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

Are you on the lookout for Catholic books for 3-year-olds that are both engaging and enriching? Finding the right books to introduce little ones to the faith can be a delightful journey. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or educator, this blog post is packed with wonderful reading options that cater specifically to young children. Keep reading to discover a variety of Catholic books for 3-year-olds that are perfect for storytime or bedtime.

Fun Catholic Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Noah's Ark by Lucy Cousins
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This colorful book retells the biblical story of Noah and his ark. Noah builds a large boat and gathers animals of every kind to save them from a great flood.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple language and vibrant illustrations make the story accessible and engaging for young children, helping them to learn about faith and obedience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and vivid, colorful illustrations.

• The Story of Jesus by Jane Werner Watson, illustrated by Jerry Smath
  • Genre(s): Religious, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young children to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, from his miraculous birth to his resurrection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the Christian faith with straightforward storytelling and soothing illustrations, perfect for bedtime reading.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to learn about Jesus and the basics of the Christian faith.

• Saints for Boys: A First Book for Little Catholic Boys by Fr. Daniel A. Lord
  • Genre(s): Religious, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young boys to the lives of various saints, showcasing their virtues and the grace of God in their lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides strong role models for young boys, teaching virtues through engaging stories and simple language.
  • Perfect for: Young boys who are starting to learn about role models in their faith.

• Saints for Girls: A First Book for Little Catholic Girls by Fr. Daniel A. Lord
  • Genre(s): Religious, Biography
  • Synopsis: Similar to its counterpart for boys, this book shares stories of female saints and the virtues they embody.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers inspirational stories that celebrate the contributions of women in faith, tailored to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young girls learning about influential and virtuous women in the Catholic Church.

• Brother Sun, Sister Moon by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Pamela Dalton
  • Genre(s): Religious, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This book reimagines Saint Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Creatures" in a form that is accessible to young children, with beautiful hand-cut illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: The poetic text and stunning artwork inspire a love for nature and teach about the respect for all creatures as part of God's creation.
  • Perfect for: Children who love nature and enjoy visually stunning picture books.

Educational Catholic Books for 3-Year-Olds

• My First Catechism: The Catholic Faith for Little Ones by Christine Pedotti
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the basics of the Catholic faith to young children using simple language and engaging illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic religious education, understanding of Catholic practices and beliefs
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex elements of the Catholic faith into bite-sized, kid-friendly pieces, making it easier for young children to grasp and remember.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers beginning to explore their Catholic faith.

• The Little Acts of Kindness by Sophie Piper, illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book encourages young children to perform small acts of kindness in their daily lives, reflecting Christian values.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, empathy, understanding of Christian values
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical examples of how young children can live out their faith through simple, everyday actions.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers learning about kindness and compassion.

• A Missal for Toddlers by Elen Lescoat
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This missal is designed specifically for toddlers, with simple explanations of the Mass and its parts, accompanied by colorful illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the Catholic Mass, religious rituals
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for introducing young children to the Catholic Mass in a way that they can understand and find engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young children attending Mass with their families who need a relatable guide to what's happening.

• God Made Everything by Marie-Hélène Delval, illustrated by Ulises Wensell
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book explores the wonders of creation as described in the Bible, showing young children the beauty and diversity of God's world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of the natural world, religious foundation
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps instill a sense of awe and gratitude for the natural world, aligning with biblical teachings.
  • Perfect for: Young children curious about nature and creation.

Challenging Catholic Books for 3-Year-Olds

• The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith by Josephine Nobisso, illustrated by Katalin Szegedi
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: When a poor widow begs to buy a loaf of bread with the promise of offering a Mass in return, the baker scoffs at her. However, as he weighs her offer against his bread, the scales tip in favor of her deep faith.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates abstract concepts of faith and the power of the Mass, which are profound for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the unseen weight of faith and the impact of spiritual devotion, encouraging young readers to appreciate and reflect on their beliefs.
  • Perfect for: Young children exploring the depth of faith and the mysteries of the Catholic Mass.

• Angels Surround Us by Regin Prentice Benton, illustrated by Donna Tartt
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the concept of angels and their roles in God’s creation and in our lives, explained in a simple and comprehensible way for children.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses the invisible and spiritual nature of angels, a complex subject for young minds to grasp.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand and feel comforted by the presence of angels in their lives, fostering a sense of security and faith.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers curious about angels and their significance in the Catholic faith.

• The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a weak, young donkey who finds his strength when he is chosen to carry Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses the story of Palm Sunday as a backdrop to discuss themes of transformation and purpose, which are sophisticated concepts for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful message about how everyone, no matter how small or weak, has a special role in God’s plan.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of growth and finding one’s purpose.

• Take it to the Queen: A Tale of Hope by Josephine Nobisso, illustrated by Katalin Szegedi
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A kingdom suffering from neglect and despair seeks help from their queen, learning an important lesson about intercession and hope.
  • Why this book is challenging: The allegorical use of a queen to represent the Virgin Mary introduces children to the concept of intercession in a nuanced way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of seeking help through the right channels and the power of hope and prayer.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about the role of the Virgin Mary and the value of intercession in the Catholic faith.

• Our Lady's Wardrobe by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Juliana Kolesova
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This charming book introduces young readers to the different titles and apparitions of the Virgin Mary, each represented through her unique "wardrobes."
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers several apparitions and titles of Mary, which are complex religious concepts presented in a simplified format.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively educates children about the Virgin Mary’s different appearances and roles across the world, enhancing their understanding and devotion.
  • Perfect for: Young children interested in the stories and significance of the Virgin Mary in various cultures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing your little one to the world of Catholic books is a wonderful way to foster both spiritual growth and a love for reading. Here are some engaging exercises designed specifically for 3-year-olds to help them develop good reading habits while exploring their faith.

• Picture Book Exploration
  • What it is: Use Catholic picture books to tell stories.
  • How it helps: Visuals help children understand and retain the stories and messages.
  • Tips: Choose books with bright, engaging illustrations and simple text.

• Interactive Reading Sessions
  • What it is: Read aloud from children's Catholic books, using different voices for characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances listening skills and makes the reading experience enjoyable.
  • Tips: Let your child turn the pages to involve them actively in the reading process.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: Encourage your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal skills.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the story to guide their retelling.

• Sing-Along Books
  • What it is: Use books that include Catholic songs for children.
  • How it helps: Integrates reading with musical learning and memory enhancement.
  • Tips: Sing together, perhaps using gestures or actions to make it more fun.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out stories or scenes from the books.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding narrative structure and empathy.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more engaging.

• Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Set aside a specific time each day for reading Catholic books.
  • How it helps: Establishes a reading routine and prioritizes reading in daily life.
  • Tips: Keep this time consistent to develop a habit.

By incorporating these fun and simple exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your child's early literacy skills but also instill a profound sense of faith and love for reading. Happy reading!