Kids' Books: Ages 3-5

Discover the Best Books for Preschoolers Ages 3-5

Between the ages of 3 and 5 is the perfect time to establish a child’s love of books & reading. At this age, kids' imaginations run wild as they discover new objects, places, and words for the first time! We’ve put together a collection of the perfect books for preschoolers to get them excited about reading. Build their library with childhood classics, bestsellers, animals books, and an endless amount of titles they’re sure to love. From educational books and read-aloud books to bedtime favorites, we offer a wide selection of beloved books for beginning readers.

Books for 3 Year Olds

Kids at age 3 can start to read simple stories with a plot, rather than just words on a page. It’s also a great time to start reading books focusing on feelings like inclusion and sharing. 3-year-olds can start naming their favorite books and will often remember their favorite quotes from the book. Some of the best books for 3 year olds are The World Needs More Purple People, One of These Is Not Like the Others, and The Good Egg. This is also a great time to start read-aloud books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Books for 4 Year Olds

At 4 years old, kids can graduate to stories with multiple plots and characters. Kids at this age are very talkative, so give them some exciting stories to talk about! As they read new books with different characters, conflicts and plots, ask them what they think will happen next. After they finish a book, ask what they liked or disliked about it. Some of the best books for 4 year olds are The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends, The Day the Crayons Quit, The Day You Begin, and Pete the Cat’s Trip to the Supermarket.

Books for 5 Year Olds

At age 5, kids are finishing preschool and starting kindergarten. This is a great time to start developing personal interests and discovering things they are excited about. Reading books about different topics can help them determine that! Some popular books for 5 year olds are How to Catch a Dragon, What We’ll Build, Madeline, Pete the Cat: Snow Daze, The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, and Just Helping My Dad.