Best Books for 4 Year Olds Waterstones (2026)

Four is the age of longer stories and bigger questions, and the best books for 4 year olds waterstones searches turn up collections, series books and gentle tales. We compared five by fit for a 4-year-old reader, contents and edition, and value, using only what each listing publishes. Every pick names its stated reading age and page count.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Good Night Stories Rebel Girls	9.7/10	Buy
2	The Hare-Shaped Hole	9.7/10	Buy
3	Mini Rabbit Is Not Lost	9.6/10	Buy
4	Open Very Carefully	9.6/10	Buy
5	Grandad's Secret Giant	9.5/10	Buy

1

Good Night Stories Rebel Girls

Rebel Girls·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 248-page collection of 100+ tales of extraordinary women, new edition from 2025.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 100+ tales in 248 pages, the most contents here
• 2025 new edition, the most recent pick
• Reading age 5+ and grade level 3 to 7 stated

Cons

• Reading age 5+ skews older than 4
• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher
• Long book needs many sittings

2

The Hare-Shaped Hole

John Dougherty·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 40-page picture book about loss and friendship, for ages 3 to 5, from 2024.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Reading age 3 to 5, a direct fit for 4 year olds
• 40 pages with a gentle story on big feelings
• 2024 publication, recent

Cons

• Loss theme needs a grown-up to guide discussion
• 40 pages is mid-length for this roundup
• No reading age from customers is marked

3

Mini Rabbit Is Not Lost

John Bond·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 32-page Mini Rabbit picture book, for ages 3 to 7, from Neal Porter Books.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Reading age 3 to 7 covers 4 year olds well
• Grade level Preschool to 2 stated
• Part of a known picture book series

Cons

• 2019 publication date
• 32 pages is short for repeated reading
• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher

4

Open Very Carefully

Nick Bromley·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 30-page interactive picture book, for ages 2 to 5, from Nosy Crow.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Interactive format keeps 4 year olds engaged
• Reading age 2 to 5 stated on the listing
• Nosy Crow, a known picture book maker

Cons

• 2014 publication date, the oldest dated pick
• 30 pages is short
• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher

5

Grandad's Secret Giant

Grandad's·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A giant-format hardcover picture book about a grandad's secret, for ages 2 to 6.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Giant format hardcover suits shared reading
• Reading age 2 to 6 stated on the listing
• Frances Lincoln children's imprint

Cons

• No page count is stated
• Giant format needs shelf space
• No grade level is stated

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 18 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. All five picks list a reading age, and three list a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best books for 4 year olds waterstones lists

Match the age band

Four of the five list ages covering 4: 3 to 5, 3 to 7, 2 to 5 and 2 to 6. The Rebel Girls collection states 5+, which skews older. Browse our picture books shelf for more by age.

Collections or single stories

The Rebel Girls book holds 100+ tales in 248 pages for many sittings; the others are single stories of 30 to 40 pages. Pick the format that matches the child’s attention span.

Check the themes

The Hare-Shaped Hole handles loss gently and needs a grown-up nearby; the others are lighter. Read the theme before sharing it.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age on the listing: 2 to 7 years across these picks.
• Decide between a long collection and single stories.
• Confirm the page count suits the child’s attention span.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are these books for?

The listings give reading ages from 2 to 7 years. Three also list grade levels from Preschool to 7.

Which book has the most stories?

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100+ tales in 248 pages, new edition from 2025.

Which book fits a 4 year old exactly?

The Hare-Shaped Hole states ages 3 to 5 and Mini Rabbit Is Not Lost states 3 to 7, both covering 4.

Still deciding? Our top pickGood Night Stories Rebel Girls

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

See every picture books list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: workbooks for 4 year olds.