My three-year-old (wow!) and I have been spending many hours reading books together over the last few weeks, as I recuperate from chemo and he snuggles close. We’ve made the transition into big-boy books, with interesting stories, actual plots, and beautiful use of language. I’ve brought out more stories from my childhood, and (since I can’t get out and shop) asked my friends for their recommendations as well. Inspired by Mad, I’m posting here some of our top picks for new 3s and their siblings.
Beautiful books:
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Mole Music and other books by David McPhail (he’s a master illustrator)
Bear Snores On and other books by Karma Wilson
Childhood Favorites/Collections:
Madeline and Madeline’s Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans (although we’re not quite ready developmentally for Madeline and the Bad Hat, I think it’s fun too)
Mike Mulligan, The Little House, Katy and The Big Snow, and Maybelle the Cable Car by Virginia Lee Burton
Richard Scarry’s Busy Day books, oversize treasuries like What do People Do All Day?, and The Best Story Collection EVER!
Books we’re looking forward to:
Flotsam, by David Weisner (better for older 3s, I think, but just stunning in illustration and implementation)
Three Questions, by Jon Muth (but the story comes from Tolstoy); he also has illustrated beautiful editions of Stone Soup and Zen Shorts
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss (we do read this one, but I wonder if we really should just yet)
What books do you and your toddler just love to read over and over again?
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