15 of the best interactive books for toddlers
Introducing toddlers to the genre of interactive books is a joyous experience and a pivotal step in their cognitive development. Reading to my little one definitely played a part in enhancing his language skills. But it was only after he began interacting with the books themselves that I noticed him making connections between what was on the page and the wider world around him.
In this post, I share 15 of the most captivating interactive books that I’ve found to be tailored specifically to toddlers. Brimming with playful elements like flaps, sounds and touchable textures, these favourites have had my little one reaching for the bookshelf time and again.
1. Listen to the Dance Music by Marion Billet.
This is, without a doubt, my son’s favourite interactive book. It was given to him as a gift for his first birthday. Six months on, he still reaches for it whenever he wants a little boogie. It’s easy to see why – the music in this book is amazing (and plays for a lot longer than other sound books)! It features Salsa, Charleston and more.
2. Animal Gallery by David Pelham.
This beautiful book features eight intricate pop-up animals, making every turn of the page an opportunity for nature to come to life. The owl is particularly dynamic because you can actually flap its wings! However, the models are quite fragile (our panda unfortunately lost its head) so don’t leave your toddler alone with this one.
3. Peekaboo Lion by Camilla Reid.
This is another of my son’s favourites. He really enjoys the variety of sliders (which he’s grown better at using over time) and the surprise mirror at the end.
4. Fox’s Socks by Julia Donaldson.
This charming book is about a fox who, despite his best efforts to get dressed, simply can’t find his socks. Featuring Julia Donaldson’s classic rhymes and lots of tiny flaps to explore, each page contains an abundance of eclectic items in Fox’s cluttered home for your little one to pick out.
5. Spot Goes to the Farm by Eric Hill.
Join Spot the Dog on an exciting farm adventure with interactive flaps as he searches for some baby animals. The cheeky rabbit and honking goose are particular highlights for my little boy.
6. London Sounds by Sam Taplin.
Transport your child to the bustling city of London. We picked up this immersive picture book in a museum gift shop and had to buy it when we heard the quality of sounds within. Whether it’s the music of a marching band or the background noise of a tourist boat, each page succeeds in making you feel like you’re there.
7. Listen to the Seasons by Marion Billet.
Honestly, I could have listed all of Marion Billet’s books. They are just fab! This one introduces both the seasons and their corresponding animals. One day, I’m sure we’ll own the whole collection!
8. That’s not my … series by Fiona Watt.
These books are a must-have in any toddler’s library. Tactile illustrations coupled with simple text mean that they are beloved by small humans everywhere. Favourite editions in our household are currently Duck and Turtle, while the squishy beak is by far the most enjoyable texture.
9. Mix it Up by Hervé Tullet.
This whimsical yet educational entry is a great way to introduce slightly older toddlers to the surprising results of colour blending. By following playful instructions to interact with the various paints, your little one will feel like their every action has a direct and magical effect on the pages. Such an immersive book!
10. Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter.
Embark on a whimsical adventure with Larry the monster in this interactive book that challenges toddlers not to push the button, leading to hilarious surprises and plenty of giggles.
11. On the Farm by Axel Scheffer & Campbell Books.
Explore farm life with this cheerful board book! Its colourful illustrations and creative use of interactive flaps makes it perfect for engaging toddlers in a fun learning experience about farm animals.
12. Pop-Up Peekaboo! Under the Sea by DK.
Dive into the ocean depths with this captivating pop-up book. Its engaging rhymes and playful hidden sea creatures are a delightful way to introduce your toddler to the world under the sea.
13. Don’t tickle the Gorilla! by Sam Taplin.
Join in the fun but beware of tickling the animals in this gorilla’s jungle! This book’s use of touchable, interactive textures has our little one coming back to it again and again.
14. Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Farm by Anne-Kathrin Behl.
Farm books are clearly a big hit in our house at the moment. This one is great, with bright illustrations and sturdy moveable tabs to put the animals into motion. We picked it up in a National Trust gift shop, and there are plenty more in the series!
15. Night Sounds by Sam Taplin.
Just the perfect book for bedtime. Soothing colours, realistic sounds, and plenty of buttons and cutaway textures will keep little minds and fingers occupied in the wind-down to sleep.
Summary
Whether you use these interactive books for toddlers as a starting point or motivation to expand your child’s collection, I’d love to know your thoughts. Likewise, if you have any suggestions for titles you think belong in this list, feel free to get in touch!
