toddlers because they are sturdy and easy to hold, plus the illustrations are usually very colorful and engaging.
Make time for read alouds. One of the best ways to get your child interested in reading is by reading aloud to them every day. Not only will they learn new words and stories, but they’ll also start to develop an appreciation for literature.
Let them choose their own books. Once your child is a little older, let them choose their own books to read. This will help them feel more invested in the process and they’ll be more likely to enjoy it.
Get creative with reading time. Sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a bit and make reading time more interactive. Try making story time into a game or quiz, or even ask your child questions about the characters and plot after you finish reading.

With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble getting your two-year-old interested in reading! And who knows – maybe they’ll be one of the next generation’s best authors themselves.

Should You Read to a Toddler?

Parents often wonder if they should read to their toddler, and the answer is definitely yes! Reading to your child at a young age helps to foster a love of reading, which will stay with them for life. In addition, reading to your child provides many other benefits, such as:

Helping them learn new words and stories
Encouraging creativity and imagination
Strengthening the parent-child bond

So don’t hesitate – start reading to your toddler today! They’ll thank you for it in the future.

How Should You Read to a Toddler?

When you’re reading to a toddler, it’s best not to sit them in your lap and read directly from the book. Instead, try using these tips:

Sit with them on the floor or couch – they’ll be more comfortable that way.
Choose books that are short and colorful, like board books. These ones will catch their attention best.
Skip long paragraphs of text if necessary; instead summarize what is happening as you go along so they know what happened before this part of the story too (this can also help prevent boredom).
Ask questions about the characters or plot after you finish each page/chapter; this will keep them involved during the whole process! They may even learn some new things about the story.

By following these tips, you’ll make reading to your toddler a more enjoyable experience for both of you. Happy reading!

The post Top 17 Best Books for 2 Year Olds: A Fun and Educational List appeared first on Bookishnerd.