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

Last updated:2025/3/13

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)

Delicious Hina DollsText: Asae Suto / Illustrations: Yukiko Kobayashi

amzn.asia

When it comes to picture books to read in March, Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Festival) books are the obvious choice.

This one, titled “A Delicious Hina Matsuri,” is perfect for three-year-olds who are starting to take an interest in seasonal events.

Little Mouse and Little Squirrel look at the Hina dolls and each make something of their own.

As the title suggests, the “delicious” aspect is a big draw that captivates children as they read.

Through this book, kids can enjoyably get a feel for the history and traditions of Hina Matsuri, so be sure to give it a read!

Raise the rankinglower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

dandelionMaki Arai

amzn.asia

“Dandelion,” a picture book that carefully and lovingly depicts the dandelions we often see in March.

It shows in detail how these familiar flowers bloom and how they turn into fluffy seed heads, tracing the entire life of a dandelion with great care.

Because dandelions are so familiar, children are naturally drawn in, and after reading, they’ll want to head out and look for real ones.

Through this book, you can sow seeds of curiosity and enjoy seeing how each child nurtures those seeds in their own way.

Give it a read!

Raise the rankinglower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

Pot, pot—has it boiled yet?Koide Yasuko

amzn.asia

Featuring fox and weasel children as its protagonists, “Onabe Onabe Nietakana” is a picture book perfect for spring.

The three of them pay a visit to their great-grandmother’s house, where she’s simmering carrot soup.

By a twist of fate, the three end up watching over the pot… The flutter of excitement when children try to accomplish something on their own, their free-spirited ideas, and a spring-like turn of events featuring dandelions are sure to make readers swoon.

Children who love playing house will especially enjoy the book’s vivid depictions.

Raise the rankinglower

tsukada moe

Report a problem

Bread ThiefKeiko Shibata

amzn.asia

Keiko Shibata’s picture book “The Bread Thief” is a wildly popular title not only with children but also with adults, and it’s such a unique book that it’s become a series.

The character leaves a strong impression, and its surreal humor is addicting—both kids and grown-ups can’t help but laugh out loud.

A loaf of bread hoists another bread and makes a getaway—so what on earth is this bread’s true identity…? The book is filled with delicious-looking breads that might just make you hungry! After reading, why not buy some bread and head out to the park?

Raise the rankinglower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

Secret, secret HinamatsuriMami Suzuki

amzn.asia

Let me introduce “Himitsu Himitsu no Hinamatsuri.” It’s written entirely in hiragana, making it a perfect picture book for toddlers who are just starting to take an interest in letters.

While the main character, Ei-chan, is drawing, they hear a voice coming from the closet.

To their surprise, the Hina dolls are talking! The dolls, discovered by Ei-chan, hurriedly try to go back, but… The story is wonderfully unique, and the exchanges between Ei-chan and the Hina dolls are really fun.

Be sure to pick it up and enjoy this fantastical world!

Raise the rankinglower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

Mr. Cabbage and Mr. ButayamaShinta Cho

amzn.asia

How about this picture book for March, when spring cabbage is at its tastiest? “Cabbage-kun and Mr.

Butayama” is a humor-filled picture book illustrated by Shinta Cho, and it’s hugely popular with children.

It features the funny duo of Cabbage-kun and Mr.

Butayama, who can’t help seeing Cabbage-kun as something to eat.

This time, it’s a thrilling story set on a suspension bridge deep in the mountains.

Despite the tension, the book has an irresistibly funny and heartwarming feel.

Please give it a read!

Raise the rankinglower

hiyoko sensei

Report a problem

I love you very much.Saeko Inui

amzn.asia

As children grow, they struggle with their feelings, don’t they? Compared to when they were two and said “No!” all the time, they can seem so much more sensitive.

That’s why the picture book I Want You to Know I Love You is perfect for the ages of three to four.

When they run into emotional walls, when things don’t go well with friends—what reassures them most is the message: I love you just as you are.

Through picture books, let’s keep telling children how much we love them.

Raise the rankinglower

tsukada moe

Report a problem