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By Kim Lewis
Friends
Two very young friends learn about cooperation and forgiveness in this reassuring story.
Rating: *****
This story nicely covers the difficulties of children’s friendships.
Friends
Age 3 reading list friendship
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By Helen Lester
Tacky The Penguin
Tacky is an odd bird who marches to the beat of a different drummer. Tacky’s perfect friends find him annoying until his eccentric behavior saves the day.
Rating: *****
Your child will love tacky. It’s a fun story about conventions and conformism.
Suggested Activity: Watch the animated movie Happy Feet. It’s very similar to Tacky.
activities Age 3 reading list individuality
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By Laura McGee Kvasnosky
Zelda and Ivy
Zelda and Ivy are sisters with a flair for the dramatic. Whether they’re performing a circus act, fashioning their tails in the latest style, or working wonders with “fairy dust, ” their exploits are described with wit and charm in a trio of stories exploring the dynamic between an older and younger sister. Wry and genuine, the linked episodes and rambunctious illustrations will strike home with beginning readers, especially those who’ve experienced the warmth — and occasional wrath — of a sibling’s attention.
Rating: *****
The one sister is horrible to her younger sister and I think that’s the point and in the end she comes around. If you have siblings who aren’t the nicest to each other this is a great book to help discuss siblings and responsibilities and actions.
Age 3 reading list siblings
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By Holly Keller
That’s Mine Horace
When Horace the leopard finds an unclaimed toy truck on the school playground, he can’t help but pocket the truck for himself. Yet he has a decision to make when a classmate tells Horace that the truck belongs to him.
Rating: *****
What child hasn’t wanted a toy someone else owned. This book is a great opening for discussing belongings and friendship.
Age 3 reading list jealousy
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By Barbara Karlin
James Marshall’s Cinderella
Vain and horrid relatives, tons of laundry, and a fireplace that just never stays clean…this pooped and put-upon heroine needs a little magic in her life! Luckily for her, and for kids and delighted grown-ups everywhere, the inimitable James Marshall cast his wacky brand of enchantment upon Cinderella’s tale-complete with grinning rats, a daffy godmother, and a whole golden coachful of belly laughs! “Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won’t sit there for long!”
Rating: *****
A classic tale that you can share with your children.
Age 3 reading list classics
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By Lynne Jonell
I Need a Snake
Robbie says he wants a snake, but his mother won’t allow a snake in the house. After he and his mother look at snakes, Robbie finds a creative way to get his very own snake and keep his mother happy.
Rating: *****
A comical book that shows overcoming fear and responsibility in a very cleaver way.
Age 3 reading list fear pets
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By Pat Hutchins
Julius
When Maya’s grandfather comes for a visit, he brings a surprise in a crate–something, he says, to teach her “fun and sharing”. Maya hopes it’s a horse or a big brother. But instead it’s Julius, a big, cool pig. Maya’s parents see Julius as a slob, but Maya herself sees another Julius altogether. She sees a playmate, a protector, and sharer in all that’s magical and wild.
Rating: *****
A nice book that focuses on love and responsibility.
Age 3 reading list pets responsibilities
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By Pat Hutchins
Shrinking Mouse
Mouse, Fox, Rabbit, and Squirrel watch fearfully as their friend Owl seems to get smaller as he flies away from them. Will he disappear altogether? A comic view of spatial perspectives.
Rating: *****
You’ll love that your kids are learning without even knowing.
Age 3 reading list friendship
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By Shirley Hughes
The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook
Preschooler Alfie has pleasant outdoor adventures with various family members, including his sister Annie Rose, Grandma, and Dad.
Rating: ****
It’s sad to say but this story is a bit antiquated. It just reads as if it’s from another era.
Age 3 reading list
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By Thacher Hurd
The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook
Disappointed that his friends seem to have forgotten his birthday, Little Mouse goes skiing by himself.
Rating: ****
I felt really sorry for little mouse. Birthdays are so important to children this seems like it would be a fairly traumatic experience.
Age 3 reading list friendship independence