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 we made a list of the best books for a 3-year-old.
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, we are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’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.
*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 by Terry Border
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 three-year-old to learn about making friends! It’s a great rhyming book too.
Why We Love This Book: We love the theme of this book as well as the fantastic pictures. The hamburger walking two hotdogs is hilarious.
Appropriate for Ages: 3-5
Find this book in Books for a 3-Year-Old / Books for a Baby Shower / Preschool Books About Food
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
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.
The silliness and the story make it enjoyable for parents to read.
Why We Love This Book: Not only is this book hilarious, but it teaches a lesson about trying new food as well.
Appropriate for Ages: 2-6
Find this book in Books About Food for Kids / Classic Books for Kids / Rhyming Books
Blueberries for Sal
Author: Robert McCloskey
Illustrator: Robert McCloskey
Year: 1948
Genre: Classic Picture Books
Age: 3 – 6
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
Sal is picking blueberries with her mother when she wanders away and sees a bear. On the other side of the mountain, Sal’s mother is being followed by a baby bear who loves blueberries as much as Sal.
Why Jackie loves it
This Caldecott Honor Book has such gorgeous illustrations with a sweet story. It’s a classic that will connect generations of readers.
Find this book in: Preschool Books about Food / Classic Books for Kids
Books Set at Daycare for a 3-year-old
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
This clever tale is written about School as he witnesses children and teachers using his facilities for the very first time.
He is a little nervous as some say they don’t want to be there, but he starts to learn what the children learn and laugh at the jokes they tell. We absolutely love this first day of school book and the lovely twist.
The Kissing Hand
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Ruth E. Harper, Nancy M. Leak
Year: 1993
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Little Racoon is heading off to school for the first time but is worried that he won’t feel comfortable in his new surroundings. Mrs. Racoon teaches him about the kissing hand so that he can have a piece of home in his heart wherever he goes.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a must-read in my opinion. It’s great for introducing the feeling of seperation anxiety with children going off to school, to a grandparent’s house, or for daycare. I used a version of the kissing hand method with my little one when he went off to preschool and it really does work!
Find this book in: Best Books for 2-year-olds / First Day of School Books
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worries all the time, but she is especially worried about school. This story tackles the difficult topic of children with anxiety.
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.
Color Books for 3-year-olds
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
The classic color story that launched a series! The Day the Crayons Quit is about overworked crayons that decide to go on strike. Each color airs its grievances to Duncan, who just wants to color! Can Duncan find a solution to make his crayons happy?
How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors by Jane Yolen
I love the “How do dinosaurs” series for so many reasons. If your child loves dinosaurs, it will obviously be a hit, but the trouble these dinos get into will have any child giggling.
In this particular story, the dinosaurs learn their colors through routine objects found around their homes. Ask your toddler to find the colors in your home too!
Freight Train
Author: Donald Crews
Illustrator: Donald Crews
Year: 1978
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
This is another classic book for kids that has both trains and colors. What could be better? The simplicity of this book adds to the fun. If you have a child who can only sit for a very limited time, this book is a perfect choice.
Why Kirsten loves it
With high-contrast images, this story is the perfect introduction to colors for train-loving children. I love this
Find this book in: Color Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Classic Kids Books
Season and Nature Books for a 3-year-old
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The Snowy Day is a Caldecott Winner for a reason. This classic book about winter depicts a boy exploring his city neighborhood after a snowstorm. It’s the perfect book for a 3-year-old when it’s snowing outside.
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
This is the perfect interactive board book for 3-year-olds who love nature. The story will prompt your child to tap, shake, and blow on the pages within as the tree goes through the seasons.
Spring is Here by Taro Gomi
A wonderful tale that introduces the concept of seasons. Watch as the field changes through the year and the cow grows too!
Beautiful illustrations make this a mommy favorite too. It’s a must-have nature book for 3-year-olds.
Rhyming Books for 3-Year-Olds
Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beatty
I love Iggy Peck and all his friends. They are smart, funny, and independent thinkers. Not only does this book put a spotlight on being yourself but, the rhymes and vocabulary are nothing short of spectacular.
Plot
The rhythm of the story and the non-sensical rhymes make the book completely captivating. A boy and a bear head out on an adventure to pick berries in this delightful classic kids’ book. Marshmallow Cattails? Waffle and butter lily pads? Yes, please!
As a bonus, there is counting and alliteration in this picture book. No list of books for kids would be complete without this adorable read.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my favorite book to read to her kids and as soon as you look at the pictures and start reading it, you will understand why. I have a video of reading this to my son when he was 4 months old and his face lit up as I read it. It will forever be in my home.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Counting Books / Rhyming Books / Best Board Books / Kids Food Books / Best Books for a 1-year-old
Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Year: 2003
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 8
Plot
A friendly witch takes to the night on her broomstick, but as the wind blows away her hat, her bow, and her wand, she finds some cute friends to join her on her ride. Will her friends be able to save her from a hungry dragon? This classic Halloween book for kids is now a cartoon movie!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a year-round book in my house. The sweet tale by Donaldson and the fun illustrations by Scheffler will have this on your favorites list long after Halloween is over!
Why Jackie loves it
The wonderful rhymes in this book tell the story of friendship and inclusivity. This is one of my favorite books to promote reading readiness.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Halloween Picture Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Rhyming Books / Dragon Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Animal Books for a 3-year-old
Bunny’s Book Club
Author: Annie Silvestro
Illustrator: Â 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
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
This modern classic kids’ book about fish was one Kirsten learned about in school!
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.
Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
This book is hilarious and a favorite in our house to this day. The sweet animals and the completely clueless zookeeper are laugh-out-loud funny. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo” which says something about how amusing this book is.
Classic Books for 3-year-olds
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
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. 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.
Why We Love This Book: The repetition and rhythm of the story are great scaffolding for children who are learning to put two words together
Appropriate for Ages: 2-5
Find this book in Best Books for a 3-Year-Old: Create a Love of Reading
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendek
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.
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 for 2-year-olds that shows a parent’s unconditional love for their child.
Owl Babies
Author: Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Year: 1995
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0 – 4
Plot
This book subtly reinforces the fact that Mama (and Dada) come back. It also shows that sometimes animals get anxious feelings. For babies, the white owls and dark night forest are mesmerizing before they can see in color.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a great one for working parents looking to teach little ones about separation anxiety. I found read it to my children when I went back to work.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Books for 1-year-olds / Book and Game Pairings / Gender Neutral Baby Books
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.Â
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 Question
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!
