10+ Best Comic Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect comic books for 4-year-olds that will not only entertain but also inspire your little one? You've come to the right place! In this blog, we'll explore a variety of engaging and colorful comics that are just right for preschoolers. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections that are sure to captivate the imagination of your young reader!

Fun Comic Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Owly by Andy Runton
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Owly is a kind-hearted owl who goes on various adventures, making friends and learning important life lessons along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: The mostly wordless format helps young readers understand storytelling through expressive, engaging illustrations, fostering an early love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to explore books and love charming, non-verbal storytelling.

• Toon Books: Benny and Penny in Just Pretend by Geoffrey Hayes
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Benny and Penny are sibling mice who learn about honesty and the importance of playing nicely while they embark on imaginative adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about sibling relationships and cooperation through accessible language and delightful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories about family dynamics and imaginative play.

• Nursery Rhyme Comics edited by Chris Duffy
  • Genre(s): Comics, Nursery Rhymes, Anthology
  • Synopsis: This collection features 50 classic nursery rhymes transformed into comic strips by various illustrators, bringing a fresh twist to timeless tales.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the rhythm and structure of nursery rhymes in a visually stimulating format that enhances comprehension and retention.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love vibrant illustrations and those new to nursery rhymes.

• Little Robot by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl befriends a lost robot and together they embark on a journey of friendship and discovery while facing challenges along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its blend of adventure and heartwarming friendship helps develop empathy and a sense of curiosity in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by robots and stories of adventure and camaraderie.

• Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Hilda, a fearless blue-haired girl, encounters mystical creatures including a mountain troll as she explores her enchanted world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and encourages exploration, all while teaching lessons about bravery and understanding the unknown.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of exploring magical worlds and befriending fantastical creatures.

Educational Comic Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Super Potato's Mega Time-Travel Adventure by Artur Laperla
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Super Potato, once a fearless superhero turned into a potato, travels through time to thwart his nemesis Doctor Malevolent's plans.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic time concepts, introduction to historical events, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with adventure, making learning about history and time engaging and fun for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy superheroes, laughter, and a bit of educational content wrapped in a fun story.

• Monster Mayhem by Christopher Eliopoulos
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zoe, a brilliant young scientist who loves robotics and engineering, accidentally unleashes a giant robot monster and must use her wits and scientific skills to save her city.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interest in STEM, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes science and engineering in a thrilling context, encouraging young readers, especially girls, to explore STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and engineers who love thrilling adventures and monster stories.

• The Adventures of Polo by Régis Faller
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Polo the dog embarks on a silent, imaginative journey across various fantastical lands, encountering strange and wonderful creatures along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual literacy, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: The wordless storytelling encourages children to interpret the story through pictures, fostering imagination and narrative skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy visually driven stories and exploring magical worlds without the need for text.

• Johnny Boo: The Best Little Ghost In The World by James Kochalka
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Johnny Boo, the self-proclaimed "best little ghost in the world," and his pet ghost Squiggle go on playful adventures that are both silly and sweet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic reading skills, emotional recognition, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple text and humorous illustrations make it an excellent choice for beginning readers who enjoy fun and laughter.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers who love charming, funny stories with friendly ghost characters.

• Bizzy Bear: Space Rocket by Benji Davies
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Adventure, Space Exploration
  • Synopsis: Bizzy Bear goes on an exciting space adventure in his rocket, exploring new planets and making friends along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Early counting, basic space knowledge, motor skills through interactive elements
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive with sliders and flaps that engage young readers directly, making the space adventure more immersive and educational.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children who show an early interest in space and enjoy interactive reading experiences.

Challenging Comic Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she's transported to a distant world after pressing a mysterious button. She embarks on a quest to rescue a kidnapped friend and save strange alien races with the help of quirky companions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex narrative structures and a rich vocabulary that go beyond simple storytelling, ideal for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling space adventure that promotes bravery and friendship, packed with action that keeps young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love space adventures and stories about heroism.

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she's also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters! This series blends princess and superhero themes, challenging gender stereotypes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces dual identities and moral dilemmas, providing a platform for young readers to explore complex themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines excitement and ethical lessons, encouraging children to think about right and wrong while enjoying a fun, engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy tales of adventure and superheroes, especially those who like seeing characters break traditional roles.

• The Adventures of Ook and Gluk by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two caveboys, Ook and Gluk, get into all sorts of trouble and time-traveling adventures with their pet dinosaur. Their antics are filled with humor and heart.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of playful language and creative spellings encourage phonetic decoding and linguistic play, which are advanced reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously entertaining and creatively inspires young readers to explore language and humor in storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love laughter mixed with their adventures and are getting comfortable with reading independently.

• Julia's House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Julia’s house, perched on a giant tortoise, becomes a refuge for lost and magical creatures. She must find a way to create harmony among her eclectic guests.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores themes of community and empathy through a fantastical, richly illustrated setting, which requires deeper comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about kindness, responsibility, and the joys of taking care of others, all within an enchanting story.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about magical creatures and learning about the importance of community and caring.

• Dragon Puncher by James Kochalka
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: A fearless warrior cat, Dragon Puncher, and his sidekick Spoony embark on a hilarious quest to defeat dragons in a unique, photo-illustrated comic.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of photographs and drawings in a comic format is unusual and stimulates visual interpretation skills in young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun, quirky read that combines creativity with humor, perfect for engaging young minds in a playful way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate a good laugh and enjoy seeing real photos mixed with illustrations in their stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing comic books to your 4-year-old can be an exciting way to spark their love for reading. Here are some fun exercises that can help develop good reading habits at this young age. Each exercise is designed to be engaging and beneficial for little readers.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Go through the comic book and talk about the pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances the child's ability to infer the story from images, building pre-reading skills.
  • Tips: Ask questions about what they think is happening in each scene and why.

• Character Match
  • What it is: Identify and match characters in the comic book with their names and traits.
  • How it helps: Helps with character recognition and understanding character traits.
  • Tips: Use character cards made from paper for a fun matching game.

• Storytelling Swap
  • What it is: Take turns telling a part of the story, you read one page, and they "read" (or tell) the next.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and understanding of narrative structure.
  • Tips: Praise their efforts to make them feel confident in their storytelling.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: After reading, have your child draw a scene from the story or a new scene that involves the characters.
  • How it helps: Reinforces comprehension and allows creative expression.
  • Tips: Display their artwork to show that their interpretation is valued.

• Sound Effects Fun
  • What it is: When reading aloud, emphasize the sound effects in the comic book and encourage your child to repeat them.
  • How it helps: Makes reading fun and engaging, while improving phonetic skills.
  • Tips: Be animated and use different voices for different effects to keep it lively.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in developing early literacy skills in young children. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you'll help your child develop a love for reading that can last a lifetime. Happy reading and exploring the colorful world of comic books!