Best Read Aloud Library Finds for My 4-Year-Old – Volume 3

2/10/2026

A collage of colorful children’s book covers arranged in a grid, including titles such as Leo + Lea, Too Many Carrots, If You Take a Mouse to School, Because of an Acorn, and Sometimes Rain. Text at the bottom reads, “Best Read Aloud Library Finds for My 4-Year-Old – Volume 3.”

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Books We Read at 4 (And Still Love at 5)

Welcome back to my ongoing series of library favorites with this installment: Best Read Aloud Library Finds for My 4-Year-Old – Volume 3!

A quick disclaimer before we dive in: my son is 5 years old now lol, but these were absolutely the books we were reading back when he was four. Yes, I am a little behind on posting this because… life.

There will be a 4th and final volume coming soon before we switch gears a bit and see what Volume 1 for my 5-year old has in store.

Now that you're up to speed, this particular library haul was from the early fall. It ended up being such a randomly fun stack of read-alouds. Many stories were engaging, the illustrations kept his attention, and several of these are the kind of books I know he’d happily read again even now.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through each title we checked out, what made it a hit (or not), and the little moments that made these reads extra memorable.

Too Many Carrots

Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson is a cute little tale about friendship, sharing, and learning to let go. Rabbit loves his carrots a little too much. So much that they start taking over his home! When he turns to his friends for help, his big pile of carrots causes one hilarious disaster after another. With busy and colorful illustrations and a sweet message about kindness and generosity, this charming story teaches young readers that sharing what you have makes life much happier for everyone.

Leo + Lea

Leo + Lea by Monica Wesolowska and illustrated by Kenard Pak is a touching and imaginative story that beautifully blends friendship, math, and art. Leo loves numbers and sees the world through counting, while Lea finds joy in patterns and creativity. When these two unique thinkers meet, they discover how their different ways of seeing the world can come together in harmony. With poetic text and mesmerizing illustrations that follow the Fibonacci sequence, this book invites young readers to notice the beauty and order all around them. It’s a warm, thoughtful story that encourages kids to celebrate what makes them unique and to find connection through curiosity and wonder.

If You Give a Pig a Party

If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Numeroff is an energetic story that takes readers on a whirlwind of fun as a playful pig plans the ultimate celebration. From balloons and decorations to a wild round of games with all her animal friends, every page bursts with excitement and laughter. Just like the other books in the beloved If You Give… series, this story’s charming circular pattern keeps young readers guessing what the pig will want next. With Felicia Bond’s cheerful illustrations and a lighthearted tone, it’s the perfect book for storytime, reminding kids how wonderful it is to celebrate friendship, fun, and a little bit of silliness.

Apple Picking Day!

Before reading this book, we went apple picking as a family. I love helping my kids make real-life connections to the books we read because it makes the story feel more personal and relatable. When they can see themselves in the pages, it quickly becomes the kind of book they want to read again and again. As we read, both of my kids kept comparing what was happening in the story to our own apple-picking trip, and it made the whole book come alive. Needless to say, it was a special read for all of us.

Apple Picking Day! by Candice Ransom is a simple and easy-to-read story that perfectly captures the joy of fall. Follow a brother and sister as they spend a sunny day at the orchard, racing through rows of trees and experiencing the warm sense of family togetherness that fills every page.

It's Taco Knight!

It’s Taco Knight! by Megan Maynor is a hilarious twist on dinnertime, starring a lineup of “dinner knights” who each take a turn feeding the entire village. When Taco Knight makes his grand debut, the townspeople can’t get enough of him, but his big confidence and very enthusiastic approach quickly land him in a lesson about sharing the spotlight and staying open-minded about other food choices.

This one was easily a standout from our library haul. In fact, my son recently asked if we could check this one out again. Honestly, I'm probably just going to buy it so I absolutely recommend adding it to your read-aloud stack!

If You Take a Mouse to School

If You Take a Mouse to School is another energetic story that turns an ordinary school day into a hilarious adventure. When Mouse tags along for class, one thing leads to another (as usual). Fom packing lunch to science experiments and even building a mouse-sized house! Laura Numeroff’s playful cause-and-effect storytelling and Felicia Bond’s bright, detailed illustrations make this book a fun read for kids who love the If You Give... series. Young readers will giggle through the various pages while learning about curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery in the classroom.

Sometimes Rain

Sometimes Rain is a gentle and lyrical celebration of the changing seasons and the joy each one brings. From splashing in puddles to playing in the snow, this beautifully rhyming story invites young readers to notice and appreciate nature’s rhythms. Meg Fleming’s poetic words paired with Diana Sudyka’s vibrant watercolor illustrations create a warm, cozy atmosphere that perfectly captures the magic of the outdoors. My kids loved following the friends on each page through sunshine, rain, and snow. It's clear to see that every kind of weather has something wonderful to offer.

The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is a heartwarming story about kindness, compassion, and unexpected friendship, but I think he found this one a little boring. It lacked the action, adventure and colorfulness that usually pulls him into a book.

Known for scaring animals away, the lonely Scarecrow surprises everyone when he gently cares for a frightened baby crow that falls from the sky. Through seasons of change, their bond grows, showing that even the unlikeliest friendships can bring warmth and joy. With Beth Ferry’s tender storytelling and the Fan Brothers’ stunning artwork, this touching tale reminds young readers that kindness has the power to heal and connect hearts in the most wonderful ways.

Because of an Acorn

Because of an Acorn is a gentle and simple story that shows how even the smallest things can make a big difference in nature, but this wasn't my son's favorite in the bunch. However, he did sit though it and studied the pictures.

From one tiny acorn comes a tree, a home for birds, and a whole forest full of life. Through its poetic words, this book helps young readers see how everything in nature is connected and how life grows in wonderful cycles. It’s a peaceful and inspiring read that encourages curiosity, appreciation for the environment, and a sense of wonder about the world around us.

Have you or your child read any of these books? What did you think?

Which library books have been a hit in your home lately? I'd love to add them to our list!

Do you have a favorite fall themed read aloud for toddlers? Share it below!

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Your feedback is always appreciated.