19 Favorite Books for 4 Year- Olds

“Will you read me this book?”   That one sentence is a symphony to my ears. So, what are the best books to read with your preschoolers? Here are my kids’ favorite boos from when they were four as well as some newer releases that will be hits too. I present the best books for 4-year-olds for you.

Best Books for 4-5 Year-Olds

As I started to prepare this list, I noticed some things about the reading taste and habits of 4-year-olds.

1. They still love picture books and prefer books that make them think and broaden their horizons.
2. Many 4-year-olds are ready to listen to chapter book read-alouds.
3. Preschoolers love to ask questions and hypothesize answers.
4. Repetition is still key.  They love to return to their favorite books over and over.

I hope that your 4-5 year-olds will love each of these titles as much as we have.

Enjoy These Picture Books With 4-Year-Olds

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If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen has spurred huge remodeling plans in our house.  Almost daily, my son shared his grand drawings and ideas for knocking down walls in our home.

I love that this book inspires kids to dream big and think creatively.  Imagine a house with an entire room dedicated to a fish tank.  Or, a kitchen that will make whatever dish you can think of each day.  Those are just some of the fun things you will find in this book.  We also enjoyed Van Dusen’s If I Built a Car.  Also, check out If I Built a School. (One of My Son’s Favorites)

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems is great for eliciting lots of participation and giggles. That silly pigeon wants to drive the bus, but the bus driver has asked the reader to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Land Shark by Beth Ferry was an instant hit. Most kids would be super excited to get a puppy for their birthday. But, Bobby had his heart set on a shark so he is pretty disappointed when the new puppy arrives.  Will Bobby grow to love his new puppy? (One of My Son’s Favorites)

Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter starts with everyone asleep in the red brick building until…the baby howls, “Waaaaaah!” which wakes someone…and before you know it everyone is awake.  This one tops my list.

Also, check out the Book Dive I have for you to use with this book.—> Everybody in the Red Brick Building

One of my son’s favorite authors was Bob Staake.  I think it is so cool that he can find a book in the library and recognize the illustrations being Staake’s work.  It was hard to pick just one of his books for this list, but we are going with The Red Lemon. Farmer McPhee loves his prized yellow lemons.  One day he discovers a red lemon tree and immediately assumes that it is awful and not worthy of being in his grove.  So, he tosses it away.  Fast forward 200 years and McPhee’s farm is now a pile of weeds.  On another island is a flourishing community complete with red lemon trees. My son wanted me to make sure that I included Bluebird by Staake in this list too. (One of My Son’s Favorites)

Shifty McGifty by Tracey Corderoy is the story of two burglars who aren’t the best at their chosen profession.  They end up deciding on a “sweet” career alternative after several mishaps of being a burglar.  There are also other books in the series. (One of My Son’s Favorites)

What Do They Do With All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz will capture the interest of students because it’s all about poop.  Yep, I said it-  POOP.  Kids will learn why poop comes in different shapes and sizes.  And, what do zoos do with all the poo?

Rufus the Writer by Elizabeth Bram is a great book to motivate young children to write and share their writing.  My son was even inspired to set up his book stand outside of our house. (One of My Son’s Favorites)

Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff is the story of Goldie Simcha who makes her wonderful cholent for neighbors each week to celebrate Shabbat. ⁣ But, one day Goldie is ill and unable to send the aromas of cholent throughout the apartment building. ⁣Her neighbors come together to bring cultural dishes to the table that are reminiscent of the ingredients in cholent. ⁣It’s a wonderful story of diversity, being a kind neighbor, and savoring time.⁣

Marigold is a cat with a personality. Marigold Bakes a Cake by Mike Malbrough is a funny tale of a cat who just wants to spend his Monday making a cake.  But, things don’t go according to plan.

The Book Boat’s In by Cynthia Cotten is another delightful book that celebrates books.  Imagine living in a community where a book boat sails into town each week.  One little boy has his heart set on a copy of a certain book and works for a week to earn enough money to buy it.  Will the book still be there when he returns? (One of My Son’s Favorites)

You Choose by Nick Sharrat is one of those books that both of my kids come back to over and over again.  On each page, there are lots of pictures and the kids get to pick which ones they would want.  For example, one page asks where you would want to live.  Just a few of the choices include the beach, rainforest, rural, urban, etc.  Each time the kids interact with the book they can create a new story.  It is so much fun! (One of My Son’s Favorites)

The Wartville Wizard by Don Madden is one I’ve mentioned before on our Earth Day book list.  It’s a book with a great message of taking care of our planet. (One of My Son’s Favorites)

Farewell to Shady Glade by Bill Peet is the tale of a group of animals driven from their home due to construction and deforestation.  The animals travel on top of a train across various landscapes until they land in their new home. (One of My Son’s Favorites)

I loved the James Herriot’s Treasury for Children just as much as my son did.  This collection is full of warm and wholesome stories.  My son learned about love, loyalty, friendship, and more from this book.  The audio version is also delightful. (One of My Son’s Favorites)

Read Graphic Novels and Chapter Book Read-Alouds With 4-Year-Olds

When my kids turned four they were ready for chapter book read-alouds. Each night I would read a chapter to my son in bed.  It was our nightly ritual.  Picking chapter book read-alouds for young listeners can be a bit challenging.

I wrote a guest post on This Reading Mama sharing some tips for picking books and some of our favorites.  I’d also like to include a few more favorites too.

Socks by Beverly Cleary

Dominic by William Steig

Zoey & Sassafras by Asia Citro

Chick & Brain Smell My Foot by Cece Bell is laugh-out-loud funny.  Brain thinks he’s pretty smart but he has a lot of miscommunication with Chick which is what makes this whole graphic novel side-splitting funny.  This is book one in the series.

For more graphic novel recommendations, check out this list.—-> Easy Graphic Novels

Printable List of Best Books 4-Year-Olds

Grab a printable list of the books shared above.  Just click the purple “get your printable” button below to download.

So fill your 4-year-old’s ears with beautiful read-alouds this year!

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*This post first appeared on Growing Book by Book on 10/16/15 and has since been updated.