Written by Julia Cook and

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Written by 
Julia Cook and 
Laura A. Jana, MD
Illustrated by 
Allison Valentine
Am
azing Me
It’s Busy Being 3!

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ingMe
mazing 
A
It’s Busy Being 3!
Me
In one amazing day a child can show us so much.
Watch for new milestones every day.
Written by 
Julia Cook and Laura A. Jana, MD
Illustrated by 
Allison Valentine
www.cdc.gov/Amaz

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1
T
o
learn how AMAZING this book is, read here!
In this story, an amazing kangaroo named Joey shows all of the amazing things he can do 
now that he is 3 years old. Th ese amazing things are called 
developmental milestones. 
First steps, fi rst words, and using the potty for the fi rst time are all developmental milestones.
Other developmental milestones, like the ones in this book, may not be as easy to see, but 
they are just as important for your child’s development. 
Th is book will show you what to look for as your child grows and develops. 
Ask your child 
to fi nd the koala bears. Each page with a koala bear also has a star and milestone 
at the bottom just for you.
See if your 3-year-old child is able to do some of the same things as Joey.
Also be sure to turn to the end of the book for:
3-year-old milestones, 
tips about how you can help your child learn and grow, and 
to fi nd out where you can go for more information.
Happy reading!
Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH, Developmental Pediatrician
Katie K. Green, MPH, CHES, Health Communication Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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2
Joey is the star of this story, but I’m Joey’s best pal, Bear!
I go with him almost everywhere.
Look for me in the story.
When you fi nd me, it means Joey is showing one of 
the 
AMAZING
things he can do now that he is 3!

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My name is Joey, and I am
AMAZING
.
I am 3 years old. Th at means I am one more than 2.
Th is is MY world…it’s very busy being 3! I’ve got lots of places to go 
and people to see. I love my world because I am the star.
3
Milestone Moment: Joey shows one of a wide range of emotions.

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Every day when I wake up, the fi rst thing I do is get dressed. 
I can put on my clothes all by myself, and I do an 
AMAZING
job.
“It’s too cold to wear shorts when it’s snowing outside, and you shouldn’t wear 
your cowboy boots without socks,” says my mom.
4
Milestone Moment: Joey shows he can do more and more things on his own by dressing himself.

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5
“Yes, I can!”
“I don’t think so…”
“But I’m a STAR!”
“Of course you are…”
“…and I’m your mom.
It’s my job to make sure 
you wear the right clothes.
You need to dress warmly 
from your head to your toes.” 

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Th is is my favorite hat. I love it so much 
I never want to take it off . With my hat on, my 
mom says I’m 
AMAZING
…with a cherry on top!
My mom and dad tell me that when I grow up, 
I can be anything I want to be. I must be 
AMAZING
because I can do that right now.
I can be a teacher.
I can be an astronaut.
I can be a policeman. 
6
Milestone Moment: Joey points to show others something interesting (age 18-month milestone).

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I can be a doctor.
I can even be the KING!
When I am the King, my friend Bernice can be the Queen!
7
Milestone Moment: Joey plays make-believe. 

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Some days, I get to play games with 
my friends at preschool.
We like to play superheroes… 
and hide-n-seek…
8
Milestone Moment: Joey plays well with two or three children in a group (age 4 milestone). 

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9
I am 
AMAZING
at playing games.
…and house
…and tag.

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When we play duck, duck, goose,
I REALLY love to be fi rst.
“You can’t be fi rst 
all
the time,” says my teacher.