Three Picture Books a Day: My Favorite Habit for Building Literacy & Connection

Several years ago, our son, Bear, was three years old and longed for a way to be included in our homeschool day. But he wasn't quite ready for the more structured parts of our routine.

So at the beginning of each day, in an effort to fill his love tank before the day began, I started choosing three picture books from our bookshelves (or our current library stack) and setting them on the homeschool table before he woke up. When he wandered out of his room, he would see them waiting and would know that I had thought of him. He'd proudly bring the stack downstairs, and we'd cuddle up on the couch and read. It became the sweetest rhythm, and it wasn't long before our older kids started joining in, too.

What began as a simple solution became one of the most life-giving parts of our homeschool, both for me and my kids. And because of it, we've now read hundreds of books together!

We've kept up this habit for over five years now. We aren't perfectly consistent, but on many homeschool days, we read three picture books together—usually at the start of our day. They aren't always new books. Often, they're well-loved favorites, with maybe one or two fresh library finds mixed in.

And over time, I've realized that this habit is doing far more than I could have imagined!

Why Picture Books? 

Sometimes, I've felt pressure to begin reading chapter books sooner than our kids are ready. But over time, I've learned that picture books are not just for little kids. In many ways, they are some of the richest literature we can offer our children.

Well-written picture books contain sophisticated language, exposing kids to a wider range of vocabulary, sentence structure, and literary devices than everyday conversation, or even many early chapter books. They tell rich, layered stories in just a few pages. They combine visual and verbal storytelling, which can strengthen comprehension. They invite discussion and imagination. And because they're short, they allow us to revisit them again and again, and that repetition allows for learning to be cemented.

The Power of Reading Aloud

There is so much incredible research behind the power of reading aloud, and my favorite book on this topic is The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon. 

We know from research that reading aloud from an early age supports not only literacy, but healthy brain development and parent-child bonding. Children who are regularly read to develop stronger language skills and are more prepared for formal reading instruction.

And one of my favorite insights is that children can understand stories at a higher level than they can read independently. In other words, when we read aloud to them, we are feeding their minds in ways they simply can't access on their own yet.

Beyond Literacy

Some of the most meaningful conversations (and sweetest memories) we've had as a family have started with a picture book. Through stories, our kids step into someone else's experience, learn about different cultures and time periods, wrestle with right and wrong, and see courage, kindness, sacrifice, redemption, and so much more.

Research shows that reading stories that center around human experience can increase empathy and social awareness in children. And I've seen it! A picture book can open the door to conversations about fear, forgiveness, joy, differences, faith, and so much more in ways that feel natural and unforced.

Why Three Books?

There's nothing magical about choosing three books. But three books, for us, has felt manageable, predictable, and just enough to feel meaningful without overwhelming our day.

But choose what's right for you, even if it's starting with one picture book a day! Over time, consistency will add up to hundreds or even thousands of stories read together.

If you'd like to begin this habit in your house, here are a few lists I've compiled that are wholesome, engaging, and you can find in your local library. If you can't find the books in your local library, try purchasing them secondhand. My favorite source for secondhand books is Better World Books.

Where to Find the Best Books

If you're looking for wholesome, engaging books to start checking out for your library, I've got you covered!

Here are some links to my favorite lists I've compiled: 

• Monthly Picture Book Calendars - Did you know I have a wholesome, engaging book recommendation for every day of the entire year? And they're all free to access!
• Musical Picture Books - We are a musical family, and these stories are some of our favorites!
• Picture Books Based on True Stories - To engage older kids, I've found that reading picture books that are based on true stories will hook them. Here is a list of favorites!
• "Bear's Books" - This is a list of 50 wonderful picture books for ages 4-6. 

Happy reading friends!