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Top 10 Books for 4 Year Olds

Best Books for 4-Year-Old Children

8972117700_1a06072b9f_nOne of the most important ways to ensure your children love reading is to choose books that are engaging and fun as well as educational. The top 10 books for 4 year olds is the ideal list for instilling a love for books in your little ones. Whether learning about love, the places they will go, why saying thank you is always a good thing, or determining what pet is best, these books provide your youngling with lessons they will keep with them for the rest of the lives.

The top 10 books for 4 year olds also provide the foundation little ones need to get the most out of kindergarten. Such children are making the transition from preschool to primary school and benefit greatly from reading a wealth of different and exciting books. It gives them a head start on animal knowledge, how to be kind and courteous, and other lessons that serve them well as they start kindergarten and move forward with their education. Your children will thank you one day for teaching them about the many perks that come with reading! Their imaginations will be ready to take on kindergarten and subsequently learn a variety of new and wonderful things.

What’s here: This fantastic compilation of the 10 best books for children 4 years of age for the spring and summer months of 2017 was created by real moms and educators who enjoyed these books themselves or taught them in class. Numerous types and themes of books are included in the list to keep your youngin’ stimulated.

For shoppers: Purchasing any of these high-quality book options is easy–just visit Amazon! Please note that we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.  Also note that our recommendations are 100% made because we love the companies and products and are never influenced in any way by any commission we may receive.

Post Updated: April 9th, 2017


What’s Here:

1. Waiting by Kevin Henkes
2. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
3. What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss
4. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
5. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
6. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
7. I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty
8. The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems
9. The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach
10. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak


Top 10 Best Books for 3 Year Olds:

1. Waiting by Kevin Henkes

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Waiting by Kevin Henkes comes in at #1 of the top 10 books for 4 year olds this year.

Arranged on a windowsill, there are five stuffed animals staring outside…but what are they waiting for? One is waiting on the moon, another the rain, another the snow, one more the wind, and the last simply loves waiting. This story has adorable, quirky moments, but a heartfelt, meaningful message overall.

Introduce this book to your little ones to help instill the importance of living for today and taking risks instead of waiting around for something to happen. Parents everywhere adore this wonderful story and the lovely illustrations…it was a bestseller for a reason!

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2. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

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Another wonderful book for four year-old kids in 2017 is a returning favorite – Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.

In true Dr. Seuss fashion, this classic book is for ambitious dreamers, imaginers, creators, and wishers. Adults and kiddos alike will love the heartfelt message of, “you are going to go and do whatever your heart desires.” Of course each page is brimming with signature Seussian rhymes and quirky illustrations.

An inspiring book that discusses life’s ups and downs as well as the importance of perseverance, Oh The Places You’ll Go! is a keepsake book that applies to little kids, big kids, tweens, teens, and college-bound kiddos. It is simply a must-read!

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3. What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss

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Another book from Dr. Seuss makes it to the “best of 2017” list for 4 year old kids – What Pet Should I Get?

This Dr. Seuss classic is about a pair of funny, silly siblings, on the search for their first-ever, perfect pet. Told in the trademark rhymes of Seuss, this story teaches a life lesson about decision—making and family. Making up your mind is often challenging, but sometimes it is very, very necessary. This book is perfect for your little incisive squirrel who has problems making decisions. The classic Dr. Seuss illustrations only add to the wonderful story line.

We love Dr. Seuss here at Top 10 Store–who doesn’t? Consider stocking your children’s library with at least a few stories from the good doctor.

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4. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

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Making it to the 4th spot among the best books for 4 year olds in 2017 – Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae.

Gerald is a tilting, twirling, whirling giraffe who loves, loves, loves to dance. However, he is a bit gangly, not-so graceful, and maybe a tad crooked. Plus the other animals are mean to him, telling him time and again that he simply cannot dance. Of course, he overcomes the odds!

A great book all about being true to yourself, this rhyming story includes wonderful illustrations. You and your little ones will fall in love with Gerald and his desire to go something truly great. Read this story any time your younglings are a little sad or otherwise need a pick-me-up!

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5. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

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Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry marks its own spot on the list at #5.

Stick and Stone are unlikely friends, brought together unexpectedly when Stick saves Stone from certain doom. With humor, rhymes, and colorful pictures, the author weaves a beautiful tale about anti-bullying, friendship, and bonding through various mishaps. This is a great book about unlikely relationships, how important it is to accept others, and why bullying is the last thing anyone should do. Stick and Stone are full of personality and make wonderful characters for any child to read about. Don’t be surprised if your kids want to read this book over and over!

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6. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

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Next – Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

“I will love you forever. I will like you for always. As long as I am living, my baby you will be.” This is a beautiful, heartfelt, tear-jerking story about a little boy and his mom. Every day, she sings to him the above quote. Such an amazing, sweet story. You and your children will love it–it is all about the undying love parents have for their children and how they will love them no matter how old they get.

“One of my all-time favorites. I cry every time I read it…. [The book] is a beautiful script about parenthood, a poignant parable about life and death, a testimony to when the roles of child and parent become blurry,” writes one reviewer.

This story has touched millions of hearts since its 1986 publication…and you will know why once you read it!

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7. I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty

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Another returning favorite among the best books for four year old children – I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty.

Cute and so funny. This book tells the story of Frog—a slimy, green amphibian who hates being a frog. He wants to be anything but a frog. That is until he meets a hungry wolf who eats everything EXCEPT frogs. Then he finds appreciation for himself and his species.

A great book all about the importance of loving yourself and self-acceptance, this is wonderful story that teaches why everyone is unique and special. It is a fantastic option for instilling a love of self in your child from a very early age.

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8. The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems

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Love it! The Thank You Book by Mo Willems is 8th among the top 4 year-old kids’ books for 2017.

Gerald and Piggie are the best of friends, but these two are complete opposites. Where Gerald is cautious, solemn, quiet, and thoughtful, Piggie is adventurous, free-spirited, smiley, and impulsive. In this story, the two learn about appreciation and “thank you’s.”

Saying thank you is an important lesson to teach your children…you want them to be polite, right?? Use this book to impress this lesson on your younglings.

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9. The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach

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Next up – at #9 on the list is The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach.

Imagine this. You leave your sandwiches on the picnic table, under close watch of a close friend. But when you get back, the sandwiches are all gone. And that friend weaves a quirky, hilarious, unbelievable tale about a hungry bear.

“This enjoyable romp is sure to elicit giggles… Young readers and listeners will laugh out loud as they closely examine the pictures and find the jokes in this highly interactive urban adventure.” – Kirkus Review

A wonderful story, it features the cutest illustrations too!

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10. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

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The final item on the 2017  list of top ten books for four year olds is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

My favorite childhood must-read EVER. This book was my go-to bedtime story when I was a kid. I still run around proclaiming, “Let the wild rumpus start,” all these decades later. Max is a rambunctious, argumentative kid who gets punished, so he sails away to Where the Wild Things Are.

This classic story has inspired children and adults alike for generations….there’s even been a live-action movie!

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