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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect story books for 4-5-year-olds that will captivate your little ones and make their imaginations soar? You've come to the right place! Whether you're aiming to stock up your home library or find a delightful gift, we've compiled a variety of enchanting books that are just right for preschoolers. Keep reading to discover our top picks of story books for 4-5-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Story Books for 4-5-Year-Olds

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows a hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through a wide variety of foodstuffs before pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to numbers, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly, all presented in a simple and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about nature.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, after dressing in his wolf costume, wreaks such havoc through his household that he is sent to bed without supper. Max's bedroom undergoes a mysterious transformation into a jungle environment, and he ends up sailing to an island inhabited by fierce creatures known as the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, exploring themes of anger, home, and adventure through vivid illustrations and simple text.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventures and exploring their imaginations.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this classic bedtime story, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the things in the room and beyond.
  • Why we recommend this book: It has a gentle, rhythmic text that helps soothe children before bed, making bedtime a calm and cherished time.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a comforting bedtime routine.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A teacher and various colored animals including a brown bear, a red bird, a yellow duck, and more, are asked what they see, creating a repetitive and rhythmic call-and-response that engages young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches colors and sequencing while building memory and prediction skills.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are learning colors and enjoy repetitive, rhythmic texts.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous and disobedient young Peter Rabbit as he is chased about the garden of Mr. McGregor after feasting on vegetables he was told not to touch.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures young imaginations with its lively narrative and detailed illustrations, teaching lessons about obedience and the consequences of one's actions.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and playful mischief.

Educational Story 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 and Rhyme
  • Synopsis: A lively alphabet rhyme where the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh no - Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and phonemic awareness, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines playful text and bold colorful illustrations, making learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are starting to learn the alphabet and enjoy rhythmic, lively stories.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book captures the adventures of a little boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploration and curiosity about the natural world, emotional growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that celebrates the simple joys of playing in the snow, with beautiful, collage-style illustrations that capture the wonder of a snowy day.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in the wonders of snow and enjoy stories of everyday adventures.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Family, Classic
  • Synopsis: This tender story between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare expresses the large and small measurements of love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of measurements, expressive language skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the boundless and tender love between a parent and child through a sweet narrative.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents who enjoy bedtime stories that highlight affection and bonding.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature to keep from being eaten by predators, only to encounter the mythical Gruffalo itself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, vocabulary, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty, rhyming tale that encourages clever thinking and bravery, with engaging illustrations that bring the story to life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love engaging with fantastical creatures and enjoy stories that involve cleverness and wit.

• We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: A family goes on an exciting adventure, facing rivers, mud, forests, and other obstacles in search of a bear.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory skills, rhythm and repetition, courage and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines poetic narrative with delightful watercolor illustrations, capturing the thrill of an adventure and the warmth of family.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy action-packed stories and those who love repeating catchy phrases and sounds.

Challenging Story Books for 4-5-Year-Olds

• Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Inspirational, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young protagonist embarks on a journey through various landscapes and challenges, ultimately discovering life's great adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex vocabulary and metaphorical language that challenges young readers to think about abstract concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires confidence and resilience, encouraging children to face the unknown with optimism and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to understand life's bigger lessons and enjoy vibrant, imaginative illustrations.

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Environmental, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The Lorax speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler in a tale of environmental conservation and responsibility.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like environmental impact and ethical responsibility, presented through a unique narrative style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about conservation and the effects of human activity on the environment in a way that is accessible and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Eco-conscious families and young readers interested in nature and storytelling that includes a moral lesson.

• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Friendship, Emotional
  • Synopsis: A lifelong relationship between a boy and a tree is explored, showing the tree's unconditional giving and the boy's taking.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of selflessness, love, and loss, which are advanced emotional concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant and simple narrative that can help instill values of gratitude, kindness, and consideration for others.
  • Perfect for: Children who are exploring complex emotions and the dynamics of relationships.

• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
  • Genre(s): Animal Story, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After being separated from her mother, Stellaluna, a young fruit bat, is raised by birds but struggles to fit in.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of identity and conformity through the lens of animal characters, blending factual animal behavior with emotional storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that celebrates differences and teaches important lessons about acceptance and true self.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about friendship and finding one's place in the world.

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Feminism
  • Synopsis: Princess Elizabeth dons a paper bag to rescue her fiancé from a dragon, only to find her own strength and independence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It subverts traditional gender roles and introduces themes of independence and self-respect.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers young readers, particularly girls, to think independently and value personal strength over superficial appearances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories that promote strong, independent characters.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to cultivate a love of reading in your 4-5-year-old, you're in the right place. Engaging young children with books isn't just about reading to them; it's about making reading a fun and interactive habit. Below are some great exercises that can help develop good reading habits in young children. Each activity is designed to be enjoyable and beneficial, fostering a lifelong love for reading.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you and your child look at the pictures in a book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Making guesses about the story's plot before and during reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages active thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Pause your reading at key points and ask your child what they think will happen next.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Taking turns to read aloud from a storybook with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Emphasize the fun by changing your voice for different characters.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Acting out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a character.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and memorable.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: A chart that tracks the number of books your child reads or listens to.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more often.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a special treat for reaching reading milestones.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Drawing a map or sequence of events from the story after reading.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and recall of story details.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colorful markers to make the activity more engaging.

Implementing these exercises into your reading routine will not only help your child develop strong reading habits but also enhance their enjoyment and understanding of stories. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure reading time is always fun. Happy reading!