LOADS of mileage out of You Choose
We've had this for several months now (from around 2.5yo) and DS loves it, I can see it will continue to be a fav after he turns 3 too.
Another, in a similar vein which gets lots of attention is an old Oxford Children's Picture Dictionary (1981 L A Hill and Charles Innes, illustrated by Barry Rowe ), it's not the standard dictionary with one picture per word but instead scenes of various subjects with various items numbered which goes to a key on that page with the words. There is so much to look at and talk about even without the words. It's not available new but can be found second hand and in various languages - looks tacky and old but it's fabulous.
Dare I admit I don't think I have ever read a Roald Dahl or Julia Donaldson book
I realise this must be rectified before DS starts nursery or he'll be outcast.
I shouldn't really comment on this thread as DS isn't 3 yet so I have no evidence of the books he will enjoy however, we get a lot of mileage out of the various Dr Seuss books we have, the most recent favs are
Oh the places you'll go
Inside your outside
No place like space