Welcome to the world of best books for 4-year-olds! These engaging stories are perfect for expanding your preschooler’s vocabulary, enhancing comprehension, and encouraging critical thinking skills.
At the core of the Complete 4 Year Curriculum, these books support the weekly themes and learning objectives, while sparking curiosity, creativity, and a love for reading. The fun and interactive activities in the Lesson Plans bring each story to life, providing opportunities for exploration and learning.
Tap here to download the Best Books for 4-Year-Olds list. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this page for more age-specific reading lists.
For easy ordering, check out the 4 Year Curriculum Book List on Amazon.
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin tells the story of Pete, a laid-back cat who loves his white shoes. As he walks along, he steps in various messes—like strawberries, blueberries, and mud—that change the color of his shoes, but Pete remains cheerful and keeps singing his catchy song. This book highlights themes of resilience and positivity, showing kids that it's okay when things don’t go as planned.
Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh is a playful story where three little mice discover various shapes and use them to build different objects, like houses and trees, while cleverly avoiding a sneaky cat. Through their creative exploration, children learn about shapes, colors, and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way. It’s a sweet and simple book that makes learning shapes feel like a delightful adventure!
Emma Kate by Patrica Polacco is a heartwarming story about the close bond between a little girl and her imaginary friend, who happens to be an elephant. Together, they have fun-filled adventures, from riding bikes to going to school, until a surprising twist at the end reveals who the imaginary friend truly is. The story celebrates the power of imagination, friendship, and the joy of make-believe.
Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin is a humorous story about a group of cows who find an old typewriter and start making demands from Farmer Brown. They type out messages requesting better living conditions, like electric blankets, and refuse to produce milk until their demands are met. With witty text and clever illustrations, the book introduces children to problem-solving and negotiation.
The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper is a classic tale about a small but determined engine tasked with pulling a long train over a steep mountain after bigger engines refuse to help. With the mantra “I think I can, I think I can,” the little engine perseveres and succeeds. This timeless story teaches children the values of optimism and hard work, inspiring them to overcome challenges. This one of my favorite preschool books.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is a beautifully illustrated story about a fish with shimmering, colorful scales who learns the importance of sharing. At first, the Rainbow Fish refuses to share his scales, which makes him lonely. However, after advice from a wise octopus, he begins to give away his scales to other fish, discovering that sharing brings him happiness and friendship. This thoughtful tale teaches children about generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving.
Get a child ready for kindergarten with the ABCJesusLovesMe 4 Year Curriculum. The engaging, easy-to-follow lesson plans and activities focus on age-appropriate academics, Bible stories, and developmental skills, providing the perfect foundation for a child’s educational journey. Ideal for both home and preschool use, ensure that your child or students are confident and prepared for the next step!
There is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems is a humorous story featuring Elephant (Gerald) and Piggie. Gerald is distressed when a bird lands on his head, and his frustration grows as more birds arrive and build a nest. Piggie remains calm and helps Gerald find a solution to his problem. The simple, repetitive text and playful illustrations make it an engaging read, teaching children about problem-solving, patience, and friendship with a touch of humor. Spend time focusing on the pictures and do a picture walk through the story to fully appreciate the humor and emotions conveyed through the artwork.
The Runaway Pumpkin by Kevin Lewis
Sadly, this book is no longer in print. A replacement book will be chosen soon.
I fell in love with Little Bear the first time I read it as a young child. Written by by Elsa Holmelund Minarik, this charming collection of short stories highlights the tender relationship between Little Bear and his mother. Through gentle adventures like celebrating his birthday, visiting the moon in his imagination, and enjoying a cozy winter day, Little Bear learns about love, friendship, and kindness.
Because a Little Bug Went Ka-choo by Rosetta Stone is a delightful, rhyming story that shows how one small action can set off a chain reaction. When a little bug sneezes, it causes a series of events that affect various animals and people in humorous and surprising ways.
Olivia by Ian Falconer tells the story of a spirited and imaginative young pig named Olivia, who loves to explore, ask questions, and be the center of attention. Throughout the book, Olivia embarks on various adventures, from visiting an art museum to attempting to entertain her family with her antics.
What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scary was one of my children's favorite books. They spent hours looking at the engaging and informative pictures that explore the many different jobs and activities people do in a bustling town. The book takes young readers through various professions, such as firefighters, teachers, doctors, and more, using detailed and lively illustrations. With its charming art and fun explanations, this book helps children learn about the world around them, fostering an understanding of community roles and daily life.
Curious George by H.A. Ray is the first book in the beloved series about a mischievous little monkey named George and his adventures with the Man with the Yellow Hat. In this story, George’s curiosity leads him into a series of playful, sometimes troublesome, situations. With simple, engaging text and charming illustrations, the book captures the excitement of discovery and the consequences of curiosity, making it a timeless favorite.
Toot and Puddle by Holly Hobbie follows the adventures of two best friends, Toot and Puddle, who live in a cozy little house in the woods. While Toot loves to travel and explore the world, Puddle prefers staying home and enjoying the quiet comforts of their surroundings. The book highlights their friendship, as they share their unique perspectives and find ways to appreciate each other's differences. With its gentle illustrations and heartwarming story, Toot and Puddle teaches children about friendship, adventure, and the joy of sharing experiences.
Introduce the alphabet in an simple way with our Letter Posters featuring each letter with fun formation poems and recognizable phonic images. Perfect for classrooms or home, these posters make learning letters interactive and fun!
Another one of my childhood favorites, George and Martha by James Marshall is a collection of stories about two lovable, but very different, hippopotamuses who are the best of friends. Each story highlights the humorous and endearing moments that arise from their friendship, as George and Martha navigate everyday challenges and misunderstandings. With its charming illustrations and lighthearted text, this book teaches children about the importance of friendship, kindness, and accepting one another’s quirks.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney tells the heartwarming story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they express their love for each other in increasingly expansive ways. The two hares compare their love to various natural elements, such as the height of the trees and the depth of the river, until Little Nutbrown Hare asks, "Guess how much I love you?" This book still gets me deeply.
Finklehopper Frog by Irene Livingston is a delightful story about a frog named Finklehopper who wants to join in on the fun of hopping like the other frogs, but he can't quite hop as high or as far as they do. Despite his limitations, Finklehopper discovers that he can still find joy in moving in his own way. The book teaches children about perseverance, self-acceptance, and embracing their unique abilities while encouraging them to keep trying.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a heartwarming story about a young raccoon named Chester who is nervous about going to school for the first time. His mother reassures him by giving him a special "kissing hand" — a kiss placed in his palm that he can carry with him whenever he feels scared or lonely. The story beautifully explores themes of love, comfort, and courage, offering children a gentle way to cope with separation anxiety.
Gregory, the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat is a humorous story about a young goat named Gregory who refuses to eat the usual grass and hay that goats love. Instead, he prefers eating things like chairs, shoes, and even tin cans. His unusual eating habits worry his parents, but Gregory’s choices help him discover the importance of finding a balance between personal preferences and healthy habits. This funny and lighthearted story teaches children about making good choices and the value of trying new things while keeping a sense of humor.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion is a charming story about a white dog named Harry who hates baths. To avoid getting one, Harry runs away and gets so dirty that he becomes unrecognizable. When he finally returns home, his family doesn’t recognize him, but Harry's cleverness and love for his family help him find his way back.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant is a sweet and gentle story about Mr. Putter, an elderly man, and his cat Tabby, as they decide to bake a cake for their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry. Though Mr. Putter and Tabby face a few humorous challenges in the kitchen, they work together and, in the end, create a delicious cake to share. This heartwarming story about friendship, teamwork, and the joy of sharing food is perfect for young readers. The Mr. Putter and Tabby series was a favorite of my youngest son when he was a preschooler.
Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban tells the story of Frances, a little badger who struggles with going to bed. She uses every excuse to delay bedtime, from asking for a glass of water to worrying about monsters under the bed. Frances gradually learns to face her fears and trust her parents, ultimately settling in for the night. This book offers a comforting and relatable message for children who may be anxious at bedtime, emphasizing trust, reassurance, and overcoming fear.
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker is a soothing bedtime story that follows the hardworking machines at a construction site as they finish their tasks for the day. As each machine, from the bulldozer to the crane, winds down and prepares for sleep, the rhythmic text and peaceful illustrations create a relaxing atmosphere. This gentle, rhyming story teaches children about the importance of rest and helps ease the transition to bedtime, making it a perfect read for little ones who love trucks, construction, and bedtime routines.
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble is a humorous and lively story about a field trip to the farm that goes hilariously wrong. The tale is told from the perspective of a young girl who recounts the chaos caused when Jimmy’s pet boa constrictor sneaks onto the bus and ends up causing trouble at the farm.
Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel is a delightful collection of stories about the friendship between Frog and Toad. Each story highlights different aspects of their close bond, from sharing snacks to helping each other with problems. In one story, Frog helps Toad overcome his fear of getting out of bed, while in another, they work together to plant a garden. Through simple yet heartwarming stories, the book teaches children about the importance of friendship, kindness, and helping others.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss is a fun story about a mischievous cat who brings chaos and excitement to two children on a rainy day. With the help of Thing 1 and Thing 2, the cat creates a mess but manages to clean everything up before their mother returns. It's a classic, lively tale full of rhymes and playful antics.
Me and My Amazing Body by Joan Sweeney introduces young readers to the human body in a simple, engaging way. Through colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand text, the book explains the functions of different body parts, from the head to the toes. It’s a great introduction to biology for preschoolers.
Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois is a story about Franklin the turtle, who is excited but nervous about starting school for the first time. As he faces challenges, like learning to raise his hand and making new friends, he begins to realize that school isn’t so scary after all.
Do you desire to parent or teach children the way that God desires? Watch this 3-part series to acquire the tools to build a solid foundation of biblical discipline for your family or classroom.
While no longer used in the Complete 4 Year Curriculum, these are wonderful books to add to your home or classroom library for preschoolers. Also discover books that make wonderful supplements to the Curriculum.
There's a Wocket in My Pocket! 
Tales of Oliver Pig
Charming Opal from the Toot & Puddle series by Holly Hobbie follows Toot and Puddle as they meet a new friend named Opal, who is full of charm and surprises. Through their adventure, they learn about friendship, differences, and the joy of sharing experiences. This delightful story offers sweet lessons on kindness and companionship.
While it can be hard to find a copy of Zuzu's Wishing Cake by Linda Michelin, this book provides examples of how a child can reach out and show love to all children, no matter the different nationalities.
Construction Countdown by K.C. Olson takes readers through a fun, rhythmic journey as they count down from ten to one, with each number introducing a different construction vehicle and task. The book combines counting with lively illustrations of busy machines, making it a perfect read for young children who enjoy trucks and building sites.
The Gingerbread Man is a classic folktale that follows the adventure of a gingerbread man who comes to life and runs away from the people who try to catch him. He outsmarts various pursuers, including a baker, an old woman, and even a fox, until the clever fox tricks him. This story is often retold in various versions.
The Little Red Caboose
Discover a variety of holiday activities that keep Jesus at the heart of your celebrations! From crafts to family traditions, these ideas will help you create meaningful moments for your family or classroom that focus on the true reason for the season.
The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown tells the story of a curious little rabbit who discovers a mysterious golden egg. As the rabbit waits for it to hatch, he imagines what might be inside. With gentle rhyming text and soft illustrations, this book explores themes of patience, imagination, and surprise.
In The Hat by Jan Brett, a mischievous little hedgehog accidentally gets stuck in a cozy knitted hat after trying it on. As he waddles around in the hat, various animals—such as a curious owl, a clever rabbit, and a gentle deer—spot him and mistake him for a new kind of creature. Each animal reacts with surprise and curiosity, creating a humorous situation as they try to figure out what this new "animal" could be. The story showcases themes of friendship and imagination, complemented by Brett's intricate and beautiful illustrations, making it a delightful read for children.
Jane Moncure's My First Steps to Reading and Math Books is a series designed to introduce young children to basic reading and math concepts in a fun and engaging way. Through simple language, vibrant illustrations, and interactive elements, these books help children develop foundational skills such as letter recognition, counting, and basic math operations. Although may be hard to find, these are my favorite books for teaching phonics and counting.
Big Thoughts for Little People: ABC's to Help You Grow by Kenneth Taylor uses each letter of the alphabet to introduce positive character traits and virtues to young children. With simple, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, the book encourages children to grow in kindness, honesty, courage, and other important values. The full illustrations provide numerous opportunities for conversation, allowing children to explore what’s happening in the pictures and connect the actions with the values being taught.
Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Fine China Plate by Robin Jones Gunn is a charming children's book that explores themes of patience, understanding, and the special purposes God has for each of us. In the story, a young girl named Natalie feels frustrated when her parents don't allow her to go to a movie with her friends. Mrs. Rosey Posey, a wise and caring figure, uses the metaphor of a fine china plate to illustrate how God sets us aside for His unique plans.
Remy the Rhino Learns Patience by Andy McGuire is a heartwarming story about Remy, a young rhino who struggles with impatience. He wants everything to happen quickly, but through a series of experiences, he learns that patience is key to achieving his goals and finding joy.
Opposites by Sandr Boynton is a delightful board book that introduces young children to the concept of opposites through fun and playful illustrations. With simple text and charming characters, the book contrasts pairs of opposites like big and small, slow and fast, and up and down.
"Touch and Feel" Books allow children to explore textures while enjoying a story. These interactive books encourage sensory exploration by allowing little hands to feel different materials as they follow along with the narrative. In the ABCJesusLovesMe Curriculum Pat the Bunny and the "That's Not My..." book series by Fiona Watt are specifically used.
