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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to dive into the world of storytelling with your little one? Writing books for 4-year-olds can be a delightful adventure that opens up a universe of creativity and learning. Whether you're crafting stories together or finding the ideal book to spark their imagination, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to discover our handpicked lists of writing books for 4-year-olds that promise to enchant and educate.

Fun Writing Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a caterpillar eating his way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to counting, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are curious about nature and learning basic concepts.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck—all parade across the pages of this delightful book, teaching children about colors and animals.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhythmic text makes it easy for young readers to participate in the reading, enhancing their pre-reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy repetition and vibrant illustrations.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet Book, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: The letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh no - Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lively and rhythmic romp that helps kids remember their ABCs and enjoy the sounds of language.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers learning the alphabet in a playful setting.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, a young bunny goes through a bedtime ritual of saying "goodnight" to everything in sight.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its soothing text and gentle illustrations make it a perfect bedtime read, helping children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy a calming bedtime story.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mischievous boy named Max sails to the land of the Wild Things, where he becomes their king, only to find that he longs for home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventures and emotions, exploring themes of anger, imagination, and reconciliation.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids with a wild imagination.

Educational Writing Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Rhyming Book, Beginner Reader
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows the main character, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various dining partners.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, vocabulary expansion, trying new things
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, engaging book that encourages children to try new things, wrapped in delightful rhymes and repetitive patterns that help with word recognition.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy playful stories.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Circular Tale
  • Synopsis: This story describes a series of increasingly outlandish events that begin with giving a mouse a cookie.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cause and effect, sequencing, prediction
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches logical thinking and the consequences of actions in a humorous and simple way that children can easily grasp.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories that make them laugh and think at the same time.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Peter explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploring new environments, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: Its beautiful illustrations and simple, evocative text capture the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day.
  • Perfect for: Young children who delight in snow and exploring the outdoors.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other, trying to measure how much they love each other.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional expression, bonding, understanding of measurements
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet tale that helps children understand the immeasurable nature of love and affection.
  • Perfect for: Young children and their parents or caregivers, especially as a bedtime story.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale tells the story of a mischievous rabbit and the troubles he encounters in Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding consequences, adventure storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful illustrations with a narrative that teaches about the repercussions of misbehavior in a charming way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with animals and a bit of mischief.

Challenging Writing Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
  • Genre(s): Educational, Counting Book
  • Synopsis: This unique book offers no words, only numbers and beautiful illustrations, depicting a changing village and its landscapes as they evolve through the seasons, reflecting the numbers 0 through 12.
  • Why this book is challenging: The absence of text challenges children to interpret the story and numerical concepts through the illustrations alone, promoting critical thinking and visual literacy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages numerical skills and seasonal awareness, all through Anno's detailed and thought-provoking artwork.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are ready to explore numbers and seasons in a visually stimulating way.

• Tuesday by David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This nearly wordless book tells the whimsical story of frogs flying on lily pads on a Tuesday night, as seen through the eyes of bewildered townspeople.
  • Why this book is challenging: The minimal text pushes young readers to infer the narrative and sequence of events from the pictures, enhancing their interpretative skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating, imaginative story that encourages creativity and helps develop a child's ability to tell stories from visuals.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fantasy and developing their storytelling skills through pictures.

• 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 fend off predators, only to encounter the mythical beast itself.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rich, rhyming text and layered plot introduce complex language and strategic thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, cleverness, and suspense in a way that captivates and delights, while also teaching about ingenuity and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who love a good adventure and learning through rhymes.

• Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
  • Genre(s): Imagination, Conceptual
  • Synopsis: This book features a minimalist art style that follows a rabbit who turns a simple box into a variety of imaginative objects, defying anyone who says it's just a box.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages divergent thinking and creativity by transforming a common object into numerous fantastical scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions creativity and innovation, showing young readers that the world can be whatever they imagine it to be.
  • Perfect for: Creative minds who enjoy exploring the endless possibilities of simple objects.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Wordless
  • Synopsis: In this wordless narrative, a lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps into a world where adventure awaits, armed only with her red marker.
  • Why this book is challenging: The absence of text requires children to create their own narrative, enhancing their storytelling and interpretative skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a stunning visual feast that promotes imagination and creativity, inviting readers to construct their own story.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and artists who love to invent their own tales and adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When it comes to introducing the world of books to 4-year-olds, engaging them with fun and interactive exercises can make a big difference. Not only do these activities hold their attention, but they also instill a love for reading early on. Here are some exercises designed specifically for young readers:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you discuss the pictures in a book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to spark curiosity and imagination.

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Identifying and creating rhymes using words from the book or related to the story.
  • How it helps: Develops phonemic awareness, an essential skill for early reading.
  • Tips: Make it a playful activity by singing the rhymes or turning them into a game.

• Story Role-Play
  • What it is: Acting out scenes from the story after reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps children remember the story details.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and engaging.

• Alphabet Treasure Hunt
  • What it is: A game where children find objects that start with each letter of the alphabet.
  • How it helps: Reinforces letter recognition and phonics.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to label the objects with sticky notes to combine writing practice.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: Drawing a picture based on the story they just read.
  • How it helps: Encourages visualization and comprehension of the text.
  • Tips: Discuss the drawing with your child to ensure they understand the story’s events and characters.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you're not just reading with your child; you're building a foundation for a lifelong love of books. These activities make reading interactive and fun, helping your little one develop essential literacy skills in a joyful and engaging way. Happy reading!