educational books for 3 year olds

14 Must-Have Books for 3-Year-Olds

By iva-marie palmer.

My once-upon-a-time three-year-old is now a big ol’ five-year-old (correction: he’d say “five-and-a-half”) but I still remember our go-to picture books from that age. Now I look forward to the days when I can trot out the same reads for my toddler, who will be three before I know it! And if we’re lucky, my older son will be the one pulling these from the bookshelf to read to his baby brother and me.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

Every family needs a copy of Eric Carle's classic , and three is the perfect age to start fully appreciating the voracious caterpillar who snacks his way through every day of the week (including one epic picnic that will have you itching to plan a picnic yourself!). Even better, this 50th anniversary edition is stuffed with special bonus content, including a letter from Eric Carle, rare peeks of his original sketches, and more.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

by Anna Dewdney

A delightful and prolific series, Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama is a reader favorite. The magic began back in 2005 with Llama Llama Red Pajama , a rhyming read-aloud that finds young Llama Llama feeling nervous about falling asleep by himself - and Mama Llama coming to the rescue. This extra-special edition includes a CD audio recording of Dewdney reading the story, bonus Llama Llama tales, and even a keepsake print. It's the perfect place to start with the beloved series, or an exciting new addition to your collection.

All by Myself (Little Critter)

by Mercer Mayer

Mayer’s Little Critter has become one of the most enduringly popular characters in the children’s book world. Funny and relatable, little ones easily see themselves in Critter’s many adventures growing up. This particular story relates to kids who want to do everything without help from their parents. Sound like any three-year-olds you know? From buttoning his overalls to tying his shoes, Critter is determined to do it all by himself. The one thing he can’t do on his own just yet? Read a bedtime story. Aw!

The Little Engine That Could: 90th Anniversary Edition

by Watty Piper, illustrated by Dan Santat

An absolute classic since it was first published in 1930, The Little Engine That Could is still charming readers worldwide. We love this 90th anniversary edition, which features illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat and an introduction by Dolly Parton. It pays homage to the original illustrations while adding even more life and cheerful triumph to the timeless story of perseverance.

Dragons Love Tacos

by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

This silly book about, you guessed it, dragons that love tacos (and parties!), is a huge hit with the preschool set. The illustrations are entertaining and include subtle jokes that are fun to find as the storyline becomes more familiar.

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson

If it's been a while since you read The Story of Ferdinand , prepare to be won over again. Ferdinand isn't like the other bulls - he prefers smelling flowers to locking horns - so what's he to do when expected to fight? The story's message of nonviolence made it a favorite of Gandhi's, and it's also a valuable entry point for discussing themes of masculinity with young boys and girls.

Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go

by Richard Scarry

This was a book I remembered reading as a preschooler, so I trotted out my old copy when my son became vehicle-obsessed. But even if cars and trucks don’t rev your three-year-old’s engines, the hunt for Goldbug in each scene (each page is a busy burst of activity in Scarry’s magnificent style) will have them eager to explore.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

by Emily Winfield Martin

This sweet and whimsical picture book is an ode to the many bright possibilities children's futures hold, and a reminder that their parents will always love them - no matter which direction their compass guides them. With simple, rhythmic text and gorgeous oil-painting illustrations, The Wonderful Things You Will Be impresses upon children that they are worthy of love and that it's their inner qualities that matter most. Pair it with the companion growth chart to keep the positivity flowing.

Go, Dog. Go!

by P.D. Eastman

I’ll admit this one probably isn’t going to win any awards for plot, but there’s something about it that hits the three-year-old sweet spot. Go, Dog. Go! has great repetition and rhythm, and was always a reliable pre-naptime read in our house.

Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?

by Brianna Caplan Sayres, illustrated by Christian Slade

A fun twist on the bedtime story, Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? transports readers to construction sites, fire stations, and beyond, where bedtime looks quite familiar: while young dump trucks, fire engines, and other vehicles try their best to delay the inevitable, mommies and daddies tuck in their kiddos for a night of sweet dreams.

The Monster at the End of This Book

by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin

Three is a good age to be introduced to the concept of suspense, and it’s also a prime age for spending some time on Sesame Street. This Little Golden Book classic predates Elmo and Abby, featuring our old pal Grover panicking with each turn of the page. It’s entertaining to read, and shows children that books were “interactive” long before kid games existed on the iPad.

Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever

Richard Scarry's beloved, fun-filled universe is a surefire hit for little readers, and his Best Word Book Ever is especially ideal for vocab-building three-year-olds. All throughout Busytown, characters are getting ready for their days, starting art projects, and jetting off to the playground. There are so many words to express their activities and the objects they encounter! This colorful compendium will do wonders for your toddler's verbal skills.

The Gruffalo

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Ooh, I don’t want to spoil The Gruffalo if you haven’t read it, because it’s kids’ storytelling at its finest. The wonderfully rhymed tale of a mouse who invents a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo to ward off enemies is both amusing and a marvelous lesson in quick-thinking and imagination.

The Incredible Book Eating Boy

by Oliver Jeffers

Charmed by the illustrations, my son chose this read as a vacation souvenir from City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. The story of a boy who eats books — and gets smarter as a result — quickly became my son’s most-read picture book, causing us to seek out Jeffers’s other picture books. As a book-loving mama, you can imagine my heart-leaping delight when I overheard my son tell friends at a bookstore that Oliver Jeffers is his favorite author. So, as you seek books for your child at any age, I mostly recommend letting them lead the way!

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic book that has been loved by several generations of little ones. This book is great for keeping little ones engaged and predicting what happens next.

Grumpy Monkey

The Grumpy Monkey book is great for teaching children about emotions. The monkey is having a bad day and is getting so many suggestions, maybe he just needs a day to be grumpy!

May I Please Have a Cookie

Alfie loves his mommy’s cookies, and he wants one more than anything! But grabbing for one, fishing for one, and dressing up as a cookie inspector don’t seem to work. His mommy says there is a better way. What is it?

Beginning readers will learn proper manners with Alfie as his mommy teaches him to say the magic words.

Turkey Trouble

Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving…and you’re the main course.

But Turkey has an idea―what if he doesn’t look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?

Dragons Love Tacos

Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos.

Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.

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What Should Danny Do?

This book has 9 stories in one and empowers children to make choices of their own!

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

The Wonderful Things You Will Be  has a loving and truthful message that will endure for lifetimes and makes a great book for little ones to enjoy.

Never Let a Unicorn Wear a Tutu!

Have you ever seen a Unicorn wear a tutu?!? This story is about a little girl who overheard her friend say, NEVER LET A UNICORN WEAR A TUTU.

Unfortunately, she didn’t have a chance to ask why, and now she has a fantastic tutu for her UNICORN and she isn’t sure what to do!

How to Catch a Dinosaur

Do dinosaurs still walk among us? Sure, no one has seen one, but if alligators, whales, and even birds still exist, then dinosaurs must still exist, right?

Join the daring Catch Club Kids as they try to wrangle a dinosaur in time for the school science fair and prove they’re still around!

How to Catch a Mermaid

Many claim to have caught a mermaid, but can YOU? Perfect for mermaid lovers, summer reading, this funny mermaid picture book offers an irresistible under-the-sea adventure that little ones will love!

Best Books for 3-Year-Olds to Hook Them on Reading

Hooking little ones on reading early is so important. Littles that love to read will be lifelong learners.

Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll

From zippy little pebbles to big strong boulders, the rock friends get together to play and roll around their favorite hill, only to find that one of their friends, Ricky, can’t roll with them. Unlike all of the other rocks, who are all round, Ricky can’t roll because he’s flat on one side.

Determined not to leave their friend behind, the rocks set out to help Ricky roll – one way or another.

The Hiccupotamus

Chaos ensues when an elephant, a centipede, and a rhinoceros try to find a cure for Hippo’s colossal case of hiccups.

Llama Llama Loves Camping

From the classic book Llama llama red pajamas comes the book Llama Llama loves camping! If your littles love the first book, they will surely enjoy this one too!

Construction Site: Road Crew, Coming Through

This book is perfect for little ones that have an interest in construction equipment. Road Crew, Coming Through! is an adorable book that promotes teamwork!

The Leaf Thief

Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree–red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends.

Best Rhyming & Repetition Books for 3-Year-Olds

Rhyming is so important for little ones as it helps to improve their grasp on the English language. Another big plus about rhyming is that it draws in littles and helps to keep them interested.

See You Later, Alligator

Tortoise is ready to depart on an adventure, but his friends just won’t stop telling him goodbye! This rhyming book will engage your little ones and keep them guessing what’s next.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies

Did you know dust bunnies love to rhyme? Well..except for Bob, he has a hard time rhyming. Read along to see if he can get it right!

Auntie Loves Me!

This sweet book is perfect for your niece or nephew! A little penguin spends quality time with his Aunt and they share how much they love time together!

Green Eggs and Ham

Oh how we love Dr. Seuss in our home! Green Eggs and Ham is probably one of my favorite Dr.Seuss books!

My First Rhyming Book

Young children will love this fun book rhyming book. Each page focuses on a different word and all they need to do is find the picture of the word that rhymes. This book is full of colorful and fun pictures.

Related Post: 30 Books about Feelings for Preschoolers

Interactive Books for 3-Year-Olds

Interactive books are great because they keep little ones engaged and learning!

Don’t Push the Button!

Don’t Push the Button is a guaranteed hit with your little one. It’s interactive, silly, and fun for any child around at storytime!

My First Sticker Books

These cute and colorful sticker books with colorful teach more than 100 familiar words from a variety of environments while helping to refine your little one’s fine motor skills as they go through each section.

I Spy: Count the Dinosaurs

This series is fantastic for little learners to grasp multiple different concepts. They’ll develop observational skills, learn to count dinosaurs, and they’ll have so much fun they won’t realize they’re learning!

Minnie Mouse: Interactive Reader

These interactive Disney books are perfect for starting your little one on the path of independent reading! There are multiple different books for both boys and girls, which sill kickstart your little one’s literary journey!

Spider Man: Interactive Reader

Just like the Disney books above, these books are great for getting your little one to start reading on their own.

Books for 3-Year-Olds that teach New Vocabulary

While reading is a great way for little ones to experience different ideas or concepts, it is also a fundamental step in expanding their vocabulary!

What are they Doing?

If your little one is working on learning different animals, this book is great because it also introduces them to many different verbs that they might not know!

My First 1000 Words

Getting your little one to have word association and recognition is extremely important when it comes to building the foundation of a child’s vocabulary. This book is a great way for them to build the beginning of their vocabulary.

The Giving Snowman

This book is a fantastic book for your little ones to reinforce and potentially expand their vocabulary while simultaneously emphasizing the benefits of being kind and caring.

That’s Silly!

Keeping your little one motivated is always a challenge with new readers. This book is filled with humor to keep your child reading it over and over!

ABC Sound Book

Every word is a mixture of sounds from letters, and this interactive book is a perfect resource to help reinforce your child’s basics before they tackle independent reading!

Books for 3-Year-Olds that Teach Math Skills

The only thing arguably as equally important as vocabulary is mathematics. These books are filled with the basics of mathematics and reading to help expand your child’s knowledge.

Simple Math Workbook

This workbook is filled with the perfect first steps of number recognition, number tracing, and counting. It is full of games, coloring, number counting, simple maths, and number tracing to keep your little one motivated to learn!

Quantum Physics

While quantum physics may seem a little advanced for your little learner, this book set is the perfect way to introduce basic scientific concepts and STEM!

Favorite Character Books for 3-Year-Olds

Every child has a favorite character from their tv shows, and it provides them with the perfect motivation to keep reading!

Minnie Look and Find

This Minnie Mouse-themed look and find is the perfect book for your little ones to work on their focus as well as their exploration and vocabulary!

Read with Olaf

Olaf is definitely a favorite from the Frozen movies, and this interactive book is a perfect way to harness that love for this character to work on your child’s independent reading.

Lift the Flap FairyTales

Fairy tales are such a huge motivator to keep your little one reading. This book is filled with multiple different characters that emphasize rhyming as well as exploration!

Paw Patrol Sticker Fun

This activity book is a great way to help improve your child’s fine motor skills. It is filled with stickers that can be used to complete puzzles and finish scenes surrounding the characters from Paw Patrol!

Kindness Makes the World Go Round

Sesame Street has been a part of children’s development for decades, and this book is a fantastic way to help your little one understand why it is so important to be kind.

Related Post: 21 Best Books for 1 Year Olds

Favorite Holiday Books for 3-Year-Olds

Holidays are always full of fun and laughter, so why not incorporate your favorite holidays into your reading?

What do you celebrate?

Across the globe, every country has its special holidays. Help your child learn about different cultures and holidays by reading this book together!

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

It’s Hanukkah time! Little ones will learn all about  how  people celebrate Hanukkah–from eating latkes, spinning dreidels, exchanging gifts, and lighting the menorah. And they’ll also learn  why  they celebrate-from the destruction of the Temple, the bravery of the Maccabees, and the miracle of that little bit of oil that lasted for eight nights.

Chinese New Year

In this sweet book, we follow Hong as he and his family prepare for and celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival. They will also enjoy reading the story behind the most important celebration in Chinese culture. More interesting facts and questions for discussion are included at the back of the book.

St. Patrick’s Day

This book includes wonderful Irish traditions and activities boys & girls can enjoy at home and with their friends.

Not only that, but you’ll enjoy learning the history of St. Patrick, how he was captured and ended up as a shepherd in Ireland minding sheep on the mountains, and later went on to become the patron Saint of Ireland.

The Christmas Blessing

On this divine night in Bethlehem, a voice calls down to a group of animals gathered in a stable. It’s time to welcome a special arrival, the Savior who will gift the world with love and grace. Will the different animals be able to set aside all of their differences, come together, and work in harmony to have the manger ready in time?

Related Post: Books about Mom (Mother’s Day Books)

Personalized Books for 3-Year-Olds

Reading stories about fun and quirky characters is always fun for your children, but having a story centered around them specifically is a great motivator to keep you little one reading!

I love you to the Moon

This bedtime book can be customized to have any child’s name on it if you just visit the publisher’s website. It is a perfect keepsake to remind your little one how much you love them!

Royal Birthday Adventure

This personalized book is a fantastic gift to help expand your little one’s imagination while celebrating their birthday!

Bedtime Story

Bedtime stories are a great way to expand your child’s reading ability, and this personalized bedtime book is a great way to keep your little one involved and reading.

Frequently Asked Questions about Books for 3-Year-Olds

Can a 3-year-old read board books.

Board books are great for 3 year olds to read! They may not be able to read them, but they can describe what is happening on the pages and learn to recognize words!

Is it Normal for a 3-Year-Old to Be Reading?

Some 3 year olds can read, however, it is not the norm. 3 year olds can describe what is going on in the picture which is a building block of reading.

What is Your Favorite Book to Read Aloud for 3-Year-Olds?

I love to read rhyming books, silly books, and books that teach about emotions or how to handle different situations.

Reading is an essential part of today’s life. Getting little ones hooked on reading at a young age creates a life long learner!

What are your favorite books for 3 year olds? Let me know in the comments!

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50 Best Books for 3-Year-Olds

This post may contain affiliate links.

Are you looking for the best must-read picture books for 3 year olds to read aloud? These are my top picks for three-year-olds that toddlers and preschoolers will love!

Of course, remember that any book you read aloud to your kids builds literacy skills. In other words, any book you read with a child can be rewarding and become their next favorite book. As far as development at this age, you are teaching children about story structure and characters to make the connection that those black squiggly lines are words that mean something, as well as holding a book correctly, among other things.

Kids at age three can read to themselves by looking at pictures and narrating what they think is happening in the story — to themselves or you.

At age 3, children love read aloud books about other kids, animals , cars and trucks , silliness , potty time , friends, bedtime, and family.

Popular children’s book authors for the three year old age group include Jan Thomas Eric Carle, Oliver Jeffers, Anna Dewdney (Llama Llama), but this list primarily shares more contemporary books for 3 year olds that you might not know about.

I hope this list of beautifully illustrated stories helps your 3-year-olds to read more books and learn that stories are wonderful. Help your children enjoy reading at an early age so they become readers when they’re older. Use this list of books to find new ideas for a bedtime story or a book to read aloud any time of the day.

Happy reading.

PRINTABLE LIST

(ALSO READ: Best Books for 2-Year-Olds  and Best Picture Books for 4- and 5- Year-Olds )

DON’T MISS: Recommendations for the best learning GAMES for preschoolers .

Also read: Best Toys and Gifts for 3 Year Old Boys and Girls

Best Books for 3-Year-Olds

Hen in the Bed written by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten Based on the familiar song, this is a delightfully fun farm animal version with sturdy split pages that readers turn as the next animal rolls off the bed. With math, animal noises, repetition, interactivity, and gorgeous illustrations, this is a perfect read-aloud for the 2, 3 , and 4-year-old readers on your lap. LOVE!

Mama in the Moon   written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Brian Cronin One of the most perfect books ever created, this is a must-own, must-read masterpiece of emotional storytelling and art.  Baby and Mama live high in a tree. But when Baby falls out of the tree, he wants his Mama to come and get him. She’s on her way, but it will take time. To comfort Baby, Mama asks Baby Sloth to use his senses. She asks if he can see the moon, smell the flowers, hear the worms wriggling, and feel the flutter of moths dancing. Then, Mama arrives on the ground and brings Baby back up the tree.

Atticus Caticus by Sarah Maizes, illustrated by Kara Kramer A boy and his adorable cat friend have a fun day together in this rhythmic, darling story with hilarious made-up words and a sweet relationship.  “ Atticus Caticus jumps…/SPLAT-a-tat-taticus! ” From waking up to breakfast all the way to bedtime where the cat sleeps on his head, these two best friends always have fun.

Not Now Cow by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Troy Cummings Perfect for preschoolers, this funny take on the seasons shows the farm animals celebrating each season…with a clueless Cow dressing in the wrong outfits for each season’s weather . It’s spring and Duck is helping things grow, Sheep is flying a kite, and Cow is wearing a hat, mittens, and scarf. “ Oh, Cow. Not now,” Rooster tells him. Each season is the same — the playful animals do seasonal activities and Cow shows up wearing something not quite right…3-year-old kids will love this!

I Am NOT a Chair by Ross Burach Poor Giraffe! All the other animals think he’s a chair — no matter what he does. He even tries to tell the hungry lion sitting on him (because he has to pee!) but the lion is so scared to hear a talking chair that he runs away. Will the giraffe ever get the others to see him as an animal? The light-hearted and silly humor will keep your preschool-age kids giggling.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison Zuri’s daddy helps her see how her hair lets her be her unique self. When she wears her hair in braids with beads, she is a princess, or when she wears it in two puffs, she’s a superhero. One day, Zuri decides to do her hair herself. Daddy helps her learn. But it’s pretty tricky at first but then Daddy gives Zuri the perfect supergirl style. I LOVE so much about this book — the celebration of culture, the dad with long hair and a tattoo, and that a dad that does his daughter’s hair.

Group Hug   by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Joey Chou A celebration of kindness , friendship, and (consensual) hugs to help friends feel better.  When Snail, Mouse, Skunk, and Squirrel need hugs, Bug gives them all hugs — and they give each other a big group hug. The animals make room for everyone in the hug until Bear scares everyone away. Everyone except Slug. Slug offers Bear a hug because she knows that hugs make the hugger and the hugged happier! Then, all the others come back for another group hug. 

One Big Pair of Underwear  by Laura Gehl & Tom Lichtenheld You’ll laugh your way through this  silly “ counting ” picture book which also includes subtracting and patterns . So much silliness and a great reinforcement for big kid underwear.

Are You a Monster? by Guilherme Karsten This will be a new read aloud favorite — it’s a fun, funny, and interactive story! The monster hopes you are also a monster and that together, you can do scary things. He’s horrified to learn you don’t have a long pointy tail, or big yellow eyes — but you show him your big teeth and loud growls and he gets interested again. In fact, you’re so good at being scary, you might just scare away this monster!

Up, Up, Up, Down!  by Kimberly Gee Lyrical and repetitive, this relatable storyline captures  a day in the life of a talkative toddler and a stay-at-home dad  with evocative, diverse illustrations. Sure to bring a chuckle to both you and your growing reader when you read it aloud.

People Don’t Bite People  by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Molly Idle Kids will crack up at this hilarious rhyming read-aloud! Don’t worry, this book is about NOT biting–unless it’s food. “ People don’t bite people. It’s no fun being chewed! A friend will never bite a friend. Biting is for food!”

Amara’s Farm  by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Samara Hardy Read this picture book for the fall harvest season and  learn about pumpkins with a girl named Amara who needs to harvest pumpkins.  As she searches the farm, we learn about the features of pumpkins with our own search and find and  compare and contrast . Can you spot the pumpkins?

Footprints Across the Planet  by Jennifer Swanson Stunning photographs show animals’ and people’s feet and footprints of all shapes and sizes. We see footprints from dinosaurs, the astronauts on the moon, and footprints of people who stood up for change.

Forty Winks: A Bedtime Adventure  by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Lita Judge This large mouse family’s bedtime routine feels familiar and sweet.  They get ready with rituals of reading books, whispering prayers, tucking in tight, goofing around, and procrastinating, and it’s a picture book read-aloud delight!

The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round  by Wendy Wan-Long Shang, illustrated by Lorian Tu Sing along with this cheerful and exuberant best books for 3 year olds that rewrites the words to the familiar “Wheels on the Bus” song,  making it a story about a large, multi-generational Chinese family sharing a meal together. “ Ye Ye eats noodles going slurp, slurp, slurp. ” Seeing the yummy foods will make you hungry for some rice, noodles, and dumplings yourself.

100 Dogs: Playful Pups to Count   by Michael Whaite “ Small dog, tall dog, playing with a ball dog, big dog dig dog, burying a bone. ”  You’ll love seeing all the different kinds of dogs  in this colorful, inviting best book for 3 year olds that is sure to be a favorite read-aloud!

The Magic Box A Book of Opposites   written by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Jacqueline East Pandora, a panda, opens a mysterious, colorful box. (He, he, don’t you love her name!?) She lifts it up and puts it down. She climbs in and climbs out. Then the box begins to talk –and change. Big to small. Short to Tall. Yes, it’s rhyming and it’s perfect. The box changes and takes Pandora on an exciting opposites adventure!  This is an adorable read aloud choice for the preschoolers on your lap.

The Bear’s Song by Benjamin Chaud We adore this oversized picture book for 3 year olds. Follow the baby bear in gorgeous and detailed illustrations when Little Bear wanders off and Papa Bear searches to find him. Can you find Little Bear on every page?

Big Dog Little Dog by P.D. Eastman Meet best friends Fred (Big Dog) and Ted (Little Dog). Though one is big and one is little, and one loves green, and one loves red, these pup pals prove that opposites can be the very best of friends . My children LOVED this book!

  Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Goodwin, illustrated by Blanca Gomez Fall in love with the simple, lyrical story showing the colors of a little girl’s world around her illustrated with bold graphic-style pictures.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?   by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague Gentle rhymes and captivating illustrations ask readers if they are like the dinosaurs who misbehave when going to bed then contrast those questions with well-behaving dinosaurs. Sweet, wonderful, hilarious, and perfect.

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree  by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel When a snake eats him, the boy makes a plan from inside the snake’s tummy and encourages the snake to eat more.  From grapes to a beehive, . . . the snake keeps eating until a small fly makes the snake burp everything all out. Phew.

Inside Cat  by Brendan Wenzel Repetition and rhyme with short, punchy words and phrases depict Inside Cat’s observation and expertise on Outside as he observes it through the windows.  Inside “ Wanders. Wonders. Naps. Knows what’s hiding in the gaps. ” Outside is full of color while inside, only the cat is full of color. Cat thinks he might know it all — until. Oh. The last page shows him walking outside into a beautiful, amazing world that is ready for exploration. 

I Am Dog! written by Peter Bently, illustrated by Chris Chatterton Playful rhyming, simple text shares a day in the life from a dog’s perspective. “ I am a dog. Dog is me. I like walkies. I like tree. ” Dog likes to chase, splash, dig, and bark.. among other things like searching for the smell he sniffs which makes a big mess! The illustrations are essential to this story of the dog’s day — and what is really happening. This is the perfect read aloud for 2 – 5 year olds!

B is for Baby by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank A mischievous baby in West Africa stows away in the banana basket on Brother’s bike. As Brother rides, he passes a baobab, baboon, bus, and other words that start with the letter B before arriving at Baba’s. When Baba looks in the basket, out pops Baby! Gorgeous illustrations.

The Color Monster a Pop-Up Book of Feelings  by Anna Llenas Monster’s colors are all scribbly and mixed-up which means his emotions are, too. The little girl helps Monster separate his feelings on each page with brightly colored pop-ups. I love the green calm page showing Monster in a hammock. The next-to-last page has pull-up tabs to peek inside each of the feelings jars. Feelings are an important subject for 3-year-olds.

After the Rain  by Rebecca Koehn, illustrated by Simone Kruger What can you do after the rain?  Levi plays boats and splashes in puddles until he meets Polly who doesn’t want to share her river. A battle begins. But the water starts to leave so the two declare a truce and cooperate to build a dam and a lake to play in together.  A delightful picture book with simple, playful text, perfect for the preschool set to learn about friendship.

Firefighter Flo!  by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino Firefighter Flo is a brave firefighter to leads the other firefighters. They rush off on the big red truck to a fire that they put out and rescue the family’s pet. Eye-catching bold artwork and fun-to-read sound words. One of the best read aloud books for 3 year olds.

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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Best Books for 3-Year-Olds

From picture books with beautiful illustrations to rhyming read-alouds, children and parents alike will delight in our top books for three-year-olds..

Cozying up with your three-year-old to enjoy a fun book is time well spent for many reasons. It’s a great opportunity to spend meaningful time together while broadening your child’s vocabulary . Plus, establishing a reading routine at home can help jump-start independent reading for any age group and plant the seed for a lifelong love of books. 

While you’re still the one doing the reading at this stage, you can engage your three-year-old by asking them questions about the story or by having them point to different objects on the page. Your preschooler may even be able to identify individual letters and numbers. These early pre-reading skills are a critical foundation for raising a reader and setting your child up for success at school.

The Best Preschool Book Sets

At this point in their literacy journey, your three-year-old is beginning to identify the sounds that words make (phonemic awareness) and then identifying the corresponding letters these sounds represent (phonological awareness, or phonics). A preschool set is a great activity to give them a boost in this area. 

Best-Selling Series and Beloved Characters 

When a child falls in love with a series, it encourages them to want to read regularly. Use your three-year-old’s favorite characters like Pete the Cat , Clifford , and David , to teach them valuable life lessons while building their literacy skills.     

These endearing books deliver laughs and open your child’s world to different people, perspectives, and feelings. With rhyming text, whimsical illustrations, and engaging plot, children will have fun with these read-aloud books without even realizing they’re learning!   

Picture Books About Feelings and Friendship 

Managing friendships and big feelings become a large part of your child’s world when they start preschool. Learning how to build friendships and finding common ground with others is central to honing the social-emotional skills kids need to navigate challenges and conflict later in life.

Books that teach children about the positive power of friendships help to strengthen empathy, kindness, and confidence — and will give your child a strong foundation of values to live by. 

In the hilarious How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Be Kind? , children learn that even though being kind can be difficult sometimes, with a little practice and patience, it’s always worth it in the end. The sweet story of When a Friend Needs a Friend teaches children to embrace all of their feelings and that not all feelings need to be fixed — being heard and seen is enough. 

Timeless Classics and New Favorites 

When a three-year-old discovers a picture book they love, they’ll want to read it over and over again. Re-reading the same books gives young readers a sense of control and confidence — there is comfort in knowing what’s coming next. Research has shown that there are many educational benefits to re-reading the same stories, like building fluency, so having a collection of tried-and-true classics at home can encourage more reading outside of the classroom. 

No children’s home library is complete without a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar . And now, for the first time, you can get it in Eric Carle’s Very Little Library boxed set , which includes two more of his famous board books. Beginning readers love the bright illustrations and early education lessons, such as counting, days of the week, and a butterfly’s life cycle.    

With a strong message of self-acceptance, Christopher Myers’ modern classic Wings is a delightful tale that takes inspiration from a well-known myth. It’s a story about a boy named Ikarus Jackson, who shows us that our differences are what makes us special. Meanwhile, timeless stories like Say Something and Wemberly Worried appeal to kids of all ages, and even grown-ups won’t mind re-reading them over and over again!

Stay up-to-date with the best new children’s books every month to grow your home library and keep your young readers learning. Plus, explore more children’s books by age and popular read-alouds that other parents love . 

Find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store . 

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35 Best Books for 3 Year Olds to Read Aloud (Everyone Will Love!)

What books should 3 year olds be reading.

This best books for 3 year olds list will help you discover what to read with this lively age group.

Toddlers soak up knowledge like a sponge. It’s truly magical to see them become engrossed in their favorite books! Keep your child in a constant state of imagination and learning with the titles on this list.

Grab the free printable of the best books for 3 year olds below!

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclaimer for more.

Best 3 Year Old Books List

1. cars and trucks and things that go by richard scarry (ages 3-7).

This book is perfect for the vehicle-obsessed child in your life! Each page is full of cars, trucks and creative creations on wheels. The search for Goldbug in each new scene will keep the littlest readers entertained.

Find Cars and Trucks and Things That Go Here >>

2. The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone (Ages 3-7)

#1 Best Seller

Your favorite friend, Grover, is scared to finish the book because of the monster promised to be at the end. Discover how he tries to keep readers from turning the page and the surprise that awaits.

3. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin (Ages 3-7)

With whimsical illustrations and flowing rhymes, children and parents alike will enjoy the never-ending possibilities of the future. Explore all the hopes and dreams parents have for their children in this New York Times Best Seller .

4. All By Myself by Mercer Mayer (Ages 2-4)

Little Critter wants to show you all the things he can do by himself–tie his shoes, brush his hair, ride his bike. Children can easily step into the shoes of Little Critter and parents will appreciate the effort to learn independence!

See All By Myself Here >>

5. Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter (Ages 2-4)

*USA Today Bestseller – great interactive book

Prepare to be tempted! Follow along in this silly, unpredictable story of what just might happen if we gave the button one little push.

6. If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul (Ages 3-6)

If animals kissed goodnight, what would it look like? Would the giraffe and her baby kiss up high or would the seal and his pup give sweet wet kisses?

Discover the unique ways that humans and animals express their love for one another. See this book >>

7. All About Weather: A First Weather Book for Kids by Huda Harajili (Ages 3-5)

#1 Best Seller (great nonfiction book for 3-year-olds!)

Don’t miss this exciting weather adventure ! Kids and parents will enjoy learning about the seasons, why it rains, how rainbows are formed, and more.

Explore vibrant drawings and simple-to-understand explanations to answer all of your little one’s weather-related questions.

8. Paw Patrol 5 Minute Stories Collection by Random House (Ages 3-7)

This collection of stories features your favorite pup heroes–Chase, Rocky, Zuma, Skye, Marshall, Rubble–and their Adventure Bay missions to save the day! Each story can be read in 5 minutes or less – so perfect for kids bedtime books .

Get on a roll with Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol !

9. Disney Frozen (Little Golden Book) by Victoria Saxon (Ages 2-5)

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents Frozen , a cool adventure of two sisters and their new friends trying to save their kingdom. Explore the magic, icy powers, and mythical creatures with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven. 

10. I’m Feeling Mad: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood by Natalie Stra (Ages 2-4)

*Perfect for Daniel Tiger fans!

I’m Feeling Mad teaches little ones different ways to acknowledge and express their anger. With simple step-by-step directions, Daniel and friends can feel confident handling big emotions.

*Parents and caregivers will appreciate the tips to help when your child feels mad too.

11. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker (Ages 2-4)

#1 New York Times Best Seller

Even the most active of children will settle down for bed while listening to this soothing bedtime story . As the tough machines finish up their long day of work, say goodnight construction site and enjoy a job well done.

12. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow (Ages 0-3)

*Easy to read aloud

Based on the classic nursery rhyme, Fives Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed , will delight small readers with its silly monkey energy and a surprise ending!

Have fun as your own little monkey is introduced to counting, and learns you should always listen to mama. (This is a great read aloud book for 1 year olds too)

See Five Little Monkeys Here >>

13. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle (Ages 1-3)

Beep Beep! Follow along as Little Blue Truck gets stuck in the muck and needs the help of his farm animal friends. Plus, learn along the way that it’s always best to be kind to everyone. 

14. A is for Apple by Tiger Tales (Ages 2-5)

This interactive trace-and-flip board book will keep children wanting to learn their ABC’s!

Young readers are introduced to the alphabet using their fingers to trace letters and discover their first words. Parents are encouraged to point, make sounds, and practice hand-eye coordination throughout this innovative teaching tool.

See more interactive kids books like this !

15. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle (Ages 2-5)

#1 Best Seller – best classic book for 3 year olds

The vibrant colored pages and singsong-like text in this beloved classic will have small readers wanting to start from the beginning again!

Kids learn both animals and colors as creatures splash across the pages of the story .

 16. Corduroy by Don Freeman (Ages 2-5)

Corduroy tells the heartwarming tale of a bear yearning for a loving family. When he discovers he is missing a button he goes on an adventure to fix his “flaw.”

A beautiful story about unconditional love that kids enjoy reading generation after generation.

17. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Ages 0-3)

#1 Best Seller Story Book

Innovative and beautifully illustrated, The Very Hungry Caterpillar , follows a small caterpillar trying to satisfy the ultimate hunger.

The creative cut-outs, delicious-looking treats, and colorful depictions continue to delight young readers!

18. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Goodnight, Clubhouse! by Grace Baranowski (ages 3-5)

Say goodnight with Mickey Mouse and friends in this fun bedtime story! Be a part of the ultimate sleepover with Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy.

See Mickey Mouse Clubhouse here >>

19. Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney (Ages 2-5)

* Fun to read aloud

Llama Llama has a hard time sharing with new neighbor Nelly Nu during a playdate. He’s not sure he wants to share all his toys!

This book is enjoyable for both kids and parents, fostering a sense of encouragement to share with new friends.

20. How do Dinosaurs Say I Love You by Jane Yolen (Ages 0-3)

*Great for dinosaur lovers

You can never have enough ways to say “I love you!”

Both dinosaurs and children need the reminder that, even when they’re naughty, they are loved . No matter what. So get ready to add a few extra hugs and kisses during this sweet storytime together. 

21. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman (Ages 3-7)

*More than 1 million books sold

Bear doesn’t feel well. But it’s okay because his loyal friends come to make him feel better. Watch as the forest animals take care of their dear bear…until they get sick too!

The sweet rhymes in this book make it my favorite to read to the kids.

See Bear Wants More and Bear Snores On for more in this book series for 3-year-olds>>

22. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang (Best Books for Ages 3-7)

#1 New York Times Bestselling Book

This chimpanzee is in a very bad mood. He doesn’t know why, and his friends can’t understand it either. So, they try to help. But the monkey has a bit of a meltdown instead.

Maybe this monkey just needs to be grumpy?

*Find more excellent books for 2 year olds here >>

23. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss (Ages 3-7)

*Fun, funny, and easy to read

Introduce kids to Dr. Seuss with this whimsical book full of silly rhymes and colorful creatures. This beginner book will help kids with simple words and illustrations – in a great portable size.

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book!” – Dr. Seuss

24. We’re Different, We’re the Same (Sesame Street) (Ages 3-7)

*Best 3 year old book about diversity

Join Elmo in teaching little ones that despite outward differences, we are fundamentally the same. Embrace the idea that our unique qualities make the world interesting and special.

See this Sesame Street treasure here >>

25. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault (Ages 1-4)

One of the best classic books for 3 year olds, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom will have you clapping along to the fun alphabet chant.

Watch as your favorite letters race up the tree….but will there be enough room for all of them?

26. Oliver West It’s Time to Get Dressed by Kelly Louise (Ages 3-6)

*Best for helping with routines!

This unique book is about empowering kids through routine and independence. If you’re looking to establish a better routine with your little one, follow Oliver as he learns to get dressed on his own.

*This website is full of great routine help! Check out these for more:

• Free morning routine chart
• Daily Kids Routine Examples
• Great Kids Habit Ideas

27. The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith (Ages 3-5)

#1 Best seller & laugh-out-loud funny!

This fun read-aloud is both silly and endearing. The “hee haw” words will have kids laughing out loud as you adventure through the book with the crazy and wonky donkey.

28. Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck (Ages 3-5)

*Amazon Best Books Ages 3-4

This small t-rex is facing a BIG problem. He needs to hug his friend to cheer her up, but he’s just sooo tiny. Is it impossible?

See it here >>

29. Help! My Dinosaurs are Lost in the City!

*Great activity book for ages 2-4

Spot the dinosaurs in this fun hide and seek style book ! Travel through different places as you seek and find these lovable dinos.

See Our Favorite 3 Year Old Read Aloud Books Here:

Then keep reading for good educational finds!

Nonfiction Books for 3 Year Olds (and Great Learning Resources)

Finally, these educational activity books will have your three year old bursting with knowledge (and staying busy too!)

30. First 100 Stickers: Animals (Ages 3-6)

*3-4 year olds love these

Your child will have fun with over 500 colorful animal stickers as they enjoy this interactive and educational activity book. Find and match the correct stickers with the correct empty spaces.

See this sticker book here >>

*See more great books for 4 year olds >>

31. My First Toddler Coloring Book (Best Books for Ages 1-3)

#1 Bestseller for early education books

Kids have fun with numbers, letters, shapes, colors, and animals as they explore this educational first coloring book .

32. ABC My First Learn to Write Workbook (Ages 3-5)

#1 Best Seller for Handwriting

Help kids practice tracing, line tracing, and pen control with this fun writing workbook . You’ll find colorful pages with 75+ handwriting exercises – setting kids up for success early.

33. National Geographic: The Little Kids First Big Book of Why

#1 Best Seller in Children’s Mystery and Wonder Books

This first book for small learners uses an interactive question-and-answer format to engage kids in the world around them. Enjoy lively information, hands-on games, and easy recipes too!

This is such a fun and colorful book to encourage kids to keep wondering about the world around them.

34. My First Library: Boxset: Best 3 Year Old Board Books (Ages 1-3)

*With word labels that build vocabulary

This comprehensive board book set gives you all the essentials in one place! Explore basic learning topics and everyday objects with your toddler using vivid pictures.

35. School Zone: Big Preschool Workbook (Ages 3-5)

*Hugely popular

Finally, this useful preschool workbook features fun and interactive activities that help your toddler with basic preschool concepts. It’s great for independent play too!

Free Printable pdf of the best books for 3 year olds!

Why are books important for 3-year-olds?

Read-alouds benefit all children at an early age.

Reading together:

• Strengthens your parent-child bond
• Enhances your child’s sense of security
• Improves imagination
• Increases vocabulary

Pro tip: Make reading part of a regular routine before nap or bedtime. When your toddler knows what to expect, everyone will enjoy reading together more.

What’s Next?

Next, grab these free bookmarks to color and free reward coupons printable if you need help with keeping kids motivated.

More great book posts for you…

• 10 Year Old Chapter Books for Kids
• Best 7 Year Old Books
• Good Books 5 Year Olds Love

Jennifer is the founder and chief editor of Healthy Happy Impactful®. She believes that living, loving, and connecting deeply are the foundation for a good life. She holds a degree in education and is a mom to 3 kids.