FOR GROWN-UPS & LITTLE LISTENERS

How to Read an Interactive Picture Book With Your Toddler

You bring the reading voice. Your child brings the choices. An interactive picture book gives you a simple way to share the storytelling.

In Ethan & Chloe’s Adventures, the interaction happens on the printed page: your child chooses between two illustrated options, and you turn to the page indicated. Here’s how to get started with a toddler or preschooler.

How do books with story choices work?

These are books where kids choose what happens next. A grown-up reads both options, the child picks one, and the page directions lead you to that part of the story. In our interactive adventure books for ages 2–6, children can join in by pointing to a picture before they can read independently.

For a first look, try our free story choice: will the friends walk to the park or ride their tricycles?

Start with the cover

Look at the picture together before opening the book. You might ask, “What do you notice?” A child who loves vehicles may point straight to the truck; another may notice a familiar friend. A point, a word, or a short conversation is enough.

Read until you reach a choice

Read the story aloud at a comfortable pace. When the story offers two options, read both and point to each illustration. In The Monster Truck Show, one choice asks whether the friends should walk to the park or ride their tricycles.

Try saying, “Shall they walk, or ride their tricycles?” Then pause. Your child can answer by speaking or pointing; they don’t need to read the words.

Let their choice guide the page turn

Follow the page direction beside the option they chose. You don’t have to read every page in order on one visit through the book. Keep the page navigation in your hands so your little listener can enjoy deciding what happens next.

If they choose both, you can say, “Let’s try this one first, and save the other for next time.” If they aren’t ready to choose, offer to choose together.

Keep it relaxed

There is no quiz to pass. You can enjoy the pictures, use a silly voice, or pause when your child wants to talk. If they lose interest, mark your place and come back later. Finishing the story in one sitting is optional.

Try another route—or the same favorite

On another read-through, invite a different choice: “Last time we rode. Shall we walk today?” It’s also fine to repeat the favorite route. Every path in this series leads to a happy ending.

Choose your first adventure

For big wheels and an outing with friends, explore The Monster Truck Show. For decorating and cozy seasonal moments, try Christmas Morning. Both are made for ages 2–6 with a grown-up reading aloud.