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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to guide your little one's growing curiosity and budding behaviors? Finding the right resources can be a game-changer, and that's where behavior books for 3-year-olds come into play. These books are tailored to help parents and toddlers navigate through the exciting, and sometimes challenging, toddler years. Keep reading as we explore various lists of behavior books for 3-year-olds that are both engaging and educational. Let's dive in and discover the perfect book to read with your child!

Fun Behavior Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi, Ph.D.; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This colorful book teaches young children that hands are not for hitting by suggesting positive uses of their hands like playing, creating, and helping.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for teaching toddlers about non-violent communication and appropriate ways to express their emotions.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers learning about self-control and appropriate behavior.

• Teeth Are Not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers helpful strategies to young children on why they shouldn't bite others and what alternatives they have, like chewing a chewy toy or munching a snack.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps address a common toddler issue in an understanding and positive way, promoting good dental habits and interpersonal skills.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are going through teething or struggle with biting.

• Calm-Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book gives toddlers simple tools to calm down when they are feeling overwhelmed, using soothing words and comforting illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches effective emotion management skills in a gentle and accessible way, which is crucial for healthy emotional development.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who experience frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts.

• Listening Time by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book encourages toddlers to enhance their listening skills with simple prompts and vivid illustrations, showing them how to be attentive.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for developing early social and communication skills, helping toddlers understand the importance of listening.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are learning to interact more effectively with others.

• Sharing Time by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: The book teaches toddlers the value of sharing through simple, relatable scenarios and bright, engaging artwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the sometimes challenging concept of sharing in a very kid-friendly manner, promoting social skills and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who are beginning to play with others and need to learn about cooperation and sharing.

Educational Behavior Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Voices Are Not for Yelling by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book teaches young children the impact of loud voices and the importance of using an indoor voice. It provides them with practical alternatives to yelling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Communication skills, emotional regulation
  • Why we recommend this book: It effectively teaches children how to express their feelings without raising their voices, fostering a calm and respectful communication environment.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are learning to control their voice volume in different settings.

• Feet Are Not for Kicking by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book helps toddlers understand that feet are for standing, walking, and kicking balls, not for kicking people. It offers positive alternatives and practical advice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, self-control
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great resource for teaching young children about appropriate physical interactions and the consequences of their actions.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are learning about bodily autonomy and respectful behaviors.

• Noses Are Not for Picking by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Health, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book addresses the common habit of nose picking among young children and provides them with healthier alternatives like using a tissue.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Personal hygiene, self-care
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles a sensitive topic with humor and understanding, making it easier for kids to adopt better hygiene habits.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are developing personal hygiene routines.

• Germs Are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick; illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Health, Educational
  • Synopsis: A simple guide for young children on why germs are not for sharing. It teaches the basics of illness prevention, like washing hands and using tissues.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Health awareness, personal hygiene
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides essential information on health and hygiene in an accessible and kid-friendly way, helping children understand how to prevent spreading germs.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers learning about health and safety practices, especially useful during flu season or in a classroom setting.

Challenging Behavior Books for 3-Year-Olds

• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are quick to offer advice, but it's the rabbit who listens that provides the comfort Taylor needs.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex emotions and the concept of empathy through a simple yet profound narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the power of listening and being present, which can be a profound lesson for emotional development at a young age.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning how to deal with emotions and those who need to understand the importance of empathy.

• Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang; illustrated by Max Lang
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Jim Panzee wakes up in a bad mood one beautiful day. Despite his friends’ suggestions to cheer up, Jim learns it’s okay to be grumpy sometimes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the acknowledgment of one's feelings and the societal expectation to appear happy, presenting a nuanced view of emotional authenticity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It validates the feelings of children, showing them that it’s okay to feel their emotions fully.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are feeling pressures to always seem happy and need to understand that all emotions are valid.

• My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook; illustrated by Carrie Hartman
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Behavior
  • Synopsis: Louis has a hard time not interrupting others. His mouth is like a volcano that erupts before he can stop it. This story teaches him—and young readers—how to manage this impulsive behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with self-regulation and the social skills required to not interrupt, which can be complex for young children to master.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical solutions for a common childhood issue, helping kids learn to respect others' speaking time.
  • Perfect for: Energetic children who struggle to control their impulses and need guidance on polite interaction.

• Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Piggie has a surprise for Gerald, but he has to wait for it. Gerald learns that waiting is not easy but sometimes, it's worth it.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces the concept of delayed gratification, a difficult but important emotional skill.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on learning patience and understanding that some things are worth the wait.
  • Perfect for: Impatient youngsters who need to learn the value of waiting and the rewards it can bring.

• Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker by Christianne Jones; illustrated by Richard Watson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Lacey Walker loves to talk, but when she loses her voice, she discovers the importance of listening.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the skill of listening versus speaking all the time, which is a sophisticated social skill for children to understand and adopt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to listen more to others, enhancing their communication skills and social interactions.
  • Perfect for: Chatty kids who need to learn the balance between talking and listening in conversations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of behavior books with your 3-year-old, you know how crucial it is to build good reading habits early. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can help your little one enjoy reading and learn better behaviors through books. Let's make reading a delightful habit!

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside a specific time each day to read with your child.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine and fosters a love for reading.
  • Tips: Let your child choose the book to make this time something they look forward to.

• Act Out Stories
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out their favorite scenes from the books.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes the reading experience more interactive.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the activity more engaging.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to recount the story in order.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of narrative structure.
  • Tips: Use pictures or physical objects to help them remember and sequence the events.

• Ask Open-Ended Questions
  • What it is: Pose questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the content.
  • Tips: Start with questions like "What do you think happens next?" or "Why did the character do that?"

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special, cozy activity.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and a variety of books accessible to your child.

• Praise and Rewards
  • What it is: Offer praise and small rewards for reading milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates your child and reinforces positive behavior around reading.
  • Tips: Keep rewards simple and related to reading, like extra reading time or choosing the next book.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can make reading a cherished part of your child's day and instill valuable life-long habits. Remember, the goal is to make reading fun and engaging, so always keep a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Happy reading!