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Four is the age of "again, again!" Children this age want the same favourite read every night, join in with every repeated line and pore over the pictures long after the words are done. The books below are the ones our editors would put on any Reception shelf: big on rhythm, warmth and things to spot.
The short answer
- The one to start with
- I Am Bat by Morag Hood — This must be one of the brightest and best picture books of the year. With…
- A favourite to share
- Hello, Friend! by Rebecca Cobb — A sweet story which also provides a lot of scope for thoughtful…
- For keen readers
- I heard a Bird by Rob Ramsden — The perfect introduction to mindfulness and the beauty of the natural…
What to look for at age 4
Look for strong rhythm and rhyme, repeated refrains they can chant along to, and pictures that tell part of the story the words leave out. Funny books are always a hit. Books about starting school, friendship and feelings help with the big changes of this year.
Our pick of the best books for 4 year olds
I Am Bat by Morag Hood
This must be one of the brightest and best picture books of the year. With minimalist illustrations – simple shapes against blocks of Day-Glo colour – and short lines of…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamHello, Friend! by Rebecca Cobb
A sweet story which also provides a lot of scope for thoughtful conversation and reflectionReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamI heard a Bird by Rob Ramsden
The perfect introduction to mindfulness and the beauty of the natural world around usReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Diddle That Dummed by Kes Gray
Outrageously funny story that will have everyone laughing out loudReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamSusan Laughs by Jeanne Willis
A brilliant and important book that should be in every classroom for its positive portrayal of disability.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamPlease Mr Panda by Steve Antony
A humorous lesson in manners from the most endearingly grumpy panda. Likely to become a class catchphrase!Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamSam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
Wonderful example of pictures telling the true story to great witty effect from a brilliantly talented partnershipReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamCatch That Chicken! by Atinuke
Fast, brave Lami has to learn to do quick thinking, not quick running, if she wants to be the best chicken catcher in the village!Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamOctopus Shocktopus! by Peter Bently
Fun and games with a fluorescent octopus on the roof!Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamColours, Colours Everywhere by Julia Donaldson
This incredible interactive exploration of colour is an absolute gem. A beautiful gift book.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamRainbowsaurus by Steve Antony
Colourful, noisy and utterly joyful, a surefire hit to be enjoyed again and again.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamHow Do You Feel? by Anthony Browne
Former Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne’s characteristic and affecting illustrations are skilful in capturing simple emotions.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamI am a Tiger by Karl Newson
A deliciously playful fantasy tells how an audacious and ebullient mouse identifies himself as being something very much more than he is.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamArlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep by Catherine Rayner
The perfect bedtime story that can teach us all how to unwindReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamLuna Loves Gardening by Joseph Coelho
In the latest in this delightful series, Luna learns about plants across the world and how each tells its own story.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamPenguin Huddle by Ross Montgomery
Utterly charming and hilarious story celebrating the community spirit that penguins are renowned for, with vividly characterful illustrations, and a great solution to…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBlow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss by Joseph Coelho
Poems to share with little onesReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWell Done, Mummy Penguin by Chris Haughton
A book to love on every levelReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamGrey by Laura Dockrill
Full of warmth and kindness this is a perfect book for sharing.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamI Love Books by Mariajo Ilustrajo
A love story to books and reading, celebrating the untold adventures to be enjoyed between the pages of a good book.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids team
These 20 books come from our Reception reading list of 40 titles for the 2026/27 school year. Looking for a little younger or older? See books for 5 year olds, or our guide to The Best Picture Books.
Chosen by experts, not an algorithm
Every title here comes from our Reception reading list, chosen by LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists — people who match books to real children every day. We’ve recommended on merit since 2005, and through our Schools Reading Programme we see which stories genuinely land with this age group. When you buy through us, up to 25% of the cover price can go to a school of your choice.
Each is named, with a photograph and full biography, on our editorial experts page.
Members of the panel include:
Julia Eccleshare MBEAward-winning children’s literature expert and former Guardian Children’s Editor
Amy McKayFormer UK School Librarian of the Year and Yoto Carnegies National Coordinator
Joy CourtLeading children’s literature expert and former Chair of the CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals
Deborah MaclarenLoveReading CEO and literary prize judge, championing books and reading for pleasure
Your questions answered
What should a 4 year old read?
Our editors recommend starting with I Am Bat by Morag Hood, Hello, Friend! by Rebecca Cobb and I heard a Bird by Rob Ramsden, all from our Reception reading list. The full list of 20 books is on this page.
Which school year is a 4 year old in?
In England, most children turn 4 during Reception, so these books come from our Reception list. Children read at very different levels, so look at the ages either side too.
How are these books chosen?
By LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists, including former Carnegie judges and school librarians, not by sales rank or an algorithm. We have recommended books on merit since 2005.
What if my child is a reluctant reader?
Try shorter, funnier or illustrated books first, and let them choose. Our guide to the best books for reluctant readers has picks chosen to win children round.