Books to read to a 3 year old

[User8888888]

My 3 year old is loving fairy tales at the moment and I think she’d enjoy me reading some chapter books to her (we’d still do her picture books too but I want some variety now as we’ve done Julia Donaldson to death). I’m a bit stuck with what though. Any recommendations? All the lists online for 3 year old still seem to be shorter picture books like Dear Zoo which she moved on from a long time ago.

I was thinking about some Enid Blyton or Winnie the Poo. I’m assuming she’s still a bit young for Roald Dahl? I don’t really want to go for content that would be beyond her understanding or age.

Ronald Dahl does some nice shorter ones. Like the Enormous Crocodile and (slightly longer) The Twits and Fantastic Mr Fox. She might enjoy some poetry too. Try noisy poems?

The Mr Men are hugely popular in our house...they drive me nuts!!

Fantastic Mr Fox might be a bit much if she'd be upset when his tail gets shot off though. Use your own judgement. You could always paraphrase or skip any bits you think are a bit unsuitable, but I'd just read them first. Depends on your specific kid and what she's sensitive to.

*As in, read them yourself first before reading them to DD.

My four year old loves Judith Kerr and Dr Seuss books.

Not a chapter book but my 3 year old LOVES you choose. It’s just provided so so much to talk about and the conversations we have about it make me smile. Plus it’s endless there’s always something different.

Shirley Hughes, just for the illustrations... Brambly Hedge? Foxwood Tales?

Oh thank you- that’s all really helpful. I used to love bramley hedge when I was younger. I’ll have a look at those. I was debating fantastic mr Fox but not sure if she’d be sad. I remember really enjoying that when I was younger. She loves You Choose and has enjoyed some of the Mr Men and Beatrix potter books- it’s more me that’s getting bored of them than her.

It’s quite a tricky age I think as I’m not fully sure of her understanding and what she can cope with emotionally.

Claude books by Alex T Smith. They are about a dog who goes on various adventures. Nice to read out loud as well, and have lots of illustrations

How about classic fairy tales such as The Gingerbread Man, Hansel & Gretel etc? I don't know if they are still published but we have some lovely Ladybird books of those.

Also, do pop in to your local library. You can have a browse & see what catches her eye & also ask a librarian for recommendations.

The proper Thomas the Tank Engine books (not the silly simplified TV spin offs) are very popular here.

The Day the Crayons Quit
Aliens love Underpants

My Naughty Little Sister is lovely to read to them at that age. Very sweet and identifiable stories, and gentle and old fashioned too. The naughtiness is just enough to intrigue them