Best Books for 4-Year-Olds
Your toddler is quickly becoming a pre-schooler with a little mind that’s constantly at work. What books are good for 4-year-olds developing pre-reading skills? Storys need to keep their interest enough to be read over and over. So we’ve come up with a list of the best books for a 4-year-old.
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, we are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for interactive picture books, books about starting school, and so many more suggestions to help you raise little readers.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for 4-year-olds have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Counting and Number Concept Books for 4-year-olds
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
Author: Eric Litwin
Illustrator: James Deans
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Pete the Cat is back with his cool coat and its’ four groovy buttons. That is until he loses one button and only has three. As the story progresses, your child will count in reverse and learn subtraction simultaneously.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s the perfect preschool book to introduce math concepts.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
One Duck Stuck: A Mucky Ducky Counting Book
Author: Phyllis Root
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Year: 2003
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
One Duck Stuck is one of the most popular counting books for good reason! It’s a charming tale about a duck who gets stuck in the mud and needs lots of friends to help him get unstuck.
Why Jackie loves it
Filled with onomatopoeia and alliteration, this is a great story to enhance verbal skills as well.
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Brain Quest Math Workbook
Author: Workman Kids
Year: 2024
Genre: Math Workbooks
Age: 4 – 5
More info: Brain Quest Workbooks
Plot
Get your child ready for Kindergarten or give them some extra pre-k practice with this fantastic math workbook. Brain Quest has a whole series of these books geared to meet your child where they are in their math skills.
Why Jackie loves it
Brain Quest workbooks aren’t typical books, but they really are the gold standard in learning. If your child is ready to practice math concepts at home, this is a great choice!
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds
Good night books for a 4-year-old
Steam Train, Dream Train
Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Steam Train, Dream Train #1
Plot
It’s all about a train, run by animals as they prepare to go to sleep for the night. The pictures are warm and dream-like and the story is just magical.
Why Kirsten loves it
I absolutely adore this bedtime story. There is so much to look at on every page, and the way it zooms out to be a train in a child’s nighttime room is wonderfully imaginative.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Plot
At some point in any parent’s life, their child will try to convince them that they NEED to sleep in mom & dad’s bed. This hysterical story takes it a step further as the child attempts to kick daddy out of bed…permanently.
Why Kirsten loves it
Everyone in my family loved this story and it’s a frequent bedtime request. It’s a silly tale perfect for bedtime. Bunmi Laditan is the author behind the famed Honest Toddler account.Â
Find this book in: Best Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Gender Neutral Baby Books
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2006
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the Pigeon series
Plot
This is a hilarious bedtime story and one of the read-aloud books that you will not mind reading over and over. Pigeon does not want to go to sleep and finds very creative ways to avoid bedtime.
Why Jackie loves it
You and your child will love reading this book together. Wo Millems wrote the perfect book for a reluctant sleeper!
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Alphabet Books for 4-year-olds
Alphamals: A-Z
Author: Graham Carter
Illustrator: Graham Carter
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
Graham Carter uses his unique illustration style to delight readers with an a to z introduction to the animals of the world.
Why Jackie loves it
From aardvark to zebra, your animal-loving preschooler will love the gorgeous illustrations throughout. The text is delightful and is sure to engage readers of all ages.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Plot
Using alliterations to work on letter recognition, this superhero book is in a league of it’s own. It’s funny and informative!
Why Jackie loves it
I have never met any child who didn’t think this book was hilarious. The funny superhero names on each page have kids laughing in this alphabet book.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Alphabet Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
The Most Magnificent Maker’s A to Z
Author: Ashley Spires
Illustrator: Ashley Spires
Year: 2023
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Part of the Most Magnificent series
Plot
This book teaches maker space vocabulary from A to Z with the beloved characters from the Most Magnificent series.
Why Kirsten loves it
I enjoy this whole series, but this might just be my favorite of the bunch! It’s perfect for word lovers!
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Food Books for 4-year-olds
In The Night Kitchen
Author: Maurice Sendak
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Year: 1970
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Caldecott Honor Award Winner
Plot
This is a story that is pure imagination. It is a story of a dream world as Mickey falls into cake batter and then escapes the oven in a plane made of dough.
Why Jackie loves it
The illustrations in this book are so wonderful and I’ll always be a Maurice Sendak fan!
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Food / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Dragons Love Tacos
Author: Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Dragons Love Tacos #1
Plot
Both the original story and the sequel feature taco-eating dragons who can’t stand spicy salsa! The whimsical illustrations are childlike and the stories are just plain silly! Your child will be giggling when they see the dragons burn down the house after eating spicy tacos.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is adorable and hilarious. It is one we do not mind reading on repeat.
Find this book in: Books for 4-year-olds / Kids Books About Food
Blueberries for Sal
Author: Robert McCloskey
Illustrator: Robert McCloskey
Year: 1948
Genre: Classic Picture Books
Age: 3 – 6
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
Sal is picking blueberries with her mother when she wanders away and sees a bear. On the other side of the mountain, Sal’s mother is being followed by a baby bear who loves blueberries as much as Sal.
Why Jackie loves it
This Caldecott Honor Book has such gorgeous illustrations with a sweet story. It’s a classic that will connect generations of readers.
Find this book in: Preschool Books about Food / Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Books Set at Daycare for a 4-year-old
School’s First Day of School
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 6
Plot
This clever tale is written about School as he witnesses children and teachers using his facilities for the very first time. He is a little nervous as some say they don’t want to be there, but he starts to learn what the children learn and laugh at the jokes they tell.Â
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely love this first day of school book and the lovely twist. It’s a great story to prompt a discussion about your child’s first day of school worries!
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / First Day of School BooksÂ
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
More info: Part of the Penelope Rex series
Plot
This hysterical story is all about a young dinosaur who has trouble making friends because she can’t stop eating them! It’s silly and funny especially a goldfish take a bite out of her little dinosaur finger. A little taste of her own medicine helps her learn her lesson.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you want a great laugh, this first day of school book should be your choice.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / First Day of School Books
The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 8
More info: New York Times Bestseller,
Plot
A powerful story by a literary wonder about how it feels to be different, either because of your name, your language, your food, or your life at school.
But the day you begin to tell your story in your voice about who You are, the world opens up to welcome you and you find your place at school. I got teary-eyed reading it for the first time. It is a wonderful back-to-school book.
Why Jackie loves it
Make a list of your child’s favorite things about themselves. Talk about how people are the same and different.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / First Day of School Books
Color Books for 4-year-olds
Festival of Colors
Author: Surishtha Sehgal, Kabir Sehga
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
I adore this vibrant book about Holi, the Indian festival of colors. Two children get ready by collecting colorful blooms that they will use to make fine powders.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book about colors also exposes your little one to traditions from another culture. It’s an absolutely gorgeous book about colors.
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Chameleon’s Colors
Author: Chisato Tashiro
Illustrator: Chisato Tashiro
Year: 2007
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
Chameleon is unhappy about the fact that he blends in so well, his friends never see him. Hippo wishes he could change colors like Chameleon. Hippo asks to be painted pink and this starts a trend. All Chameleon’s friends want to be painted.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this adorable book about color and your 4-year-old will love it too.
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Best Books for 4-year-olds
The Day the Crayons Quit
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
More info: The Day the Crayons Quit #1
Plot
The classic color story that launched a series! The Day the Crayons Quit is about overworked crayons that decide to go on strike. Each color airs its grievances to Duncan, who just wants to color! Can Duncan find a solution to make his crayons happy?
Why Kirsten loves it
Poor Duncan! I read this story to my boys before a trip to the crayola factory and it was a huge hit. It quickly became a go-to story during creative time at home too.
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Season and Nature Books for a 4-year-old
Flotsam
Author: David Wiesner
Illustrator: David Wiesner
Year: 2006
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Caldecott Medal Winner
Plot
A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam–anything floating that has been washed ashore. When he discovers an old underwater camera and gets the pictures developed, he is shocked by what he finds.
Why Jackie loves it
David Wiesner is one of my favorite writers of wordless picture books ever.
Find this book in: Ocean Books for Kids / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Wordless Picture Books
The Snowy Day
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats
Year: 1963
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
More info: Caldecott Medal Winner
Plot
This classic book about winter depicts a boy exploring his city neighborhood after a snowstorm. It’s the perfect book for a 4-year-old when it’s snowing outside.
Why Jackie loves it
This delightful story is also a great one for teaching sequencing to young children!
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Winter / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Classic Books for Kids
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
Author: Kenard Pak
Illustrator: Kenard Pak
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 5
Plot
This is a wonderfully illustrated book about the transition from autumn to winter. I love the description of the falling leaves and the late-blooming flowers before the world comes to rest in winter.
Why Jackie loves it
The words are lyrical and the illustrations are lovely in this children’s books about winter.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Children’s Books About Winter
Rhyming Books for 4-Year-Olds
Plot
This classic alliteration book is a twisty, turny, tongue-scrambling dream come true for word-lovers like me and a nightmare if you try and read this too quickly.
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely love to read about the Tweetle beetle battles with their paddles in puddles. If you are looking for alliteration in books, this one is the clear champion.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Rhyming Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Iggy Peck Architect
Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts
Year: 2007
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
More info: The Questioneers #1
Plot
2nd grader, Iggy Peck wants to be an architect when he grows up. He constantly building things around the classroom, much to the dismay of his teacher. When his class gets stranded on a class trip, it’s up to Iggy to save the day!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Iggy Peck and all his friends. They are smart, funny, and independent thinkers. Not only does this book put a spotlight on being yourself but, the rhymes and vocabulary are nothing short of spectacular.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Rhyming Books
The Circus Ship
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2009
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
As a circus ship is headed toward Maine, it encounters a storm and begins to sink. The animals who are left to fend for themselves make it to safety and become part of the town. When the horrible owner of the circus comes looking for the animals, he encounters a surprise.
Why Jackie loves it
This book about a sunken circus ship is not only funny, but it is heartwarming as well. Chris Van Dusen is a master of rhyme. The rhyming scheme in this book is fantastic which only adds to the delight of this animal book.
Find this book in: Animal Book for Kids / Rhyming Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Animal Books for a 4-year-old
Plot
Beaver and Platypus are best friends who want to surf. But they cannot because there is a shark in the ocean! You will not believe what happens when the shark approaches.
Why Kirsten loves it
This entire book is told with one word – DUDE. As you read it, you’ll need to use different tones and inflections. It’s funny, but it’s also a great way to teach kids about language development
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Kids’ Books About Sharks / Ocean Books
Classic Books for 4-year-olds
Make Way for Ducklings
Author: Robert McCloskey
Illustrator: Robert McCloskey
Year: 1941
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Caldecott Medal Winner
Plot
This award-winning story is one of the most beloved classic children’s picture books. It tells the tale of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings who, with the help of the police, can cross the street to get to their new pond home.
Why Jackie loves it
I remember reading this story when I was younger and I adored sharing it with my own kids. It’s such a soothing, lovely tale – perfect for bedtime!
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Classic Books for Kids
Caps for Sale
Author: Esphyr Slobodkina
Illustrator: Esphyr Slobodkina
Year: 1987
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
This hysterical classic children’s book is about a cap salesman and his run-in with a group of monkeys who love his caps!
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my brother’s favorite book as a child! I remember my mom reading it again and again when we were little.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Classic Books for Kids
Mother Bruce
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Mother Bruce #1
Plot
Mother Bruce is the first in a fantastic series about a grumpy bear who becomes the adoptive mom of 4 young geese. He tries to get rid of them but soon realizes they are part of his family.
The rest of the series continues the story of Bruce, his geese children, and the inhabitants of the forest. Just wait until your children read about the meddlesome mice in future books!
Why Kirsten loves it
Bruce is so grumpy, I cannot help but laugh at him. No matter how grumpy he gets, he is also a great parent to the geese.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for a 3-Year-Olds
Sports Books for 4-year-olds
Dream Big: Michael Jordan and the Pursuit of Olympic Gold
Author: Deloris Jordan
Illustrator: Barry Root
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 3-5
Plot
This charming picture book biography about Michael Jordan was written by his own Mother!!! It talks about Michael’s life as a child, and how the values he was taught helped him become the superstar athlete known the world over.
Why Kirsten loves it
For basketball lovers, there is no better Olympic book than this one. I adore the fact that it was written by Jordan’s mother as well.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Olympics Books for Kids
Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
Randy Riley is an excellent scientist but he’s not the best baseball player, despite how much he loves the sport. When a fireball threatens the town, Randy needs to use both his loves to create a giant robot who can hit the fireball out of orbit!
Why Kirsten loves it
Chris Van Dusen is one of my favorite EVER author-illustrators. This story is a special one in my house because my youngest loves baseball. I loved to read this one when he felt he was having a bad sports day.
Lines
Author: Suzy Lee
Year: 2017
Genre: Wordless Picture Book
Age: 3-5
Plot
Suzy Lee pays tribute to the grace of figure skating with this wordless picture book. It’s a perfect pick to get ready for the Winter Olympics.
Why Kirsten loves it
I absolutely love these stunning illustrations. Any ice skating lover will quickly find this becoming their new favorite book.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Olympics Books for Kids
Books About Love for 4-year-olds
In My Life
Author: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Illustrator: Genevieve Santos
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 100
Plot
This is one of my favorite songs of all time so having it in a book with gorgeous illustrations is a bonus. Singing the song while looking at the pictures is one way to read this book.Â
Why Jackie loves it
You can also read the book and point out all the beautiful illustrations. Another idea is to show the pictures while playing the song. I love this song but there are so many more books based on songs.Â
It’s so important to sing to your baby, and this is the perfect book to do that with! Another of my favorites is What a Wonderful World and Kirsten loved to read Baby Beluga. Just remember, your baby thinks you are the best. This is one of the best first books for babies if you want to incorporate music.
Find this book in: First Books for Baby / Valentine Books for Kids / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Robot in Love
Author: T. L. McBeth
Illustrator: T. L. McBeth
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
Robot has fallen in love with a girl he saw in the window, but she might not be what you think.
Why Jackie loves it
As he makes plans to run away with her, his little robot actions will have you giggling. And the final pages of Robot with his love had my kids in stitches.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Valentine’s Books for Kids
Hug Machine
Author: Scott Campbell
Illustrator: Scott Campbell
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Meet the Hug Machine – a little boy who LOVES to hug – people, things, it doesn’t matter! He’s a nondiscriminate hugger!
Why Jackie loves it
The boy in this book reminds me of my children when they were younger – they would just hug everyone and everything they loved!
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Valentine’s Books for Kids
Interactive Books for a 4-year-old
Press Here
Author: Hervé Tullet
Illustrator: Hervé Tullet
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
In Press Here and his other books, kids push, tap, shake, and interact with the pages. This is a book for a 4-year-old to read again and again.
Why Jackie loves it
When it comes to interactive books for kids, Hervé Tullet is the king!
Tickle Monster
Author: Josie Bissett
Illustrator: Kevan J. Atteberry
Year: 2009
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
This baby monster book is a wonderfully interactive picture book for kids. As you read it, it instructs you where to tickle your child! When you read this book to your little one, you get to tickle and they get to laugh. After all, laughter and books should go together.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sold individually or as a kit, I recommend the kit for the fun tickle monster gloves. Put on the gloves and tickle along with the tickle monsters. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers alike love this one. Be warned – it’s not great for bedtime because it can get kids in quite a goofy mood.
Important note: Some children love being tickled while others do not. Take cues from your child.
Find this book in: Interactive Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Monster Books for Kids / Gender Neutral Baby Books
The Jolly Christmas Postman
Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
Year: 2001
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
In the lead-up to the holidays, the sweet postman in this story delivered letters to all the fairytale creatures. It culminates with the postman delivering letters to Santa and Mrs. Clause and getting one for him!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of my favorite children’s Christmas books because of the interactive element. The story of the Jolly Christmas Postman comes with tons of real letters for your family to open and read. It’s such a sweet tale that celebrates the joy of letter writing and receiving mail around the holiday season.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books for Kids / Interactive Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Family Books for 4-year-olds
Hair Love
Author: Matthew A. Cherry
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
This is a beautiful book that highlights the relationship between a Black father and his daughter. The story is an ode to loving your hair, a celebration of loving yourself, and a tender and empowering story about the relationship between fathers and daughters.
Why Jackie loves it
I love the dynamic between the father and daughter in this charming story.
Find this book in: Father’s Day Picture Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Between Us and Abuela
Author: Mitali Perkins
Illustrator: Sara Palacios
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
The border wall has been in the news for a long time now for political reasons. But this book is not political. It’s about an American family making its way to the border wall to see their Abuela on the other side.
Why Kirsten loves it
A heartwarming story about how nothing comes between family, this is a book to be read at every age level.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds
Plot
In this sweet story, a boy and his dad wake up in the early morning to go on a hike and document that hike in their family history. This is the Father’s Day picture book to read together. It will be different every time.
Why Jackie loves it
If you have been following us for a while, you know how much I love wordless picture books. They are wonderful tools for language development and perfect books to help with Reading Readiness.
Find this book in: Father’s Day Picture Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Creativity Books for a 4-year-old
JourneyÂ
Author: Aaron Becker
Illustrator: Aaron Becker
Year: 2013
Genre: Wordless Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
More info: Caldecott Honor Winner, Journey Trilogy #1
Plot
When a little girl draws a door on her bedroom wall, she doesn’t expect to enter a magical land. Using her red marker, she creates a world filled with wonders and sets off on an adventure.
Why Kirsten loves it
This story reminds me of a grown-kid version of Harold and the purple crayon. Instead of simplistic drawings, readers are treated to elaborate illustrations to be poured over for hours.
Find this book in: Imagination Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Wordless Picture Books
Hugo and Miles in I’ve Painted Everything
Author: Scott Magoon
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Year: 2007
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 -7
Plot
I love this book and the message it contains. Looking at the world from a different lens is a difficult skill to master for anyone. Together, Hug and Miles discover that just when you thought you had seen everything, there is so much more to discover.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is perfect for inspiring imagination as Hugo and Miles discover a new perspective.
Find this book in: Imagination Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
This is Sadie
Author: Sara O’Leary
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
Sadie is a girl with a big imagination who uses her books to create fantasy worlds. This is the perfect book to inspire creativity.
Why Kirsten loves it
As books about imagination go, this one is so much fun and the illustrations are mesmerizing.
Find this book in: Imagination Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds / Children’s Books About Books
Feelings Books for 4-year-olds
A Bad Case of Stripes
Author: David Shannon
Illustrator: David Shannon
Year: 2004
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
For little Camila, the first day of school doesn’t go according to plan when she wakes up covered in stripes! The reason? Camila is so worried about how people think of her that she breaks out in stripes!
Soon she’s not allowed to go to school, she’s being poked by doctors, and taking pills from experts, until a little old lady teaches her to accept herself and learn not to worry about what others think.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s a great way to discuss self-esteem with your child before they start school.
Find this book in: Back to School Books / Children’s Book about Feelings / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Grumpy Monkey
Author: Suzanne Lang
Illustrator: Max Lang
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the Grumpy Monkey series
Plot
It’s a beautiful day in the jungle, but Jim the monkey is feeling grumpy. At first, he denies his feelings as all the animals point out his grumpiness, but then as they encourage him to participate in their activities he realizes he NEEDS to be grumpy that day.
When his friend, Norman, acknowledges that it’s a good day to be grumpy too, Jim starts to feel a little better.
Why Kirsten loves it
This children’s book about feelings normalizes having bad days – and being OK with it.
Find this book in: Books About Feelings / Best Books for 4-year-olds
The Buddy Bench
Author: Patty Brozo
Illustrator: Mike Deas
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
Do you know most schools now have a buddy bench? It’s designed so that when a child sits on the bench, it signals they would like to be asked to play. It’s a new concept for younger kids or those new to a school, so this is the perfect book to explain the schoolyard trend to little ones.
Why Jackie loves it
This concept originates from Germany but I’m glad it’s caught on here in the states.
Find this book in: Playground Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
Expert Tip
- By 4 years old, children are on their way to reading readiness. Get them ready for pre-k by selecting books that inspire imagination and help them with the stages of reading.
- At this age, toddlers can listen to picture books with storylines. Keep them engaged in longer stories by asking them questions throughout the book about what has already happened or what their predictions are for the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read with a 4-year-old?
Be patient and be sure to let your child guide you. They can choose the book or “read” the story to you. Allow opportunities for lots of repetitions, but be sure to ask questions too. You want to make sure your 4-year-old is understanding what you are reading
How do I make sure my child is ready for pre-k?
When your child turns four, you will begin to learn the building blocks of reading like sound awareness, synonyms and antonyms, and sentence structure. Their comprehension skills will also be growing by leaps and bounds.
Make sure you ask engaging questions while reading. Can they predict what comes next in the story or tell you what letter a word starts with? Watch how quickly their skills grow in this crucial learning year.
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Epilogue
I hope that you love my list of books for 4-year-olds. What are your favorite books to read with your preschooler? I would love to hear your thoughts. My favorites from when my kids were this age still have such meaning to me! Did you find any books for a 4-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
