Two categories of books that seem to closely match the developmental interests and needs of children at this age: the adventuresome and the reassuring.

Let’s Have an Adventure!
Most all fours of both genders love the mischief of Margret and H.A. Rey’s Curious George and, of course, the many zany characters, kooky words, and unexpected happenings in the worlds of the many Dr. Seuss books. Norman Bridwell’s Clifford the Big Red Dog and his incongruous, oversized troubles with his young friend Emily resonate with the physical clumsiness of some fast-growing four-year-olds.

Ezra Jack Keats books, such as The Snowy Day or Peter’s Chair are often read to younger children, but fours love to hear these stories too as reminders of how big and brave they are becoming. Fours also pore over the pictures and happenings of familiar characters such as Lowly Worm in the delightful books of Richard Scarry. Each Scarry story is packed with hidden details to find and major themes to learn about on each page. These books tend to be among the ones most shared by siblings of all ages:  Older brothers and sisters loving to quiz their four-year-old (or younger) siblings with the question, “Where’s Lowly Worm?”

Many of the books in the adventuresome category come in series, and fours love to “read” or be read the back cover of such books when they feature small pictures advertising other books in the series or by the same author. Don’t overlook this favorite literacy activity, which many four-year-olds will initiate–it’s a key to later avid reading.

Everything’s OK . . .
In the reassuring category, four-year-olds adore books that tell them over and over again that they are safe and secure and special and loved more than any other (especially in those bedtime moments when fours may have some of those nighttime fears). Many of Eric Carle’s books send soothing messages in pictures and words.. A favorite of mine is Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me.

Karen Katz’s The Colors of Us, although written about a seven-year-old exploring the color of her skin and that of others, is a wonderful book that children at four will often ask to read and look at repeatedly as they explore “same and different” among family and friends. Hugs and Kisses by Christophe Loupy with precious illustrations by Eve Tharlet is one of the sweetest reassuring books I’ve ever come across. But my all-time favorite in this category is Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse, with remarkable watercolor illustrations by Barbara Lavallee. This timeless treasure speaks to the four-year-old’s sense of adventure and desire for autonomy and the equally strong tug for security from the voice of a wise parent.

All these books remain reassuring to children as they grow, and they’re often snuck off the bookshelf by much older children, even adolescents. Be careful not to put them away too soon.

And be sure to post your favorites for fours and older as we continue to share this “developmental reading review.” We all want to hear from you!