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Books can teach our children a lot, so we must pick the best books. If they see us reading, then they may eventually start loving reading books, too. It can prove challenging when it comes to picking the books that your child would like. Especially since all of them are pretty different from each other.
There are books in the market that are perfect for 4 year old children, as well as with people of any age. So, if you’re looking for the best books for 4-year-old children, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a list of books that I’m sure any 4-year-old or any age would love and enjoy listening to or reading.
What are the Best Books for 4-year-olds?
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
One of the things that catch children’s attention is the fun and colorful illustrations that can be found in books. And The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin certainly does have exactly just that. A book written in rhymes is a warm hymn about life, curiosity, and dreams. But this story is enjoyable not only for children but also for us as parents. It is a book about anticipation, hope, and how parents are willing to give everything so their child’s dream comes true.
Gift Ideas:
What We Like Less:
Your kid may enjoy the illustrations more than the story. Parents will probably love both.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
The book has humorous and beautiful illustrations that will be enjoyed by your child. It has a truthful and loving message that will endure for lifetimes. It also has a beautiful message to be whatever you want to be, and everything is possible. The book is also a New York Times bestseller.
Gift Ideas: Emily Winfield Martin’s Dreamers Board Boxed Set: Dream Animals; Day Dreamers Board book
The Day You Begin
Jacqueline Woodson describes those feelings when a child may be marked as different because of their language, skin color, or the food they bring for lunch. It is a sweet book talking about feeling inclusive. Jacqueline Woodson is also the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
What We Like Less:
It is a bit long.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
The book will help you open discussions about feeling different and community.
Pip & Posy The Big Balloon
Pip and Posy got a new red balloon. The balloon escapes by the wind. The balloon pops! Yes, you will read and see emotions vividly illustrated in this book. This is a book about the famous Pip and Posy from the award-winning illustrator and creator of the picture book Axel Sheffler. The story is hugely relatable for your kid.
Gift Ideas: Pip and Posy Book Series
What We Like Less:
Nothing we can think of.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
It is a story of losing something we love and then discovering new ways to overcome our sadness.
Gift Ideas: Pip and Posy Book Series
I Love You Always
Shortly before bedtime, the mother greets her little son with a hug. “Mom, tell me, will you love me forever?” Archibald asks. And that’s how one of the most tender, moving, and original picture books begin. Mom becomes the narrator of sentences divided into two pages and illustrations. On the left is as expected, and on the right is the unexpected. But you have to see the text and picture together. “I have loved you since I met you, and before…”
What We Like Less:
Many parents will cry by reading this simple masterpiece but with a great story.
The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo is one of the top-selling best books by Julia Donaldson, which earned her the Smarties Prize-Winning Modern Classic Award. This is one of the best-loved children’s storybooks by many and one of our personal favorites.
This humorous book talks about a clever mouse who outsmarted a hungry fox, an owl, and a snake while taking a stroll in the deep and dark wood. The mouse did this by telling them about a terrifying creature named Gruffalo who has selective taste with his meals. In this case, the three mentioned animals that the mouse encountered. However, the engrossing story does not only end there. Read the whole story and join the clever mouse as he outsmarted each and one of his predators.
Although I feel this is a book that fits with 4-year old kids, you will probably read it till the age of 6.
In addition there is a Gruffalo Animation and a more in-depth review.
What We Like Less:
In all honesty, there is nothing to be disliked with this book by Julia Donaldson. However, just be careful reading aloud the features of the Gruffalo, or it may frighten your kid a little bit. It may also be a little long for young kids.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
The Gruffalo is one of the best books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The colorful illustrations, together with the absorbing story of the mouse, will keep your children at the edge of their seats.
If your kids loves The Gruffalo, there are more Books And Activities related to it. In addition there is a Gruffalo Animation and a more in-depth review.
Grumpy Monkey
Jim, the chimpanzee, wakes up moody and discovers that everything is wrong. The sun was too bright, the sea was blue, and the bananas were sweet. Everyone notices that Jim has nerves even though it is such a beautiful day and try to help him. Grumpy Monkey is a funny but exciting book that will provide you with ideas to discuss with your kid. Susan and Max Lang have created a cute book.
What We Like Less:
Some parents may not agree with the ideas explored in the book and find it a sad read.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
The book has a lot of humor, and you will be able to explore the idea of accepting or letting things go.
The Little House: A Caldecott Award Winner
The little house by Virginia Lee Burton is a classic with the story being about a modest house that can be found in the countryside. And as time goes by, the surroundings of the house change and then become the city. At first, the house was very excited about this and loved the city. But eventually, the house soon misses the countryside and wishes to go back.
What We Like Less:
It is a long read for your kid.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
You are going to like it as it allows your children to compare the city and the country. Young children, will enjoy the story and pictures and it is amazingly relevant for today.
Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? (Richard Scarry’s Busy World)
Richard Scarry’s book features a town called Busytown (reminds you something?). The book describes everything that people living in Busytown do; it features a lot of adventures and is definitely a fun read with beautifully detailed pictures.
What We Like Less:
Beware, the book is a bit dated. Some of the jobs referred to in the book might be presented in an old fashioned way.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Follow the lives of construction workers, firefighters, farmers, doctors, and a lot more. Along with the beautiful artwork, this book is definitely something you should read to your children.
Kindergarten, Here I Come!
The age of four is usually the age when children start to go to kindergarten and school. They might get nervous, which is why this book, written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Mark Chambers, is definitely one of the best for children that are four years old. This book full of poems and beautiful images will certainly make them feel less nervous and maybe even make them more excited.
What We Like Less:
The book is not a single story. It is a collection of poems that may seem disconnected at first, portraying the kindergarten activities.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
“Kindergarten, here I come!” is a sweet book and will help your kid know what they should expect in kindergarten.
Goodnight Already!
“Goodnight Already!” is a beautiful story by Jory John, inspired by real events (of course). John, along with one of my favorite authors and illustrators, Benji Davies, created an E. B. White Read-Aloud honored book in the illustrated children’s book category. If “Mom, Dad, I can’t sleep!” sounds familiar then this is an awesome book to read.
What We Like Less:
Nothing that I can thing of.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
It has cute illustrations and you will definitively relate to the tired Bear. If you are looking for a good read in your evening nights, get “Goodnight Already!” hug your little angel and read it together.
What a Wonderful World
Full of wonderful and bright pictures, along with a beautiful message, this book, What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, will climb up to your child’s heart. This book has not only been a ray of hope for children but many adults too, which just proves how big of an influence this book had on other people.
What We Like Less:
Please check some of the versions do not hold the audio-cd.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
A short book to introduce kids to Louis Armstrong’s song.
Harold and the Purple Crayon (Purple Crayon Books)
Harold And The Purple Crayon by Crocket Johnson is a timeless classic story about a boy named Harold who has to go back home to his bed along with his purple crayon. This book is perfect if you’re looking to develop your child’s imagination further as well as their creativity.
What We Like Less:
The book has very simple but beautiful illustrations. Though it may not keep your kid’s interest for long.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Regardless of its simplicity in the illustrations, I’m sure that you and your child will enjoy this timeless story and read it repeatedly.
The Day the Crayons Quit
The day the crayons quit is a book written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. This story follows a boy named Duncan, who just really wants to draw. Once he opened his crayon box, he discovered that all of his crayons weren’t really happy anymore. That’s why Duncan has to find a way to make all of them happy again.
What We Like Less:
The story might be a bit hard for 4-year-olds to understand without some guidance from an adult.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
It is a charming and unique story with a slightly ethical message behind it, in a way that children can easily understand. The fabulous illustrations and unique concept make it an entertaining read for your kid.
Gift Ideas:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carl’s masterpiece “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is translated in 60+ languages and has sold over 50 books. The story of the hungry caterpillar who eats fruits and other food every day is, above all, “a story of hope” according to Eric Carl. The dazzling combination of colors and the of Carl’s collages, along with a few words, create the magic of this book.
What We Like Less:
Please double-check the edition you order. The book is smaller in size compared with what you may expect.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Beautiful story and illustrations. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is perhaps the first picture book in the world to become a reference point for generations.
How to Hide a Lion
Published and illustrated by Helen Stephens back on February 1 of 2010, this book is the best when it comes to teaching your child about friendship. This heartwarming, as well as funny storybook, follows a girl who is friends with a lion. She then tries to continue hiding her friend lion in her house without her parents ever finding out. Can she really keep hiding her friend lion forever?
What We Like Less:
Maybe too simplistic story at times.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
We were reading this books when my children were younger. It is a sweet book about friendship that your child will love.
Gift Ideas: How to Hide a Lion from Grandma
The Pout-Pout Fish
As you can probably tell by the name, The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna is about a fish named Mr. Fish. Mr. Fish isn’t pleased and complains about his sadness to every other sea creature. He thinks that nothing can make him feel better. But is there someone out there who will be able to make Mr. Fish happy and smile?
What We Like Less:
It leaves a bit “strange” feelings as the fist is a little sad 🙂
Why You Are Going to Like it:
A sweet book that uses rhymes and that’s making this story funnier.
The Rabbit Listened
The Rabbit listened, illustrated and written by Cori Doerrfeld, is one of the more wholesome and on the more emotional side of books for young children. This story is about a girl named Taylor, who has just experienced a somber day. All of her animal friends then try their best to cheer her up, but not one of them succeeded until the rabbit eventually came.
What We Like Less:
Nothing negative I can think of. It’s a sweet book, and sometimes, just being there and listening is the best help.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Doerrfeld wrote a great book about empathy and listening. The rabbit did nothing but listen, which was actually exactly what Taylor needed. Your kid will surely enjoy the beautiful illustrations along with the wholesome story.
Bear Snores On (The Bear Books)
Be warned that you may get in love with this book – and it is a series of them. Bear Snores On has beautiful and vivid illustrations along with rhymes. Karma Wilson writes about a story in a cave where the bear sleeps. What happens when animals get into the lair to get warm and the bear wakes up? The book is about friendship, acceptance, and empathy.
What We Like Less:
Some of the printed versions are small in size.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
You will probably select it as one of the first options for bedtime reading under your reading light.
I hope you like the above listings. As soon as we read an awesome kids’ book I will update this page.
Also check out our book recommendations for kids at the age of 5.