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.

  • One Banana, Two Bananas

    by Adam and Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Sam Lloyd 

    2022 2 to 4 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    An action-packed picture book with a counting element woven through the storyline that is sure to engage little ones.

  • The Gruffalo

    by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler 

    1999 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

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

  • Pants

    by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Nick Sharratt 

    2003 0 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    From hairy pants, scary pants and fairy pants, to loose pants, tight pants and lighting up at night pants, this must-have picture book explores every possible variation on the theme.

  • Oh No, George!

    by Chris Haughton 

    2012 2 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

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

  • Calm Down, Boris!

    by Sam Lloyd 

    2015 2 to 7 years 

    • Interactive
    • Picture books
    • Touch and feel books

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

  • Almost Anything

    by Sophy Henn 

    2018 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Sophy Henn has the perfect touch when it comes to tapping into childhood emotions and readers both young and old will relate to George’s wobbly feelings about trying new things. A brilliant book for sharing, and for giving little ones a little extra self-belief.

  • Lost and Found

    by Oliver Jeffers 

    2006 2 to 7 years 

    • Adventure
    • Classics
    • Picture books

    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 find his home.

  • You Choose!

    by Pippa Goodhart, illustrated by Nick Sharratt 

    2004 2 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

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

  • Blue Penguin

    by Petr Horacek 

    2015 2 to 7 years 

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

  • Colin and Lee: Carrot and Pea

    by Morag Hood 

    2016 2 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

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

  • Kiki and Bobo’s Sunny Day

    by Yasmeen Ismail 

    2017 2 to 7 years 

    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    Kiki and Bobo have decided to go to the seaside for the day. A lovely book with bright, welcoming illustrations and clever lift-the-flaps. The perfect read for holidays.

  • Luna Loves Library Day

    by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers 

    2017 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    From the talented poet Joseph Coelho, this charming picture book highlights the wonders of libraries for families and communities. Accompanying the poetic text is gloriously bright and delightful illustrations to bring the magic of the library to life.