10+ Best Musical Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the joyous world of rhythms and melodies? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of musical books for 4-year-olds is designed to capture the imagination and tickle the musical fancy of preschoolers. From interactive sound books to stories that sing, each book promises a tuneful adventure. Keep reading to discover our favorite musical books for 4-year-olds that are sure to hit the right note!

Fun Musical Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
  • Genre(s): Music, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This lively book introduces children to musical instruments and the concept of counting through an orchestra assembling one musician at a time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an engaging way to blend music education with early math skills, and the rhythmic, rhyming text makes it fun to read aloud.
  • Perfect for: Kids who show an interest in music and enjoy vibrant, colorful illustrations.

• M is for Music by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Stacy Innerst
  • Genre(s): Music, Alphabet, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book journeys through the alphabet using musical terms, from A to Z, providing a rich vocabulary of music-related words.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively teaches the alphabet and music theory simultaneously, making learning fun and musical.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are learning their letters and anyone with a budding interest in music.

• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
  • Genre(s): Music, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This touching story follows a bear who discovers a piano in the forest and becomes a world-famous pianist, only to realize that his heart misses home and his friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the importance of friendship and home, and shows how music can change one's life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about adventure and friendship.

• Music Is... by Brandon Stosuy, illustrated by Amy Martin
  • Genre(s): Music, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: A simple and stylish introduction to the concept of music, exploring different genres and the basics of what music can be.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a great way to introduce young children to the diversity of music, using simple concepts and bold illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Very young children just beginning to explore the world of music and sounds.

• Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
  • Genre(s): Music, Humorous Stories
  • Synopsis: This whimsical story tells of a boy who attends a concert near a zoo and the chaos that ensues when the animals join in with their own instruments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous and imaginative story that captures the joy and unpredictability of music.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny stories and animal characters, and those who appreciate a bit of silliness in their reading.

Educational Musical Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! by Wynton Marsalis, illustrated by Paul Rogers
  • Genre(s): Music, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book captures the various sounds that musical instruments make, described in a fun and onomatopoeic way by a jazz musician.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Listening skills, understanding of musical instruments, appreciation for jazz and music
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses playful sounds and rhythmic text to make the experience of music tangible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about sounds and music, and those who enjoy lively, rhythmic read-alouds.

• Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren
  • Genre(s): Music, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story follows a chain of events that leads a young girl to attend a symphony concert, inspiring her to become a composer herself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Inspiration in music, understanding cause and effect, career awareness in music
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how small moments can lead to big dreams, especially in the world of music.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future musicians, and any child who needs a reminder of the power of chance and inspiration.

• Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
  • Genre(s): Biography, Music
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Melba Liston, a trailblazing musician and trombonist who overcame many obstacles to become a renowned jazz artist.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, resilience, gender and racial barriers in music
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an empowering story that highlights the achievements of a lesser-known musician, encouraging perseverance and passion.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring musicians and any child interested in history and overcoming challenges.

• The Dance of the Violin by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Dušan Petričić
  • Genre(s): Music, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Joshua Bell, a violin prodigy, learns a valuable lesson about perseverance and courage when he competes in a music competition.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perseverance, understanding competition, musical dedication
  • Why we recommend this book: It shows young readers that determination and hard work are just as important as talent.
  • Perfect for: Young musicians, especially those learning to play the violin, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying.

• Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López
  • Genre(s): Biography, Music
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's taboo against female drummers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, gender equality in music, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a vibrant and poetic celebration of musical innovation and breaking cultural barriers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in music and history, and those inspired by stories of courage and breaking societal norms.

Challenging Musical Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Music
  • Synopsis: In this intriguing book, an inspector must solve the mystery of who killed the composer, with each musical instrument in the orchestra having a motive.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes advanced vocabulary and musical terminology that go beyond simple concepts, making it a stimulating read for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to orchestral music in a fun and mysterious context, encouraging both musical and critical thinking skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good mystery and those interested in learning about different musical instruments.

• The School of Music by Meurig Bowen, illustrated by Daniel Frost
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a tour through various aspects of music and music theory, guided by three quirky professors who explain everything from how to read music to composing your own.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex topics in music theory that are usually not introduced at such an early age, providing a deep dive into the subject.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive introduction to music that is both educational and engaging, with interactive elements that keep young readers interested.
  • Perfect for: Young prodigies interested in a thorough understanding of music and those who might consider a future in music.

• I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello by Barbara S. Garriel, illustrated by John O'Brien
  • Genre(s): Humorous Stories, Music
  • Synopsis: This whimsical tale follows a shy fellow who swallows a cello, among other musical instruments, in a story inspired by the classic rhyme about swallowing a fly.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful and imaginative rhymes challenge readers to predict what might happen next, enhancing their cognitive and language skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and rhythmic read that promotes an interest in musical instruments while tickling the funny bone.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy humorous rhymes and those with an interest in musical instruments.

• Max Found Two Sticks by Brian Pinkney
  • Genre(s): Music, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on a boy named Max who, instead of speaking, expresses his thoughts and feelings by drumming on various objects after finding two sticks.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages understanding and expressing emotions through music, a concept that is both abstract and sophisticated for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It supports creative expression through music and highlights the importance of non-verbal communication, offering a different perspective on how we connect with others.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are more reserved or who find joy and expression in music rather than words.

• Ah, Music! by Aliki
  • Genre(s): Music, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book is an exploration of music’s various forms and its significance in different cultures, detailing everything from music history to how we make music.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides a comprehensive overview of music that includes technical descriptions and cultural contexts, which are typically advanced topics for preschoolers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens a child’s understanding of music beyond just sounds, fostering an appreciation for music’s role in human experience and culture.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that are fascinated by how and why music is made, and those interested in different cultural expressions through music.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to combine the magic of music with the joy of reading for your 4-year-old, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and engaging exercises that will not only introduce your little one to the world of books but also help them develop good reading habits early on. Let's dive in!

• Sing-Along Reading
  • What it is: Turn the book reading session into a sing-along by using books that can be sung to the tunes of popular nursery rhymes or songs.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness and makes the reading experience memorable and fun.
  • Tips: Choose books with repetitive and rhythmic text to make singing easier.

• Musical Page Turner
  • What it is: Play a short snippet of music, and when the music stops, turn the page.
  • How it helps: Teaches patience and anticipation, while keeping the child engaged through the suspense of music.
  • Tips: Use a variety of music styles to maintain interest and excitement.

• Rhythm and Rhyme Match
  • What it is: Identify books with rhyming words and tap out the rhythms together as you read.
  • How it helps: Builds phonological awareness and helps in recognizing patterns in words and sounds.
  • Tips: Clap or tap along to the rhymes to make this exercise more interactive and fun.

• Character Karaoke
  • What it is: After reading a book, act out a favorite scene or dialogue using musical cues or background music.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows children to express themselves creatively.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to use different voices or props to make the performance more entertaining.

• Musical Story Creation
  • What it is: Create a new story together by using old books and adding your own musical twists.
  • How it helps: Fosters creativity and helps in understanding narrative structure.
  • Tips: Record the musical story session to play back later, providing a sense of accomplishment.

These exercises are a great way to make reading an active, engaging, and musical adventure for your child. By incorporating music into their reading routine, you're not only making learning enjoyable but also helping them to develop a love for books that could last a lifetime. Have fun and let the musical pages turn!