The 15 Best Books For 4 Year Olds (2022 Buying Guide)

Updated 30th December 2021.

At four years old, many children will start to enter the school system and join Reception class / Elementary School, which means their formal education will begin. As far as reading goes, they will probably start to learn phonics and will begin to blend sounds to make words. They may also start to learn comprehension skills.

What does this mean for your reading to them? Well, for the first time your child can read to you, which has benefits all its own! If they bring books home with them, try to find time to listen to them read every day. Be patient, and be full of praise! Reading to your child is still important. In fact, it’s essential. In this guide we cover what to consider when buying the best book for a 4 year old, and our reviews of the best books for this age.

What to consider when buying books for 4 year olds

Learning to read can be frustrating at this age, so reading to them during this period ensures they still think of books and reading as fun, interesting and an opportunity to snuggle up with mum and dad. Beyond keeping it fun, there are other key things to consider for what makes a great four-year-old book:

The 15 best books for 4 year olds

   1.     First Day At Bug School

A rhyming, fun-filled celebration of school to get your child ready for the big day.

He looks hard as nails, but inside Mr Big is a BIG softy. How can he convince others to stick around?

Don’t miss out on this magical mystery tour of mayhem. A bona fide children’s classic.

When a book starts devouring pets and people, Bella - and you - must investigate.

Rabbit needs to quit his selfish ways before the world is covered in carrots!

At an age when children will be mixing more and becoming more independent, a great story about the importance of sharing.

Bear is a trickster all right, even stealing doughnuts from the police officer!

Can Pete keep singing without his groovy buttons? Sing along and help him find out.

This modern classic is great for reading to kids of any age, and at four years plus children will start to explore the story on their own.

There are no underpants in space...but aliens love them anyway!

   11.    The Day the Crayons Quit

Blue doesn’t just want to colour water anymore. Orange and yellow aren’t speaking. How will Duncan draw now that the crayons have had enough?

Why do we sleep? How do astronauts get ready for bed? Top bedtime facts to amaze and delight.

   13.    Billy and the Beast 

When Billy and Fatcat hear a terrible rumble, it can only mean one thing…

Lots of children love the night sky, and this is a great, fun way to expand their knowledge.

   15.    There’s a Bear on my Chair 

If a bear’s on your chair, what on earth are you to do?

How to read to a 4 year old

First of all, make sure you do read to your four-year-old. If your child has started exploring simple stories for themselves (don’t worry if not, many won’t have yet), you may be tempted to take a back seat. Resist that temptation. Reading to your child makes sure it remains a fun activity that you both enjoy, rather than just a piece of Reception-level homework. Here's a few other tips for getting the most out of reading with a 4 year old.

4 year old books - Dad Stories

There's nothing we love more than seeing dads reading with their 4 year old boy or girl. Here are some of the stories we've loved and been inspired by.