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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect rhyming books for 3-year-olds to captivate your little one's imagination and boost their language skills? You're in luck! In this blog, we've rounded up a delightful selection of rhyming books that are just right for toddlers. From whimsical adventures to playful tales, keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to become bedtime staples in your home.

Fun Rhyming Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book follows Sam-I-Am as he tries to convince another character to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various companions.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and simple rhymes are perfect for helping young readers develop phonemic awareness and early reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to read and enjoy playful, repetitive text.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Alphabet book
  • Synopsis: A fun and rhythmic alphabet chant that sees the letters climbing up a coconut tree, only to tumble down and be comforted by their parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic and bold text encourages children to engage in letter recognition and entertains with its lively illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers learning the alphabet and who enjoy vibrant, colorful illustrations.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. Their teamwork is put to the test when they encounter a dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship and cooperation through its engaging, rhyming narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young children who love stories about witches and magical adventures, and learning about the value of teamwork.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to keep would-be predators at bay in a deep, dark wood.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its clever storytelling and rhythmic prose make it a delight to read aloud, engaging children's imaginations and teaching them about wit and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with clever protagonists and mythical creatures.

• Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: Various animals find shelter from the cold in a bear's cave and have a tea party while he sleeps, only for him to wake up and join in the fun.
  • Why we recommend this book: The repetitive and soothing rhymes are perfect for bedtime, promoting a love of reading through its cozy and warm story.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and friendship, ideal for bedtime reading.

Educational Rhyming Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Gerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. His journey towards dancing joyfully at the Jungle Dance is both touching and humorous.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, rhythm and movement, acceptance of differences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and persevere in the face of difficulties.
  • Perfect for: Young children who might feel different or who are learning to dance to their own beat.

• The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Emotional learning
  • Synopsis: The Pout-Pout Fish swims the ocean spreading "dreary-wearies" with his glum expression, until a friend helps him discover that spreading "cheer-cheeries" is much more fun.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, social skills, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a playful way to discuss emotions and social interactions, with catchy rhymes that stick with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are exploring their emotions and learning about the impact of their actions on others.

• Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: Little Llama experiences bedtime fears and learns how to handle them as his mama reassures him from nearby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional regulation, bedtime routines, parent-child bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: Its soothing rhymes and relatable storyline help ease bedtime anxieties and promote a peaceful night's sleep.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who face challenges at bedtime or who need reassurance of their parents' presence.

• Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Rural life
  • Synopsis: Little Blue Truck beeps along the country road, meeting friends and helping out a stuck dump truck, teaching the value of kindness and cooperation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, animal sounds, helping others
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful rhymes with a message about the importance of being kind and helping each other.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy vehicles and animal sounds, and learning about friendship and teamwork.

Challenging Rhyming Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This charming book tells the story of Madeline, a brave and mischievous little girl who lives in a Parisian boarding school. The story is famous for its rhythmic, memorable text and delightful illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book incorporates advanced vocabulary and a unique rhyming pattern that can be more complex for three-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to a classic character and the pleasures of storytelling through its vivid imagery and poetic style.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of adventure and children living in different cultures.

• Over in the Meadow by Olive A. Wadsworth, illustrated by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Nature, Counting
  • Synopsis: This traditional rhyme teaches counting and rhyming through a series of animal mothers and their babies living in a meadow.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features cumulative storytelling and introduces a variety of animals and their habitats, which can be conceptually advanced for younger children.
  • Why we recommend this book: The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the text helps build memory and counting skills, while the illustrations enhance understanding of the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who show interest in animals and nature, and who are learning to count.

• Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Nursery Rhymes
  • Synopsis: In this delightful rhyming book, children play 'I Spy' with characters from various nursery rhymes and fairy tales, finding them hidden in the illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text requires children to engage in both visual recognition and rhyming, which are advanced skills for three-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages interaction with the text through its seek-and-find aspect, enhancing observational skills and engagement with reading.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are fans of fairy tales and enjoy interactive reading sessions.

• Miss Mary Mack by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Nursery Rhymes
  • Synopsis: Based on the classic hand-clapping rhyme, this book expands the adventures of Miss Mary Mack in a whimsically illustrated story.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes a repetitive, fast-paced rhyme scheme that requires advanced language skills and memory.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic and repetitive nature of the text helps build linguistic skills, and the playful illustrations captivate young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy singing, rhymes, and rhythmic reading.

• The House that Jack Built by Jeanette Winter
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Cumulative Tale
  • Synopsis: This is a retelling of the classic rhyme about the chain of events that started with the building of a house by Jack.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex, cumulative narrative structure that builds upon itself, which can be a sophisticated concept for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches sequence and causality through repetitive and cumulative phrasing, enhancing comprehension and predictive skills.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories that build upon previous events and are learning to anticipate outcomes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to make reading a fun and engaging activity for your little one, rhyming books are a fantastic choice. Not only do they entertain, but they also help develop early phonetic skills. Here are some exercises that can complement rhyming books for 3-year-olds, designed to boost their reading habits and make storytime even more enjoyable:

• Rhyme Matching Game
  • What it is: Create cards with words from the book and have your child match words that rhyme.
  • How it helps: Enhances auditory discrimination skills and phonemic awareness.
  • Tips: Keep the game playful and use colorful pictures to represent the words.

• Fill in the Blank
  • What it is: Pause while reading and let your child fill in the missing rhyming word.
  • How it helps: Encourages active participation and helps with memory.
  • Tips: Start with obvious rhymes and gradually increase difficulty as your child becomes more confident.

• Rhyme Scavenger Hunt
  • What it is: After reading, have a scavenger hunt around the house for items that rhyme with words from the book.
  • How it helps: Connects reading to the real world and enhances vocabulary.
  • Tips: Use simple words and ensure safety during the activity.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: Encourage your child to retell the story in their own words, focusing on the rhyming parts.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal skills.
  • Tips: Ask questions to guide them through the story and praise their efforts.

• Draw and Rhyme
  • What it is: Have your child draw a scene from the book and come up with their own rhymes about the picture.
  • How it helps: Fosters creativity and reinforces understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Provide them with plenty of art supplies and help them write down their rhymes if needed.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in developing early literacy skills. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you'll help your child build a strong foundation for reading and learning. Enjoy the rhymes and the giggles!