10+ Best Books for 3-Year-Old Girls w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 3-year-old girls? Whether you're looking to spark imagination, encourage learning, or just enjoy storytime, finding the right books can be a delightful adventure. In this blog, we've rounded up a variety of captivating reads that are perfect for little readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books for 3-year-old girls that are sure to enchant and entertain!

Fun Books for 3-Year-Old Girls

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This vibrant book follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally transforming into a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces concepts of counting, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a simple, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about nature.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young bunny says goodnight to all the familiar things around it.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words and calming pictures make it an ideal bedtime read, helping to establish a nighttime routine.
  • Perfect for: Children who benefit from a soothing story before sleep.

• Peppa Pig: Peppa's Magical Unicorn by Neville Astley and Mark Baker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Peppa Pig and Suzy Sheep create magical adventures with Peppa's new toy unicorn.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates imagination and encourages creative play through its fun and whimsical storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love imaginative play and are fans of Peppa Pig.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern Book, Animal Book
  • Synopsis: A teacher and a group of students explore the colorful animals they encounter, leading to a surprise twist at the end.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive text and bold, colorful illustrations help with recognition and prediction skills.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy repeating lines and learning about different animals.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broom, much to the chagrin of her cat.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, rhyming text and the theme of friendship make it a delightful read that also teaches about kindness and inclusion.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy stories about magic and making new friends.

Educational Books for 3-Year-Old Girls

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet Book, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: A lively alphabet rhyme where the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? As the story unfolds, the letters learn that teamwork helps everyone achieve more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, phonics, rhythm and rhyme
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, rhythmic story that not only entertains but also helps children learn the alphabet in a memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are starting to learn their ABCs and enjoy vibrant, energetic stories.

• Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: Little Llama experiences bedtime blues as he waits for his mama to come back to his room after tucking him in. This heartwarming tale addresses common nighttime fears and how comfort is always near.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, patience, coping with separation anxiety
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comforting bedtime read that addresses kids' fears about being alone at night with empathy and reassurance.
  • Perfect for: Young children who need a soothing story to help them deal with bedtime separation anxiety.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book captures the adventures of a little boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall. From making tracks to trying to save a snowball for the next day, Peter's experiences offer a glimpse into the simple joys of childhood.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploration, experiencing and understanding seasons
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the wonder and excitement of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Children who love snow and exploring the outdoors, as well as those experiencing snow for the first time.

• Olivia by Ian Falconer
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Olivia is a feisty pig who has too much energy for her own good. From building spectacular sandcastles to forming a one-pig band, her boundless enthusiasm is both hilarious and heartwarming.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, self-expression, daily life experiences
  • Why we recommend this book: Olivia’s imaginative adventures and spirited personality make every page a delight and offer a celebration of individuality and self-confidence.
  • Perfect for: Energetic young readers who see themselves in Olivia’s creative and adventurous spirit.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This timeless story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warnings, leading to a series of charming and tense escapades.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Consequences of actions, problem-solving, listening skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful narratives with important life lessons, wrapped in exquisite illustrations that have stood the test of time.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy animal stories and learning lessons through the adventures of characters.

Challenging Books for 3-Year-Old Girls

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces scientific concepts and the spirit of inquiry, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, perseverance, and a love for science, encouraging young girls to explore STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and curious minds who are always asking "why?"

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the myth of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to fend off predators, only to encounter the real Gruffalo itself.
  • Why this book is challenging: The strategic thinking and problem-solving displayed by the mouse are sophisticated concepts wrapped in a simple story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches strategic thinking and bravery through a thrilling narrative that captivates and entertains.
  • Perfect for: Little adventurers and those who love a good tale of wit and bravery.

• Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story follows Kelp, a unicorn raised under the sea among narwhals, who one day discovers his true identity and sets out to find his place in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of identity and belonging in a gentle manner that requires comprehension beyond simple storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that encourages acceptance and celebrating one's uniqueness.
  • Perfect for: Children exploring their own identity and those who enjoy magical, heartwarming stories.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Wordless Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a door on her bedroom wall and steps into a magical world where she embarks on a breathtaking adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The absence of text requires children to interpret the story through its detailed illustrations, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances imagination and storytelling skills, as children narrate their own version of the adventures.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative thinkers and young storytellers who love to create their own tales.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor who dreams of becoming an engineer and learns about the importance of perseverance and embracing failure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces engineering concepts and the idea of learning from failures, which are complex but important lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires resilience and innovation, showing that setbacks can lead to great successes.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young engineers and inventors, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying despite setbacks.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to instill a love of reading in your little one, particularly if you have a 3-year-old girl in your life, here are some fun and effective exercises to help develop her reading habits. These activities are designed to be engaging and beneficial for her growing mind.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flipping through the book and talking about the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to make her think and predict the story.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read a book aloud to your child, using expressive voices for different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Let her pick the book so she feels involved and excited about the reading session.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading a story, have your child retell the story in her own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and memory skills.
  • Tips: Encourage her by asking open-ended questions about the story.

• Matching Words to Pictures
  • What it is: Using flashcards with words and pictures, have your child match them together.
  • How it helps: Helps with word recognition and understanding.
  • Tips: Start with simple words from the book she's currently interested in.

• Sing Books
  • What it is: Singing the words of the book instead of just reading them.
  • How it helps: Makes reading fun and improves phonemic awareness.
  • Tips: Choose books with rhyming texts to make them easier and more fun to sing.

• Make a Book Together
  • What it is: Create a simple book using drawings or pictures cut from magazines.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and makes her feel connected to the reading process.
  • Tips: Let her tell a story about her drawings, and you can help by writing it down.

Implementing these exercises can make reading a delightful part of your 3-year-old girl's daily routine. They're not just about reading but also about bonding, exploring, and learning together. Dive into these activities and watch her reading skills blossom!