[For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended Picture Books for Spring | Exciting and Thrilling Reads

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!

Delicious Hina DollsText: Asae Suto / Illustrations: Yukiko Kobayashi

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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!

Bread ThiefKeiko Shibata

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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?

Secret, secret HinamatsuriMami Suzuki

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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!

Mr. Cabbage and Mr. ButayamaShinta Cho

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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!

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.