Children between ages 2 and 3 are now old enough to follow story lines. Your toddler may even start demanding books that are a little more complicated than those that simply describe things but don't do much else.

Some children at 2 or 3 years old have quite a long attention spans while others do not, so adjust your reading sessions accordingly. Your goal now is to share the joy of reading with your child; the best way that you can promote reading with your children is to read every single day starting as soon as possible.

Read on for suggestions of the best books for 2-3 year olds.

	Paddington – Michael Bond For more than five decades, stories of Paddington Bear have delighted children all over the world.  The classic story of the bear from Darkest Peru who arrived at Paddington Station with nothing but a suitcase, a half-empty jar of marmalade and a label that read, ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you.’
	Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giles Andreae Gerald would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can't dance . . . or can they? A funny, touching and triumphant story from an award-winning creative team.
	The Snowman – Raymond Briggs One winter's night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins. Raymond Briggs' favourite classic is a true piece of Christmas magic - narrated entirely through pictures, it captures the wonder and innocence of childhood and is now recognised throughout the world.
	Cars and trucks and Things That Go – Richard Scarry This children’s classic is bursting with all kinds of fun vehicles from the magical world of Richard Scarry. From tractors to trucks, sports cars to unicycles, and fire engines to mouse beach buggies, there’s lots to see and talk about on every page.
	Hairy Maclary – Lynley Dodd Hairy Maclary felt bumptious and bustly, bossy and bouncy and frisky and hustly" Hairy Maclary, everyone's favourite dog, is busy chasing and hustling all the neighbourhood cats from Slinky Malinki to Pimpernel Pugh. But when he comes face to face with Scarface Claw, the toughest tomcat in town, it's Hairy Maclary's turn to be bustled, rustled and hustled!
	The Cat In The Hat – Dr Seuss The wonderfully anarchic Cat in the Hat is one of the most popular characters in children’s fiction, and this book is ideal for budding readers to tackle on their own.
	The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson The nation's favourite bedtime story! A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.' Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when the quick-thinking mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake and a hungry gruffalo.
	The Tiger Who Came to Tea – Judith Kerr This classic story of Sophie and her extraordinary tea-time guest has been loved by millions of children since it was first published over 30 years ago.
	Thomas The Tank Engine series – Rev W Awdry Thomas and his friends remain as popular as ever, loved by millions all over the world; the original Railway Series books continue to delight Thomas fans of all ages.
	We’re Going On A Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen Follow the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of the bear. What a surprise awaits in the cave on the other side of the dark forest.

Other Books that we would recommend.

	How To Catch A Star – Oliver Jeffers An inspirational story of a boy who loved the stars so much, he decided to catch one of his very own. The beautifully illustrated, original debut picture book from shining talent Oliver Jeffers.
	Mister Magnolia – Quentin Blake In this wittily rhyming picture book, Mr Magnolia has a full and happy life except for one serious omission - a boot. But one day, he receives a mysterious parcel, and at last Mr Magnolia can splash in the puddles with everyone else!
	Room On The Broom – Julia Donaldson The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch's hat, bow and wand. They are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, and each animal asks for a ride on the broom. They climb on, one after the next, until the broom is so heavy that it snaps in two! What will happen next as they tumble into a bog and meet a greedy dragon?
	Topsy & Tim (especially with twins!) – Jean Adamson A trusted and well-loved pair who can help guide parents and children through 'first experiences', Topsy and Tim books have been beautifully updated with contemporary artwork. Topsy & Tim remain instantly recognisable to parents while in a fresh style that will appeal to a new generation of fans.

Looking for books for younger children? Why not take a look at books for 1 to 2 year olds and books for under 12 months olds. 

The Top Ten Books for 2 to 3 year olds and other book are available from all good book shops as well as online at;

www.bookstore.co.uk 

www.amazon.co.uk

www.waterstones.com

www.whsmith.co.uk