10+ Best Musical Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the joy of music and reading? Look no further! Our curated list of musical books for 3-year-olds is designed to captivate their imagination and nurture their love for melodies and stories. Whether you're aiming to make bedtime more fun or just want to enrich their daily playtime, these books are sure to hit the right note. Keep reading to discover our favorite musical books that are perfect for your toddler!

Fun Musical Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
  • Genre(s): Musical, Educational
  • Synopsis: This rhythmic book introduces children to the world of orchestral music and the sounds of different musical instruments as they join a growing orchestra.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a catchy, cumulative rhyme that helps kids remember different instruments while teaching them about musical groups.
  • Perfect for: Young music lovers and any child learning to appreciate the sounds of different instruments.

• Moose Music by Sue Porter
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When Moose finds an old accordion, he tries to make beautiful music, attracting various forest animals with his unique sound.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous story that encourages children to explore music and sounds, showing that music can bring people—or animals—together.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy animal stories and those exploring their own musical abilities.

• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bear discovers a piano in the forest and learns to play it beautifully, eventually attracting the attention of humans and sparking an adventure of fame and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines enchanting illustrations with a heartwarming story about following your dreams and the importance of home and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children who dream big and love stories of adventure and friendship.

• Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
  • Genre(s): Humorous, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A boy attends a concert next to a zoo and imagines what chaos would ensue if the animals joined in to play the instruments.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is filled with fun rhymes and whimsical illustrations that capture the joy and silliness of music and animals.
  • Perfect for: Any child who loves animals, music, and a good laugh.

• Music Is... by Brandon Stosuy, illustrated by Amy Martin
  • Genre(s): Musical, Conceptual
  • Synopsis: This board book introduces the many different aspects and genres of music through simple, engaging illustrations and concepts tailored for very young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a perfect first introduction to the concept of music, using broad, easy-to-understand ideas and vibrant visuals.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to explore the wide world of music.

Educational Musical Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Sing a Song of Seasons by Nosy Crow, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon
  • Genre(s): Musical, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book includes a song for every season, encouraging children to sing along and learn about the changing natural world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Seasonal awareness, memory skills, musical rhythm
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the joy of music with educational content about the seasons, making it both fun and informative.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy singing and learning about nature.

• My First Classical Music Book by Genevieve Helsby, illustrated by Jason Chapman
  • Genre(s): Classical Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to classical music through engaging stories and illustrations about composers and instruments.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Introduction to classical music, knowledge of musical instruments and famous composers
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful resource for young children to get acquainted with classical music in an accessible and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are showing an interest in music and parents who wish to introduce them to classical music early on.

• Welcome to the Symphony by Carolyn Sloan, illustrated by James Williamson
  • Genre(s): Musical, Educational
  • Synopsis: Using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, this interactive book teaches kids about the orchestra, its instruments, and the basics of musical concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of orchestral music, recognition of musical instruments, basic music theory
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an interactive experience that immerses children in the sounds and roles of different instruments in an orchestra.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters curious about how an orchestra works and those who enjoy interactive learning.

• The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
  • Genre(s): Musical, Storybook
  • Synopsis: Follow a little girl named Isabelle and her dog, Pickle, as they discover the magical sounds of the seasons with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons playing along.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Musical literacy, seasonal changes, emotional recognition through music
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates Vivaldi's music with a charming story, allowing children to feel the music through the narrative.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories and parents who want to introduce them to classical music in a captivating way.

Challenging Musical Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
  • Genre(s): Biography, Musical
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring story of Melba Liston, a trailblazing musician who overcame obstacles to become a renowned trombone player and composer.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces biographical content and historical contexts, which are complex for three-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that showcases the impact of perseverance and passion in music.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in true stories about influential musicians.

• Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren
  • Genre(s): Inspirational, Musical
  • Synopsis: This book explores the journey of a young girl inspired by a music performance, leading her to become a composer.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with cause and effect and the influence of music over time, which are advanced concepts for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how a single moment can have a profound impact on a child's life and career.
  • Perfect for: Children who are inspired by music and the arts.

• I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison
  • Genre(s): Rhythmic, Musical
  • Synopsis: A young girl walks through her neighborhood embracing the rhythm of the world around her, from butterflies to the beat of her own drum.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages auditory discrimination and rhythmic awareness, which are sophisticated auditory skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes an appreciation of everyday sounds and rhythms, enhancing a child's musical and auditory development.
  • Perfect for: Energetic kids who love to move and groove to their own beats.

• The Dance of the Violin by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Dušan Petričić
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Musical
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book follows young violinist Joshua Bell as he competes in a music competition with an original, complex piece.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of competition and the pursuit of artistic expression through complex musical performances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of following one's passion, even in the face of challenges.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young musicians and children who appreciate stories of determination and success.

• M is for Melody: A Music Alphabet by Kathy-jo Wargin, illustrated by Katherine Larson
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Educational, Musical
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers through the alphabet, focusing on musical terms and famous musicians to enhance both literacy and musical knowledge.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates an introduction to music theory and history alongside learning the alphabet.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a multifaceted educational tool that combines reading skills with an introduction to music.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are just starting to explore the alphabet and music simultaneously.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing musical books to young children can be a delightful way to blend the magic of music with the joy of reading. Here are some engaging exercises designed for 3-year-olds that not only make reading fun but also help develop early literacy skills. Let's dive in!

• Sing-Along Reading
  • What it is: Read a musical book that includes songs or rhymes, encouraging your child to sing along.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness and memory by linking words with melodies.
  • Tips: Choose books with familiar tunes or repetitive, catchy phrases that are easy to memorize and sing.

• Musical Page Turner
  • What it is: Play a fun game where you turn the page every time a certain word is sung or played in the song.
  • How it helps: Teaches the concept of following along and understanding the flow of a story.
  • Tips: Start with slow songs or songs with clear and distinct words to make it easier for your child to follow.

• Create Your Own Book Soundtrack
  • What it is: Together with your child, pick different sounds or instruments that match different parts of the story.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and helps with understanding the story's emotions and events.
  • Tips: Use simple instruments like tambourines, shakers, or homemade drums to make it interactive and fun.

• Rhyme Time Match
  • What it is: Identify rhyming words in the book and find other words that rhyme with them.
  • How it helps: Improves phonological awareness and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Make this a playful activity by using rhyming words to create silly sentences or little poems together.

• Dance and Freeze Reading
  • What it is: Play music and have your child dance, but they must freeze when the music stops and you read a page or a passage from the book.
  • How it helps: Connects physical activity with reading and helps in retaining attention.
  • Tips: Keep the dance simple and fun; the focus should be on enjoying the movement and the story.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make storytime a more dynamic and enjoyable experience for both you and your child. Not only do they foster a love for books, but they also develop essential literacy skills in a playful and engaging way. So, grab a book, turn up the tunes, and let the musical and reading adventure begin!