Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls

Growing Independence and Early Reading Skills

As your child becomes more independent, they'll want to tackle daily tasks, make friends, and start recognizing the alphabet and numbers. This is the perfect time to transition from board books to award-winning picture books and Montessori activity books that develop verbal and fine motor skills.

 

Introducing Real-Life Themes

Books reflecting everyday experiences like bedtime, fears, and sharing are crucial. When children see themselves in stories, they develop a stronger emotional connection and a love for reading.

 

Building a Love for Reading at 4-5 Years Old

At 4-5 years old, your child is ready for more complex stories with detailed illustrations. Introducing early readers and stories about friendship, problem-solving, and curiosity helps foster a deeper love for reading as they gain confidence in their new skills.

Sample Titles of Books for 4 Year Old's

Here are some titles we love and have shipped to our subscribers for this age group:

There's a Lion In My Cornflakes - Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls

There's A Lion In My Cornflakes by Michelle Robinson

Have you ever collected coupons from a cereal box? Maybe you were saving them up for a book or a toy. Well, when Dan and his brother decide to collect 100 coupons so that they can have their very own lion, they assume the task will be easy enough!

A wildly wacky story where anything can happen...with hilarious results!

Annie the Apple Pie Fairy by Thomas Nelson

Annie the Apple Pie Fairy by Thomas Nelson

Annie is a TV chef who makes simple, homey pies. One day, her position as the queen of pies is threatened by Sondra the Strudel fairy’s new show. An intense competition starts between Annie and Sondra, and the audience become obsessed with Sondra’s fancy pies and gadgets. When the new gadgets cause a huge power outage, what will happen to all the pies, and will Annie be able to save the day?

Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls - Catch that Cookie

Catch That Cookie! by Hallie Durand and David Small

Marshall knows one thing for sure, despite what all the stories say: Gingerbread men cannot run. Cookies are for eating, and he can't wait to eat his after spending all morning baking them with his class. But when it's time to take the gingerbread men out of the oven . . . they're gone! 

Don't Blink

Don't Blink! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & David Roberts

Here's how it works: if you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime, simple as that. (It's a pretty sweet deal, actually.) But each time you blink, you have to turn a page. Those are just the rules. So whatever you do, DON'T BLINK!

Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls - How To Be A Rockstar

How to Be a Rock Star by Lisa Tolin & Daniel Duncan

Becoming a rock star isn't easy—especially if you're a kid. From finding the right instrument, to mastering the best dance moves, to taking your band on the road, there's a lot to consider! And that's not to mention dealing with critics, crazed fans, and a little brother with a chocolate milk problem . . . Luckily, this book has everything you need to know to make it big.

Estie The Mensch

Estie the Mensch by Jane Kohuth & Rosanne Litzinger

Estie does not always like people. So when her grandmother reminds her to be a mensch, she'd rather not. She'd rather be a dog. Or a turtle. Or a seagull. Being a monkey can even make another kid laugh! But it can also make another kid cry, and that's when Estie and her grandmother find out what a mensch Estie can really be.

Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls - Brave Charlotte

Brave Charlotte by Anu Stohner & Henrike Wilson

Charlotte is different from the other sheep. She likes to explore the world around her, climbing up trees and wandering near the dangerous road while the wary old sheep "tsk, tsk." But when danger strikes, only Charlotte is brave enough to go for help and save the day. This beautifully illustrated tale speaks to all shy little sheep who stand out from the crowd and aren't afraid to follow their dreams.

Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls - My Voice is a Trumpet

My Voice Is a Trumpet by Jimmie Allen & Cathy Ann Johnson

From voices tall as a tree, to voices small as a bee, all it takes is confidence and a belief in the goodness of others to change the world. Coming at a time when issues of social justice are at the forefront of our society, this is the perfect book to teach children in and out of the classroom that they're not too young to express what they believe in and that all voices are valuable.

Hungry Ghost Of Rue Orleans

The Hungry Ghost of Rue Orleans by Mary Quattlebaum

Fred the ghost is perfectly happy haunting his lonely old New Orleans house until Pierre and his daughter Marie move in and turn the house into a restaurant! They clean up his beloved dust. They fix the house's squeaks and leaks. And as much as Fred clanks and groans and haunts and moans, not one single diner is scared away. Is it time for Fred to find a new home?

Little Red Riding Sheep

Little Red Riding Sheep by Linda Ravin Lodding & Cale Atkinson

Arnold is an eager young sheep who is excited to be in his very first book. No problem-o! Except he’s a bit big and fluffy to play Little Red Riding Hood, and he’s a tiny bit scared of the deep dark woods. Oh, and he has a friend who would be just perfect as Granny…perhaps the author wouldn’t mind a few suggestions?

Strega Nona's Harvest

Strega Nona's Harvest by Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola's beloved Strega Nona is back in a colorful picture book, perfect for fall and the changing seasons. With beautiful illustrations reminiscent of the artwork that won Tomie dePaola the Caldecott Honor for the original Strega Nona, this celebration of harvest and gardening will make the perfect addition to any Strega Nona collection.

Doug Unplugged

Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino

 

Doug is a robot. His parents want him to be smart, so each morning they plug him in and start the information download. After a morning spent learning facts about the city, Doug suspects he could learn even more about the city by going outside and exploring it. And so Doug . . . unplugs. What follows is an exciting day of adventure and discovery.

Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls - Paddington's Post

Paddington’s Post by Michael Bond & R. W Alley

Paddington’s Post is a funny interactive novelty book that explores Paddington’s new life in London after travelling all the way from Darkest Peru and meeting Mr. and Mrs. Brown at Paddington station. Open the six envelopes inside and find out all about his new home, family and friends. These include Paddington’s first letter to Aunt Lucy, a half-price voucher for his favorite buns, a very special birthday card—and more!

Sparky

Sparky! by Jenny Offill & Chris Appelhans

Sparky stars a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth through the mail, the creature that arrives isn't good at tricks or hide-and-seek . . . or much of anything. Still, there's something about Sparky that is irresistible.

Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls - Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home? Here is a book set on a wintry night that will spark and warm hearts. From Matthew Cordell,  this nearly wordless picture book seems a quiet book for 4 year old's but it is so much more than that - a tender, never precious story of kindness and cooperation. Expect this wintry tale to bring only warmth!

I Can Be Anything

I Can Be Anything! by Jerry Spinelli & Jimmy Liao

Newbery-Award winning author Jerry Spinelli's simple and charming rhymes are accompanied by internationally-renowned illustrator Jimmy Liao's vibrant and fantastical illustrations. This book is an imaginative joyride about hopes and dreams, and a reminder of all the possibilities life has to offer. So, what do you want to be? Remember--you can be anything!

Mail Harry To The Moon

Mail Harry to the Moon by Robie Harris & Michael Emberley

"Before Harry was born, there was ME! Now there's me. And Harry." Pity the poor narrator—beleaguered, disillusioned, ignored, and aggrieved—a former only child for whom life used to be bliss.

Be Happy

Be Happy!: A Little Book for a Happy You by Monica Sheehan

Monica Sheehan has taken her bestselling book be happy. and created an irresistible little gem for people BIG & small. So open it up and get inspired!

Sing and dance a little!

Have fun!

Be kind--be brave!

And be the best YOU.

The Little House

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

Seventy-five years ago, Virginia Lee Burton created the Little House, and since then generations of readers have been enchanted by the story of this happy home and her journey from the pleasures of nature to the bustling city, and back again.

Good Books for 4 Year Old Boys and Girls - Make Way For Ducklings

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live.  The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston.  But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arrive safely at their new home.

Join Now

Can’t Decide Which Books for 4 Year Old's to Choose?

Let our friendly staff hand-select books based on your child’s age and preferences. Join our subscription service, and we’ll send 2-3 books to your door once a month.

Join now!
Learn more