10 Best Books for 4-Year-Olds

It’s never too early to shower a child in books, books, and more books!

Finding a good book for a 4-year-old is quite easy, but since each child’s interests are different and there are so many books to choose from, it the choices are quite overwhelming.

Our list will highlight the best books for 4-year-olds in a variety of categories. From animals and bedtime to adventure and animals, any of these titles are sure to convince your little one that reading is cool.

Top 10 Books for 4-Year-Olds Ultimate Table

Picture Name Message Price Rating (1-5)
1. I Love You, Stinky Face Bedtime $
  • 4.8/5
2. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals Learning about Animals $
  • 4.8/5
3. Llama Llama, Time to Share Sharing $$$
  • 4.7/5
4. The 20th-Century Children’s Book Treasury: Picture Books and Stories to Read Aloud Compilation of Classic Stories $$$$
  • 4.7/5
5. Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! Adventure $
  • 4.6/5
6. No, David! by David Shannon Humor $$$
  • 4.6/5
7. If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul Bedtime, Sleep $
  • 4.6/5
8. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Dealing, Coping $
  • 4.5/5
9. What If Everybody Did That?by Ellen Javernick Consequences of Thoughtless Behavior $$
  • 4.5/5
10. The Tiny Seed (The World of Eric Carle) Nature $$
  • 4.0/5

How to Choose the Right Books

Honestly, we could have included many different titles on our list of the best books for 4-year-olds, but we had to narrow down the options to make choosing one easier.

As you can see, we’ve included a wide range of books that cover various topics, but here are a few extra tips that will help you choose the right one for the little person you’re shopping for today.

  • Reading Levels Differ. Not all 4-year-olds are at the “expected” reading level, so make sure that you choose a book based on their level and not necessarily based on age.
  • Rhymes Are Easier to Recall. Anything that rhymes is great for a 4-year-old. If you get them a more challenging book for their reading level, the fact that it rhymes will make it easier for them to remember and possibly incorporate the word into their vocabulary.
  • Message and Style. Books all have lessons that they teach, but the way that each author chooses to convey the message can vary greatly. Are you looking for something sweet or humorous? Is there any particular situation that your child needs help with, such as having a peaceful bedtime routine or learning how to share?

Keep your child’s personality in mind as you choose to help avoid getting a book that he or she can’t relate to or don’t enjoy.

While shorter stories are sometimes better, longer stories can be equally as intriguing; especially if adults are reading it. Attention spans are short sometimes at that age, so try to find something that you are sure will keep them engaged from start to finish.

It’s also a good idea to stick with board books or those with a hardcover at this age since they’ll probably take a beating. The more durable they are, the longer they’ll last.

Top 3 Best Books for 4-Year-Olds Reviews

1. I Love You, Stinky Face

I Love You, Stinky Face

Number of Pages: 32

This book, written by Lisa Mccourt and illustrated by Cyd Moore, is perfect for adults to read to kids at bedtime.

While the book’s primary message is about a mother’s unconditional love for her child, it is presented in a fun, humorous way that isn’t too heavy and mushy for kids. Many enjoy Mccourt’s lighthearted approach – both adults and children – and the illustrations are fun and unique.

The book takes the reader through a series of different questions that the child asks mom. “What if I were a…”

The mom’s replies are always comical and fun, still relaying the deeper message to her child that she would love him/her regardless (the child’s gender isn’t specified, which means any child can relate to the book).

It’s a fun read for both adults and kids, and it can really help you deal better with a rocky bedtime routine.

2. Little Kids First Big Book of Animals

Little Kids First Big Book of Animals</a

Number of Pages: 128

Animal books are popular for kids at this age, and National Geographic is certainly one of the best publishers to discuss the topic!

Kids and adults love the real life photos of the animals inside, and you’ll appreciate the variety of wildlife they discuss. Don’t worry about this book being too complicated for kids to comprehend. While it is written very professionally and scientifically, the information is presented in a way that is easy for a preschooler to understand.

Parents appreciate the “Tips” that National Geographic offers that allow them to organize simple activities centered around some of the animals featured in the book. Kids who love animals already find this very entertaining and engaging, and there are plenty of different animals featured (not just the most common ones that books usually feature).

It is a great book to add to the summer reading pile.

3. Llama Llama, Time to Share

Llama Llama, Time to Share

Number of Pages: 40

Telling a child to share is easy, but it isn’t always successful. Sometimes a book is the best way to help a child learn a lesson, which is why we wanted to include Llama Llama Time to Share on our list of the best books for 4-year-olds.

We love that this book rhymes because, as we mentioned, rhyming and rhythms are always enjoyable to little ones.

One thing we found to be extra fun about this book was that the official website offers games that kids can play with parental supervision. There’s a matching game, a color book, a game to feed Llama Llama, dress up and a Christmas tree to decorate; even more ways that kids can interact with the Llama Llama series!

There are plenty of other books with different lessons to teach, so you have the opportunity to expand the collection if your child enjoys this one.