The Best Books for 4 Year Olds

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 Wonderful Things You Will Be​

One of the things that definitely 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 in life, curiosity, and dreams. But this story is not only enjoyable for children but to us as parents. It is a book about the anticipation, hope, and how parents are willing to give everything just so that their child’s dream comes true.

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 enjoy 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.

The Little House

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Pip & Posy The Big Balloon

Pip ​​and Posy, got a new red balloon. The balloon escapes by the wind. The balloon pops! Yes, you are going to read and see emotions vividly illustrated in this book. This a book of 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.

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

What a Wonderful World

Full of wonderful and bright pictures, along with the beautiful message this book, What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, has is going to climb its way 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.

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.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

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:

• Drew Daywalt Collection 4 Books Set
• The Crayon Box: The Day the Crayons Quit Slipcased edition

Something Else

Published back in the year 1994 and written by Kathryn Cave, this is a story that would be a great choice if your child feels like they don’t fit in. But it can also just be a good and heartwarming story that you can share with them. It’s a simple story about s creature who just doesn’t fit in no matter what because he’s different. But one day, something turned up wanting to be friends with this creature.

What We Like Less

The story does not fit well with younger kids.

Why You Are Going to Like it

It is a straightforward story with a beautiful lesson. But this book can also end up teaching your child about labels. My kids love it!

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.

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

Nothing negative to think of here.

Why You Are Going to Like it

Many parents will cry by reading this simple masterpiece but with a great story.

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 wekas 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.