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Toddler Books We Love: Best Books for 2 Year Olds
My 2 year old son loves books, but it is no accident. We spend a lot of time reading reviews on Amazon.com, talking to his teachers, and asking other parents of 2 year olds. I love when we get a box in the mail, and he jumps up and down yelling. “New books? New books?” Yes, I probably have a little problem, but hey…He isn’t jumping up and down asking for cookies.
At any rate, below are some of our favorite toddler books. All kids are different, but I would consider them some of the best books for 2 year olds.
PS…In case it isn’t obvious, I get our books and a lot of other toddler stuff from Amazon.com. There is no tax, most stuff has free shipping, and it is a heck of a lot cheaper than our local chain bookstores. If you aren’t a millionaire and don’t need it tomorrow, I suggest looking there first.
Sorry. Now, to continue with my 2 year old’s favorite toddler books…
Llama Llama Red PajamaBuy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
I enjoy this book as much as my son does. We both identify with the story of a baby llama freaking out because he is scared that his mother is gone. Plus, the pictures are so expressive. Even though the book is about llamas, I have seen the exact same expressions on my 3 year old’s face. I mean, look at the cover…
Read the reviews >>
Bear Hugs
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com
Every time my son picks this book, I roll my eyes because we have read it SO MANY TIMES. But, then I change my tune because he gets so involved as we read. I know that most of it is memorization, but it is so cool that he “reads” along with me. It is clearly designed for children that are getting ready to learn how to read.
Read the reviews >>
I Like Stars
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
In case you haven’t noticed, I tend to gravitate towards books that are written to help children prepare to read. This is another one of our favorites. It is about stars. Duh. But, I like the fact that we can talk about the different colors and practice counting as we go. “Star” is one of the words he recognizes by sight when we are out and about, and it is definitely because of this book.
Read the reviews >>
Hare and Tortoise Race to the Moon
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
I actually found this book when I was pregnant. I was looking for books with high contrast images because I read that babies found them more interesting. Well, my son wasn’t really interested in it as a baby. No surprise. But, now as a 2 year old, this is one of his favorite books. This is one we have to hide or else we would have to read it every night.
Read the reviews >>
Pajama Time!
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
My neighbor, with 4 boys of her own, introduced us to this fantastic toddler book. Pajama Time! was one of her youngest son’s favorite books, and now it is one of my 2 year old’s favorites as well. We love all of Sandra Boynton’s toddler books, but this one has a special place on the book shelf.
Read the reviews >>
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
This toddler book was a lot more fun to read before my son learned his alphabet. Now, it takes forever to read each page because he has to point out every letter. There are worse things that he could be doing though. I can’t complain. Either way, this is definitely one of my 2 year old’s favorite books.
Read the reviews >>
No David!
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
Honestly, I wasn’t keen on this book at first. It was page after page of stuff I did not want my 2 year old doing. But, it grew to be one of my favorites because it gave us an opportunity to talk about all of the bad things that David was doing. It really sunk in too. Once at dinner, my son opened his mouth with chewed up food. Then, he promptly shut his mouth and said, “No, David!”
Read the reviews >>
The Little Red Caboose
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
This golden book is a classic, and we know why. I have had to hide this book more times than I should admit, because my 2 year old requests it every time he sees it. I like the message too. Everyone is important, even if they are just a little red caboose.
Read the reviews >>
Let’s Go to the Zoo
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
OK. If you have a 2 year old, you know that lift the flap books rock. They are more than just a book. They are an activity. I like this particular book because there are lots of things to talk about. My son likes it because it has tons of flaps on each page.
Read the reviews >>
Hop on Pop
Buy it at a discount through Amazon.com >>
This was one of my favorite books growing up, and now that I have been reading it to my son I remember why. OK…So the story is a little thin, but the words are simple and memorable. (I still remember most of it from when I was a kid, and now my 2 year old happily reads along. It has lots of site words, so it is good for pre-readers.
Read the reviews >>
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Storytelling Builds Imagination in Toddlers and Young Children
Early Childhood Educators and most grandparents have long known the importance of talking, singing and reading to your toddler and young children. Even before babies are born, they can hear the sound of your voice and respond positively to stories and songs.
Sharing stories and fairy tales are one of the most enjoyable parts of parenting. Whether it is the mom, dad, grandparents or caregivers who take the time to talk and read to the child, it will be a gift.
Young children love stories and enjoy being involved either as a listener or story teller. Brain development and imagination skills are enhanced when caregivers integrate different voices, facial expressions and body gestures.
Growing Evidence on Power of Storytelling
Anecdotal evidence as well as scientific studies indicate what we have always known. Storytelling can help develop the imagination, inspire learning, teach body language and facial expressions and enhance reading skills. Plus, it is just downright fun to do.
You can tell or read bedtime stories to relax your baby and help him to have pleasant dreams. This is a ritual that helps the child recognize bedtime and anticipate the sharing and snuggling before bedtime.
Sharing Family Stories
In my volunteer work as a personal historian for Story Keepers, many people have told me the power of sharing family stories. Every child longs to belong to a tribe or community of people who love him. Hearing tales about the family roots and the past, helps the child to see where he fits in the group.
You may want to pull out old family albums, have copies made of the photos at the copy shop and put them in clear plastic protectors and put in a binder labeled “Melissa’s (Your child’s name) Family.” As you tell the stories, have your toddler or young child point to the picture of Grandma or you as a little girl.
As your toddler or young child becomes more verbal ask her to tell you stories about herself.
Stories Connect and Teach
When reading together, allow your toddler and young child to turn the pages or even tell part of the story. Be sure to read slowly and occasionally point to the words you are reading so the child connects the spoken and written word.
Reading, talking and singing to your child will increase the brain capabilities and the size of the spirit of both the storyteller and the one who is hearing the message.
Children are young such a short time and need your involvement in their quest for imagination, character and understanding the world around them. You are the most important person in their life and I salute you for taking the time to use storytelling as one of your methods of connecting with them.
(c) Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, the storytelling trainer. You have permission to reprint this article in your blog, ezine or offline magazine as long as you keep the content and contact information intact. Thank You.
Be sure to sign up to receive the ezine (newsletter) The Artichoke-finding the heart of the story in the journey of life at http://www.ArtichokePress.com You will be sent a free eBook on Using Encouraging Words as a special thank you gift.
Artichoke Press is the home site of Judy H. Wright, family relationship coach and author of over 20 books and many articles on family relationships. If your organization would like to schedule Auntie Artichoke, the storytelling trainer, for a workshop please call 406.549.9813.
You are also invited to visit our blog at http://www.AskAuntieArtichoke.com for answers and suggestions which will enhance your relationships. You will find a full listing of free tele-classes and radio shows held each Thursday just for you.
If your group or organization is looking a dynamic keynote speaker for an upcoming conference, please call 406-549-9813 and talk to Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, the storytelling trainer.
Thanks for joining our community of caring parents, family members,coaches, teachers and mentors who want to help raise a generation of responsible adults who respect others.
Author: Judy H. Wright
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Don’t Read to Your Toddler…Read WITH Your Toddler
We all know that reading to our toddlers is one of the best ways to improve language and develop pre-reading skills, but there is so much more you can do than just reading the words on the page.
Read Along with your Finger
If your toddler is like mine, their eyes are attracted to movement. Although my little boy doesn’t follow word for word, he will definitely look when I emphasize a word by pointing at it emphatically.
Match Words to Pictures
If you read the word “bear” and there happens to be a picture of a bear on the page, take a second to point to it. Not only will your toddler start to understand that there is a connection between written words and objects, but they will also learn to associate specific words with things.
Get your Toddler Involved
Ask your toddler to look for objects in the pictures. Talk about the story and try to relate it to an experience they had first-hand. “They are having a picnic. Do you remember when we went on a picnic?” Ask your toddler what they think will happen next or how a character might be feeling about a situation. “Do you think the dog is sad?”
Hunt for Alphabet Letters
For some reason, my toddler loves the letters “O” and “S”. Whether prompted or not, he will happily point out all of those letters on the page no matter how small the type. Hunting for letters is a great way to practice the alphabet with your toddler.
Let your Toddler Choose the Books
Sure, you may find yourself reading the same book over and over again for nights on end, but there is a reason your toddler loves it. They will be more engaged in books that interest them. Plus, memorization can help toddlers learn to read sooner. Of course, it is good to expand their horizons every now and again. We normally read two books before bed, one that our toddler chooses and one that we chose. Sometimes, our book becomes his new favorite.
Read to your Toddler Slowly
Your toddler will get a lot more from reading if you slow it down a bit. Their brains can process to stories and words better and they will have a chance to process what you are reading.
Make Reading to your Toddler Fun
Speak enthusiastically and use different voices for different characters. Your toddler will pick up on your excitement and they will WANT to read with you.
For other tips on reading to your toddler, check out: How To Make Books Come Alive With Your Toddler
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Closer and Farther Toddler Activity
This is one of Little Dude’s favorite activities right now (at 2 years-old). He gets to run around and hunt for something while learning the concepts of closer and farther. (I thought about using “hot” and “cold”, but it seemed more useful to use real concepts.)
To do this activity…
Pick a small toy or stuffed animal and explain that you are going to hide it. The trick is to hide it without them watching. Then, have them find it. As they get farther, make your voice quieter as you say, “Farther…farther…farther”. As they get closer, speak louder as you say, “Closer…CLOSER…CLOSER!!!”.
Your volume will give them clues as they learn the concepts of closer and farther.
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Drawing with Your Toddler…When You Don’t Know How to Draw
Drawing and toddlers go hand-in-hand. It is a great way to work on vocabulary, practice sight words, and teach them appreciation for creative arts. The problem is, we aren’t all Picasso’s.
If you have little or no artistic skill, the key to drawing with your toddler is cheating. Yep. Cheating.
Simply find yourself a children’s book on drawing. I say children’s book because there are generally fewer steps and simpler, cartoon style drawings. We aren’t aiming for still life’s in oil here. The goal is to be able to draw a simple picture that your toddler can recognize.
I love the How to Draw 101… series. The instructions are really easy and the end result is actually pretty good. I use “How to Draw 101 Animals” about every other day with my toddler. (I, regrettably, paid full price on an impulse buy at a retail store. I recommend clicking here to buy it at a discount through Amazon.com.)
Sometimes, he chooses a picture. I draw it and write the name under it. When he wants to watch a movie, I write three titles on the chalkboard with a little picture of an animal from the movie next to it so he can choose. Sometimes, we choose a letter of the alphabet and draw a bunch of animals that start with that letter. I am not joking. I use these books all the time!
Not only does my son think I can draw, but I am actually learning how to as I practice.
