[For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended Picture Books for Spring | Exciting and Thrilling Reads
Three-year-olds moving up to the preschool class are about to have so many new experiences.
They must be feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as the new school year starts in April.
As teachers, we want to be there to support those feelings.
Storytime is a precious moment when teachers and children can share the same world.
Children’s comments often surprise and enlighten us, don’t they?
Here are some picture books we’d love to enjoy with a class of three-year-olds in spring.
They’re perfect for this stage, when children are gradually learning to enjoy stories.
Be sure to read lots of picture books together!
- [For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March
- [For 2-year-olds] Enjoy spring-recommended picture books with your children
- [For 4-Year-Olds] Recommended Spring Picture Books | Engaging with the World and Friends
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture Books to Read in Spring | Let’s Explore Different Worlds with Children
- [March] Recommended for 4-year-olds! Picture books that will make you smile and grin
- [Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
- [Quiz] Recommended for preschoolers! A collection of fun quiz ideas
- [Kindergarten (older class)] What kind of season is March? Let’s make events and natural objects with origami!
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- [For 1-year-olds] Perfect for March! A special selection of picture books recommended for 1-year-olds
- [For Age 3] Let’s make it in April! A collection of craft ideas to feel spring events and nature
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [For 0-Year-Olds] Picture Books to Read in Spring | Enjoy Picture Books with Your Children
[For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in Spring | Full of Excitement and Thrills (11–20)
palm (of the hand)Text: Ariko Takimura / Illustrations: Hioko Fujita
A heartwarming story about the bond and love between parent and child, Tenohira.
This picture book, created by Ariko Takimura and Hioko Fujita, is based on real experiences.
The protagonist is Yumi, a shy little girl.
Seeing that Yumi seems down, her mother decides to draw a certain mark on the palm of her hand.
This becomes the catalyst for Yumi to gradually settle into life at kindergarten.
It’s both moving and encouraging.
Be sure to pay attention to what kind of mark is drawn, too.
Don-doko Momon-chanKazuhiko Toyoda
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.
Toothbrushing train, ready to depart!Kubo Machiko
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
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
“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.
It’s a strawberry.Makoto Kawabata
Let me introduce the picture book “It’s a Strawberry,” perfect for children who love strawberries.
Strawberries are red, sweet, and easy to eat since you don’t have to peel them.
I think many kids like them.
This picture book is packed with adorable strawberries, and when you finish reading, you’ll feel like eating some! If your child isn’t a fan of strawberries, there are sister titles like “It’s a Banana” and “It’s an Apple,” so be sure to pick a picture book featuring their favorite fruit!
[For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books for Spring | Exciting and Thrilling (21–30)
Here are some vegetables.Text: Kei Kinoshita / Illustrations: Mayumi Abe
The picture book “Oyassai, Dozo” has interactive features that make kids excited to turn the pages.
The vegetable illustrations look just like the real thing and are very appealing.
You can also enjoy the sounds of cutting vegetables with a knife, so if you read it with a rhythm, the fun of the book really grows.
Asking questions like “Which vegetables do you like?” and “Which dishes have these vegetables in them?” as you read may also spark more interest in food.
The more familiar the vegetable, the better children tend to react when they turn the page!


