Must reads for 4 year olds

(By Dr. Seuss) How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss is a holiday classic that tells the story of the Grinch, a grouchy creature who tries to ruin Christmas for the people of Whoville. However, through the kindness and joy of the Whos, the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with humor, colorful illustrations, and an uplifting message about generosity and kindness, this book is a heartwarming holiday favorite for all ages.

(By Ian Falconer) Olivia, an energetic piglet with a big imagination, takes readers through her daily adventures filled with art, music, and mischief. The simple yet expressive illustrations and witty storytelling make this book a modern classic.

(By A.A. Milne) The sequel to Winnie-the-Pooh, introducing Tigger and continuing the heartwarming stories of Christopher Robin and his animal friends. A nostalgic and beautifully written book about childhood and friendship.

(By Virginia Lee Burton) The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton tells the story of a small house in the country that eventually becomes surrounded by a growing city. The book showcases themes of change, urbanization, and nostalgia, as the little house longs to return to its peaceful countryside origins. Its detailed illustrations and poignant narrative make it a timeless story about the passage of time and the importance of place.

(By Marcus Pfister) Marcus Pfister’s beautifully illustrated book about a shimmering fish who learns the value of sharing and friendship. The book’s colorful artwork and important message about generosity make it a favorite among young readers.

(By Robert E. Wells) This engaging nonfiction book explores the concept of size by comparing a blue whale to larger and larger objects, ultimately introducing young readers to the vastness of the universe in a fun and accessible way.

(By Dr. Seuss) A lively and engaging introduction to the alphabet with Dr. Seuss’s signature rhymes and whimsical characters. With silly words and catchy phrases, it makes learning letters fun for young readers.

(By Amanda Beth Connolly) A playful rhyming book about Jake, a sleepy boy who refuses to wake up, no matter what his family tries. With fun illustrations and a relatable storyline, it's perfect for little ones who struggle with mornings.

(By Beatrix Potter) A collection of Beatrix Potter’s beloved tales featuring Peter Rabbit, a mischievous bunny who often finds himself in trouble in Mr. McGregor’s garden. A timeless and beautifully illustrated classic.

(By Cheska Komissar) A beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to the concept of perspective, showing how four can be seen as a little or a lot depending on the context. A clever and engaging way to encourage mathematical thinking.

(By Dr. Seuss) A playful and silly Dr. Seuss book filled with rhymes, wordplay, and nonsense characters, designed to introduce young readers to language, counting, and opposites. Its fun, repetitive structure makes it perfect for early reading.

(By Nikki Smith) A rhythmic, sing-along book based on the classic nursery rhyme about five little ducks who wander away and return one by one. A great choice for early counting skills.

(By Alice Provensen) A beautifully illustrated book that takes readers through the seasons on a farm, showcasing the changes in nature and farm life. A wonderful introduction to the concept of seasons for young readers.

(By Wanda Gág) Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág is a charming story about an elderly couple who seek to adopt a cat, only to find themselves overwhelmed by millions of cats. As they try to choose the right one, the cats multiply, leading to a heartwarming and humorous conclusion. The book teaches children about love, abundance, and the importance of making thoughtful choices.

(By Beatrix Potter) The classic tale of Peter Rabbit’s misadventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden, written by Beatrix Potter, is filled with charming illustrations and timeless lessons about curiosity, mischief, and responsibility.

(By Audrey Penn) A comforting story by Audrey Penn about a young raccoon, Chester, who is nervous about starting school. His mother reassures him by giving him a special kiss on his paw, which he can hold onto whenever he misses her. The book provides a heartwarming message about love, separation, and reassurance for children experiencing new transitions.

(By Margret Rey) A collection of classic stories featuring the mischievous Curious George, who always finds himself in trouble but learns valuable lessons along the way. An essential book for fans of adventure and curiosity.

(By Peggy Parish) The literal-minded Amelia Bedelia babysits, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings. A fun and charming book that showcases wordplay and humor.

(By Bill Martin Jr.) A lively, rhythmic alphabet book where letters race up a coconut tree, only to come crashing down. The catchy rhymes and bold, colorful illustrations make learning the ABCs fun and engaging for young readers.

(By Robert McCloskey) Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is a charming story about a family of ducks trying to find a home in Boston. The story follows the ducks as they navigate the busy streets and avoid obstacles on their journey to safety. With its detailed illustrations and gentle storytelling, the book teaches children about family, safety, and the importance of helping others. It’s a delightful read for young children and an enduring classic.

(By P.D. Eastman) A heartwarming and simple story by P.D. Eastman, following a baby bird who hatches while his mother is away and embarks on a journey to find her. The book introduces young readers to themes of curiosity, identity, and the comfort of a mother’s love.

(By Nikki Smith) A playful, cumulative rhyme that follows the bizarre story of an old woman who swallows increasingly larger creatures. A humorous and engaging book with vibrant illustrations.

(By P.D. Eastman) Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman is a fun, fast-paced book featuring colorful dogs in a variety of situations. The story follows these dogs as they go, drive, and explore, teaching concepts like opposites, colors, and movement. Its repetitive structure and simple language make it a perfect book for young readers just starting to recognize words and patterns. The lively illustrations and playful tone make it an engaging and energetic read for children.

(By Ian Falconer) When Olivia’s favorite toy goes missing, she embarks on a dramatic (and very Olivia-like) investigation. A fun and relatable story about problem-solving and determination.

(By Mo Willems) Trixie, a toddler, loses her beloved stuffed bunny on a trip to the laundromat, leading to a hilarious and touching adventure. The combination of real-life photography and expressive illustrations makes this a standout book.

(By Al Perkins) A rhythmic, fun-to-read book featuring a group of playful monkeys drumming on everything in sight. With repetitive sounds and simple text, it’s a great choice for early literacy and interactive reading.

(By Ed Emberley) A clever interactive book where a monster slowly appears and then disappears as pages are turned. Perfect for helping young children conquer nighttime fears in a fun, empowering way.

(By Eric Litwin) Pete the Cat stays positive as his white shoes change colors throughout the day. A groovy and upbeat story about resilience and adaptability.

(By Jon Stone) The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone is a playful and interactive story starring Grover from Sesame Street. Grover desperately tries to stop the reader from reaching the end of the book, fearing the monster. As the story unfolds, Grover's antics and humorous pleas keep children engaged, making this a fun and exciting read. It’s a lighthearted way to teach kids about overcoming fears with humor and bravery.

(By William A.E. Ford) A mischievous boy named Timothy builds a time machine and travels to different historical periods, causing chaos along the way. This rhyming story combines adventure, humor, and time travel in a fun, engaging way.

(By Maurice Sendak) Maurice Sendak’s groundbreaking picture book follows Max, a mischievous boy who is sent to bed without supper and journeys to an island of wild creatures. Crowned their king, Max eventually realizes the importance of home and love. With its dreamlike illustrations and deep emotional themes, the book remains a masterpiece of children’s literature.

(By Virginia Lee Burton) Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton tells the story of Katy, a big red plow truck who is tasked with clearing the snow from the streets during a heavy winter storm. The book celebrates hard work, perseverance, and the importance of helping others in times of need. Its detailed illustrations and engaging storyline make it a perfect winter read for children.

(By Maurice Sendak) A surreal bedtime adventure where a young boy, Mickey, dreams of floating into a magical kitchen, helping bakers prepare a cake for the morning. Filled with dreamlike imagery and whimsical nonsense, the story captures the wonder of a child's imagination.

(By Victoria Kann) A delightful story about a girl who loves pink cupcakes so much that she turns pink herself! A fun and whimsical book with a lighthearted lesson on moderation.

(By Ludwig Bemelmans) Ludwig Bemelmans’ iconic book follows Madeline, a brave and adventurous girl who lives in a Parisian boarding school. With its rhyming text and charming illustrations, the story highlights courage, friendship, and the beauty of childhood exploration.

(By Mo Willems) An Elephant & Piggie book by Mo Willems, this story follows Gerald and Piggie as they try to include a snake in their game of catch. However, since the snake has no arms, they must figure out a way to make the game work. With hilarious illustrations and a heartwarming message about inclusion and problem-solving, it’s a great early-reader book.

(By Ludwig Bemelmans) In this classic tale, Madeline is saved from a near accident by a heroic dog, leading to a charming adventure as the girls in her boarding school all want to keep the pup.

(By Don Freeman) Don Freeman’s Corduroy follows a small teddy bear in a department store who embarks on a nighttime adventure in search of his missing button, hoping it will help him find a home. The story captures themes of friendship, acceptance, and the love between a child and a cherished toy.

(By Dr. Seuss) The mischievous Cat in the Hat causes chaos and fun when he visits two bored children on a rainy day, introducing them to a world of fun and imagination, all while teaching valuable life lessons.

(By Joyce Lankester Brisley) A collection of sweet, nostalgic tales following Milly-Molly-Mandy and her simple yet endearing childhood adventures in an English village.

(By Audrey Wood) A beautifully illustrated and imaginative book that follows ten playful piggies as they dance, sing, and make mischief on a child’s fingers. The lyrical text and expressive illustrations bring each piggie to life, teaching young readers about numbers and fingerplay. The book’s gentle humor and rhythmic storytelling make it a delightful choice for bedtime or interactive reading.

(By Dr. Seuss) One of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved books, Green Eggs and Ham follows Sam-I-Am as he persistently tries to convince another character to try an unusual meal. Through humorous rhymes and repetition, the book encourages children to be open to new experiences. Its simple vocabulary and engaging rhythm make it an excellent choice for early readers.

(By Arnold Lobel) A collection of charming short stories about the friendship between Frog and Toad, celebrating everyday adventures and the value of companionship.

(By Laura Joffe Numeroff) A fun, cause-and-effect story by Laura Numeroff, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie follows a little mouse whose requests spiral into a series of increasingly elaborate demands. The book introduces young readers to sequencing and the idea of unintended consequences in a lighthearted, amusing way.

(By Stan Berenstain) The Berenstain Bears explore scientific concepts, covering weather, animals, and the environment in an engaging and accessible way. A fantastic resource for curious young minds.

(By William Steig) A clever book that uses letters and phonetics to form words and sentences (e.g., "C D B" = "See the bee"). A fun and interactive way to encourage children to play with language.

(By Dr. Seuss) A powerful environmental fable by Dr. Seuss, The Lorax tells the story of the Once-ler, who destroys a lush forest to manufacture Thneeds, despite the warnings of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. The book highlights the consequences of unchecked industrialization and serves as an early lesson in conservation and sustainability.

(By Richard Scarry) What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry explores various occupations and the daily activities of different people in a busy world. With its detailed illustrations and lively characters, this book introduces children to the diverse tasks and roles that help make a community function. The book provides a great introduction to careers and daily life, making it both educational and entertaining for young readers.

(By Sam McBratney) A sweet and tender story about a father and son (two hares) who express their love for each other in a playful, ever-growing competition. Written by Sam McBratney, this book is a heartfelt celebration of parental love and the joy of expressing affection.

(By Robert Munsch) This touching story by Robert Munsch follows a mother’s unconditional love for her son as he grows from infancy to adulthood. With its emotional narrative and repetitive lullaby-like refrain, Love You Forever has become a beloved bedtime story that resonates deeply with parents and children alike.