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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect reading material to captivate your little one? Look no further than Usborne Books for 4-Year-Olds! These books are expertly crafted to engage young minds and foster a love of reading early on. Whether you're looking for stories to share during bedtime or interactive books to keep them entertained, Usborne has something that will spark their imagination. Keep reading to discover our various lists of Usborne Books for 4-Year-Olds that are sure to be a hit with your preschooler!

Fun Usborne Books for 4-Year-Olds

• That's Not My Puppy... by Fiona Watt, illustrated by Rachel Wells
  • Genre(s): Touch-and-Feel Board Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive book allows children to explore different textures as they search for their puppy among several others, each with its own unique tactile experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances sensory development and encourages interactive reading from an early age.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who enjoy sensory play and animal lovers.

• Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Animals by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay
  • Genre(s): Interactive, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging book answers common questions kids might have about animals, with flaps to lift and discover the answers beneath.
  • Why we recommend this book: It nurtures curiosity about the natural world and helps develop fine motor skills through the lifting of flaps.
  • Perfect for: Curious youngsters who love exploring and learning about different animals.

• Peep Inside the Garden by Anna Milbourne, illustrated by Simona Dimitri
  • Genre(s): Educational, Lift-the-Flap
  • Synopsis: A delightful exploration of what goes on in a garden, from the creatures that inhabit it to the plants that grow there, all revealed through peep-through holes and flaps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic science concepts and encourages a connection with nature.
  • Perfect for: Little explorers who enjoy discovering nature and the outdoors.

• First Thousand Words in English by Heather Amery, illustrated by Stephen Cartwright
  • Genre(s): Language, Picture Dictionary
  • Synopsis: This vibrant book provides children with a wealth of vocabulary, each word illustrated to enhance understanding and recall.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun introduction to language learning, boosting vocabulary and observational skills.
  • Perfect for: Young learners eager to expand their English vocabulary in a playful way.

• The Usborne Big Book of Colors by Felicity Brooks, illustrated by Sophia Touliatou
  • Genre(s): Concept Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This colorful book teaches children about different colors, shades, and how they are used, with beautiful illustrations and interactive elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It aids in the understanding of colors and enhances visual perception.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child interested in learning more about colors and their applications.

Educational Usborne Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Look Inside Your Body by Louie Stowell, illustrated by Kate Leake
  • Genre(s): Educational, Lift-the-Flap
  • Synopsis: This interactive book takes children on a fascinating tour of the human body with flaps to lift and explore various organs and systems.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic anatomy, understanding of human physiology
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an engaging and accessible introduction to the human body, encouraging curiosity and learning.
  • Perfect for: Young learners interested in science and how their bodies work.

• First Sticker Book Zoo by Sam Taplin, illustrated by Cecilia Johansson
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Sticker Book
  • Synopsis: This book allows children to populate zoo scenes with stickers, learning about different animals and their environments along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal recognition, fine motor skills, creative placement
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun with education, teaching children about zoo animals while they engage in hands-on activity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and enjoy sticker activities.

• The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas by Fiona Watt, illustrated by Antonia Miller
  • Genre(s): Arts, Crafts
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide offers a wide range of art projects from drawing and painting to collaging and printing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, artistic skills, hand-eye coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires creativity and provides numerous ideas to keep children engaged in artistic activities.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child interested in exploring different art techniques.

• Big Book of Big Dinosaurs by Alex Frith, illustrated by Fabiano Fiorin
  • Genre(s): Educational, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A large-format book that introduces children to the world of dinosaurs, featuring some of the biggest creatures that ever roamed the earth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Dinosaur knowledge, prehistoric concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fascinating facts and dramatic illustrations that capture the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Dinosaur enthusiasts and young paleontologists in the making.

• Wind-Up Bus by Fiona Watt, illustrated by Stefano Tognetti
  • Genre(s): Toy Book, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This unique book includes a wind-up model of a bus that travels through three-dimensional tracks embedded in the pages.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of mechanics, fine motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an interactive reading experience that combines reading with physical activity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by vehicles and mechanical toys.

Challenging Usborne Books for 4-Year-Olds

• See Inside Math by Alex Frith, illustrated by Colin King
  • Genre(s): Educational, Lift-the-Flap
  • Synopsis: This book delves into basic mathematical concepts through interactive flaps that reveal the secrets and applications of math in everyday life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex mathematical concepts in a simplified manner, which challenges young minds to think critically and understand abstract ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes math fun and accessible, encouraging a love for a subject that can often seem daunting at young ages.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who show an early interest in numbers and problem-solving.

• The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science by Corinne Stockley, Chris Oxlade, and Jane Wertheim
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive resource that explains various scientific terms and concepts from physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses detailed explanations and scientific vocabulary that go beyond basic early childhood education.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for inquisitive kids who have a thirst for knowledge and an interest in how things work.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• Lift-the-Flap General Knowledge by Alex Frith, illustrated by James Maclaine
  • Genre(s): Interactive, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging book covers a wide range of topics from history to space, with flaps that kids can lift to uncover fun facts and information.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad spectrum of knowledge, encouraging children to learn about diverse subjects at an early age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It nurtures a broad range of interests and stimulates a love for learning through interactive elements.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy discovering new facts about the world around them.

• Illustrated Stories from Around the World by Various Authors, illustrated by Anja Klauss
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tales, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: A collection of enchanting stories from different cultures around the globe, beautifully illustrated to capture the imagination of young readers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces diverse cultures and traditions through storytelling, which can help develop empathy and global awareness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful way to travel the world through stories, expanding a child’s understanding of diverse societies and customs.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a love for stories and an interest in different cultures.

• The Usborne Book of the Moon by Laura Cowan, illustrated by Diana Toledano
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a journey to discover the moon’s history, its relationship with Earth, and the role it plays in our solar system.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed scientific content about astronomy and space exploration, tailored for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires awe and curiosity about space and scientific discovery, fostering a sense of wonder about the universe.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and future astronomers.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 4-year-old develop good reading habits with some fun Usborne books, you're in the right place. Here are a few exercises that are not only enjoyable but also beneficial for little readers. Let's dive in!

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Before reading, flip through the book and look at all the pictures.
  • How it helps: Encourages prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Find objects around the house that start with the same letter or sound as seen in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonetic awareness and letter recognition.
  • Tips: Keep it playful by turning it into a scavenger hunt.

• Story Retell
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory skills.
  • Tips: Use props or the book’s illustrations to help jog their memory.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out the story with your child, using costumes or toys as props.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper engagement with the text and stimulates imagination.
  • Tips: Let your child take the lead in choosing roles and deciding how the story unfolds.

• Read and Craft
  • What it is: Create a simple craft related to the story.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the story’s themes and details through hands-on activity.
  • Tips: Keep craft materials ready before reading to maintain interest.

These exercises are designed to make reading a dynamic and interactive experience for your young one. By integrating these fun activities into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your child's literacy skills but also instill a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading and playing!