10+ Best Books About Sharing for 2-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the concept of sharing to your little one? Look no further! Our curated list of books about sharing for 2-year-olds is just what you need. These charming reads are not only fun but also packed with valuable lessons that help toddlers understand and embrace the joy of sharing. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to make storytime both enriching and delightful!

Fun Books About Sharing for 2-Year-Olds

• Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
  • Illustrator: Anna Dewdney
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Little Llama learns to share his toys with his new neighbor, Nelly Gnu, highlighting the ups and downs of toddler friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses charming rhymes and relatable situations to teach toddlers the value of sharing in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning the basics of social interactions and friendship.

• Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
  • Illustrator: Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Gerald the Elephant faces a serious dilemma about sharing his ice cream, teaching readers about generosity and the joy of giving.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book captures the essence of sharing through a simple, humorous story that resonates with toddlers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fun stories and are at the stage of understanding personal and social responsibility.

• Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
  • Illustrator: Jane Chapman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Bear wants to host a feast for his friends but realizes he has nothing to offer. His friends come to the rescue, each bringing a dish to share.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a warm story about gratitude and community, showing how sharing brings friends closer together.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories about friendship and sharing.

• The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
  • Illustrator: Marcus Pfister
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A beautiful fish learns to make friends by sharing his most prized possessions—his shiny scales.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book's vivid illustrations and simple narrative effectively convey the message of generosity and happiness found in sharing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate visually captivating books and learning about kindness and sharing.

• Mine! A Counting Book About Sharing by Caryn Rivadeneira
  • Illustrator: Amanda Gulliver
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: Three friends at a picnic navigate the challenges of sharing toys, teaching basic counting along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines learning numbers with the social skills of sharing, making it both educational and relevant to everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to explore numbers and the concept of sharing with others.

Educational Books About Sharing for 2-Year-Olds

• Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems
  • Illustrator: Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this engaging story, Elephant and Piggie meet a new friend, a snake, who wants to play catch with them. They must figure out a way to include someone who has no arms.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem solving, empathy, inclusivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about adaptability and inclusiveness in play, showing that everyone can participate, no matter their physical limitations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning about friendship and inclusion.

• It's Mine! by Leo Lionni
  • Illustrator: Leo Lionni
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Three selfish frogs bicker over everything in their pond until a storm teaches them the value of sharing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: Through simple text and captivating illustrations, it addresses the importance of sharing and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to understand the concept of communal harmony and sharing.

• One Big Pair of Underwear by Laura Gehl
  • Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: This humorous story uses rhymes and funny situations to teach counting and the concept of sharing, as various animals find they have fewer chairs, scooters, and even underwear than they need.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, social development
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with educational content, making learning about numbers and sharing enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy laughing while learning basic math and social skills.

• You Share Good! by Jason Tharp
  • Illustrator: Jason Tharp
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A delightful story about a group of animal friends who learn the joys and methods of sharing through simple acts of kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, kindness, social interactions
  • Why we recommend this book: Its bright illustrations and positive messages encourage young children to share and show kindness in everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are developing their understanding of social skills and empathy.

• Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle
  • Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Little Blue Truck finds his way through a busy city and teaches the importance of taking turns and sharing the road.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social manners, understanding of traffic and community rules
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and engaging story that introduces young readers to concepts of patience, sharing space, and urban transportation.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are curious about vehicles and city life, while learning about cooperation and social conduct.

Challenging Books About Sharing for 2-Year-Olds

• A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
  • Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Bear is set on having his breakfast alone, but a persistent mouse shows up at his door, teaching Bear the unexpected joys of companionship and sharing.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure introduces complex themes of solitude versus companionship, challenging young readers to understand emotional nuances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how sharing one's personal space can lead to unexpected friendships and joy.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning the value of friendship and sharing personal space.

• The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
  • Illustrator: Pat Hutchins
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Each time the doorbell rings, more friends arrive to share Ma's wonderful cookies, but will there be enough for everyone?
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces basic math concepts through the division of cookies, which requires logical thinking about sharing equally.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a simple story with a practical introduction to division and fairness, making complex concepts accessible and fun.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to understand mathematical concepts and the importance of equal sharing.

• Otis and the Kittens by Loren Long
  • Illustrator: Loren Long
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Otis the tractor saves a litter of kittens from a barn fire and learns about the joys and responsibilities of sharing his home and heart.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story tackles themes of bravery and responsibility, pushing young readers to consider deeper values associated with sharing and caring.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches children about selflessness and the impact of sharing on others' lives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about heroism and compassion.

• Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
  • Illustrator: Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Annabelle finds a box with a never-ending supply of yarn and begins knitting for everyone around her, transforming her cold, grey community into a vibrant, colorful one.
  • Why this book is challenging: The magical elements of the story stimulate imagination and challenge the conventional understanding of sharing physical resources.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and generosity, showing how sharing can literally change the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Creative children who enjoy stories about magic and transformation through kindness.

• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
  • Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A tale about the relationship between a boy and a tree, where the tree gives the boy everything it has, exploring the nature of giving and selflessness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex themes of sacrifice and unconditional love, presenting a more profound moral lesson that can provoke thought and discussion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that encourages deep thinking about the balance between taking and giving, and the true nature of selfless acts.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents interested in stories that offer life lessons and deeper moral questions about generosity and gratitude.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring books about sharing with your 2-year-old, you're on a fantastic path to nurturing empathy and cooperative skills early on. To complement your reading sessions, here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits in your toddler. These activities are not only fun but are also designed to enhance the learning experience.

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day to read a book about sharing together.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and fosters a love for reading.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each day for reading to create anticipation and consistency.

• Point and Describe
  • What it is: Point to pictures in the book and describe what’s happening or what objects are.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Keep your descriptions simple and encourage your child to point and describe things too.

• Reenact the Story
  • What it is: Act out the story with your child after reading it.
  • How it helps: Helps with memory retention and understanding of the plot.
  • Tips: Use simple props or toys that relate to the story to make the reenactment more engaging.

• Ask Predictive Questions
  • What it is: Ask your child what they think will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Pause at key moments in the story to ask these questions, giving your child time to think and respond.

• Create a Book Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and comfortable activity.
  • Tips: Decorate the nook with soft cushions, good lighting, and easy access to books.

These exercises are simple yet powerful ways to enhance your child’s early reading experiences. By integrating these activities into your daily routine, you're not only reinforcing the lessons about sharing found in the books but also laying the groundwork for strong reading skills and a lifelong love for books. So, grab your favorite book about sharing, and let’s make reading a magical and educational journey for your little one!