Looking for children’s books for 3 year olds? This comprehensive list includes 52 books to read with your child, perfect for the whole year!
Your 3 year old likely enjoys reading—no surprise there. In fact, a kindergartener’s interest in reading a book outside of school is 100%. But by fourth grade, that interest drops to 54%. That’s almost half. What changes in fourth grade?
Parents stopped reading to their kids.
At some point, your child won’t “need” you to read to her. When she can read every word in a book, you might assume that the next logical step is to leave reading to her. Almost like it’s potty training—once she masters it, she’ll no longer need your help.
But that’s not the case with reading aloud. The more you read to her, especially at a young age, the longer her interest in reading can hold. She can associate reading with something special and positive.
So here’s a challenge I’d like to extend to you: Read aloud to your child. Even when she gets to the age where she can read every word in the book, keep reading to her. Read a bedtime story every night, or cuddle with a picture book. She’ll love the bonding experience of sitting next to you and hearing your voice.
Children’s books for 3 year olds
Around 3 years old, my kids entered that neat stage of reading where they’re able to comprehend storylines. They move from simple baby books to those with more complex words and clear stories to remember.
I’ve compiled several books 3-year-olds would love to read. It’s surprisingly tricky to find books that fit the preschooler age. You want the books to be hard enough to challenge your child, but not too difficult that she loses interest.
These books fit those criteria. Many are classics, while others I hadn’t heard of until I found them at the library. And they’re also books little kids love and enjoy. Check out what fellow mom Lexi had to say about the list:
“Hi, Nina! I loved this list. My child is heading into 3 and loves reading. This was super helpful because it gives me an idea as to what he might like! Thank you!” -Lexi
And why 52? I like preparing for the year with 52 books I recommend, one for each week. Think of it as your weekly guide to fantastic books your 3 year old would love to read. So, take a look at the best books perfect for three-year-olds:
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The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Llama Llama Loves to Read by Anna Dewdney
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
(Check out more children’s books by Julia Donaldson)
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Bunnies on the Go by Rick Walton
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
Cityblock by Christopher Franceschelli
If You Give a Mouse A Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin
Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry
There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner
(Check out more books by Oliver Jeffers.)
I’m My Own Dog by David Ezra Stein
“Let’s Get a Pup!” said Kate by Bob Graham
Little Big Girl by Claire Keane
Monsters Go Night-Night by Aaron Zenz
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres
Night Animals by Gianna Marino
No Sleep for the Sheep! by Karen Beaumont
Sleepy, the Goodnight Buddy by Drew Daywalt
The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story by Patrick McDonnell
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
Rock-a-Bye Romp by Linda Ashman
Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman
The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell
Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton
Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller
“Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” by Patricia Thomas
Superhero Instruction Manual by Kristy Dempsey
That Is Not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems
Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
Read these next:
- 20 Easy Activities for 3 Year Olds You Can Do Any Day
- 25 Outdoor Activities for 3 Year Olds
- Physical Activities for 3 Year Olds
- 5 Unusual Ways to Deal with a Defiant 3 Year Old
- How to Respond When Your 3 Year Old Won’t Go to Sleep
Source: The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Free resource: Want even more book selections? Join my newsletter and grab the Read Aloud Book List! You’ll get hundreds of favorite selections to read aloud with your kids. Get it below—at no cost to you:
Hi Nina! I loved this list. My child is heading into 3 and loves reading. This was super helpful because it gives me an idea as to what he might like! Thank you!
I’m so glad the list came in handy, Lexi! Encouraging an early love for reading is a must! xo, Nina