Looking for some good books to keep your toddler entertained? Look no further!
My top picks for the best books for toddlers under age 3 will keep your little one occupied for hours on end. With exciting stories and colorful pictures, these books are sure to please.
Make sure you have a few of these great books on hand when you need a little downtime. Your toddler will love spending time flipping through the pages and discovering new things.
Buy a copy of my favorite toddler book today!
How I Choose
It can be hard to find good books for toddlers.
A lot of the time, it feels like you're flipping through book after book, only to find that your toddler is either not interested or too young for them.
I've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best books for toddlers aged 3 and up. These are books that have been recommended by parents over and over again, so you know they're worth your time.
"The Gruffalo" is an enchanting picture book that will keep children entertained for hours. This story revolves around a little mouse who goes on a walk in a dangerous forest and invents stories about a creature called the Gruffalo. However, one day, he meets the real Gruffalo.
Why do I love this book?
If you are looking for a wonderful children's book, then "The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson is a great choice. It is a funny, colorful book that is a great introduction to reading for young children. There are many activities that you can do with your children after you've read the book.
This book has been a best seller for over two decades, and both children and adults love it. The illustrations are beautiful, and Donaldson's words capture the imaginations of young readers. She also uses repetition to engage young readers in the story. You can use this book as a class topic, or you can have your children create their own adventure stories using the story as inspiration.
What should you know?
The Gruffalo is a rhyming story with beautiful illustrations by Axel Scheffler. Donaldson uses repetition and expression to create a story with depth and emotion. While some people may find the story scary, children will love it because it teaches them to respect others.
Donaldson uses repetition and humor to engage children in the story. Even adults can enjoy reading the book with their children. The illustrations are so lively and vivid that children can act out the story in drama or make up their own adventures.
The Gruffalo is a great book for children aged three to five years old. It's funny and colorful, making it the perfect book for children. Parents and educators can use the book as the focus of numerous activities. One way to get kids engaged is by asking them to draw their own creatures. The illustrations help make the story feel less frightening for the children.
The Gruffalo is one of the most popular books for children, and the author, Julia Donaldson, has been the subject of a new documentary, The Gruffalo & Me: The Remarkable Julia Donaldson. The Gruffalo was published in 1999 and adapted into an animated film in 2009. It has sold more than five million copies worldwide and has been translated into 81 languages. Its success has earned Donaldson considerable royalty.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to grow up, this novel is for you. Author Emily Windfield Martin explores the choices we make as we grow up. The book is filled with hope and beauty and will leave you thinking long and hard.
Why do I love this book?
This New York Times bestseller is a beautiful tribute to the dreams of parents for their children. Emily Winfield Martin's beautiful illustrations portray children in all kinds of occupations and in dreamy landscapes. The book is an ideal gift for any occasion. It's a lovely gift for a new parent or anyone who loves children!
Children will enjoy this engaging children's book that promotes positive thinking and encourages them to embrace the future. It includes beautiful illustrations and discussion questions that can help children understand rhyming words and points of view. You can use this book to discuss your child's dreams and the uniqueness of each of them.
The sing-song text affirms parents' hopes for their children and keeps the child reader at heart. The illustrations depict an adorable collection of kids and babies, ranging in age from newborns to older children. The pictures expand on the open text and illustrate the many possibilities children can achieve no matter what.
What should you know?
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin is an enchanting read-aloud poem about the things a child can be. Its simple and beautiful illustrations celebrate the possibilities and encourage a child to be unique. It also has a poignant message about love and acceptance.
This sweet book is a good choice as a gift for new parents and children alike. It can also become a bedtime story for many children. The book features an unseen narrator who promises to love and care for the child when they grow up. Soft illustrations of children of all ages and ethnicities help to convey the story's message. The rhyming text is sentimental and simple, but the art style carries this heartwarming story.
I highly recommend Goodnight Tractor for a fun bedtime story. It will be sure to put a smile on your child's face and help him or her feel calm and relaxed before going to sleep.
Why do I love this book?
A Goodnight Book is a perfect way to wind down a child before bed. They're usually rhyming and have delightful illustrations. This tractor book is no exception. A great pick for bedtime, this bedtime book is full of colorful illustrations, rhyming words, and fun animal sounds.
What should you know?
The Goodnight Series of children's books features colorful illustrations and rhyming words. These books are sure to delight little farmers. Goodnight Tractor is no exception. This bedtime favorite is available in sturdy board book format. If your child loves John Deere, he will love this rhyming book!
This book was written by the renowned picture book writer Michelle Robinson. This British author is an avid hoarder of materials for children's creations and has won the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award for Best Picture Book in 2014. It was illustrated by Nick East, a British museum and exhibition designer. He has collaborated with Tim Peake and Dermot O'Leary and has been shortlisted for several prestigious awards.
If Animals Kissed Good Night is one of my favorite bedtime books. I love the illustrations, which were created by David Walker. And the text is simply charming. But what is it about this book that makes me love it? Let's take a closer look.
Why do I love this book?
This story lets children imagine how each animal would spend a night together. The illustrations are whimsical and charming, and David Walker's narration makes the story even better. This timeless story stands out from the glut of other bedtime stories. The pictures depict nighttime rituals with soft colors and inventive rendering. The story is also fun to listen to, and the ending is a sweet and heartwarming one.
What should you know?
If Animals Kissed Good Night by Anne Whitford Paul is a wonderful children's book that explores the many ways animals share their love. Whether it's between a wolf and a pup, a sloth and her baby, or a fox and a rabbit, these animals would all express their love in very different ways.
This rhyming book explores the ways in which animals kiss as we do. The book depicts slow kisses between sloths and cubs, mud-happy kisses between hippo calves, and more. This book is perfect for bedtime.
The School Zone-Big Preschool Workbook is a fun-filled activity book for preschoolers. It includes activities that encourage writing, numbers, and creative thinking. The fun-filled storyline includes sensational squares, rocking rectangles, and even a giant newt reading a newspaper!
Why do I love this book?
This bright and colorful workbook is filled with activities that help your child learn early math and other important skills. It's great for ages three to five and features a progressive level of difficulty. The workbook also includes sections on letters and shapes. It even has tear-out pages for your child to practice their math skills. In addition, this book includes a special section on math readiness, transition math, and kindergarten readiness.
Another great thing about School Zone workbooks is that they are grade-specific. This means that your child can start learning the basics early and move on to more advanced skills later. These books contain clear instructions, clean page designs, and beautiful illustrations that support the learning material. Moreover, flashcards are a great way to memorize information, apply concepts, and have fun.
What should you know?
It has 300 colorful activities that make learning fun. Kids will love learning about colors, shapes, and more with these sensational illustrations. Each lesson is designed to reinforce the basics of preschool readiness, like following directions and colors. The book also covers the basics of math and science.
Joan Hoffman, an educator, is the creator of the School Zone series. She and her husband, James Hoffman, have a long history of creating and promoting educational products for children. The company is still family owned and has made a name for itself by providing quality products. They are committed to serving their customers and are proactive in keeping up with new technologies.
The workbook is a compilation of smaller workbooks from the School Zone series. They are then bound together into a single volume. Your child can work through the pages sequentially or at random. The workbooks also help children review skills they learned from the previous year. They can also prepare for the next school year with this workbook. The workbook also covers the skills that a kindergartener needs in math, spelling, language arts, and science.
Honorable Mentions
It can be hard to find good books for toddlers.
There are so many choices out there, that it's hard to know which ones are best for your little one.
I've already shared my top 5 books for toddlers aged 3 and up, but here are a few more that didn't quite make the best list.
How to Catch a Mermaid
Known for its fast-paced action and captivating characters, How to Catch a Mermaid by Adams Wallace is an exciting series for young readers who love mermaids. The book series has already become a New York Times and USA Today bestseller! It features the adorable little mermaid, Leo, who has the power to save the world.
This is the third book in the popular How to Catch series. The mermaids are incredibly beautiful and will make you want to go swimming with them. But the task is far from easy, and mermaids can be tricky to capture. A little bit of cleverness can go a long way.
Grumpy Monkey
The book addresses a common problem toddlers face: being grumpy. The story is entertaining and teaches toddlers how to deal with problems. It's an excellent choice for young children and parents. The book's illustrations are charming and evocative. It is suitable for children ages two to six.
When the title character, Jim Panzee, wakes up in a grumpy mood, he tries to change his attitude by sitting down and waiting for his grumpiness to pass. His grumpiness is quickly transformed into a positive feeling, and his mood improves. While the text is long, the illustrations are fun and the message is clear.
The humor in Grumpy Monkey is infectious. It can also help children learn to be more emotionally literate by teaching them the importance of being polite and respectful. The characters in Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang are a great source of inspiration for children of all ages.
World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm, 30-Button Animal Sound Book
If you're looking for a book for your child that's both educational and entertaining, you've come to the right place. The World of Eric Carle Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book by PI Kids is a delightful collection of animal illustrations with an audio module attached. Each button represents an animal, and when pressed, a different animal sound plays. The book is recommended for children aged three and up. It also features Eric Carle's iconic caterpillar.
Just Go to Bed
The Little Critter stories by Mercer Mayer are perennial favorites and tackle many of the challenges associated with growing up. This fantastic book features a preschool hero who resists going to bed, and his father's efforts to get him ready for bed. In this book, the father demonstrates a kind and understanding approach to bedtime.
Mercer Mayer began writing children's books in the 1960s and has since written over 300 titles. Mayer has created a whimsical world of magical creatures and has won numerous awards. Mercer draws his inspiration from his own childhood adventures and uses this to create memorable characters.
How to Catch a Dinosaur
If you're looking for a great book for a young girl or boy, How to Catch a Dinosaur is a great choice. This USA Today and New York Times bestselling team has written a new book with dinosaurs at its heart! It's a funny, dinosaur-themed adventure that's sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.
The story revolves around a young boy who wants to catch a dinosaur, and he needs some help. He discovers a few tips while hunting for a dinosaur in a park, and he wins a bicycle in the process. It's an interesting read for young children who are interested in science and invention.
The illustrations are extremely detailed, and the book's characters are easy to relate to. Children will laugh and be captivated by the adorable characters. The humor in this book is obvious and drips off every page. While the story revolves around the children trying to catch the dinosaur, the book also explores the relationships between different species.
FAQs
Raising a toddler can be tough. There are so many things you need to worry about and keep track of! But don't worry, we're here to help. In this post, I'll share some of the most common questions asked by parents of toddlers age 3, and I'll provide our best recommendations for books that will keep your little one entertained and engaged.
What books are for 3- or 5-year-olds?
For 3-year-olds, we recommend books like "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." These books are fun and easy for children to follow along with, and they introduce basic concepts like colors and counting.
For 5-year-olds, we recommend books like "Charlotte's Web" and "Where the Wild Things Are." These books are a bit more complex than the ones for 3-year-olds, but they're still enjoyable for kids to read. They help teach kids about friendship, loss, and adventure.
Should a 3-year-old be reading?
That depends on the child. Some kids are ready to read at a very young age, while others aren't ready until they're much older.
The most important thing is that the child is interested in reading and is able to do it easily and comfortably. If your child is eager to read and can do it without any difficulty, then there's no reason to hold him back. In fact, reading at a young age can actually help him learn more quickly and easily in other subjects too.
How do I choose a 3-year-old book?
It depends on what you're looking for in a book. If you want a classic that has been around for a while and is well-known, try something like The Cat in the Hat. If you're looking for something more recent, try The Hunger Games.
Whatever you choose, make sure to read reviews before buying to get an idea of what other people thought of it. That way, you can be sure that you'll enjoy the book yourself!
Are board books good for 3-year-olds?
Board books are great for 3-year-olds because they are durable and easy to clean. They also have brightly colored illustrations and text that is easy for young children to understand. Board books can help foster a love of reading in children at an early age, and they also provide a foundation for learning how to read later on.
What is a good book series for 3-year-olds?
One great book series for 3-year-olds is the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" series by Laura Numeroff. In these books, a young mouse named Mouse repeatedly asks for and receives a cookie from the reader. Each time, Mouse asks for something else that he needs as a result of having the cookie.
For example, after receiving the cookie, Mouse asks for a glass of milk, which he then drinks. He becomes thirsty and asks for a glass of water, which he then drinks. He becomes tired and asks for a bed, which the reader provides. Mouse falls asleep and wakes up hungry again. He requests another cookie, which the reader duly provides. And so on and so forth.
Can I teach my 3-year-old to read?
It is possible to teach a 3-year-old to read, but it depends on the child's natural ability and how motivated the parent is to help.
One of the most important things for a child learning to read is phonemic awareness, or the ability to hear and identify the individual sounds that makeup words. A good way to begin teaching phonemic awareness is by reading nursery rhymes and children's books together and talking about the different sounds that are heard in each word.
Another key factor in reading readiness is vocabulary development. A child who knows a lot of words can better understand what they're reading. You can help your child expand their vocabulary by talking about new words you see or hear every day.
How do I know if my 3-year-old is gifted?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every child is unique. However, here are a few things to watch for:
1) Does your child have an unusually large vocabulary for her age?
2) Is she able to do complex math problems or puzzles that other children his/her age can't solve?
3) Does he/she enjoy reading and learning new things?
4) Is he/she able to concentrate intensely on tasks for extended periods of time?
5) Is he/she particularly creative or intuitive?
6) Does he/she prefer solitary playtime or interacting with others?
7) Has he/she displayed exceptional talent in music, art, or athletics?
If your child exhibits several of these signs, he/she may be gifted. However, the only way to know for sure is to have him/her assessed by a qualified professional. (This site is not intended for professional medical advice.)
Can 3-year-olds write?
Yes, most young kids this age can write simple sentences.
A 3-year-old's writing skills will vary depending on their development, but most will be able to write some simple sentences with help. They may be able to write their name, spell words, and copy shapes and letters. As they get older, they'll start writing more complex sentences with correct grammar. You can help your child practice writing by providing lots of opportunities for them to write stories, lists, and notes.
At what age do toddlers like books?
There's no definitive answer to this question since every toddler is different. However, many parents find that their toddlers start showing interest in picture books around 18 months to 2 years old. Of course, some children may start earlier or later than this.
Generally speaking, toddlers tend to be fascinated by bright colors, interesting shapes, and sounds. So, books that are specifically designed for toddlers – such as those with lift-the-flap elements or super short stories – are often very popular with this age group. If your toddler isn't particularly interested in traditional books, don't worry! There are plenty of other ways to encourage a love of reading, such as reading aloud together and singing nursery rhymes.
The right book for you!
So there you have it – my top picks for the best books for toddlers age 3. I hope you find this list helpful and that your little one enjoys these stories as much as mine does. If you’re looking for even more recommendations, be sure to check out my other posts on the best children’s books or sign up for my mailing list to get regular updates on the latest and greatest in kid’s lit.