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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce the wonders of the natural world to your toddler? Look no further! Our curated selection of nature books for 2-year-olds is designed to captivate and educate your little ones about the beauty of the environment around them. Keep reading to discover a variety of engaging and colorful nature books that are just right for your child's first exploration into the great outdoors.

Fun Nature Books for 2-Year-Olds

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature
  • Synopsis: This delightful book tells the story of a caterpillar eating his way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic counting and the days of the week to young readers through vibrant illustrations and engaging, repetitive text.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about nature's life cycles.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck—all parade across the pages of this delightful book.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhythmic text makes it easy for toddlers to participate in the reading, enhancing their pre-reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just beginning to learn how to identify animals and colors.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Classic, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: In this classic of children's literature, a young rabbit goes through a bedtime ritual of saying goodnight to everything in the room.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a soothing bedtime read that helps establish a comforting nighttime routine for young kids.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy a calming read before sleep.

• Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this lift-the-flap book, children join the fun search for Spot, a small puppy hiding somewhere in his home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages interaction and participation, which can help keep a 2-year-old engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love interactive hide-and-seek games.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other, trying to measure how much they love each other.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the boundless nature of love and the special bond between parent and child.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and parents looking to share a heartwarming storytime experience.

Educational Nature Books for 2-Year-Olds

• Over in the Meadow by Olive A. Wadsworth, illustrated by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: This charming book features a sing-song poem that counts various animals living in a meadow.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, animal recognition, rhyming skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines engaging rhymes with the introduction of different meadow creatures, enhancing both language and nature knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy rhymes and learning about animals in their natural habitats.

• Touch and Explore: Safari by Xavier Deneux
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Interactive, Nature
  • Synopsis: This tactile book allows children to explore different textures as they learn about animals on a safari.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory skills, animal recognition, interactive learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and sensory-driven, perfect for engaging young minds and encouraging exploration through touch.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to touch and feel as they learn about wild animals.

• Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature
  • Synopsis: This colorful book takes young readers through the steps of planting and growing a flower garden, showcasing a variety of colorful blooms.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color recognition, understanding plant growth, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It visually explains the process of planting and caring for a garden, which can spark an interest in nature and gardening.
  • Perfect for: Little gardeners and any child who loves colorful flowers.

• In the Forest by Marie Hall Ets
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy explores a forest and encounters various animals and exciting adventures along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal recognition, imagination, adventure storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages outdoor exploration and imagination, showing the joy of nature adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who dream of exploring the woods and meeting woodland creatures.

• The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature
  • Synopsis: This story celebrates the perseverance and impact of a tiny gardener who works hard to take care of his garden, despite the challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, perseverance, the importance of nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about the rewards of hard work and caring for the environment.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are interested in gardening and the outdoors.

Challenging Nature Books for 2-Year-Olds

• Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Mark Hearld
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the wonders of nature through the seasons, from planting seeds in spring to feeding birds in winter.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of nature topics and introduces seasonal changes, which require understanding of more complex concepts about time and nature cycles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines poetry and information, encouraging curiosity about the natural world in a poetic and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young nature enthusiasts who are ready to explore the changing seasons and diverse ecosystems.

• A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides an intimate look at the life cycle of seeds, detailing their various forms and functions in nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed botanical concepts and vocabulary that are typically beyond the typical scope for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of seeds with lush illustrations and rich language that can enhance vocabulary and scientific understanding.
  • Perfect for: Curious toddlers who have an interest in plants and the beginnings of life in nature.

• Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature, Peek-Through
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers through a year in the life of a tree, showing how it changes with the seasons and the various creatures that inhabit it.
  • Why this book is challenging: The peek-through pages require spatial understanding and the concept of passing time through seasons, which are advanced for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive peek-through design and beautiful illustrations engage young readers visually while teaching them about ecology.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love interactive reading experiences and learning about the environment.

• The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the life of trees from their roots to their leaves, detailing how they live, breathe, and survive.
  • Why this book is challenging: It contains scientific details about photosynthesis and the ecosystem, which are complex for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive view of trees and their importance to the earth, fostering a respect and awe for nature from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by the natural world and eager to understand the science behind it.

• Curious George Plants a Tree by Margret & H.A. Rey
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Curious George participates in a tree planting event and learns all about recycling and conservation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces environmental concepts such as conservation and recycling, paired with the storyline that requires following complex activities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important environmental lessons through a beloved character, making the learning process fun and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Little environmentalists and fans of Curious George who enjoy stories with a message.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young children to the wonders of nature through books can be a magical experience. For 2-year-olds, it's all about making reading fun and interactive. Here are some engaging exercises that will help your little one develop good reading habits while exploring nature books:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flipping through the book and talking about the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances the child's anticipation and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the book might be about based on the pictures.

• Sound Safari
  • What it is: Making animal noises or sounds of nature that appear in the story.
  • How it helps: Engages multiple senses which help with memory and understanding.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to make the sounds themselves or mimic them after you.

• Match the Picture
  • What it is: Pointing to different pictures in the book and having your child identify them.
  • How it helps: Helps with word association and builds vocabulary.
  • Tips: Start with pictures of things your child might already be familiar with from their own experiences.

• Story Role Play
  • What it is: Acting out scenes from the book using simple props or gestures.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading a more active experience.
  • Tips: Keep the role play simple and fun; let your child lead with their imagination.

• Nature Book Nook
  • What it is: Creating a special reading spot with elements that reflect the nature themes in the books.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable time, associated with comfort and fun.
  • Tips: Decorate with soft nature-themed cushions, plush toys, or even a tent.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only foster a love for books in your child but also deepen their connection with the natural world. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light and enjoyable, letting your child's curiosity and imagination guide the way. Happy reading!