What My Kids Are Reading–Books for Ages 4-6

Here’s a book list of some new and old favorites for ages 4-6:

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick Illustrated by Sophie Blackall–This charming book explains how a Canadian soldier, Capt Harry Colebourn, headed to England in WWI, came into possession of a baby bear cub, which he named Winnipeg, or Winnie.
Winnie becomes the mascot of the Canadian soldiers, until they leave for battle, and Winnie is taken to the London zoo. It’s here that Winnie meets a special boy named Christopher Robin and his father, A.A. Milne.
The illustrations are wonderful, and there are several photographs of the real-life characters. The book was written by Capt Colebourn’s great granddaughter. We own the complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh, and this would make a wonderful companion to it.
The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper art by Loren Long–there are many versions of the little engine story, but this has long been our favorite. Two of my boys are train-obsessed, and we read this book over and over.
I love the messages of kindness, perseverance, and tenacity that this story has, and the illustrations are wonderfully detailed.
If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen–we participated in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, where children ages newborn through 5 years old receive a free book every month, in qualifying areas. It’s a fabulous program, you can go here to find out more information, and to see if your location qualifies.
This is a really fun book, full of wildly imaginative ideas (it reminds me of Dr. Seuss). All Imagination Station books have discussion questions on the back flap, which give you ideas on what to talk about with your child while reading the book.
The Story of Diva and the Flea by Mo Willems Illustrations by Tony DiTerlizzi–this is a cute story about differences between friends and facing our fears. I love the illustrations.
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo pictures by David Small–we had checked this book out several times from the library, before we received it from the Imagination Library. It’s about a boy named Elliot and his father, who’s a bit of an absent minded professor. They take a trip to an aquarium one day, and Elliot smuggles home a penguin in his backpack. Needless too say, Elliot has his hands full once they get home, and the story ends with a funny twist that shows not everything is at it seems.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt pictures by Oliver Jeffers–I’m sure you’ve heard of this book, but I think it’s such an original, creative idea. The book consists of letters from a box of disgruntled crayons to their owner, Duncan. Each has an issue with how they’re being used or not used. The follow up book is on our hold list at the library, and we can’t wait to read it as well. Check out how fun the author’s Amazon page is here.