10+ Best Books About Sharing for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to teach your little one about the joys of sharing? Look no further! Our curated list of books about sharing for 3-year-olds is packed with charming stories that are just right for preschoolers. These books not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons about kindness and generosity. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will help make learning about sharing a delightful experience for your toddler!
Table of Contents
Fun Books About Sharing for 3-Year-Olds
- Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: Llama Llama learns the importance of sharing his toys with his new neighbor, Nelly Gnu, during a playdate that doesn’t start as planned.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle and relatable story that introduces the concept of sharing through engaging rhymes and a familiar character, making it easier for young kids to grasp and adopt the behavior.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are learning social skills and the value of sharing.
- Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
- Synopsis: Gerald the Elephant faces a dilemma about sharing his ice cream with his best friend Piggie, exploring themes of friendship and generosity.
- Why we recommend this book: This book uses humor and a simple but effective storyline to teach the importance of sharing, making it both educational and entertaining for young children.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny stories and are at the stage of learning about friendship and sharing.
- Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: When Bear feels sick, his animal friends come to help. As they take care of him, the story highlights themes of caring and sharing in friendships.
- Why we recommend this book: It shows the power of caring and sharing through nurturing friendships, which is a great lesson for young children, especially when they see it through the lovable character of Bear.
- Perfect for: Children who love animal stories and learning about empathy and caring for others.
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: A beautiful fish with shiny, multicolored scales learns about loneliness and happiness when he decides to share some of his scales with friends.
- Why we recommend this book: With its stunning illustrations and a message that highlights the joy of sharing and friendship, this book captures the attention of young readers and leaves a lasting moral lesson.
- Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate visually captivating stories with a strong moral foundation.
- Mine! A Counting Book About Sharing by Caryn Rivadeneira, illustrated by Amanda Gulliver
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
- Synopsis: This counting book not only teaches numbers but also the concept of sharing as the little ones play together with their toys.
- Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates learning numbers with the social skill of sharing, making it perfect for kids to learn counting and social interactions simultaneously.
- Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to learn about numbers and sharing, especially in group settings like playdates or preschool.
Educational Books About Sharing for 3-Year-Olds
- Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
- Synopsis: In this installment of the Elephant and Piggie series, Gerald and Piggie meet a new friend, a snake, who wants to play catch but doesn't have arms. The story explores themes of inclusivity and finding ways to share in activities differently.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, empathy, inclusivity
- Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous yet touching portrayal of friendship and adaptability, teaching children that everyone can share in the fun, even if it has to be done a little differently.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful stories and are learning about inclusivity and adaptability in play.
- It's Mine! by Leo Lionni
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: Three selfish frogs bicker over everything in their pond until a storm teaches them the value of sharing and cooperation.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, cooperation, sharing
- Why we recommend this book: Through simple text and vibrant illustrations, it teaches the importance of sharing and the negative aspects of selfishness.
- Perfect for: Preschoolers who are learning the value of sharing and the importance of friendship.
- One Big Pair of Underwear by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
- Synopsis: This humorous counting book uses bears, yaks, and other animals to teach the concepts of counting and sharing.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, sharing, humor
- Why we recommend this book: It combines laughter with learning, using silly scenarios to engage children and teach them about sharing.
- Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy funny stories and need to learn about sharing and basic math skills.
- The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Math
- Synopsis: Each time the doorbell rings, more friends come to share Ma's delicious cookies, and the children must figure out how to share them fairly.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Division, sharing, social skills
- Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for teaching mathematical division and the concept of sharing equally among friends.
- Perfect for: Children who are beginning to learn about math and sharing, especially in a fun and practical context.
- A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: Bear is set on being alone until Mouse shows up at his door. Throughout the story, Bear learns the value of sharing his space and his life with a friend.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, friendship, sharing
- Why we recommend this book: It charmingly illustrates how sharing your life with others can enrich it, even for those who think they prefer to be alone.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are learning the value of friendship and sharing personal space.
Challenging Books About Sharing for 3-Year-Olds
- Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: Little Blue Truck finds himself in a big city full of very busy vehicles. When the city traffic gets snarled, Little Blue Truck shows the importance of taking turns and sharing the road.
- Why this book is challenging: This book introduces urban settings and complex social interactions, which are advanced concepts for 3-year-olds.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about patience, cooperation, and urban life through a simple yet engaging narrative.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about vehicles and are learning about patience and turn-taking.
- A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: After a fire destroys their home, Rosa, her mother, and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair that they can all enjoy.
- Why this book is challenging: The themes of loss, recovery, and communal effort in saving and sharing are more complex and emotionally nuanced.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching portrayal of a family's resilience and the joy of sharing achievements with loved ones.
- Perfect for: Children who are beginning to understand the value of hard work and shared goals.
- Pass It On by Sophy Henn
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: This book encourages sharing joy and positivity with others. When you see something terrific, smile a smile and pass it on!
- Why this book is challenging: The abstract concept of sharing emotions and actions like smiles and laughter can be a complex idea for toddlers to grasp.
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes emotional intelligence and the power of positivity in a very accessible and joyful way.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are learning about emotions and how their actions can affect others.
- Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Folklore
- Synopsis: Three monks wander into a village and show the people how to make soup from stones and the importance of sharing even when you think you have nothing to give.
- Why this book is challenging: This adaptation of a classic folk story involves understanding subtle themes of community and generosity.
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how sharing can create abundance and bring a community together.
- Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories with moral lessons and learning about community spirit.
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction
- Synopsis: This poignant story features a relationship between a boy and a tree, exploring the themes of giving and self-sacrifice.
- Why this book is challenging: The themes of selflessness and long-term consequences of one's actions are profound and thought-provoking.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that encourages deep thinking about love, kindness, and the joy of giving.
- Perfect for: Children and adults alike who are exploring the depth of relationships and the act of giving.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of books about sharing with your 3-year-old, you're setting the stage not just for good reading habits but for teaching valuable life lessons about sharing and caring. Here are a few exercises that can help enhance your little one's reading experience and instill those good habits early on:
- Read Together Daily
- What it is: Set aside a specific time each day to read with your child.
- How it helps: Establishes a reading routine and strengthens bonding.
- Tips: Let your child choose the book sometimes to boost their engagement.
- Discuss the Story
- What it is: Talk about the story after you read it, focusing on the sharing aspects.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and teaches empathy.
- Tips: Ask open-ended questions like "How do you think the rabbit felt when he shared his toys?"
- Role Play
- What it is: Act out the story with your child, taking turns playing different characters.
- How it helps: Helps children connect emotionally with the characters and the concept of sharing.
- Tips: Use simple props from around the house to make the role-playing fun and engaging.
- Create a Book Chart
- What it is: Make a chart that tracks the books your child has read about sharing.
- How it helps: Encourages a sense of accomplishment and makes reading a goal-oriented activity.
- Tips: Offer a small reward when the chart fills up, like choosing a new book to read.
- Picture Drawing
- What it is: Have your child draw scenes from the book illustrating sharing.
- How it helps: Reinforces the message of the book and allows for creative expression.
- Tips: Discuss the drawings with your child to understand their perception of sharing.
These exercises are not just about reading; they're about building a foundation of empathy, understanding, and routine. By incorporating these activities into your reading time, you're not only helping your child develop a love for books but also a deep understanding of sharing with others. Happy reading and sharing!