[For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

By the time March arrives at the end of the school year, three-year-olds start to notice their own feelings and those of their friends little by little, and you can see them wrestling with those emotions.

With the new class level approaching, they may be feeling a bit unsettled.

Why not enjoy some picture books this March that let you feel the season, or funny ones that will make you laugh out loud?

In this article, we’ve gathered many picture books to enjoy with three-year-olds in March.

As their minds and bodies grow and they begin to discover a range of emotions and feelings, let’s fully enjoy the world of fantasy through picture books together!

[For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March (1–10)

just a littleText: Yuko Takimura / Illustrations: Eiko Suzuki

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For many three-year-olds, it’s around the time a new sibling is born.

You often see them struggling with their relationships—with their new brother or sister, and with Mom and Dad.

“Just a Little” is a story about Nacchan, the main character, whose little brother is born.

She can’t have Mom and Dad all to herself anymore.

Nacchan does her best, but there are times when she just wants to be cuddled, too.

This picture book richly portrays a child’s growth and tender, endearing feelings.

It resonates not only with children’s hearts but also with the adults who read it.

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Haruto and Sumireeto

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Haru-chan loves plants.

Among them, her favorite is the violet, which she brings into her room.

At night, the violet begins to speak to Haru-chan.

Haru-chan’s kindness in cherishing plants and the violet’s delicate charm are depicted with a gentle, soft touch.

As you read, you too will feel warm and tender inside.

It may inspire children to take an interest in living things and plants, and even try caring for them.

It could be a lovely book for three-year-olds to start exploring in spring.

A book that can spark the desire to treasure living things.

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Pee-a-little Leaky-TaroShinsuke Yoshitake

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Many children complete toilet training around the age of three.

But even after they do, that doesn’t mean there will be no more accidents.

Shinsuke Yoshitake, known for his humorous works, seems to speak for children’s feelings in his book “Oshikko Choppiri Moretarō” (“A Little Pee Leaked Out”).

When adults hear “an accident,” they tend to think, Oh no, that’s a problem.

But in this picture book, Yoshitake says, It’s okay, isn’t it? It’s a chuckle-worthy book that helps both children and adults feel more easygoing.

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[For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March (11–20)

Meadow, la la laTomoko Suzuki

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A girl in a yellow dress sets out for a spring meadow.

Butterflies flutter by, she makes a tiara out of flowers…

All sorts of lovely things happen in the meadow.

After all, it’s spring.

This is a heart-lifting work that captures the beauty of springtime nature and the wonderful experiences the girl has.

After reading the picture book, why not go out and explore the signs of spring yourself? Girls who love fashion, of course—and boys, too—will find themselves warmed with a feeling that makes them want to hum, la-la-la.

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The Path Where Jicchorin WalksKato Aju

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“Jicchorin’s Walking Path” is the story of a family of tiny creatures called Jicchorin.

Because they’re so small, their point of view is naturally different from that of humans.

Jicchorin live by eating flowers and leaves, yet they busily plant seeds.

When spring comes and the grasses and flowers all sprout at once, don’t you feel a bit surprised? Perhaps it’s thanks to the Jicchorin.

It’s a lovely picture book that will make you think of its world every time you and your children discover spring blossoms and greenery.

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Chiri and ChiririKaya Doi

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Chiri and Chiriri ride their bicycles.

The two of them head out to all sorts of places.

There are so many enchanting things in the forest! As they go, they visit one place after another.

Most three-year-olds probably can’t ride a bicycle yet.

Through this picture book, children may start to long for the bicycles Chiri and Chiriri ride.

What’s more, the charm and beauty of the things that appear will captivate adults as well.

It’s a perfect book for immersing yourself in the picture-book world and passing the time.

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My dressNishimaki Kayako

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Published in 1969, My Dress is a bestseller that many people, now grown up, remember fondly as a childhood favorite.

The dress the rabbit sews on a machine turns into a floral pattern in a flower field, and into raindrop designs when it rains.

Its gentle tone and imaginative ideas are utterly enchanting.

After reading, you might enjoy making all kinds of outfits with children and playing together.

It’s a special book that lets children read while letting their imaginations soar.

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