Three-year-olds are ready for proper picture books: a whole story with a beginning, middle and end, read in one sitting. They ask a lot of questions, notice tiny details in the pictures and love a bit of suspense, as long as it ends well.
This is also the age of strong opinions and big emotions, so books about fear, sharing, being small or wanting something very badly speak directly to them. And three-year-olds have a great sense of humor. A book where the reader knows something the character does not is pure joy.
Each book below won or was honored by the Caldecott, Carnegie, Geisel or another major prize.
Winner2014
Greg Pizzoli
Great for a big laugh
A crocodile who loves watermelon swallows a seed and immediately imagines vines growing out of his ears. His panic is huge, the pictures are bold pink and green, and the ending is a big relief and a big laugh. Short enough for new readers to try later.
2014 Geisel Award winner
Honor2004
Mo Willems
Great for kids who like being in charge
The bus driver has to step away for a minute, and he asks the reader to make sure the pigeon does not drive the bus. The pigeon begs, bargains and throws a tantrum, and the child gets to say no. Three-year-olds love being the one in charge.
2004 Caldecott Medal Honor Book
Winner2011
Erin E. Stead
Great for a gentle bedtime story
Every day, zookeeper Amos McGee makes time for his friends: chess with the elephant, races with the tortoise, sitting quietly with the shy penguin. One day he is too sick to come in, so the animals take the bus to visit him. Gentle, tender and perfect at bedtime.
2011 Caldecott Medal winner
Winner1942
Robert McCloskey
Great for a classic
Mr and Mrs Mallard look all over Boston for a safe place to raise their eight ducklings, and a friendly policeman stops traffic so they can cross the road. Big brown-ink drawings and a real sense of adventure. A classic that still delights.
1942 Caldecott Medal winner
Winner2018
Matthew Cordell
Great for telling the story themselves
A girl in a red coat gets lost in a snowstorm, and so does a wolf cub. She carries the cub back to its pack, and then needs help herself. Almost wordless, with real suspense, so a three-year-old can 'read' it and tell you what happens.
2018 Caldecott Medal winner
John Schoenherr
Great for a nature lover
On a cold winter night, a girl goes owling in the woods with her father. They walk quietly, listen, and wait, and the reward is magical. A beautiful book about patience and time together, and a good gift from a parent or grandparent who loves nature.
1988 Caldecott Medal winner
Honor2001
Betsy Lewin
Great for a funny read-aloud
Farmer Brown's cows find an old typewriter and start leaving notes: they want electric blankets, or no milk. The hens join the strike. A very funny read-aloud with a repeating 'click, clack, moo' that three-year-olds love saying.
2001 Caldecott Medal Honor Book
Winner1998
Helen Cooper
Great for learning to share
Cat, Squirrel and Duck make the best pumpkin soup together every day, each with their own job, until Duck wants to stir. A quarrel, a runaway and a happy reunion in a cozy, autumn-colored story about friendship and taking turns.
1998 Carnegie Medal for Illustration winner
Most three-year-olds can listen to a 32-page picture book in one sitting. Five to ten minutes is a good length.
A little danger with a safe ending, like Wolf in the Snow or Make Way for Ducklings, is healthy and exciting. Save truly scary books for later.
An American award given each year since 1938 for the most distinguished picture book illustration. A gold sticker on the cover means the book won; a silver one means it was an Honor Book.
See every award-winning book for ages 3 to 5