10+ Best Picture Books for 4-5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect picture books for 4-5-year-olds? Whether you're looking to captivate their growing imaginations or introduce them to new adventures, finding the right books can be a delightful challenge. In this blog, we've rounded up a diverse selection of picture books that are sure to enchant and entertain your little ones. Keep reading to discover our top picks and find the perfect storytelling gems for your preschooler!

Fun Picture Books for 4-5-Year-Olds

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This classic book follows a hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for teaching days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly, all wrapped up in colorful and engaging illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy learning about nature and animals.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a magical forest where he meets the wild things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing children it's okay to dream and explore different worlds.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventures and exploring their imaginations.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young bunny says goodnight to everything around: "Goodnight room. Goodnight moon." It's a soothing, rhythmic lullaby of sorts.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its calming, poetic words make it an ideal bedtime read, helping children wind down for the night.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need a gentle story to help them relax at bedtime.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern Book, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: A teacher and various colored animals are asked what they see, leading to a patterned response that delights young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: The repetitive and rhythmic phrases make it fun for kids to anticipate and chime in, enhancing their reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy vibrant illustrations and rhythmic, repetitive text.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to keep danger at bay. But what happens when he comes face-to-face with the mythical beast?
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches strategic thinking and the power of intelligence over brute strength.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories with clever protagonists and a bit of suspense.

• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This humorous story explores the love dragons have for tacos and what happens when they accidentally eat spicy salsa.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, playful read that also subtly introduces the consequences of not following instructions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy silly stories and have a love for dragons and tacos.

Educational Picture Books for 4-5-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhythm
  • Synopsis: The letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? As the letters climb up the tree, the chaos ensues leading to a full-blown alphabet tumble.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and rhyme, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines playful text and vibrant illustrations to make learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are starting to learn the alphabet.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Weather, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Peter explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season. His day is filled with playful adventures in the snowy city.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding weather, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in the joys of snow and exploring the outdoors.

• The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
  • Genre(s): Social Skills, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The Rainbow Fish, with his beautiful shiny scales, learns about the value of sharing and friendship when he gives away his most prized possessions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sharing, friendship, social interactions
  • Why we recommend this book: Its stunning illustrations and important message about sharing make it a beloved classic.
  • Perfect for: Children learning the importance of sharing and making friends.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Family, Emotions
  • Synopsis: Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other, trying to measure how much they love one another.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional expression, bonding, comparative measurement
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the tender bond between parent and child, with a heartwarming message.
  • Perfect for: Young children and parents to share and enjoy together, especially at bedtime.

• We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Empathy, Acceptance
  • Synopsis: This book, inspired by her novel Wonder, follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he shows readers what it’s like to live in his shoes and how everyone is a wonder in their own way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, diversity, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to see the beauty and uniqueness in everyone.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity, kindness, and acceptance of others.

Challenging Picture Books for 4-5-Year-Olds

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps through it into a world of adventure, danger, and wonder.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses detailed, wordless storytelling that requires children to interpret and narrate the story themselves, enhancing their imaginative and cognitive skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and storytelling, allowing children to craft their own narrative and explore themes of independence and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love to create and tell their own stories.

• The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical
  • Synopsis: This true story illustrates the daring feat of Philippe Petit, a tightrope walker who walked between the Twin Towers in 1974.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces historical events and complex themes of risk and perseverance, accompanied by sophisticated illustrations that require careful observation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling tale that teaches about courage, determination, and the pursuit of dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.
  • Perfect for: Kids intrigued by history and extraordinary real-life events.

• The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: When Alan loses a dog he is watching in the mysterious garden of retired magician Abdul Gasazi, he discovers that things are not always what they seem.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and sophisticated illustrations engage children in critical thinking and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical and mysterious story that sparks imagination and curiosity about the unknown.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical realism and solving mysteries.

• Tuesday by David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This virtually wordless book tells the whimsical story of a Tuesday evening when frogs unexpectedly take flight on their lily pads.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative relies entirely on visual storytelling, which challenges young readers to develop their interpretative skills and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful and imaginative tale that encourages creativity and a sense of wonder about the ordinary world.
  • Perfect for: Children who love exploring stories through pictures and those with a quirky sense of humor.

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Immigration, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This wordless graphic novel depicts an immigrant's journey to an unfamiliar and fantastical world, exploring themes of belonging and being an outsider.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex themes of migration and cultural assimilation are explored through detailed and surreal illustrations, requiring deep thought and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful visual experience that opens up discussions about diversity, empathy, and the challenges faced by immigrants.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about the world and the diverse experiences of people in it.

These books are not just fun reads; they're gateways to new ways of thinking and understanding the world for young readers. They challenge the mind and enrich the imagination, making them perfect for children ready to take their reading to the next level.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to cultivate a love for reading in your 4-5-year-old, picture books are a fantastic tool. Not only do they introduce your little ones to the world of words and stories, but they also help develop critical thinking and imagination. Here are some engaging exercises that can help your child develop good reading habits while enjoying their colorful picture books:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you flip through the pages of the picture book, looking at the images before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Encourages prediction skills and sets the stage for understanding the story.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures they see.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading a story, have your child retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory skills, and allows children to practice narrative skills.
  • Tips: Encourage them to talk about their favorite parts or any characters they liked.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Identify objects in the picture book and match them with their starting sounds.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness which is crucial for reading development.
  • Tips: Make this fun by turning it into a mini-game where each correct match earns a point.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out the story with your child, using costumes or props as necessary.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding character emotions and actions, boosting empathy and emotional intelligence.
  • Tips: Let your child choose which character they want to be to increase engagement.

• Find the Rhyme
  • What it is: Look for rhyming words within the book or create your own rhymes based on the story.
  • How it helps: Builds phonological awareness and can help with learning to read.
  • Tips: Clap out the beats of the rhymes to make it more interactive and fun.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and interactive part of your child’s daily life. By incorporating these activities, you’re setting a foundation not just for good reading habits, but for a lifelong love of learning. So grab a picture book and let the fun and learning begin!