Best Books For 2-Year-Olds Montessori
Reading is an opportunity for children to learn about the world around them. They're interested in the endless experiences open to them. Choose books that are simple, colorful, and have a variety of animals and objects. These books will help your 2-year-old develop their imagination and creativity.
How to pick a Montessori-friendly book
The Montessori Method aims to stimulate children’s interest in reading by providing them with materials they enjoy. By choosing the right books for children and by encouraging them to read, you can help them develop skills such as problem-solving, logic, and reasoning.
Children who read from an early age tend to continue to enjoy reading as they grow.
Reading aloud to children is one of the most important things you can do for them. But what books should you choose?
Today, most baby and children's books are illustrated and seem to rarely be based on real-world struggles or experiences. Instead, they focus on fairy tales, superheroes, princesses, and unicorns. But there's another way to approach reading to little ones.
Children learn best through concrete learning — activities where they experience something directly rather than just being told what happened.
At this early stage, children are "concrete learners," which means everything they see seems like reality. So, they'll feel scared and confused when they encounter a monster under the bed.
Since they may not yet understand how stories work, they won't know for sure whether the monster is real or imaginary. That's why the concept of a monster hiding under the bed feels very real and frightening to toddlers. Books with real pictures can seem very real.
But most books for babies and toddlers are filled with more images than words. This makes them less helpful for developing abstract thinking skills. For example, when children look at a picture of a monster, they may not understand what it represents within the context of the story.
In other words, they would see the image but don't necessarily know what it means.
So, while many books for babies and toddlers do use illustrations, some include real photos of people and places. These books are better suited to teach children about the world around them and encourage them to explore the world themselves.
Books Suitable For Montessori
When choosing books for children, you want to select books that are educational, fun, engaging, age-appropriate, and that are easily read aloud.
You also want to select a visually appealing book such as a flap book, wooden book, interactive book, or a beautiful photography book.
Sometimes, the best way to teach someone something is through a story. For example, to teach someone how to read, you can start by reading a simple story to them.
Once they get the idea, you can move on to more complex stories. If you have a toddler, you might try reading bedtime stories to them.
If you don't know what to look for in books suitable for toddlers, here are some suggestions:
- Choose books that are simple but still contain information. Books like these will give your child a foundation to build upon later.
- Read books together as much as possible. Reading out loud helps your child learn to recognize words and sounds.
- Don't force your child to read. Instead, let him/her decide when he/she wants to pick up a book.
- Be patient. Your child may take time to grasp the concept of reading.
- Make sure you're consistent. Once your child gets used to you reading to him/her, you'll see his/her progress.
Beautiful Montessori-Friendly books
A good book for children should be beautiful in both its language and its illustrations. The illustrations should be done well enough to match the text's quality. The rhymes should sound natural. And the pictures should be clear and bright.
Montessori teachers often use the word "reading" to describe what children do during free playtime. But there is a difference between reading and playing with books. A good book sparks curiosity, encourages imagination and promotes creativity.
A Montessori-friendly storybook teaches children about language, numbers, letters, colors, shapes, and textures while encouraging them to explore the world around them.
Here are three key elements of a Montessori-friendly book:
- Language
- Numbers
- Colors
- Letters
- Shapes
- Textures
Books For 2-Year-Olds
Many books are suitable for children at this age. Some of the most popular ones are as follows:
National Geographic Books
The National Geographic kids' book series is great for toddlers. These are perfect for children who love animals and nature. The boards are sturdy enough to hold up to rough play and they're easy to wipe clean if your little one gets messy.
One Gorilla
One Gorilla is an educational counting book with interesting animal illustrations. Young kids enjoy looking at the animals' eyes. The book is suitable for age groups 2-5. Older kids may also find it fun.
Edible Numbers
This simple counting book has a kaleidoscope of tasty foods that will make your mouth water as you count from one to twelve. Readers will learn about counting, variety, and color through the clear, detailed photos of homegrown and farmer's market fruits and vegetables.
Shades Of People
This book about one of our most noticeable physical traits is a celebration of the variety of everyday life. It has simple text and bright photos. Different groups of kids at school, at the beach, and in the city encourage young readers to pay attention and look beyond the obvious.
This book is perfect for a preschool-aged child.
Edible Colors
This concept book shows that not all foods have to look identical, using strange foods and many different colors. Even if a banana is red, broccoli is purple, or cherries are yellow, they will still taste good.
This book is recommended to be enjoyed by children between the ages of 2 and 5.
My Heart Fills With Happiness
This is an excellent board book to add to your toddler's library. It is recommended for children ages 3 and under.
This beautiful book, with illustrations by the well-known artist Julie Flett, is a good way to remind kids and adults to think about and enjoy the happy times in life.
Everyone Poops
Everyone Poops is a great book for reading every day with smart, interested kids.
This is especially an excellent Montessori-friendly book for your 2-to-3-year-old when you're ready to begin potty-training them.
Madeline
The Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers even after 75 years. The main character, Madeline, is sweet and brave, and the drawings of Paris are whimsical and funny. It delivers a beautiful message.
The Snowy Day
One of the best children's stories for toddlers is The Snowy Day, written by Ezra Jack Keats. It tells the story of a young Black child whose family moves from New York City to rural Vermont during the Great Depression.
Blueberries For Sal
A favorite classic for toddlers is Blueberries for Sal, which features a blueberry farm where kids can pick their own berries.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the First Discovery books?
There are several First Discovery books on a range of non-fiction subjects. They are designed to encourage children to explore topics through hands-on activities and games.
What are the National Geographic Kids Look & Learn books?
These National Geographic Kids books are beautifully designed children's picture books. Each book explores a different topic or subject matter.
What is the best way to introduce letters?
You can read Lucy Micklethwait’s books on teaching letters to young children. One favorite way to introduce letters to toddlers is through the I Spy Alphabet game.
What are the best toilet learning books for 2-year-olds?
Many 2-year-old children enjoy reading books like Everyone Poops because they help them feel more comfortable using the bathroom.
What is the best way to store my child’s books?
Front-facing bookshelves are the best way to store books. This allows the child to be able to see each book cover and make select the book he or she wants to read.
Final Thoughts
There are many wonderful books for toddlers out there, such as books on inclusivity, Montessori-aligned books, and sensory board busy books.
You don't need to spend much money to find quality children's books. Instead, look around your house and see what you already have.
If you are looking for more Montessori-inspired items, RocketBaby carries several stylish collections of clothing, accessories, and products in various colors and to match your lifestyle and home design.