The best books for 3-year-olds make learning fun and can be a great way to broaden their world view and introduce them to more diversity—of skin color, culture, class, ability, body size, family makeup, gender expression, and more. We carefully considered diversity, material, age recommendations, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best books for the 3-year old in your life. Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $9 While reading a story over and over again may drive some parents and caregivers crazy, for children it’s comforting and actually good for them. It can help children learn new sounds and words. And the more they participate in a read-aloud, the more they will grow their confidence in reading.
Learning Made Fun
Books make learning fun in so many ways. Whether it’s naming feelings and talking about how to express them; identifying shapes, letters, and numbers; or following the sequencing in a story that can turn into a lesson about what comes next, books can sneak in so many teachable touchpoints. One of the best ways to ensure your child is having fun while learning with books is to simply ask them what book they’d like to read. If your child has questions about a story after completing a book, respond with enthusiasm. It’s also fun for both of you if you ask your child to tell you about the story.
Diversity
Providing racial and cultural diversity in books is so meaningful for young children. Incorporating books that show diverse characters doing familiar things can stretch a child’s mind and help them see that people may not all look, act, or be alike. The American Academy of Pediatrics tells parents and caregivers, “As there is not one type of child, there should not be one type of story.” Help children celebrate differences while recognizing similarities and learning more about people.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. Children who are read to acquire lots of knowledge and vocabulary words. They are exposed to new language and concepts, such as medieval knights or ocean animals. Reading also introduces your child to many early literacy concepts such as reading a book from left to right, turning the pages, and using a table of contents. Playing games with words and letters and reading a wide variety of books to your child will help support them as they learn to read. As your child begins to sound out short words, create a word scavenger hunt. Write words on index cards and have your child match small objects, like a toy pig, a toy hen, or a small rock, to their words.
