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50 Favorite Preschool Books (That Kids Love)

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Want to know kids’ favorite preschool books? Good books for 4- and 5-year-olds ? As a former teacher, preschool worker, mom, and book blogger, I have recommendations with reviews of picture books that your preschoolers will adore! (And so will you!)

Discover kids’ favorite picture books ; good books you can read aloud to your preschoolers. Because, at this age and stage, children love the humor and learning ALL THE THINGS.

It’s such a blast, right?!

Top 10 Preschool Books

• How to Count to 1  by Casper Salmon
• Hippos Are Huge!   by Jonathan London
• Jabari Jumps  by Gaia Cornwall
• Looking for a Jumbie  by Tracey Baptiste
• Z is for Moose  by Kelly Bingham
• Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs  by Mo Willems
• The Leaf Thief  by Alice Hemming
• Monsters in Trucks  by Laura Baker
• You Will Be My Friend  by Peter Brown
• Are You Scared, Darth Vader?  by Adam Rex
• Saturday  by Oge Mora

What makes a great book for preschoolers?

Children grow out of easy toddler books like Eric Carle’s Brown Bear. At preschool age, children want to read more complex picture books like fractured fairy tales , silly stories, thought-provoking tales, and nonfiction books .

Here are my favorite read aloud books for your preschool-age kids and students…that they will LOVE! I updated this list every month, with the last update in November 2023.

And don’t worry, there are PLENTY more amazing preschool books than on this list. If you want more book ideas by topic, go to this comprehensive book list by topic .

Download the free PDF printable book list!

Favorite Preschool Books (for 4 and 5-year-olds!)

How to Count to 1  by Casper Salmon, illustrated by Matt Hunt Can you count to 1? And no higher?  Silly illustrations and humorous writing will surprise and engage growing mathematicians as they follow the directions and count to ONE . One worm in disguise, one giraffe (among other African animals,) one duck rollerblading, and well, you get the idea– ONE! What’s even better is that the illustrations often mislead you to think you might be counting higher. Except– you are not. Brilliant!

Pretty Ugly  written by David Sedaris, illustrated by Ian Falconer Get ready for some surprising surprises! When Anna Van Ogre is good, she stomps on flowers and talks with her mouthful. I mean, she is an ogre, right?  But something terrible happens when Anna is acting bad–her face gets stuck in a smile!  She’s horrified. Luckily, her family accepts her and says her real beauty is on the inside. That gives her an idea! She finds a way to turn herself inside out. Now she’s beautiful again. Hilarious.

The Night Tent  by Landis Blair Reminiscent of Maurice Sendeck’s  Where the Wild Things Are , this beautifully illustrated  bedtime story  is about Watson, a boy who worries about monsters in the closet.  When he sees a light under his covers, he discovers a beautiful night sky with twinkling stars…UNDER HIS COVERS! He wanders down a path and through the forest. He plays with the forest creatures and rides a trolley to a tall tower which he climbs. When he crawls back out from under the covers, he’s so sleepy that he falls fast asleep without any worries about monsters. Enchanting and atmospheric!

Dog Vs. Strawberry  written by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Andrea Zuill HILARIOUS x a million!  An car racing announcer gives readers the play-by-play scoop as this dog races…a strawberry.  “ A strong start for Dog, leaning left, while Strawberry, impassive, doesn’t take the bait. ” There’s mayhem, there’s a quick nap, and the finish is…too close to call, but wait– can Dog win after all? I laughed out loud and so will you!

Scaredy Cats by Jeff Mack When a wrapped gift arrives, the kittens imagine what it could be…Maybe a cake? Or a hungry crocodile! Or a cake and a crocodile? They continue to what if– which is hilarious– as are the exuberant illustrations. What do you think is in the box? This is a perfect read aloud for preschoolers who will love to guess along with the kittens.

Come Out, Come Out, Chameleon! written and illustrated by Jonty Howley Kids will LOVE this hilarious and interactive book about an old man who can’t find his lost chameleon that he’s never actually seen. Will readers find it on each page? Look closely! Yes, you will find him. But will the man ever find his chameleon? This is the perfect book to read aloud to preschoolers!

Stinkbird Has a Superpower  by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Bob Shea Get ready for a new read aloud favorite about the many wonders of the stinkbird!  The hoatzin papa narrates about his amazing superpower while his baby bird interrupts. Their dialogue is hilarious, and we learn factual information about their clever nests, avoiding predators by swimming and climbing! Oh, also–their poop STINKS!

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!

King Hugo’s Huge Ego  by Chris Van Dusen My preschoolers LOVED this funny rhyming book about a king who thinks VERY highly of himself and, as a result, is cursed by a witch. The curse means that whenever he utters self-important words, his head grows bigger. Surprisingly, the king doesn’t mind because that means there is more of him to love! Will the king ever learn his lesson? (We read this book EVERY night at bedtime for months.)

Twenty Yawns by Jane Smiley, illustrated by Lauren Castillo Lucy yawns while her mother reads her a bedtime story and goes to sleep. Later, she wakes up, realizing she doesn’t have her special stuffed bear, Molasses. As she makes her way back to bed with Molasses and her friends, help count her yawns. Beautiful illustrations perfectly set the tone for this comforting bedtime story.

Hippos Are Huge!   by Jonathan  London, illustrated by Matthew Trueman Excellent writing and illustrations make this one of the best nonfiction animal picture books for preschool age kids . Bigger text pairs with smaller factual text to give younger readers tons of information.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean Preschoolers love to sing along with Pete’s song: “I love my white shoes, I love my white shoes . . . ” It will get stuck in your head. This story is about going with the flow …” cause it’s all good. “ One of the best preschool read alouds!

Looking for a Jumbie  by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Amber Ren One of my favorite preschool books, this is a story about mythological monsters , friendship, and bravery! Naya searches in the dark of night for a jumbie…even though her Mama says that jumbies are only in stories. “ I’m looking for a jumbie. I’m going to find a scary one. ” The refrain repeats as Naya meets a jumbie and other mythical creatures .

When Dinosaurs Walked the Earth   written by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Zehra Hicks Hilarious and subversive– this is the story of a little plant-eating  dinosaur  called Smallasaurus  and Badasaurus who wants to eat Smallasaurus for breakfast. What will Smallasaurus do? Encourage Badasaurus to run off a cliff, of course! But what if he comes back? It’s a good thing that Smallasaurus has a bigger brain than Badasaurus– she knows what to do next! A great read aloud for preschoolers.

Everyone’s Awake by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Shawn Harris It’s a crazy night because the entire family is awake and doing all sorts of imaginative, random things. “ Grandma’s at her needlework . Dad is baking bread. My brother’s making laundry lists of every book he’s read. ” The rollicking, rhythmic verses plus neon-bright action-packed illustrations capture the exuberance and activity of this busy night.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall Jabari is ready to jump off the diving board. Sort of. His dad tells Jabari that he feels scared too, and a deep breath and telling himself that he is ready helps him turn something scary into a fun surprise. Beautiful illustrations in a helpful, relatable story make this book a must-read preschool book for 4 and 5-year-olds

Good Night, Baddies by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Juli Kangas The famous baddies head for home at the end of the day. They eat dinner together –politely! The troll takes a bath, the evil queen puts away the poisoned apple, and they all snuggle into their beds. Good night , sour dreams!

Alphabet Mystery by Audrey Wood The lower case letters find the missing “x” and encounter the villainous capital letter “M” — this is a four- and five-year-old favorite to read repeatedly.

Hello, World! by Ethan Long Welcome to Happy County, where charming animal characters live. The characters are busy, busy living their lives, similar to Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town . Look at all the things happening on Farmer Dell’s farm! Can you help Mr. Grizzles and Ms. Green find the birds they’re searching for? A treasure trove preschool book with labeled objects and lovable characters.

Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite by Nick Bromley, illustrated by Nicola O’Byne What could be a very sweet metafiction story about the Ugly Duckling quickly turns very silly scary when a CROCODILE sneaks onto the pages. Gasp. Watch out! First, he eats the letters, then whole words, and finally, the sentences. It’s up to you, the preschool reader, to get rid of him. (You might even draw a tutu on him!)

A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India by Meera Sriram, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa A little girl explores the market to find her Amma a gift. She notices the colors, tastes, smells, and sounds. Beautiful illustrations perfectly illuminate the celebration of the market’s colors and the girl’s excitement.

Z is for Moose  by Kelly Bingham Kids love this hilarious  alphabet book  about a very impatient moose and his kind friend, Zebra.

Quest   by Aaron Becker This enchanting and imaginative wordless picture book will transport preschoolers into a magical world. My kids and I poured over every beautiful detail in the pictures, and so will yours.  Follow a boy and girl with a purple (magical) bird on their quest to save the king and his kingdom.

Real Cowboys  by Kate Hoefler, illustrated by Jonathan Bean The illustrations are so unique and gorgeous.  The text shares what real cowboys are like — they are gentle, they share, they cry, they ask for help, and more.  Love this!

Sleepy the Goodnight Buddy  by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Scott Campbell Roderick has impressive sleep-stalling strategies.  So his parents get him a  stuffed animal  named Sleepy. But, Sleepy is even better at sleep stalling. In a hilarious role reversal, Roderick gets Sleepy a glass of water, reads him a bedtime story ( The Day the Crayons Quit ), checks the closet, and does all the things that Roderick’s parents used to do for him…until Roderick is exasperated and falls asleep.

The Whole Story  by Vivian McInerny, illustrated by Ken Lamug Zia falls through the hole in her pocket. She makes the hole into whatever she needs — a fishing hole, a swimming hole, a watering hole (for the cloud animals), and even an elephant trip.  It’s a twisty-turny, creative adventure that your kids, ages 4 and 5, will adore!

Old Tracks, Ne w Tricks  by Jessica Petersen Snubbed by the trains, the new wooden train tracks decide they’ll show the other tracks fun ways to play — like hide-and-go track, tick-track-toe, tracks stack towers, dominoes, and so much more.  These creative play ideas will get your kids thinking of their train tracks in many new, inventive ways.  One of my kids’ favorite picture preschool books for 4- and 5- year olds!

Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great  by Bob Shea Goat is very irritated when Unicorn moves to town and seems to show up Goat.  Goat made marshmallow squares but Unicorn makes it rain cupcakes. That makes Goat feel very jealous. But when Unicorn prances by, he’s amazed by Goat’s cheese, goat’s ability to eat garbage, his ability to head-butt the soccer ball, and his cloven hooves. And before you know it, the two are best friends. Goat says,  “You know something, Unicorn? I had a feeling we’d be friends.”  HA.

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We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins After a rough first day at school , where she eats her classmates, gets scolded by the teacher, spits them out, and doesn’t make any friends, Penelope’s dad explains that “ children are the same as us on the inside. Just tastier. ” HA. The next day, Penelope eats her classmates AGAIN! However, when the class goldfish chomps on Penelope’s finger, and it HURTS, she realizes that it’s no fun to be someone else’s snack.

The Leaf Thief  by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Salter A worried squirrel who thinks that SOMEONE is stealing his tree’s leaves.  HIS leaves! Even though his friend Bird tries to help him, Squirrel doesn’t seem to understand the changes that the fall season brings like leaves changing color and wind blowing them off the trees. It’s funny and illuminating — and will spark helpful discussions about the characteristics of fall – with a hint of a  winter  surprise at the end.

More Preschool Books

The Book with No Pictures  by B.J. Novak This is a must-read-out loud book because, “ Here’s how books work: Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say. ”  For example, you might have to read that “ I am a monkey who taught myself to read .” Or, “My only friend in the whole wide world is a hippo named BOO BOO BUTT.” Side-splitting for kids of any age, especially preschoolers.

Have You Seen Gordon? by Adam Jay Epstein & Ruth Chan Goofy adventures and fun characters make this a hilarious seek-and-find book . A funny narrator battles the independent-thinking characters with their ideas about how the story should go. But first, can you find Gordon? When Gordon doesn’t hide very well, the narrator decides to find someone else to look for — but his new target, Jane, the construction worker, is shy, so she runs away. What will happen now?

The Pi ñ ata That the Farm Maiden Hung  by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Sebastia Serra If you’re looking for  cheerful, lyrical bilingual preschool books, this is a favorite. The farm maiden hangs the piñata. But who is it for? In this clever cumulative story , see how the farmer, his family, and the animals helped to prepare the piñata and the birthday party festivities. Spanish words are written in bold and supported with lively illustrations so readers can infer what each word means.

Monsters in Trucks by Laura Baker, illustrated by Nina Dzyvulska Toddlers and preschoolers will love the exuberant explosion of colors, monsters, and trucks filling every page. The rhyming text shows monsters building, drilling, and working very hard, whether they’re cleaning the street or eating everything they can. 100% adorable.

What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures  by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga  Learn about famous scientists who were curious children . Gorgeous illustrations and clear text will captivate readers as they learn about kids like Diego, who collected snails as a child and later became a herpetologist, or Mary, who collected caterpillars and eventually wrote a book on metamorphosis. Young readers will be inspired to start their own collections and see where their curiosities take them!

I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness  by Kerascoët When a classmate is being bullied, what can you do? This wordless picture book shows that sometimes it’s about showing someone they are not alone. You can do what this girl does: show  kindness  and walk home with a lonely, hurting person. Added to:  Picture Books About Kindness

We All Went on Safari: A Counting Journey through Tanzania  by Laurie Krebs, illustrated by Julia Cairns Gentle rhymes, some  repetitive text  (LOVE), and plenty of gorgeous safari vistas  make you feel as though you’re along with this Maasai family as they spot (and count) wildebeests, lions, warthogs, and more animals on their safari. Lovely.

Hooray For Amanda & Her Alligator  by Mo Willems Reminiscent of the George and Marth a books, this preschool book is about a girl named Amanda and her stuffed alligator.  Told in 6 1/2 vignettes, the stories are all about surprises  — a surprising surprise, an un-surprising surprise, a surprising tickle, a surprising value, a surprising . . . you get the idea. Both funny and poignant, this is one of our favorite preschool books.

You Will Be My Friend  by Peter Brown We love this funny picture book ! Really seriously funny.  Lucy is very enthusiastic about making friends with any forest critter. Her good intentions go awry, and soon Lucy is yelling  at animals — “ Come back here and have fun with me ” and “ You WILL be my friend. ” As it turns out, that isn’t such a great way to make friends, either. Will Lucy ever make a friend?

You Are a Raccoon! by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Jay Fleck Written in the second person point of view , you are a raccoon. As you read, you’ll learn about your family and den and sounds. Read about getting bigger, finding food, and waking at night with other nocturnal animals . Playful verbs invite you to act out raccoon actions. A must read for preschoolers ; it’s informative, interactive, and fun. (Also read: You Are a Honey Bee! )

I Can Only Draw Worms   by Will Mabbitt This zany preschool  counting book  with all the worms is a laugh-out-loud adventure in neon pink, yellow, white, and black.  The narrator explains that he can only draw worms, so that’s exactly what he does –draws lots of worms.  Ten worms, actually, with super funny commentary.

Ada Twist, Scientist  by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts Curious Ada Twist loves questions and thinking just as much as she loves science experiments.  Even when in time out, Ada is thinking and wondering . . . all over the wall. I love this spunky science-loving character of color and know you will, too.

El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!   by Donna Barba Higuera, illustrated by Juliana Perdomo Ramón isn’t scared of El Cucuy anymore (the boogieman) because he’s more worried about his first day of school .  And El Cucuy feels the same — he misses their old home and the desert. Ramon reassures El Cucuy that they’ll both get used to it and make new friends and that El Cucuy is strong and brave; they both are. It’s a sweet story of friendship with colorful, vibrant illustrations.

Supermoms!   by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper, illustrated by Jamie Harper Did you know animals are moms , too? And they make safe, comfy homes like the groundhogs and red-knobbed hornbill. They’re creative with transportation — just look at a wolf spider mom carrying her spiderlings on her back. Fascinating facts about animal supermoms are paired with engaging comic-style illustrations.

Chickens to the Rescue  by John Himmelman The good thing for this farming family is that their chickens will help with EVERYTHING!  Except on Sunday. A delightful adventure that reminds kids of the days of the week , too.

You Don’t Want a Unicorn!  by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Liz Climo Get the inside scoop as our narrator breaks down the perils of unicorns as pets .  They can’t be house-trained, they have really big unicorn parties, the horn is very destructive, especially after jumping, . . . it’s just not as awesome as you might think. What a helpful cautionary tale! (added to:  22 Magical Children’s Books About Unicorns )

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs  by Mo Willems Don’t miss this unpredictable and side-splitting story,  Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs . In this remix, we have Dinosaurs instead of bears;  Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur, and some other Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. And “ one day, for no particular reason, the three Dinosaurs made up their beds, positioned their chairs just so, and cooked three bowls of delicious chocolate pudding at varying temperatures. ” Also, in this story, the dinosaurs eat little succulent children.

Greatest Animal Stories   chosen by Michael Morpurgo  The stories are about all animals, some from different cultural traditions; most of the stories contain a valuable lesson  like “The Fox and the Crow” or explain a natural phenomena like “How the Bear Lost His Tail”. All stories are delightfully entertaining.

Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes A little girl sits sadly on her porch steps, thinking about the colors of the rainbow and how black isn’t in the rainbow. Poignant, lyrical metaphors and luminous illustrations tell readers what black is in the girl’s world — a crayon, a feather, braids, rhythm, blues, trains, dreams, and so much more.  Her narration celebrates black culture,  showing pride, context, and history. Every single part of this incredible book is meaningful, beautiful, and memorable.

Be Quiet!  by Ryan T. Higgins Rupert tells his two exuberant and talkative friends that the book is supposed to be wordless but the friends just can not stop “helping” with ideas for the book, infuriating Rupert and cracking up the reader.  Cartoon conversation bubbles, hilarious dialogue, and a funny storyline will keep you entertained from the first page. I predict this will be a new classroom and home preschool read-aloud favorite.

Saturday  by Oge Mora Everything on their special day goes wrong, but the mom and child acknowledge  it’s all okay still because they’re together.  What an important message about spending time with someone you love. Also, the ART — I can’t get enough of Mora’s collage artwork, it’s vibrant and beautiful.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom   by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault A classic favorite of childhood, this picture book is a  rhyming story of alphabet letters having fun .

Are You Scared, Darth Vader?  by Adam Rex If you like funny preschool books, read this next! The narrator wants to know if Darth Vader is scared of anything.  Maybe when this wolfman pops out? Or bites him? Or a vampire? “ I AM NOT SCARED. I WILL NEVER BE SCARED. WHO COULD POSSIBLY SCARE LORD VADER? ” Then a surprise ending shows what  displeases , not scares, Darth Vader. What do you think it is?

Another  by Christian Robinson In this  exuberant celebration of the imagination , a little girl is in bed when an oval door opens into the wall. She follows the cats into what seems to be another world of colorful topsy-turvy dots and rectangles, more oval doors, many diverse kids, and another girl and her cat that look exactly like them. The white space and repetition of shapes feel playful and fresh. You might also like:  Meaningful Activities with Wordless Picture Books .

Poor Puppy and Bad Kitty  by Nick Bruel You’ll laugh through this  silly alphabetical story about Puppy and Kitty  and their playful adventures.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole  by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen Preschool readers immediately “get” the humor in the illustrations.  As Sam and Dave dig their hole and dig and dig, they find nothing. But their dog , he’s sniffed out the world’s biggest diamond.  Dogs know what’s up. Your kids will giggle their way through this favorite story!

Claymates  by Dev Petty, illustrated by Lauren Eldridge After reading this picture book, will your preschoolers want to make their own clay story? Two clay blobs, a gray and a brown blob, meet in an art room. A girl arrives to make the gray clay into a wolf and the brown clay into an owl. When she leaves, the two clays play around. They transform into many other creatures and objects until they hear the artist return. Can they fix each other?

Beware of the Crocodile  by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura Introduce preschool kids to the crocodile in this picture book that could double as an easy nonfiction reader. Informative and awe-inspiring.

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas  by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Grace Zong My daughter says this is  SO MUCH  better than the original Goldilocks and the Three Bears because in this story of  a young Chinese girl named Goldy.  Goldy returns to the scene of her crime to apologize and help fix things. This  is  a better ending. I agree!

It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk  by Josh Funk, illustrated by Edwardian Taylor The narrator of this hilarious story tries to boss Jack around , which Jack doesn’t like. In fact, he doesn’t want to be a thief and murderer. So at the giant’s house in the sky, Jack stops following the story. He befriends the giant, makes him a taco salad, and goes to Cinderella’s house for a party. It’s the perfect updated preschool version of Jack and the Beanstalk with a take-charge hero and curmudgeonly narrator.

Festival of Colors  by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Vashti Harrison Siblings  gather flowers for the upcoming festival of color, Holi.  Each two-page spread is a different flower and color . “ They gather irises because irises make BLUE.” When the flowers are gathered, they’re dried and pressed into fine powders of color.  Then, the family and friends come together and they throw the brilliant colored powders into the air and onto each other.

Bear Came Along   by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham Bear discovers that observation of  small moments  can turn into big adventures with friends.  He isn’t aware that he’s on an adventure until he’s floating down the river on a log with Froggy on his head soon to be joined by Turtles, Beaver, and Racoons, who don’t know they need to be careful until they run into Duck. With a wonderful circular ending and after a fun-filled fall of the waterfall, the friends realize they’re sharing life together…because the river came along.

KEEP READING

What Should Be the Goal of Preschool?

Good Nonfiction Books for Ages 2 – 5

Bookclub for Preschoolers

Activity Books for Preschoolers

Picture Book Scavenger Hunt

Good Books About Colors

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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These great reads for toddlers, including award winners, will inspire a lifetime love of reading.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

When you're looking for the best books for 3-year-olds, they are colorful, engaging and include lessons that will teach your child important and exciting facts about the world. And because we all know kids at that age love to read the same books over and over again, they're also adorable enough that parents won't mind when your child begs for "just one more story" at bedtime.

We've rounded up some of our favorite board books , picture books and books for toddlers, as well as award-winning reads that are sure to find a place of honor on your child's bookshelf. They make great birthday presents for 3-year-olds , preschool graduation gifts or a special treat for anytime your kid has earned a little something.

And once you've run through all the great books on this list, check out the Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Awards for more favorites to suit any age.

Turn Seek Find: Habitats by Ben Newman

With two built-in activity wheels, there are lots of exciting objects of all shapes and colors to find in this innovative book. It's great for working on memory and observation, as well as fine motor skills, not to mention, it's sturdy enough to read on the go.

Mail Duck: A Book of Shapes and Surprises by Erica Sirotich

If the mail carrier's arrival is the highlight of your toddler's day, they'll love this engaging board book. Sixteen flaps and a double gatefold at the end give your little one lots to discover.

Drive the Fire Truck by Dave Mottram

If there's a toddler out there who doesn't love fire trucks, we've never met them. This fun board book features steering wheel handles and interactive elements with a fun rhyming story that will hold their attention all the way through.

Maybe... by Chris Haughton

Eye-popping colors, bold shapes and a delightfully impish tale make this book's visual humor really sing, both for kids and adults because reading to your toddler should be fun for all involved.

The Box Turtle by Vanessa Roeder

Teach your toddler about the beauty of body differences with this adorable tale about a box turtle born without a shell who uses a cardboard box instead.

TouchThinkLearn: ABC by Xavier Deneux

With so many ABC books out there, it can be hard to pick just one. This durable, chunky board book has raised and scooped-out elements to encourage your little one to explore the alphabet through a tactile, multisensory experience.

All Aboard! The Airport Train by Nichole Mara and Andrew Kolb

This exciting accordion fold-out book has plenty to discover, taking kids on a tour of the ins and outs of an airport train. It's chock-full of silly surprises, like vacationing penguins, glamorous movie stars and lots more.

Happy Birthday to You! by Nicola Slater

Either as one of your child's birthday gifts or to teach them about birthdays before attending their first kids' party, this fun and colorful book is too cute for words.

Hi-Five Animals! by Ross Burach

Get ready for your kids to high-five everyone they meet once they get into this cute way to teach social-emotional skills. It's a great way to teach children who can be a bit shy how to navigate meeting new people.

Think Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

Show your 3-year-old that if they can dream it, they can do it with this inspiring book featuring 18 women, from writers to inventors, artists to scientists and other important trailblazers.

¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat by Raúl the Third III

Parents of picky eaters, this one's for you. Teach your kid easy-to-remember Spanish vocabulary as well as delicious new dishes with this celebration of food truck cuisine.

Sunday Rain by Rosie J. Pova and Amariah Rauscher

For kids who are having a hard time adjusting to a move, a new school or other life changes, this imaginative adventure will help. It's a sweet story about finding new friends that grown-ups will love as much as their little ones do.

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater

Welcome fall with this sweet story about adjusting to change while acknowledging the anxiety new things can sometimes bring. It's also a great introduction to the seasons, perfect for ringing in a new school year.

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna

If that fish's face doesn't convince you to pick this one up, the rhythmically rhyming story and beautiful illustrations will. Reading about a fish who discovers that spreading "dreary wearies" isn't his thing will make even the most nap-deprived smile.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd

If you don't already own a copy of this classic, you owe it to your kid's bookshelf to pick up a copy. The board book version is sturdy enough for your toddler to read at home or to bring along on trips where a comfort object will make bedtime easier.

Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping , where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room. 

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Best books for 3-year-olds

When children reach three, they can often follow slightly longer stories but they will still love listening to their old favourites again and again - they might even be able to retell them to you! 

Here are some picture books we think would be perfect for storytime with your 3-year-old.

You might also like...

Best Books for Babies 0-12 months ;  Best Books for 1-year-olds ; Best Books for 2-year-olds ;  Best Books for 4-year-olds ;  Best Books for 5-year-olds

Almost Anything

Author: Sophy Henn

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

Sophy Henn has the perfect touch when it comes to tapping into childhood emotions and readers both young and old will relate to Ge…

Blue Penguin

Author: Petr Horacek

Interest level: 3-5

Blue Penguin wants to belong. But how does he convince the other penguins that he is just like them? A touching story about friend…

Calm Down, Boris!

Author: Sam Lloyd

Interest level: 2-4

This interactive book comes complete with a Boris puppet making it perfect for sharing.

Colin and Lee: Carrot and Pea

Author: Morag Hood

Colin is a carrot, and Lee is a pea. An amusing and deceptively simple look at friendship and difference, this is a lovely book fo…

Kiki and Bobo’s Sunny Day

Author: Yasmeen Ismail

Kiki and Bobo have decided to go to the seaside for the day. A lovely book with bright, welcoming illustrations and clever lift-th…

Lost and Found

Author: Oliver Jeffers

Once there was a sad, lonely penguin who appeared at the door of a young boy. The boy decided he must be lost, so he set off to fi…

Oh No, George!

Author: Chris Haughton

George is a dog with a big personality and he LOVES cake, rubbish bins and chasing Cat.

Author: Giles Andreae Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

Interest level: 1-5

From hairy pants, scary pants and fairy pants, to loose pants, tight pants and lighting up at night pants, this must-have picture …

The Gruffalo

Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

In this much-loved picture book, a little mouse walks through the woods and encounters a fox, an owl and a snake.

You Choose!

Author: Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt

Interest level: 3-7

Create your own story with this brilliant interactive book full of detailed, colourful illustrations.

Luna Loves Library Day

Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Fiona Lumbers

Interest level: 3-6

Reading age: 5+

From the talented poet Joseph Coelho, this charming picture book highlights the wonders of libraries for families and communities.…

One Banana, Two Bananas

Author: Adam and Charlotte Guillain Illustrator: Sam Lloyd

Interest level:

It’s party time in Banana Bungalow! One banana, two bananas, three bananas, four… Eight bananas in pyjamas are bouncing on the bed…

•   Books for children
•   Books for 3-5 year olds

Books for 3-5 year olds

Spark your child's love of reading with these brilliant books for 3-5 year olds..

Toddler years are when most children start to recognise letters, sounds and written words and are the perfect time to get them ready for their first school days. If you're the parent of an energetic preschooler or looking for a gift for a little one in your life, read our edit of the best books for 3-5 year olds.

For more inspiration, discover our best picture books for kids . 

No Climbing

By ross collins.

Join a fearless little bunny on a very big adventure in this heartwarming and boldly illustrated picture book by award-winning author-illustrator Ross Collins. From fellow climbers who disappear without a trace to signs warning of peril ahead, little ones will giggle as the brave rabbit climbs higher and higher, ignoring all the warnings of danger further up the mountain. With each page showcasing vibrant illustrations and a fun cast of characters, No Climbing will become a firm favourite to read aloud at storytime.

by Emily Gravett

Join ten adorable hounds on a number adventure in 10 Dogs , a fun counting picture book from award-winning illustrator Emily Gravett. As the dogs go in hunt of ten delicious sausages they have lots of counting fun along the way. Supporting early number skills through its beautifully detailed illustrations, this book would make a brilliant addition to any toddler’s bookshelf. 

Tyrone's Cool Crown

By sir lenny henry.

Take a trip to the barbershop with Tyrone in Tyrone's Cool Crown, the second picture book adventure from national treasure and comedy legend Lenny Henry and illustrator Salomey Doku. Tyrone doesn’t want an inch of his hair cut off, but with the help of barber Dalisa and Grandad Cleveland, he learns that getting your hair done can be loads of fun. 

The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile

By julia donaldson.

Ruth Mary is used to collecting teeth from under the pillows of sleeping children, not animals. But when the Fairy Queen sends her off to the jungle, Ruth Mary doesn't mind. That is until she collects the tooth of a crocodile, who wakes up and decides Ruth Mary looks like a tasty snack! And with her wings not working, how will the tooth fairy escape? Full of fun and packed with adventure The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile is perfect for any child with a wobbly tooth!

Victor, the Wolf with Worries

By catherine rayner.

Victor is a wolf with a head full of worries. He worries about almost everything, from whether he’s brave enough, to what he’s going to have for dinner. One day, Victor shares how he feels with his friend Pablo, who helps him learn how to make his worries feel a little smaller. Giving children the tools they need to talk about and understand their worries, this book is a wonderful tool for carers and educators to help young children talk about how they are feeling.

Mole's Spectacles

Julia Donaldson

Badger's Band

Dormouse Has a Cold

Frog's Day Out

Don't Miss

All the books from the Tales from Acorn Wood series

Otto The Top Dog

Catherine Rayner

The Bowerbird

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep

My hair is as long as a river, by charlie castle.

People don’t always understand the boy with long hair. But he knows that his hair is a part of who he is and who he can be ­- soft and strong, wild and still, fierce and gentle. My Hair is as Long as a River is a joyful celebration of being proud of who you are, from debut picture book creators Charlie Castle and Emma Farrarons.

It Wasn't Me!

By marta altés.

Ellis and Charlie are the best of friends. They live on an island, they share everything, and they do everything together. Until one day, things start to go missing, and the friends don’t know who is to blame. A fabulously funny story about the highs and lows of friendship, It Wasn’t Me! will help to teach young children that sometimes friends fall out, but how easy it can be to forgive and make up.

What the Ladybird Heard

What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday

There's Nothing Faster Than a Cheetah

There's Nothing Cuter Than a Puppy

The Snail and the Whale

Room on the Broom

Sharing a Shell 20th Anniversary Edition

One Ted Falls Out of Bed 20th Anniversary Edition

A guide to julia donaldson's books, wolf and bear, by kate rolfe.

Wolf and Bear are the best of friends. Every day they play together, exploring the world around them and learning new things. Until one day, Bear doesn’t want to play anymore and Wolf has no idea why. This heartwarming and hopeful story of two best friends offers a sensitive and age-appropriate way to talk to early years children about the often difficult-to-discuss topic of depression.

by Steve Antony

Meet a cat, in need of a nap. But it’s hard to find time for sleep when you’re busy playing! Will he ever close his eyes? Style, simplicity and humour combine to make this original and engaging look at naptime a must-read for all young children and their grown-ups. Fresh, funny and utterly relatable, with a playful, pitch-perfect text, Cat Nap marks the launch of a new character-led picture book series.

Tumford the Terrible

Nancy Tillman

It's Time to Sleep, My Love

You're All Kinds of Wonderful

I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love

The Gruffalo

Animalphabet

I Am Perfectly Designed

Karamo Brown

The Truth About Old People

Elina Ellis

Sammy Striker and the Football Cup

By catherine emmett.

Sammy Striker eats, sleeps and breathes football, so when she’s spotted at the park by a scout who wants her to play for the National Under 8s team, she can’t believe her luck. But as her debut in the Football Cup gets closer, Sammy’s shots start to miss the target. Can she hold her nerve and follow her dreams? Sammy Striker and the Football Cup is an empowering story for young football fans.

The Girl Who LOVES Bugs

By lily murray.

Little Evie loves the great outdoors. Every spare moment she can find, she’s outside searching under logs to find new critters to add to her secret bug collection, much to the distaste of her mums and brother. On the day that Evie’s scary Great Gran is meant to arrive, she discovers her bugs have escaped, and are scuttling all over the house! The Girl Who Loves Bugs is a fun story of family love and the power of curiosity.

The Best Me!

Marvyn Harrison

I am Hattie the Hare

I am Oliver the Otter

The Big Bad Bug

The Littlest Elephant

Dig, Dig, Digger

Runaway Cone

You can do anything, tyrone.

When Tyrone starts to build a rocket ship to shoot him to the moon, everything seems to go wrong and he’s ready to give up. Luckily, his Grandad Cleveland steps in to teach him that sometimes, all you need to succeed is your imagination and the belief that you can do anything, no matter how tricky it seems. Celebrate the power of positivity in this illustrated story, written by national treasure, Lenny Henry .

The Gardening Dog

By cindy wume.

Lewis doesn’t find it easy to fit in with other children. So when he meets The Gardening Dog, who has all but given up on being adopted from the rescue centre where she lives, the two strike up an unlikely friendship and work together to create a community garden for everyone to enjoy. A touching story about friendship and togetherness, The Gardening Dog encourages us to celebrate our uniqueness and be ourselves.

Goodnight Moon

Margaret Wise Brown

WOW! It's Snowing

Tim Hopgood

Planes Planes Planes!

Donna David

Cars Cars Cars!

Vegesaurs: Ginger Meets the Pea-Rexes!

Macmillan Children's Books

Vegesaurs: Dinner Time!

Vegesaurs: Pea-Rex Rollercoaster

Vegesaurs: Baby Bok's Flying Lesson

You may also like, 100 of the best picture books for children, 50 best lift-the-flap and pop-up books for children, the best new children's books to read in 2024.

All About Me Pre-K Activity Book

The Doll that Bommakka Made

A mess – early reader, barnaby frog learns to swim, the clever tortoise.

Dance Khuzwayo, Dance!

Dragon school, see you tomorrow – fun early reader, recieve updates – follow us, make a difference, submit a book, subscribe to fkb newsletter.

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Best Books for Kids » Ages 3-5

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Last updated: July 18, 2024

Most children age 3-5 enjoy being read to, especially picture books which allow them to pay close attention to details in the illustrations while they listen to the story. Good picture books are fun to read aloud, with text and illustrations complementing each other, and art that really brings the story alive. Great picture books manage to distil something essential about life and express it with clarity and simplicity.

Children age 3-5 love to recognise themselves in stories, and to connect with circumstances they have encountered in their own lives. Books about experiences such as going to nursery and managing friendships and emotions are very popular, as they can help children learn to navigate the world around them.

Usually, children respond well to books that set the stage for conversations, that ask the children what they think rather than being overtly educational. There are also lots of picture books to help young kids make sense of a life-changing event, such as the arrival of a sibling, dementia in a grandparent, or the loss of a loved one.

At the same time, books enable children to expand their horizons, introducing them to different places and the lives of others, and fuelling their imagination.

In an ideal world, an adult always has time to sit and read with a child. In real life, that isn’t always going to happen. Bear in mind that it can be a nice activity for a child to listen to an audiobook and leaf through the pages of the print edition at the same time. If at all possible, do make time to read a bedtime story together. It’s a great bonding experience and helps kids wind down before sleep. Children who don’t particularly enjoy stories might like information books about the natural world or how things work instead. Kids tend to be attracted to animals and usually love books about them.

Here we have collected books to help the children in your life start on a lifetime of loving to read. These books are recommended by experts who explain their choices in an interview.

The Most Beautifully Illustrated Children’s Books , recommended by Ella Beech

I am the subway kim hyo-eun, translated by deborah smith, little echo by al rodin, up down inside out by joohee yoon, haunted house by jan pienkowski, a lion in paris by beatrice alemagna.

What makes an illustrated book stand out? Ella Beech , the artist who has just completed a beautiful new edition of The Night Before Christmas for the Folio Society, talks us through some of her favourites.

What makes an illustrated book stand out? Ella Beech, the artist who has just completed a beautiful new edition of The Night Before Christmas for the Folio Society, talks us through some of her favourites.

Beautiful Science Books for 4-8 Year Olds , recommended by Our Children's Editor

A seed is sleepy by dianna aston & sylvia long (illustrator), how colour works by catherine barr & yuliya gwilym (illustrator), bright in the night by lena sjöberg, the big book of bugs by yuval zommer, creatures of the deep: the pop-up book by ernst haeckel & maike biederstädt (paper engineer).

Scientific picture books provide an enjoyable way for kids to explore different fields of science without realising how much they are learning. Our Children’s Editor picks science books for kids age 4-8 that are informative but also a pleasure to look at, both for children and for the adults that are reading with them.

The Best Chinese Picture Books , recommended by Our Children's Editor

Rebellion against heaven adapted by chu yi, illustrated by wang weizhi, translated by liu guangdi, the moose of ewenki by gerelchimeg blackcrane, jiu er (illustrator) & translated by helen mixter, an's seed zaozao wang, li huang (illustrator), translated by helen wang, express delivery from dinosaur world yanan dong, translated by helen wang, grandma lives in a perfume village by fang suzhen, sonja danowski (illustrator) & translated by huang xiumin.

Of the many children's books published in Chinese, few make their way into translation. Here, our Children's Editor picks five outstanding Chinese picture books that are available for readers around the world to enjoy in English.

Of the many children’s books published in Chinese, few make their way into translation. Here, our Children’s Editor picks five outstanding Chinese picture books that are available for readers around the world to enjoy in English.

The Best Books about Libraries for 4-8 Year Olds , recommended by Bahram Rahman

Library lion michelle knudsen, kevin hawkes (illustrator), write to me cynthia grady, amiko hirao (illustrator), tomás and the library lady by pat mora & raul colón (illustrator), the fantastic flying books of mr. morris lessmore william joyce, joe bluhm (illustrator), the lonely book kate bernheimer, chris sheban (illustrator).

Libraries provide a space for children to read for pleasure and discover the transformative power of books. Children’s author Bahram Rahman shares his favourite picture books about libraries for children age 4-8, and explains why book-recommending algorithms cannot replace librarians.

Best Books for Preschool Kids , recommended by Janice Stewart-Yates

Each peach pear plum by allan ahlberg & janet ahlberg (illustrator), the mitten by jan brett, zonia's rain forest by juana martinez-neal, katie morag and the two grandmothers by mairi hedderwick, katie and the impressionists by james mayhew.

With travel restricted in much of the world due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is more important than ever to open children’s minds through books. Janice Stewart-Yates , a passionate Montessori educator, shares her recommendations for books that bring the world to children. These are some of her favourite picks for preschool classroom story time, as well as for reading with her own daughter.

With travel restricted in much of the world due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is more important than ever to open children’s minds through books. Janice Stewart-Yates, a passionate Montessori educator, shares her recommendations for books that bring the world to children. These are some of her favourite picks for preschool classroom story time, as well as for reading with her own daughter.

The Best Antiracist Books for Kids , recommended by Paula Young Shelton

In your hands by brian pinkney (illustrator) & carole boston weatherford, the day you begin by jacqueline woodson & rafael lópez (illustrator), i am enough by grace byers & keturah bobo (illustrator), mufaro's beautiful daughters: an african tale by john steptoe, milo's museum by purple wong (illustrator) & zetta elliott.

Understanding the African American experience is not just about learning about suffering, it's also about celebrating a vibrant culture and its roots across the millennia. Paula Young Shelton , author of Child of the Civil Rights Movement, recommends the best antiracist books for kids.

Understanding the African American experience is not just about learning about suffering, it’s also about celebrating a vibrant culture and its roots across the millennia. Paula Young Shelton, author of Child of the Civil Rights Movement, recommends the best antiracist books for kids.

The Best Books on Gratitude for Kids , recommended by Dana Sheridan

Gracias/thanks pat mora, illustrated by john parra, the thank you book by mo willems, bear says thanks by jane chapman & karma wilson, all the world liz garton scanlon, illustrated by marla frazee, plant a kiss amy krouse rosenthal, illustrated by peter h reynolds.

What should you read with your kids on Thanksgiving? Dana Sheridan of Princeton University Library's Cotsen Children's Library recommends five children's books with themes of love, gratitude, belonging and sharing with one another—what the holiday is all about.

What should you read with your kids on Thanksgiving? Dana Sheridan of Princeton University Library’s Cotsen Children’s Library recommends five children’s books with themes of love, gratitude, belonging and sharing with one another—what the holiday is all about.

Books To Help Children Overcome Anxiety , recommended by Chitra Soundar

Ruby's worry by tom percival, my many coloured days by dr seuss, there's room for everyone by anahita teymorian, llama llama red pajama by anna dewdney, sweep by louise greig.

As young children grow, finding a vocabulary for their worries and anxiety is often difficult. Children's author Chitra Soundar recommends five books that help children process their emotions and use fiction as a tool for talking about anxiety.

As young children grow, finding a vocabulary for their worries and anxiety is often difficult. Children’s author Chitra Soundar recommends five books that help children process their emotions and use fiction as a tool for talking about anxiety.

Children’s Picture Books , recommended by Kate Milner

Railway passage by charles keeping, the lost thing by shaun tan, as time passes by isabel minhos martins, illustrated by madelena matoso, the cat in the hat by dr seuss, the day i swapped my dad for two goldfish by dave mckean & neil gaiman.

Kate Milner , winner of the prestigious Klaus Flugge Prize, discusses some of the trailblazing illustrators that have inspired her own career. She heralds artists whose imaginative works have given us some of the most exuberant storytelling for children over the last 50 years.

Kate Milner, winner of the prestigious Klaus Flugge Prize, discusses some of the trailblazing illustrators that have inspired her own career. She heralds artists whose imaginative works have given us some of the most exuberant storytelling for children over the last 50 years.

The best books on Pets For Young Kids , recommended by Catherine Rayner

I love guinea pigs by dick king-smith, ginger by charlotte voake, blue chameleon by emily gravett, hairy maclary from donaldson's dairy by lynley dodd, borka: the adventures of a goose with no feathers by john burningham.

Feathered, scaly or furry, children form powerful and enriching bonds with their pets. If you don't have room in your house (or lifestyle) for a multitude of birds and beasts—you can always read about them in books! Catherine Rayner , one of the UK's leading creators of children's picture books and devoted animal lover, recommends her favourite illustrated picture books celebrating pets.

Feathered, scaly or furry, children form powerful and enriching bonds with their pets. If you don’t have room in your house (or lifestyle) for a multitude of birds and beasts—you can always read about them in books! Catherine Rayner, one of the UK’s leading creators of children’s picture books and devoted animal lover, recommends her favourite illustrated picture books celebrating pets.

We ask experts to recommend the five best books in their subject and explain their selection in an interview.

This site has an archive of more than one thousand seven hundred interviews, or eight thousand book recommendations. We publish at least two new interviews per week.

Five Books participates in the Amazon Associate program and earns money from qualifying purchases.

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Best Books for 3-5 Year Olds

Explore a curated collection of the best books for 3 to 5-year-olds that will inspire a love for reading in children.

Shop our selection of baby books and toddler books! Find board books, picture books, and other books for toddlers to help your little reader grow.

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Discover the best books for 3 to 5-year-olds at the Scholastic Parent Store. Designed to nurture early literacy, this curated collection offers a variety of engaging reads. From charming picture books to interactive tales that make learning fun, these selections are thoughtfully chosen to engage and inspire preschoolers. Scholastic's collection is a go-to resource for parents and caregivers seeking the perfect books for 3 to 5 year olds.

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Popular Series & Authors for 3- to 5-Year-Olds

Have fun with these book series that teach timeless lessons and sharpen reading skills..

Children in preschool and kindergarten learn and absorb so much from ages 3-5. This is the time where they're beginning to study their ABCs, early phonics , and develop crucial reading comprehension. At the same time, they're learning the dynamics of making new friends and adjusting to the ins and outs of a school environment. That can be very exciting!

During this crucial time in their development, children greatly benefit from a daily reading routine . Finding the right series for this age range can help them make real world connections between their favorite characters and the situations they come across during their days, like learning empathy , celebrating differences, inclusion, and developing self esteem among others. 

Authors like Ross Burach, David Shannon, Lucille Colandro, and Aaron Blabey combine fun narratives and eye-catching illustrations to weave stories your child will love and relate to. With rhyming text, memorable characters, and engaging plots, your child will have fun coming back to these books and won't even realize they're learning valuable skills.

Use your child's favorite characters like Clifford , Pete the Cat , and David to teach them timeless lessons while sharpening their reading development. These expert-chosen books are guaranteed to delight them and provide beneficial laughs during read-aloud time, while also setting them up for reading success. 

Shop the best books and series for kids ages 3-5 below! Plus, explore our Scholastic Parents book lists to discover the  best children's books  by age, interest, and more. You can find all books and activities at  The Scholastic Store , where you can get free shipping on book-only orders over $25. 

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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, and I may earn a commission at no cost to you. 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.

Here’s a list of educational free printable books your preschooler will love too.

More great book posts for you…

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

Good Books for 2-3 Year Olds and 3-4 Year Olds to Explore

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.

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