30 Best Books for 3- to 4-Year-Olds

Three-year-olds are magical creatures (and yes, we know it doesn’t feel that way when you’re locked in a battle over putting on a coat when it’s snowing outside). 

They’re in their “why” era—curious, observant, and eager to make sense of the world around them. In other words: You’ve reached a sweet spot for introducing stories! Even though they’ll probably still gravitate to some of the features they’ve loved since babyhood (think: rhyming verse and bold colours), their ability to appreciate stories with more of a narrative arc is growing. 

The following books for 3- to 4-year olds help bridge that gap, providing both the literary comforts they’ve long loved (there are plenty of cute animals and friendly trucks on these pages!), while also nudging them toward more complex topics (like friendship and kindness). So, get that library card ready to borrow these top books for 3- and 4-year-olds!

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

Tykes tend to fall head-over-heels for these taco-loving dragons who turn into fire-breathers with the tiniest taste of anything spicy. The book’s charming illustrations and witty, rhythmic prose are just the extra queso on your hardshell.

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

Each book in the Llama Llama series serves up an important lesson for toddlers and preschoolers (in rhyming couplets, no less!). So, parents can take their pick based on their current challenges. (Have a bedtime staller? Try Llama Llama Red Pajama! Tot with big feelings? Grab Llama Llama Mad at Mama!) But Llama Llama Misses Mama might be especially apt for this age group, since it deals with the separation anxiety that can stem from the start of school.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

For those who don’t already have this classic book in rotation, it’s the tale of a tiny caterpillar who eats their way through Eric Carle’s irresistible collage-style illustrations of apples and pears and plums…and ultimately transforming into a beautiful butterfly.  

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

The aroma of Oma’s stew brings all of her neighbors, one by one, to her door. But by the time she offers everyone a taste, there’s none left! Fortunately, this book offers a happy ending…and a sweet message about generosity and community.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, by James Dean and Eric Litwin

Everyone wants to be as cool as Pete the Cat—especially when he’s teaching kids colours by stomping through piles of blueberries and strawberries! (It’s all good!)

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, by Sherri Duskey Rinker

The moral of this rhyming tale is that even big tough trucks get sleepy at bedtime. Let’s just hope your rough-and-tumble toddler can take that hint!

Freight Train by Donald Crews

The pictures and words in this book are spare, yet remarkably effective at grabbing young train-lovers’ attention. Be prepared to ride these rails over and over again.

Mix It Up! By Herve Tullet

By the author of the iconic Press Here, this interactive book teaches colour-mixing by encouraging kids to swipe and smear imaginary paints on each page.

There’s a Bear in My Chair by Ross Collins

A bear is in Mouse’s chair! Hilarity ensues as Mouse tries every trick in the book to get him out.

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

Kelp—a unicorn who lives undersea—has always felt right at home among his narwhal family, but when he learns he’s different, he’ll have to figure out if he’s destined for a life on land or in the ocean...or make a space for himself in the in-between!

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

When a bear’s hat goes missing, he asks all the critters around him if they’ve seen it. The ending is as close to dark comedy as you get for the toddler set 

Bear Came Along by Richard T Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

The river didn’t know it was a river…until bear and friends came along! Little ones will get swept away by both the gorgeous watercolours and go-with-the-flow tale.

Come Over to My House by Sally Rippin and Eliza Hull, illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett

Around age 3 and 4, kids get really curious about the people around them, and this lovely book invites young readers to take a peek inside the homes of families with disabilities. With approachable, rhyming language and bright illos, it’s the perfect way to expand your tyke’s world—or help them feel seen!

The Tiny Chef and da Nighttime Bladventure by Adam Reid, Rachel Larsen, and Ozlem Akturk

This itsy-bitsy Instagram star turned small-screen star is now making his turn as the hero of his very own tome! Written in Chef’s both adorable dialect and rhyme, this sign-songy story is accompanied by rich photos that bring the whole thing to life.  

Brown Bear Brown Bear, by Bill Martin Jr, illustrated by Eric Carle

Animals, colours, and rhymes…oh my! If it’s not already on repeat in your home, get thee to the library!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert

This classic doubles as a fun introduction to the A-B-C’s for your little three-nager. (Peep more A-B-C books!)

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd

While technically a Halloween book, this tale will delight tots year round with its brave heroine and onomatopoeias—plus a thrilling surprise at the end!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? By Janet Yolen and Mark Teague

A perfect bedtime book for pint-sized paleontologists, this tale lets littles in on their fave dinos’ nighty-night routines.

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang

Need a reminder that all feelings are okay? Jim the chimpanzee’s journey will help this important lesson sink in for both Parent and Tot. (See more books about dealing with big feelings!)

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce the bear is a bit of a lone wolf…but when he inherits a flock of goslings (to be fair, he thought they were hard boiled eggs!), everything changes!

I Love You Like Yellow by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Need to put words (and darling pictures) to the unconditional love you feel for your little one? This sweet book sums it all up.

Bathe the Cat by Alice B McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts

Feline like a laugh? We’ve found the purrfect book! When the family cat refuses to get in the tub, it devolves into a silly, scrambled-up story that’ll garner giggles with every read.

B Is for Belonging by Shannon Anderson, illustrated by John Joven

The ABCs just hit different when each letter is attached to such a meaningful concept, as they are in this children’s book.

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

There’s no need to be coy about instilling a love of literature! This book celebrates the joys of reading (and specifically, the library) in a very relatable way.

A Big Mooncake for Little Star, by Grace Lin

The gorgeous illustrations in this book will captivate grownups as much as they do little ones. Bonus: Kiddos learn about the phases of the moon!

I Like Myself!, by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow

Your tot may not seem to be short on self-esteem, but it’s still not a bad idea to start the messages of self-love now. And this book is just the ticket.

An Elephant and Piggie Biggie: Volume 3 by Mo Willems

Our last pick is five books in one—because we simply couldn’t decide on just one Elephant and Piggie story to add to our list! This collection includes the award-winning There’s a Bird on Your Head and Are You Ready to Play Outside? as well as Elephants Cannot Dance!, Should I Share My Ice Cream?, and I Will Take a Nap.

More Reading Recs:

• Bedtime Books to Help Lull Your Little One to Sleep
• Books That Teach Empathy and Kindness
• Books About Welcoming a New Sibling

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