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

Are you on a quest to find the perfect princess books for 4-year-olds? You've come to the right place! Whether your little one dreams of enchanting castles, brave heroines, or magical adventures, we've gathered a delightful collection to spark their imagination. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to captivate the hearts of young princess enthusiasts.

Fun Princess Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Adventure, Feminism
  • Synopsis: This story flips the traditional princess narrative on its head. Princess Elizabeth dons a paper bag to rescue her fiancé from a dragon, only to realize her own self-worth exceeds her need for a prince.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and self-reliance, showing that real princesses can save themselves and don't need anyone to validate their worth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a twist on traditional fairy tales and parents looking to instill confidence and independence in their children.

• Princess Hair by Sharee Miller
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Diversity
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the beauty and diversity of black hair through a parade of young princesses, each proud of their unique hairstyles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes self-love and acceptance, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in children's literature.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy seeing characters that look like themselves and parents who wish to foster a positive self-image regarding personal features.

• Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Empowerment
  • Synopsis: This book showcases princesses who wear soccer cleats or gardening boots instead of glass slippers, emphasizing that princesses can be anything they want to be.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's empowering and affirming, encouraging young girls to pursue their passions regardless of stereotypes.
  • Perfect for: Little ones who enjoy active, playful stories and those who need encouragement to break molds and be themselves.

• Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: In this futuristic retelling, Cinderella is a talented mechanic who dreams of fixing fancy rockets. She uses her skills to repair a spaceship and catch the prince's attention in a different way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a classic fairy tale with a science fiction twist, promoting interest in STEM fields while maintaining a fun, adventurous narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by space and rockets, as well as those who enjoy seeing classic stories reimagined.

• Princess Peppa from the Peppa Pig series by Neville Astley and Mark Baker
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Peppa Pig imagines herself as a princess in a fairy tale setting, going on royal adventures with her family and friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's familiar and engaging, using well-loved characters to encourage imaginative play and storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the Peppa Pig series and young readers who enjoy playful and imaginative adventures with familiar faces.

Educational Princess Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Zog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zog is a young, enthusiastic dragon eager to win a gold star at Dragon School. Each year he learns new dragon skills, but he struggles until Princess Pearl offers her assistance, showing that princesses can be doctors too.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, perseverance, non-traditional roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful tale that breaks traditional gender roles and showcases the value of helping others.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dragons and princesses, and parents who want to encourage non-traditional roles.

• The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Pinecone wants to be a great warrior and asks for a fierce battle horse for her birthday, but instead, she gets a cute, round pony that changes her perspective on strength and bravery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding diversity, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and heartwarming story that teaches the importance of acceptance and the unexpected virtues of being different.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate humor and learning about acceptance and bravery in unconventional ways.

• Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Smartypants does not want to get married; she enjoys being a Ms. To ward off suitors, she sets impossible tasks for her would-be princes, preserving her independence in hilarious ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Independence, problem-solving, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes independence and cleverness, showing that not every princess wants or needs to find her prince.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good laugh and stories of independence and clever problem-solving.

• The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Sue dreams of adventures, but when her prince finally comes, he expects her to stay in a tower. Sue has other plans, and with the help of a dragon, she sets off on her own adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-reliance, breaking stereotypes, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is a fun twist on traditional fairy tales, encouraging girls to forge their own paths and defy expectations.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who like stories where characters take control of their own destinies.

• Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cambria Evans
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: By day, a normal girl; by night, a princess in a magical kingdom. But when dragons attack, she uses her wit and courage to save the kingdom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, bravery, leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends day-to-day life with fantastical elements, showing that you can be a princess and a brave leader, no matter who you are.
  • Perfect for: Children who dream of being more and parents who want to encourage leadership and imagination in their kids.

Challenging Princess Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she's also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. When monster alarms go off, she must sneak away from her dainty princess duties and battle the monsters threatening her kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual identity of the protagonist introduces complex themes of secrecy and responsibility, which are sophisticated for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of princess and superhero themes that challenges traditional princess narratives and encourages bravery and quick thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love action and adventure, and those intrigued by the idea of a princess who can save the day.

• Olivia and the Fairy Princesses by Ian Falconer
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Olivia is having an identity crisis. There are too many ruffled, sparkly princesses around, and Olivia has had quite enough. She needs to stand out! She wants to do something special, and she sets her sights on becoming a fairy princess.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book tackles themes of individuality and nonconformity through rich, engaging text and subtext that challenge young readers to think critically about identity and self-expression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages self-discovery and the courage to be different, wrapped in humor and whimsy that will keep kids entertained.
  • Perfect for: Children who question norms and are determined to express their unique selves.

• The Apple-Pip Princess by Jane Ray
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Environmental
  • Synopsis: In a kingdom that has fallen into hardship, the king asks his three daughters to use their talents to bring life back to the kingdom. Serenity, the youngest daughter, uses an apple pip, a gift from her mother, to plant a tree that revitalizes the land.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates themes of environmental care and renewal, which are complex but important topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of hope and renewal that also teaches the importance of caring for the environment and using resources wisely.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and any child who enjoys stories about growth and restoration.

• Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated) by Florence Parry Heide, illustrated by Lane Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Hyacinth has a peculiar problem—she floats. She longs to play with the other children, but her floating condition keeps her stuck inside the palace. With the help of her friend Boy, she finds a way to control her floating and experience adventures outside the palace walls.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book uses a unique premise to explore themes of isolation and difference, presenting these ideas in a way that challenges young minds to think about personal and emotional constraints.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of friendship and freedom, teaching children about acceptance and the value of thinking creatively to overcome personal challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel different or left out and those who enjoy whimsical stories with a strong message of friendship and resilience.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of princess books with your four-year-old, you're in for a treat. Not only are these stories fun, but they also offer great opportunities to develop early reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can make reading more engaging and beneficial for your little one:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Look through the pictures of the book before reading.
  • How it helps: Helps children predict the story and stimulates their imagination.
  • Tips: Ask your child what they think is happening in each picture.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Guess what the story might be about after looking at the cover and title.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and curiosity.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think the story will go a certain way.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or sentences from the book.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it fun.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Pick a favorite character and discuss their traits.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and emotional understanding.
  • Tips: Relate the character’s experiences to your child’s life.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersion.

• Question Time
  • What it is: Ask questions about the story after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves recall and comprehension.
  • Tips: Start with simple who, what, when, where, why questions.

• Draw the Story
  • What it is: Draw a scene or character from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with story recall.
  • Tips: Display their artwork to show their efforts are valued.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make the experience more enjoyable but also enhance the developmental benefits of reading. So, grab a princess book, and let the magical journey of reading and learning begin!