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

Toothbrushing train, ready to depart!Kubo Machiko

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March is just before children move up a grade, so I think many preschools are starting preparations for transitioning to the 3-year-old class.

When children move into the preschool classes, many schools also introduce toothbrushing.

“All Aboard the Toothbrushing Train!” is a wonderful picture book we’d love children who struggle with brushing their teeth to read.

The Toothbrushing Train comes to visit Takkun, the main character who hates brushing his teeth.

What kind of amazing things will the Toothbrushing Train do? It’s a book we highly recommend for children who have a hard time getting their toothbrushing done at home.

Te arā Īmo uga ĪmoAya Watanabe

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From the hugely popular “Vegetable Life” picture book series for children, here’s an introduction to the delightfully titled “Te-ara-IMO Uga-IMO.” Handwashing and gargling are very important daily habits.

But kids might skip them because they’re eager to play or find washing a hassle.

At times like that, why not read this picture book first and then try washing and gargling? It’s packed with catchy, rhythmic phrases that kids will want to sing along to.

If everyone hums along while washing their hands, it’s sure to make the routine more fun.

The Mouse’s Long BreadHiroshi Tada

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“Mr.

Mouse’s Long Bread” is part of a series and a very popular book among children.

On the cover, a tiny mouse is carrying a loaf of bread many times bigger than himself.

Where could he be headed with such a long loaf? Along the way, we see mealtime scenes from different animal families, prompting children to ask questions like, “What is the lion eating?” and “Who will eat the bread?” The world of the picture book keeps expanding in their minds.

It’s a story you’ll want to read over and over—be sure to give it a try.

What did you eat?Text: Eriko Kishida / Illustrations: Hirokazu Nagano

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Here’s an introduction to the picture book What Have You Been Eating?, which has been loved by children ever since its release in 1978.

A pure white little pig is hurrying off somewhere.

Along the way, he finds an apple and eats it, turning his tummy a beautiful red.

Still hungry, the pig encounters all sorts of things as he goes.

How will it all end? It’s a very unique story, and the gentle illustrations and vivid colors make it a book that sparks children’s curiosity.

Please give it a read!

Fluffy SakuraText: Naoko Higashi / Illustrations: Tatsuro Kimura

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Here is an introduction to the picture book “Howa-Howa Sakura.” It beautifully expresses, in lovely words, the way cherry blossom petals flutter and fall.

Perhaps this is how the sound and sight of falling petals reach children’s ears and eyes.

The pink that spreads across the pages seems to capture the excitement for the coming spring.

It’s a wonderful book that makes you want to read it aloud—please give it a try.

And after you finish, let’s all head out to go meet the cherry blossoms!

Let’s go home.Kunihiko Aoyama

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When you say to a two-year-old, “Let’s tidy up,” do you ever get a firm “No!” in response? Of course they still want to keep playing… Repeating the reminder every time can be exhausting for both of you.

That’s when I recommend the picture book “Let’s Go Home.” It reframes putting toys away as “going home” and gently speaks to children with that wording.

It’s full of ideas for how to talk to kids, making it a wonderful book I hope you’ll read at daycare or at home.

Don-doko Momon-chanKazuhiko Toyoda

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With its soft pink cover that’s absolutely adorable, “Dondoko Momon-chan” is a picture book loved even by one-year-olds.

As they listen to the rhythmic words of “dondoko dondoko,” children join in and try to repeat them.

When turning the pages, you can see their focused expressions, wondering what picture will appear next—another part of the book’s charm.

You’ll find yourself cheering for Momon-chan’s earnest efforts.

It’s recommended for a wide range of ages, from little ones to older preschoolers.