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    The Children's Book Review

    Reading to a 3 Year Old

    TCBR ContributorBy TCBR Contributor2 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Book Lists
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    By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
    Published: February 17, 2009

    Are you stuck on what books you should be reading to your 3 year old?

    I have a 3 year old daughter. She is so much fun! Since her birthday I have really noticed her vocabulary increase and her imagination take off and soar to places where I only wish I could go. She definitely likes to be in charge — and at story time she can be, being in control of choosing which books to read is really satisfying for her. The only role I play, besides doing the actual reading, is providing a selection of books for her to pick from that contain just the right amount of make-believe and/or reality for this very literal stage of life that she is in. According to a recent Pampers article I read, by Suzanne Dixon, M.D., M.P.H., “It’s helpful to read slightly more complex books to your child at this age. Look for ones with short sentences composed of lots of action verbs, adjectives, and nouns, associated with appropriate pictures and a strong story.” Dixon also says, “Three-year-olds adopt rituals to keep a sense of sameness and control over their world.” So don’t be surprised if you end up reading the same book over-and-over-and-over!

    In case you are wondering, these are the books that are perhaps giving my daughter that sense of sameness and control over her world, right now:

    Sleepsong

    by George Ella Lyon

    Puff the Magic Dragon

    by Peter Yarrow

    Wish Upon a Star: Whimsical Rhymes to Read and Sing

    by Beth Gordon

    Dear Zoo

    by Rod Campbell

    Posy

    by Linda Newbery

    Pinkalicious

    by Victoria & Elizabeth Kann

    What to Read Next:

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    3. Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Prereading / Ages 3-5
    4. What’s Hot in August, 2010? Author Events, Best Selling Kids’ Books, and More …

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Beth Gordon Bianca Shculze Elizabeth Kann George Ella Lyon Linda Newbery Peter Yarrow Rod Campbell Victoria Kann
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    The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.

    2 Comments

    1. Irene Harvey on February 21, 2009 5:06 am

      I have just found your site for the first time, and really liked the way you review the children’s books.
      I liked the sound of ‘Pinkalicious’ and ‘Bright Eyes, Brown Skin’ and the ‘Sleepsong’ sounds a real possibility.
      I am part of a family who have married into a mixed race family, and I am now the author of a new children’s book of 10 stories, the illustrations reflect this multi-race world.
      Maybe it would be of interest.
      Irene J Harvey
      http://eloquentbooks.com/WilliamtheFairgroundCar.html
      http://myjourneytopublication.blogspot.com

      Reply
    2. Bianca Schulze on February 22, 2009 10:35 am

      Hi Irene:
      I’m so glad that you enjoy my reviews. All three of the books you mentioned are wonderful. I am looking forward to taking a look at the links you included.

      Reply
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