Children's Book List » Age 3 reading list

Not a Box

children's book list — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:30:18 +0000

By Antoinette Portis

Not a Box
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

A box is just a box . . . unless it’s not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows.

Rating: 4 ****

The cover itself is great because it looks and feels like a cardboard box. On every other page it shows the rabbit in relation to the box and on the next thing what the box is imagined to be. The sad thing is my son now looks at the first page and says what it’s supposed to be.

Suggested Activity: Play with a cardboard box of your own and try to think of all of the great things it could be.

Do You Know What I’ll Do?

children's book list — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:50:50 +0000

By Charlotte Zolotow

Do You Know What I’ll Do?
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

“One day a little girl said to her little brother-Do you know what I’ll do when the flowers grow again? I’ll pick you a bunch and you’ll be happy.” So begins this lyric narrative, as a child describes her love for her brother by listing all the things she will do for him.

Rating: 5 *****

This is a really sweet book because it focuses on the love between siblings instead of the tension.

The Mitten

children's book list — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:24:13 +0000

By Alvin Tresselt

The Mitten
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

A retelling of the traditional tale of how a boy’s lost mitten becomes a refuge from the cold for an increasing number of animals.

Rating: 5 *****

An adorable story about how there’s always room for one more, at least to a point.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

children's book list — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:38:08 +0000

By William Steig

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble and unthinkingly wishes himself a rock when frightened by a lion. Although safe from the lion, Sylvester cannot hold the pebble to wish himself into a donkey again.

Rating: 5 *****

A great beginning to discuss what would you wish for if you had a magic pebble and how would you use it.

Caps for Sale

children's book list — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:33:33 +0000

By Esphyr Slobodkina

Caps for Sale
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

This easy-to-read story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity. Children will delight in following the peddlers efforts to outwit the monkeys

Rating: 5 *****

You monkeys you. You give me back my caps. My son adores this book and acts along with the monkeys while I act out as the peddler.

The Giving Tree

children's book list — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:19:32 +0000

By Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

‘Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy.’ So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk…and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.

Rating: 3 ***

I never really liked this book even as as child. The boy is extremely selfish and only takes from the tree. Maybe that’s the point to show how selfish he is but he doesn’t even learn from himself.

Curious George

children's book list — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:35:04 +0000

By H.A. Rey

Curious George
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

The mischievous monkey Curious George has delighted millions of readers for more than 50 years with his hilarious hijinks.

Rating: 4 ****

Honestly, it’s a bit antiquated. I love the monkey and how he always saves the day, even though it was him that caused the trouble in the first place, but the original story has him smoking a pipe and other oddities that aren’t acceptable these days.

Where the Wild Things Are

children's book list — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:28:56 +0000

By Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

Max is sent to bed without supper and imagines sailing away to the land of Wild Things, where he is made king.

Rating: 5 *****

One of the most wonderful books ever. The illustrations alone will make your child love these cuddly, adorable monsters. Also deals with love and respect within the family as Max learns the responsibilities of being in charge.

Buy Now

The Little Engine That Could

children's book list — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:52:34 +0000

By Watty Piper

The Little Engine That Could
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

A classic tale of the determined little engine that, despite its size, triumphantly pulls a train full of toys to the waiting children on the other side of a mountain.

Rating: 5 *****

This is as classic as it gets. A wonderful story to teach your child about trying and hard work.

Buy Now

Clever Bill

children's book list — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:00:11 +0000

By William Nicholson

Clever Bill
Reviewed by Children’s Book List

A toy solider is left behind and finds his way against several obstacles to be with the child again.

Rating: 4 ****

Children really believe their toys have abilities and this story lets them know that their toys care about them too.