Best Books for 3-Year-Olds
It is crazy how fast your baby becomes a walking, talking toddler. Their vocabulary explodes as does their need to explore everything. What books are good for a 3-year-old? Storytime needs to be engaging and fun which is why I made a list of the best books for 3-year-olds.
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, Jackie and I are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. I’ve got suggestions for interactive picture books, board books for bedtime, and so many more suggestions to help you raise little readers.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for 3-year-olds have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
The Best Books for 3-Year-Olds
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Counting Book
Countablock by Christopher Franceschelli – Jump to section
The Best Bedtime Book
Mortimer by Robert Munsch – Jump to section
The Best Alphabet Book
LMNOPeas by Keith Baker – Jump to section
The Best Food Book
Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border – Jump to section
The Best Daycare Book
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen – Jump to section
The Best Color Book
Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson – Jump to section
The Best Nature Book
Shark Lady by Jess Keating – Jump to section
The Best Rhyming Book
Rhyming Crime by Jon Burgerman – Jump to section
The Best Animal Book
Bunny’s Book Club by Annie Silvestro – Jump to section
The Best Classic Book
The Napping House by Audrey Wood – Jump to section
The Best Book for Motor Development
Olympig by Victoria James – Jump to section
The Best Books About Love
Love Monster by Rachel Bright – Jump to section
The Best Interactive Book
Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda – Jump to section
The Best Family Book
Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins – Jump to section
The Best Book About Art
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis – Jump to section
The Best Book About Feelings
Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Counting Books for 3-year-olds
Countablock
Author: Christopher Franceschelli
Illustrator: Peski Studio
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Part of the Block Books Series
Plot
Because the words in this story are mostly sight words and kids are learning to recognize numbers up to 100, this makes a great first book for early readers.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this book series. It’s a fantastic board book with thick pages perfect for little hands. The illustrations hidden behind each number are so fun!
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author: Eric Carle
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Year: 1968
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 5
More info: International Bestseller
Plot
There are so many things about this classic book for kids that I love. Not only can you talk about days of the week, food, and counting, but you can follow the caterpillar on his journey to becoming a butterfly. When it comes to books for 3-year-olds, this one is tops.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a gorgeous introduction to nature, food, counting, and days of the week. It’s a classic for a reason!
Find this book in: Classic Kids Books / Preschool Books About Food / Best Board Books / Educational Books for 3-year-olds / Counting Books
Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party
Author: Erin Barker
Illustrator: Erin Barker
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 5
Plot
Mr. Pumpkin is having a tea party and all his spooky friends are coming with items to feed each other and decorate the table. This Halloween picture book is a counting book too as it counts up from 1 to 20.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that this book can help your little one with their counting skills while also getting them in the spooky spirit of the season!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Counting Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Good night books for a 3-year-old
Mortimer
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Year: 1983
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
As a kid, I thought this was hilarious, as a parent, I can relate all too well! Mortimer does not want to go to bed and makes sure everyone knows!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the bedtime stories for kids that I actually read when I was younger. It is definitely a classic that has withstood the test of time.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
Author: Sherry Dusky Rinker
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 7
More info: Part of the Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site series
Plot
Little kids love construction vehicles. The giant, funky looking machinery never fails to capture their attention. So obviously, there isn’t a better way to start bedtime than with a rhyming construction book about the giants machines going to bed after a long day at work.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve read this so many times I can still hear myself whisper-reading “Down on the big construction site, the tough trucks work with all their might…” This is one of my favorite books series to gift to new parents! It’s a modern classic.
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Rhyming Books
Mitchell’s License
Author: Hallie Durand
Illustrator: Tony Fucile
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
Mitchell drives his daddy like a car to bed every night. Mitchell steers his daddy around the house by tugging on dad’s ears, and he’s a real driving pro.
But one night, Mitchell tries to take a detour to get some “fuel”….at the cookie jar. That’s when the car goes into auto-pilot.
Why Kirsten loves it
I LOVE this story for bedtime with my little guys and I love this for a list of baby boy books. It’s clever and cute and Mitchell’s license photo is adorable. I gave my kids my old licenses to play with after reading this story with them.
Find this book in: Books for a Baby Boys Library / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Alphabet Books for 3-year-olds
ABC Animals!: A Scanimation Picture Book
Author: Rufus Butler Seder
Illustrator: Rufus Butler Seder
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
Each page of this book has incredible “moving” animals to go along with the alphabet theme. Each letter is accompanied by a moving lenticular making the animals come alive.
Why Jackie loves it
If you have never seen these amazing books, they are perfect alphabet books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The moving images completely capture their attention.
Find this book in: Alphabet Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Dr. Seuss’s ABC
Author: Dr. Suess
Illustrator: Dr. Suess
Year: 1963
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
This book is a classic. It is hilarious enough to read over and over!!! Told with his signature illustrations and wacky words, Dr. Suess’s take on the ABCs is sure to delight toddlers everywhere.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a perfect pick in alliteration books for preschool kids. It is just silly enough to keep even the littlest readers engaged.
Find this book in: Alphabet Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
LMNO Peas
Author: Keith Baker
Illustrator: Keith Baker
Year: 2010
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the Peas series
Plot
This delightful book showcases each letter of the alphabet in a story about peas and all the jobs they can have. Told through rhyme, your little one will eagerly hunt for the peas matching the described jobs.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love any book that has a great rhyming scheme but this one is hilarious with adorable illustrations to match. There is so much to look at on each page that you could read this over and over and never get bored.
Find this book in: Alphabet Books / Gender Neutral Baby Books / Food Books for Children / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Food Books for 3-year-olds
Peanut Butter and Cupcake
Author: Terry Border
Illustrator: Terry Border
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 3 – 5
More info: Part of the Peanut Butter series
Plot
Poor peanut butter is looking for someone to play with. Does peanut butter go with cupcakes? Not only is this beginning picture book silly, but it also allows your child to learn about making friends! It’s a great rhyming book too.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the theme of this book as well as the fantastic pictures. The hamburger walking two hotdogs is hilarious.
Find this book in: Books for a 3-Year-Old / Books for a Baby Shower / Preschool Books About Food
Green Eggs and Ham
Author: Dr. Suess
Illustrator: Dr. Suess
Year: 1960
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
At 60 years old, this book is a classic that has withstood the test of time. The rhyme, rhythm, and repetition in this book make it so easy to remember and predict what will happen.
Why Jackie loves it
The silliness and the story make it enjoyable for parents to read. Not only is this book hilarious, but it teaches a lesson about trying new food as well.
Find this book in: Books About Food for Kids / Classic Books for Kids / Rhyming Books
Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast
Author: Josh Funk
Illustrator: Brendan Kearney
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast #1
Plot
My kids think it is hysterical to see Lady Pancake try to beat Sir French Toast to the last drop of syrup as they navigate the perils of the refrigerator. The message about sharing is particularly important especially if you are in the in the midst of the sibling rivalry phase.
Why Kirsten loves it
This unique book is alwasy perfect to gift to new parents! I have every book in the series on my shelves at home!
Find this book in: Books for 3-Year-Olds / Children’s Books About Food
Books Set at Daycare for a 3-year-old
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hanna
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the Pout-Pout Fish series
Plot
Mr. Fish can’t figure out where to go, he can’t figure out how to write and he can’t figure out how to draw. He doesn’t think he belongs or is smart enough so his frown comes out as he thinks he wouldn’t ever get it right.
Finally, his teacher comes out to find him and tells him he IS smart, he WILL get it, and he DOES belong.
Why Jackie loves it
This is an adorable first-day-of-school book for kids with performance anxiety. If your child is worried about starting preschool, this is a great story to read!
Find this book in: First Day of School Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2019
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 3 – 6
More info: Part of the Pigeon series
Plot
The Pigeon is back at it again with this hilarious story about why Pigeon doesn’t want to go to school. He knows everything already, right? So why exactly does he have to go?
Why Jackie loves it
Particularly good for kids not wanted to go back to school, I love the way Mo Willems captures big feelings and turns them into funny situations. As always, this story will leave your child in giggles.
Find this book in: First Day of School Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Wemberly Worried
Author: Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Year: 2000
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
Wemberly worries all the time, but she is especially worried about school. This story tackles the difficult topic of children with anxiety.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was particularly helpful for my oldest child who has some anxiety in day-to-day situations but a lot of anxiety in new situations. He could relate to Wemberly and her feelings which opened a nice discussion for us.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / First Day of School Books
Color Books for 3-year-olds
Bear Sees Colors
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of The Bear Books
Plot
This charming, rhyming picture book about colors has everyone’s favorite bear walking through the forest finding colors all around!
Why Kirsten loves it
The repetition and bursts of color are perfect for toddlers just learning their colors.
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Best Books for 3-year-olds
The Mixed-Up Chameleon
Author: Eric Carle
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Year: 1988
Genre: Board Books
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
As the chameleon travels around, he changes colors. When the chameleon visits the zoo, he starts to get mixed up, becoming a crazy-colored creature!
Why Jackie loves it
This fabulous picture book uses Eric Carle’s signature style to teach colors. Any thing by Eric Carle is a winner in my book!
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Best Books for 3-year-olds
The Color Monster
Author: Anna Llenas
Illustrator: Anna Llenas
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
This adorable book about colors will not only teach your child about colors but will help them identify their emotions at the same time.
Why Jackie loves it
I love the idea of making emotions something your child can see because this will help your child identify how they are feeling more literally.
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Books About Feelings
Season and Nature Books for a 3-year-old
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Author: Jess Keating
Illustrator: Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Best Children’s Book for 2017 by Parents Magazine
Plot
Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks the first time she saw them in an aquarium and made it her life’s work to show the world what beautiful animals they are. This is a perfect book about sharks and the power of truth.
Why Kirsten loves it
This children’s book about the ocean is a remarkable and true story and one that resonated with my childhood self – because at one point, I too was obsessed with ocean animals and marine biology.
Find this book in: Kids’ Books About Sharks / Ocean Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Plot
Mo Willems, of Elephant and Piggie fame, is back with a nonfiction picture book explaining the concept of big to toddlers.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love how each page shows something in nature bigger than the page before and then the book ends with facts for older kids. There is an Are You Small? companion book as well.
Find this book in: Best New Children’s Books of 2024 / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Winter is Here
Author: Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Laura Dronzek
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 8
Plot
This picture book is filled with the best descriptions of the sights, smells, and sounds of winter.
Why Jackie loves it
If you are looking for children’s books about winter that will also help grow your little one’s vocabulary and imagination, this is a wonderful pick!
Find this book in: Books About Winter / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Rhyming Books for 3-Year-Olds
Rhyme Crime
Author: Jon Burgerman
Illustrator: Jon Burgerman
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
When a thief commits a crime, everything he steals becomes a rhyme. Yep. That’s the premise, and it gets uproariously funny.
Why Jackie loves it
The rhymes in this book create simple humor that are not only funny but will give you child a chance to guess what the word thief will do next.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
The Wonky Donkey
Author: Craig Smith
Illustrator: Katz Cowley
Year: 2010
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2+
Plot
This book starts with what seems like a simple story. I was walking down the road and I saw a donkey who only had three legs… This story progresses into a hysterical tale of a donkey that will leave you in tears from laughing so hard.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is hilarious! But more than that, this book is a great book to read with your child to practice their auditory memory skills. The description of the donkey repeats in its entirety with each new item added to give your child a chance to remember and repeat.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Animal Books
Stretchy McHandsome
Author: Judy Schachner
Illustrator: Judy Schachner
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 5
Plot
An adorable stray cat, who often gets into trouble, loves to explore town and get into mischief. When he meets a little girl with the same personality, he realizes her lap looks awfully inviting.
Why Jackie loves it
We love our butterscotch kitty and so this book was a no brainer. Stretchy McHandsome finds his perfect girl with humor, love and rhyme. Who could ask for anything more.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Animal Books for a 3-year-old
Bunny’s Book Club
Author: Annie Silvestro
Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
Bunny has loved books since the first time he stumbled on a librarian reading outside to children. But when cold weather set-in, he couldn’t hear the stories anymore. So he set out with a plan.
He snuck into the library in the middle of the night to “borrow” some books for his home. Soon his woodland friends want to get in on the reading fun, but when they get caught one late night at the library, things don’t go quite as they planned.
Why Jackie loves it
Aside from the cuteness of woodland critters reading books, we love that the ending shows that the library is a welcome home to book lovers of all creatures!
Find this book in: Rabbit Books / Kids Books About Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Animal Books for Kids
Big Smelly Bear
Author: Britta Teckentrup
Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
This book was a favorite picture book in my house and we still have it sitting within reach to read. Big Smelly Bear is itchy and refuses to take a bath. He needs some help and he needs to make a friend as well. Can he solve this problem?
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a must for a three-year-old bookshelf, especially reluctant bathers.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds
The Rainbow Fish
Author: Marcus Pfister
Illustrator: Marcus Pfister
Year: 1992
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
It’s all about a gorgeous fish with shiny scales who is so conceited he doesn’t have any friends. After he decides to share a lovely scale with each fish in his neighborhood, he gains friends in spades! A wonderful lesson for young kids.
Why Kirsten loves it
This modern classic kids’ book about fish was one I learned about in school! I remember making a project with this story in elementary school.
Find this book in: Kids Books About Fish / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Classic Books for 3-year-olds
The Napping House
Author: Audrey Wood
Illustrator: Don Wood
Year: 1984
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
The illustrations and repetition in this book make it one of my favorite books with prepositions for toddlers. Everyone in the napping house piles onto the one bed to sleep.
Why Jackie loves it
The rhythm and repetition make it easy for your toddler to “read” the book with you. This is one of my favorite read-aloud books and is a delightful bedtime story that is also great scaffolding for children who are learning to put two words together.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds
Where the Wild Things
Author: Maurice Sendak
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Year: 1963
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 100
More info: Caldecott MedalWinner
Plot
Maurice Sendek explores the amazing power of imagination in this classic kids’ book about monsters. When Max gets upset with his parents, he imagines traveling to a world to be the kids of the monsters.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this book, the illustrations, and the message within the pages. When Max finally decides to come home, his dinner is waiting for him and it’s still hot. This act of love always touched me. Really this is a book that shows a parent’s unconditional love for their child.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Classic Books for Kids / Monster Books for Kids
Corduroy
Author: Don Freeman
Illustrator: Don Freeman
Year: 1968
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
Courdory is a bear who lives in a department story, waiting for someone to buy him. When a little girl finds him, her mother says she can’t have him because he’s missing a button. So he goes on an adventure to find one.
Why Jackie loves it
I love when the little girl comes back and buys him with her own money and gives him a loving home. It’s wonderful lesson that shoes you don’t have to be perfect to be loved.
Sports Books for 3-year-olds
Plot
Olympig is the cutest story about a pig named Boomer who wants to compete against the other animals in the Animal Olympics. Except he isn’t able to win any sports! Instead of getting upset, his mindset is that it was great practice for the Winter games.
Why Kirsten loves it
Olympig makes me smile every time I read it. The charming pictures, the silly text, and the sincere message make this my favorite Olympic book for kids!
Find this book in: Olympics Books for Kids / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Goodnight Football
Author: Michael Dahl
Illustrator: Christina E. Forshay
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Have a kid who is too geared up after the big game? Try reading them this bedtime book about football.
Why Jackie loves it
With rhyming text and lovely illustrations, this bedtime story is a win for any football fan.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Bedtime Stories / Football Books for Kids
She’s Got This
Author: Laurie Hernandez
Illustrator: Niña Mata
Year: 2018
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 3-7
Plot
Gold medalist Laurie Hernandez wrote this adorable story about a little girl named Zoe who follows her dreams of becoming a gymnast.
Why Kirsten loves it
The cheerful pictures and wonderful message make this a must-read for anyone looking for gymnastics books for kids.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Olympics Books for Kids
Books for 3-year-olds About Love
Love Monster
Author: Rachel Bright
Illustrator: Rachel Bright
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Love Monster series
Plot
Everyone needs love and everyone should be loved for exactly who they are. Monster goes out on a mission to find just that in this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
Love Monster is a great book for a 3-year-old monster fan, particularly around Valentine’s Day!
Find this book in: Valentine’s Day Books for Toddlers / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Monster Books for Kids
Plant a Kiss
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
In this adorable tale by famed writer Amy Krouse Rosenthal, one little girl’s act of love grows into something big.
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely love this tale about what happens when we give of ourselves in an unselfish way. Love can change the world and Rosenthal writes to prove just that.
Find this book in: Valentine’s Day Picture Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story
Author: Nancy Rose
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
Plot
The photographs in this book will make everybody smile. Nancy Rose captures wild squirrels in the sweetest scenes and they are just marvelous.
Why Kirsten loves it
The details in each photo, from tiny candles to squirrel-sized seats, will have you reaching for this story again and again.
Find this book in: Valentine’s Day Picture Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Interactive Books for a 3-year-old
Bunny Slopes
Author: Claudia Rueda
Illustrator: Claudia Rueda
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
As you Shake, tap, and tilt the book, you can help Bunny go skiing. This book is completely adorable and trust me when I say kids never get tired of trying to get that bunny down the hill!
Why Jackie loves it
This book about winter is fun and interactive. It’s a wonderful introduction to winter for little ones.
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Winter / Interactive Books For Kids / Bunny Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Don’t Push the Button
Author: Bill Cotter
Illustrator: Bill Cotter
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
This funny story is the perfect interactive book
Why Jackie loves it
I love this interactive book for kids because it combines humor with language development.
Find this book in: Interactive Books for Kids / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Going on a Bear Hunt
Author: Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Year: 1989
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
I loved reading this book to my kids. There is something about the family adventure that was so much fun. We would go over pillows, under the table, upstairs, and through chairs in our search. Not only was this the perfect way to learn prepositions, but it also made the book interactive.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is filled with repetition which is also good for child language development. It is filled with onomatopoeia- the best words to convey sounds and sensory input that I just love: squelch, squerch; swishy swashy; etc.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds
Family Books for 3-year-olds
Mother Bruce
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Mother Bruce #1
Plot
Mother Bruce is the first in a fantastic series about a grumpy bear who becomes the adoptive mom of 4 young geese. He tries to get rid of them but soon realizes they are part of his family.
The rest of the series continues the story of Bruce, his geese children, and the inhabitants of the forest. Just wait until your children read about the meddlesome mice in future books!
Why Kirsten loves it
Bruce is so grumpy, I cannot help but laugh at him. No matter how grumpy he gets, he is also a great parent to the geese.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for a 3-Year-Olds
Last Stop on Market Street
Author: Matt De La Peña
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Newbery Medal Winner, Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Award Winner
Plot
This multi-award-winning book is a classic for a reason. It’s a lovely story about a bus ride CJ takes with his grandma. Together they experience the different bus passengers, one of whom plays the guitar.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love how Grandma has a positive answer to each of CJ’s questions. It’s such a wonderful book.
Find this book in: Books About Grandparents / Best Books for 3-year-olds
And Tango Makes Three
Author: Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
More info:
Plot
An amazing story about two male penguins adopting a penguin. Adorable text and photos will expose your child to this unique and true story while also teaching a lesson that there are many different kinds of families.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a cuddly way to teach a child that love is love. After reading, look up the images of the real penguins that inspired this book.
Find this book in: Zoo Books / Banned Books / Father’s Day Picture Books / Books for a 3-year-olds
Creativity Books for a 3-year-old
Not a Box
Author: Antoinette Portis
Illustrator: Antoinette Portis
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award Winner
Plot
The bunny in this book can find amazing things to do with a box. When you read this book with your child, not only will inspire creativity but you will allow them to think “outside the box” literally and figuratively.
Why Kirsten loves it
After you finish reading it, try setting up a creation station with boxes, paper towel rolls, scraps of paper, tinfoil, googly eyes, and more. This educational book for 3-year-olds is a winner!
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Books to Inspire Imagination
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Author: Crockett Johnson
Illustrator: Crockett Johnson
Year: 1958
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the Purple Crayon series
Plot
When Harold gets a magical purple crayon, he draws on the walls and creates a world of his own. His adventures are marvelous (but stress to your kids that crayons don’t belong on the walls!)
Why Kirsten loves it
I think this is the original book about the power of the imagination. It’s a classic book for a reason. The worlds that Harold creates with one purple crayon can inspire anyone’s imagination.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Books to Inspire Imagination
The Dot
Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Year: 2003
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Part of the Creatrilogy
Plot
The teacher in this story inspires Vashti’s creativity and imagination by simply giving credit for an attempt at doing something out of Vashti’s comfort zone. This is one of the best imagination books around.
Why Jackie loves it
There are not many books that can give such a wonderful message so sweetly and so succinctly. In life, we would all be so lucky as to have a teacher like the one portrayed in this book.
Find this book in: Best Books for 3-year-olds / Books to Inspire Imagination
Feelings Books for 3-year-olds
Allie All Along
Author: Sarah Lynne Reul
Illustrator: Sarah Lynne Reul
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
When Allie’s crayon breaks, she turns into a furious, angry red monster. As she throws a fit, her brother helps her conquer her anger little by little. He guides her to punch a pillow, squeeze a favorite toy, take a deep breath, and count backward from 10 until she can be calm again.
Why Jackie loves it
This story teaches children that sometimes multiple steps need to be taken to help control our emotions and calm down.
Find this book in: Books About Feelings / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Go Away Big Green Monster
Author: Ed Emberly
Illustrator: Ed Emberly
Year: 1993
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
What a wonderful way to explore fears. As children turn the pages of this book, they are in charge. They can build the big green monster and tell him to go away.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is so helpful for kids who may not be able to express their fears but, it can help them conquer them just the same.
Find this book in: Monster Books / Books for a 3-year-old / Books about Feelings
In My Heart
Author: Jo Witek
Illustrator: Christine Roussey
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of Growing Hearts
Plot
Kids need to learn all about their feelings in a way that is safe and comfortable. The tactile pages in this board book will please little hands as the hearts cut in the center get smaller and smaller.
Why Kirsten loves it
Children will learn to identify feelings with simple words that explain what each feeling feels in their bodies and minds.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Books for a 3-year-old / Gender Neutral Baby Books
Expert Tip
- By 3 years old, children are on their way to reading readiness. Get them ready for preschool by selecting books that inspire imagination and help with skills like sequencing.
- At this age, toddlers can graduate from board books with short sentences to picture books with storylines. Keep them engaged in longer stories by asking them questions throughout the book about what has already happened or what their predictions are for the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read with a 3-year-old?
Be patient and be sure to let your child guide you. They can choose the book or “read” the story to you. Allow opportunities for lots of repetitions. This is why I chose these books! With endless re-reads of these books, you must like them as much as your child.
How do I make sure my child is ready for preschool?
When your child turns three, you will notice that their vocabulary will begin to increase exponentially. They will be using 4-5 words (if not longer) sentences that will be more grammatically correct as they begin to use plurals.
In addition to talking and interacting with your child, you can help get them on the path to learning by laying the foundation with educational books for 3-year-olds.
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Epilogue
I hope that you love my list of books for 3-year-olds. What are your favorite books to read with your toddler? I would love to hear your thoughts. My favorites from when my kids were this age will always have a special place in my heart! Did you find any books for a 3-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
The Best Gifts For 3-Year-Olds: Toy & Book Presents!
You’ll find more books for 3-year-olds in this gift and book pairing list!
