10+ Best Award Winning Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime story or a fun new reading adventure for your little one? Look no further than this carefully curated list of award-winning books for 3-year-olds! These titles have not only captured the hearts of children but have also garnered praise from critics, making them a fantastic choice for your toddler's bookshelf. Keep reading to discover our top picks of award-winning books for 3-year-olds that are sure to delight and inspire young minds.

Fun Award Winning Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, allowing children to explore themes of anger, adventure, and forgiveness in a safe and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who enjoy a touch of mischief and fantasy.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Early Learning, Nature
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows the journey of a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly, all wrapped in a simple, engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Little learners who are curious about nature and enjoy vibrant, colorful illustrations.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the objects around it before drifting off to sleep.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words make it an ideal bedtime story, helping to establish a calming bedtime routine.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy soothing, repetitive texts that help them wind down at the end of the day.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: A teacher and various colored animals, each described in a rhythmic, repetitive text pattern, ask each other what they see.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic pre-reading skills like pattern recognition and prediction, all while engaging with colorful animal characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and learning about colors and sounds.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhythm and Rhyme
  • Synopsis: The letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree and then tumble down, in a lively, rhythmic story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and rhythmic way to learn the alphabet, encouraging phonetic recognition through its playful storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Energetic toddlers who enjoy upbeat rhythms and chanting along with the story.

Educational Award Winning Books for 3-Year-Olds

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This timeless book captures the adventures of a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the season's first snowfall.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding seasonal changes, exploring curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the wonder and excitement of snow through the eyes of a child, making it a delightful read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young children who delight in snow and outdoor adventures.

• Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book describes the special experience of a young child going owling with their father late one winter night.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Patience, family bonding, appreciation for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a quiet yet profound narrative that captures the beauty of nature and the special bond between parent and child.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents who enjoy serene, nature-filled bonding activities.

• Corduroy by Don Freeman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Corduroy, a teddy bear in a department store, goes on a nighttime adventure to find his missing button in hopes of finding a home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, adventure, emotions
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of being loved for who you are.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who love stories of adventure and friendship.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, leading to a series of adventures and troubles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Consequences of actions, problem-solving, nature and animals
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful storytelling with important life lessons, making it both enjoyable and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and learning about the natural world.

Challenging Award Winning Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and escapes into a world where adventure begins with her red crayon.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book has no words, requiring children to interpret and narrate the complex, imaginative illustrations themselves.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity, storytelling skills, and detailed observation as children interpret the visual narrative.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative children who enjoy creating and telling their own stories.

• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Urban Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young boy named CJ travels with his grandmother on a bus ride, learning about the beauty and variety of the world around him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of social diversity and gratitude through subtle storytelling and character observations that younger children might find nuanced.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches appreciation for the simple joys and diverse people encountered in everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about people and places, and those learning about kindness and diversity.

• The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: An imaginary friend, born on a faraway island, sets off on a journey to find his human companion.
  • Why this book is challenging: The concept of imaginary friends and their purpose is a complex idea, paired with rich, detailed illustrations that tell a deeper story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, courage, and the power of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantasy and are beginning to understand the deeper meanings of connection and belonging.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently tries to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham in various locations with different companions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful use of rhyme and repetitive structure requires children to predict and remember text, which enhances their reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's fun and engaging, promoting early reading skills through rhyme and repetition.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful language and exploring new ideas in fun, imaginative ways.

• Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Piggie has a surprise for Gerald, but he must wait for it, and waiting is not easy for Gerald.
  • Why this book is challenging: The theme of patience is explored through simple yet effective dialogue and illustrations, which subtly convey emotional learning and self-regulation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of patience and the joy of anticipation in a humorous way.
  • Perfect for: Impatient youngsters who could benefit from learning the value of waiting and the rewards it can bring.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading with your little one is not just about flipping through some colorful pages! Award-winning books for 3-year-olds are crafted to captivate their minds and help them grow. Here are some fun exercises that can help your toddler develop good reading habits early on. Each activity is simple, engaging, and designed to make reading a delightful experience for both of you.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book and talk about the pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures like "What do you think is happening here?"

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Ask your child to guess what the book might be about before you start reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages imaginative thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Use the book’s title and cover illustration to start the discussion.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading or mimic reading the words while you read aloud.
  • How it helps: Develops reading fluency and listening skills.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make it more fun.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Identify sounds in words and find objects around the house that start with the same sound.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Start with the sounds at the beginning of the book's title or main character's name.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out the story after reading it, using simple props or costumes.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and recall.
  • Tips: Let your child lead the role-play and choose which parts to act out.

• Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a simple map or sequence of events from the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the structure of stories and sequencing.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colorful markers to make it more engaging.

• Character Chat
  • What it is: Have a 'conversation' with the main character of the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts empathy and deeper understanding of the character.
  • Tips: Ask questions like "Why did you choose to do that?" or "How did you feel?"

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a multi-sensory, interactive experience that your child will love. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you’re setting a strong foundation for a lifetime love of books. So, grab one of those award-winning books and let the adventures begin!