15 of the Best Books for 3-Year-Olds to Read

Books have an incredible power to captivate young minds, fuel their imagination, and ignite a lifelong love for reading. For 3-year-olds, choosing the right books is crucial for their early literacy development. In this blog post, we have curated a list of 15 exceptional books, all published after 2015, that are perfect for engaging and inspiring the imaginative souls of 3-year-olds. Let's explore these delightful reads!

1. "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt

Filled with vibrant illustrations by Oliver Jeffers, this imaginative tale brings crayons to life as they voice their complaints through letters. It not only introduces colors but also teaches children about emotions and problem-solving.

2. "Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty

Join Ada, a curious and determined young girl, on her scientific adventures as she seeks answers to the mysteries of the world. This empowering story encourages children to explore, ask questions, and embrace their natural curiosity.

3. "Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison

Introduce your child to extraordinary black women who have made a significant impact on history. Through captivating illustrations and inspiring stories, this book celebrates the strength, courage, and achievements of these remarkable individuals.

4. "The Oi! Series by Kes Grey, Claire Grey, and Jim Field" by Giles Andreae

"Oi Frog" by Gray Kes is a hilarious and cleverly rhymed picture book that will leave children in fits of laughter. With its playful story and whimsical illustrations by Jim Field, it introduces readers to a world where animals must sit on unexpected objects according to specific rules. This delightful read is sure to entertain both children and adults alike.

5. "Dragons Love Tacos" by Adam Rubin

Enter a world where dragons have an insatiable love for tacos but can't handle spicy salsa! This playful and humorous story explores cause and effect, capturing young readers' imaginations with delightful illustrations and a lighthearted narrative.

6. "How to Be a Lion" by Ed Vere

"How to Be a Lion" by Ed Vere is a heartwarming and empowering story about embracing individuality and challenging stereotypes. With its charming illustrations and poetic prose, it follows the journey of Leonard, a gentle lion who defies societal expectations to find his own unique roar. This inspiring picture book teaches children the importance of staying true to themselves.

7. "Not Quite Narwhal" by Jessie Sima

Kelp the unicorn discovers he's not quite like the other narwhals and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. This endearing story celebrates acceptance, individuality, and finding one's place in the world.

8. "The Pout-Pout Fish" by Deborah Diesen

Follow Mr. Fish on a delightful underwater adventure as he learns to embrace positivity and spreads happiness to his friends. With its catchy rhymes and engaging illustrations, this book is sure to become a favorite.

9. "There's a Monster in Your Book" by Tom Fletcher

"There's a Monster in Your Book" by Tom Fletcher is an interactive and delightful children's book that invites young readers to help free a lovable monster from its book. With engaging illustrations and playful instructions, it encourages active participation and imaginative problem-solving. This captivating read is sure to entertain and spark the imaginations of little ones.

10. "Press Here" by Hervé Tullet

This interactive book engages young readers with its clever instructions that prompt them to press, shake, and tilt the pages, magically transforming the illustrations. It encourages children to explore their creativity and discover the magic of cause and effect.

11. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

Follow the journey of a tiny caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. This beloved classic introduces basic concepts like counting, days of the week, and healthy eating in a captivating way.

12. "The Lion Inside" by Rachel Bright

"The Lion Inside" by Rachel Bright is a touching and beautifully illustrated picture book that teaches children about courage, self-belief, and the power of friendship. Through the story of a small mouse with big dreams, it emphasizes the importance of inner strength and finding your own voice. This heartwarming tale is sure to inspire and uplift young readers.

13. "I Want My Hat Back" by Jon Klassen

In this amusing tale, a bear searches for his missing hat, questioning a cast of animal characters along the way. With minimalistic yet expressive illustrations, this book engages young readers in a playful mystery.

14. "The Koala Who Could" by Rachel Bright

Kevin the Koala prefers to stay in his tree until a surprising event encourages him to face his fears and discover the joy of trying new things. This heartwarming story teaches resilience, change, and the importance of embracing new experiences.

15. "The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear" by Audrey Wood

Join the little mouse as it tries to protect its scrumptious strawberry from the big, hungry bear. This delightful book combines humor, anticipation, and clever surprises to engage young readers and keep them guessing until the end.

Conclusion:

These 15 exceptional books, published after 2015, provide a treasure trove of captivating stories, vibrant illustrations, and important life lessons for 3-year-olds. From celebrating individuality to embracing curiosity and fostering empathy, these books are sure to ignite a love for reading and leave a lasting impression on young minds. So, grab a book, snuggle up with your little one, and embark on magical reading adventures together!