35 Best Books for 3 Year Olds | Recommended by Teachers
Have you been searching for the best books for 3 year olds in 2023? Well, search no more; we’ve got you covered.
This blog post reviews some of the best books for 3 year olds in 2023.
Reading is a fundamental skill that is crucial to a child’s development. Starting early can foster a love for books, stimulate their imagination, and enhance their language skills.
3-year-olds need to select age-appropriate books that engage and captivate their young minds.
To help parents and caregivers in their quest to find the best books for their little ones, we’ve compiled a list of the 35 best books for 3-year-olds, recommended by teachers who have firsthand experience with young readers.
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35 Best Books for 3 Year Olds | Recommended by Teachers
1. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle:
A classic tale that follows the journey of a caterpillar as it transforms into a beautiful butterfly, teaching children about counting, days of the week, and healthy eating.
Three is the ideal age to begin truly appreciating the ravenous caterpillar who nibbles his way through every day of the week (including one epic picnic that will have you aching to arrange a picnic yourself! ), according to Eric Carle’s beloved picture book, which every family should own.
Even better, this 50th-anniversary edition is jam-packed with exclusive bonus material, such as a letter from Eric Carle and a chance to see some of his early sketches.
2. “Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter:
The vibrant illustrations by Oge Mora bring to life this traditional bedtime tale, which is set in a noisy building filled with a variety of unusual noises.
3. “Llama Llama Red Pajama:
Readers love Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama series because it is pleasant and popular. Llama Llama Red Pajama, a rhyming read-aloud, which finds a tiny Llama Llama feeling anxious about lying asleep by himself – and Mama Llama coming to the rescue – is where the magic all started back in 2005.
This extra-special edition also comes with a memento print, bonus Llama Llama tales, and a CD audio recording of Dewdney reading the story. It’s the ideal starting point for a well-liked series or an intriguing new addition to your library.
4. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry:
Beautiful father-daughter bonding tale that encourages young readers to embrace their individuality and inherent beauty. Vashti Harrison’s colorful pictures vividly depict the heartwarming tale of acceptance.
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5. All by Myself (Little Critter)
One of the most enduringly well-liked characters in the world of children’s books is Mayer’s Little Critter. Little ones can readily relate to Critter’s various adventures as he grows up since they are relatable and funny.
Kids who strive to accomplish everything on their own can relate to this particular narrative. Do any three-year-olds you know sound like this? Critter is determined to complete every task by himself, even buttoning his overalls and tying his shoes. The one thing he’s still unable to accomplish independently? a bedtime story is read.
6. Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan
Children are encouraged to embrace their individuality by Ashley Bryan’s rhythmic prose and paper-cut pictures, which promote African family tradition.
7. The Little Engine That Could: 90th Anniversary Edition
The Little Engine That Could, a true classic that was first published in 1930, continues to enchant readers all over the world. We adore this 90th-anniversary edition, which includes a foreword by Dolly Parton and pictures by Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat.
8. The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
Children can learn emotional intelligence very effectively by reading this book on feelings. Readers will become more aware of how to categorize their own emotions by assigning each emotion a different color.
9. Dragons Love Tacos
Preschoolers adore this hilarious book about, you guessed it, dragons who adore tacos and partying. The pictures are humorous and contain subtle jokes that are interesting to discover as you get to know the plot better.
10. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
This endearing tale of a vain and lonely fish who discovers how to share his sparkling fins is a lovely tale of friendship.
11. The Story of Ferdinand
If you haven’t read The Story of Ferdinand in a while, get ready to fall in love all over again. Ferdinand is different from the other bulls in that he would rather sniff flowers than fight.
What should he do when forced to engage in combat? Gandhi loved the tale because of its message of nonviolence, and it serves as an excellent starting point for conversations about masculinity with young boys and girls.
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12. It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
Young readers will love this lovely book’s approachable pictures, which are a wonderful way to celebrate individuality and promote self-confidence.
13. Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
When my son developed a fascination with cars, I pulled out my old copy of this book that I recalled reading as a young child. To find Goldbug in each scene (each page is a frenetic burst of action in Scarry’s beautiful manner), even if vehicles and trucks don’t have your three-year-old’s engines revving, will have them itching to investigate.
14. If You Give a Mouse A Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
The demands of the mice get crazier and crazier on each page of this humorous novel, which is sure to make readers laugh a lot. An interactive book that prompts children to press, shake, and tilt pages, creating a magical experience As dots multiply and colors change.
15. The Wonderful Things You Will Be
In addition to serving as a reminder that their parents will always love them, no matter which way their moral compass points, this sweet and whimsical picture book is a tribute to the wealth of brilliant possibilities that children’s futures hold.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be makes the point to kids that they are deserving of love and that what really matters are their inner traits through its straightforward, rhythmic prose and exquisite oil painting graphics. To keep the good vibes flowing, pair it with the coordinating growth chart.
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16. Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
A lost penguin who becomes close to a young child and decides he doesn’t want to go back to the North Pole is the subject of this wonderful book.
17. Go, Dog. Go!
Although the plot of this book is definitely not going to win any awards, there is something about it that appeals to three-year-olds. Go, Dog. Go! was a dependable pre-naptime read in our home because of its excellent repetition and rhythm.
18. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
This beautiful book about friendship makes a fantastic Halloween read-aloud.
19. Where do Diggers Sleep at Night
Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? is a humorous version of the traditional bedtime tale. transports readers to construction sites, fire stations, and other locations where sleep seems rather familiar: parents tuck their children in for a night of beautiful dreams as young dump trucks, fire engines, and other vehicles do their best to delay the inevitable.
20. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
This endearing bedtime story explores the relationship between a mother owl and her young owls.
21. The Monster at the End of This Book
Three is an excellent age to introduce the idea of suspense, and it’s also a great time to watch Sesame Street. This Little Golden Book classic, which was published before Elmo and Abby, features our old friend Grover trembling as you turn the pages. It’s enjoyable to read and demonstrates to kids that books were “interactive” long before there were kid games on the iPad.
22. A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
The charming tale of a hermit crab that builds a new home out of various water creatures is accompanied by gorgeous, enduring drawings.
23. Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever
Richard Scarry’s colorful, amusing universe is a certain winner for young readers, and his Best Word Book Ever is particularly suitable for three-year-olds who are still developing their vocabulary. Characters are getting ready for their days, starting art projects, and rushing out to the playground all over Busytown. There are so many adjectives to describe their actions and the things they come into contact with! The verbal development of your toddler will greatly benefit from this colorful book.
24. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
In this humorous preschool read-aloud, some opinionated crayons go on strike because they’re fed up with the way they’re used to making things.
25. The Gruffalo
I don’t want to give away anything about The Gruffalo if you haven’t read it because it’s the pinnacle of children’s literature. The hilariously rhymed story of a mouse that creates the terrifying Gruffalo to stave off enemies is a brilliant lesson in fast thinking and imagination.
26. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Children can learn about the value of giving and unconditional love from this endearing classic.
27. The Incredible Book-Eating Boy
My son chose this book as a vacation keepsake from City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco after being charmed by the pictures. My son’s favorite picture book quickly became the tale of a boy who consumes books and is smarter as a result, leading us to look for Jeffers’s other picture books.
You can only imagine my heart-leaping joy when I overheard my son telling people at a bookstore that Oliver Jeffers is his favorite author as a book-loving mother. Therefore, I generally suggest letting your child lead the way when you look for books for them, regardless of their age!
28. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile by Bernard Waber
This timeless story of Lyle the alligator and his absurd neighborhood pranks are sure to delight children.
29. Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds
Children are inspired by this lovely book to pursue their goals and follow their dreams.
30. Press Here by Herve Tullet
Cause and effect can be taught in a fun, practical way with the help of this interactive book.
31. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
Kids will enjoy quoting the slogan after each comical effort by the pigeon to operate the bus in this funny book, which is perfect for reading aloud.
32. Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
No matter what kind of mess Pete the Cat walks through, he keeps a positive attitude and just keeps walking.
33. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
34. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Tacos may be a food that dragons enjoy, but spicy salsa is another matter. This outrageous best-selling tale has always been a hit with audiences.
35. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat creates a lot of havoc but neglects to clean it up. This well-loved classic, which has enjoyable rhyming phrases, is a great pick for new readers.
Conclusion on Best Books for 3 Year Olds
Reading to 3-year-olds is a beautiful way.
To engage their minds and ignite their imagination. The 35 books listed above, recommended by teachers, offer captivating stories, vibrant illustrations, and valuable life lessons suitable for young readers.
By incorporating these books into your child’s reading routine, you can cultivate a love for literature and foster essential skills such as language development, critical thinking, and empathy.
So grab a book, snuggle up with your little one, and embark on a literary adventure together. Happy reading!
FAQ on Best Books for 3 Year Olds
What are some popular book recommendations for 3-year-olds?
Some popular book recommendations for 3-year-olds include “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, and “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson.
What should I look for in books for 3-year-olds?
When choosing books for 3-year-olds, look for simple, engaging stories, colorful and visually appealing illustrations, and age-appropriate content. Books with repetition, rhymes, and interactive elements can also capture their attention and enhance their learning experience.
Are there any interactive or touch-and-feel books suitable for 3-year-olds?
Yes, there are many interactive and touch-and-feel books available for 3-year-olds. These books often have textured pages, flaps to lift, or buttons to press, providing sensory stimulation and engagement. Some popular interactive books for this age group include “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt, the “That’s Not My…” series by Fiona Watt, and “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz.
Can you recommend books that promote early literacy skills for 3-year-olds?
Certainly! Books that promote early literacy skills for 3-year-olds typically have simple text, repetitive patterns, and opportunities for participation. Some recommended titles include “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, “Dr. Seuss’s ABC” by Dr. Seuss, “Press Here” by Hervé Tullet, and “The Alphabet Book” by P.D. Eastman.
How can I encourage a love for reading in my 3-year-old?
To encourage a love for reading in your 3-year-old, create a positive environment by setting aside dedicated reading time. Make reading a fun and interactive experience by using different voices for characters, asking questions about the story, and encouraging your child to participate. Visit libraries or bookstores together and let your child choose books that interest them. Make books readily accessible at home and incorporate reading into your daily routine. Finally, be a reading role model by letting your child see you enjoying books.
