Here are the top 30 bestselling biographies books for 4 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.
1. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear
by: Lindsay Mattick, Sophie Blackall Release date: Oct 20, 2015 Number of Pages: 56 Find in Library Read Review |
In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war.
Harry Colebourn’s real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey–from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England…
And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin.
Here is the remarkable true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh.
2. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
by: Debbie Levy, Elizabeth Baddeley Release date: Sep 20, 2016 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.
3. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead
by: Michelle Markel, LeUyen Pham Release date: Jan 05, 2016 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
In the spirit of Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope and Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride comes an inspiring portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the first female presidential nominee in United States history: a girl who fought to make a difference—and paved the way for women everywhere—from Michelle Markel and LeUyen Pham.
In the 1950s, it was a man’s world. Girls weren’t supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way. And then along came Hillary. Brave, brilliant, and unstoppable, she was out to change the world.
They said a woman couldn’t be a mother and a lawyer. Hillary was both. They said a woman shouldn’t be too strong or too smart. Hillary was fearlessly herself.
It didn’t matter what people said—she was born to lead.
With illustrations packed full of historical figures and details, this gorgeous and informative picture book biography is perfect for every budding leader. Includes a timeline, artist’s note, and bibliography.
4. Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))
by: Melissa Sweet Release date: Nov 01, 2011 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade. Winner of the 2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal and the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award.
5. Me: A Compendium: A Fill-in Journal for Kids
by: Wee Society Release date: Aug 23, 2016 Number of Pages: 96 Find in Library Read Review |
6. Heroes for My Daughter
by: Brad Meltzer Release date: Oct 25, 2016 Number of Pages: 144 Find in Library Read Review |
#1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer brings together a remarkable group of heroes with one thing in common: they were ordinary people who became extraordinary.
Brad was inspired by the birth of his daughter to curate this collection, but you don’t need to be a parent to treasure it—Heroes for My Daughter is perfect for children, parents, teachers, and anyone looking for inspiration. The sixty featured figures represent the spectacular potential we all have within us to change the world. The format allows for reading straight through or at your own pace, and includes photos, quotes, brief biographies, and vignettes that highlight the single moment that made each person great. The wonderfully diverse heroes included in the book are women, men, historical, contemporary, athletes, actors, inventors, politicians, and so many more. Heroes for My Daughter is a book to be read again and again, as the simple question of what makes a hero remains a vital part of today’s conversation.
7. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
by: Deloris Jordan, Roslyn M. Jordan, Kadir Nelson Release date: Nov 01, 2003 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he’d never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous. That’s when his mother and father stepped in and shared the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion — patience, determination, and hard work.
Deloris Jordan, mother of the basketball phenomenon, teams up with his sister Roslyn to tell this heartwarming and inspirational story that only the members of the Jordan family could tell. It’s a tale about faith and hope and how any family working together can help a child make his or her dreams come true.
8. The Story Of Ruby Bridges: Special Anniversary Edition
by: Robert Coles, George Ford Release date: Sep 01, 2010 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her. Told with Robert Coles’ powerful narrative and dramatically illustrated by George Ford, Ruby’s story of courage, faith, and hope is now available in this special 50th anniversary edition with an updated afterword!
9. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Who (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)
by: Jill Esbaum Release date: Mar 10, 2015 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
10. Snowflake Bentley
by: Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Mary Azarian Release date: Dec 28, 2009 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
“Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied.” — Wilson Bentley (1865-1931)
From the time he was a small boy in Vermont, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. And he determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley’s enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist’s vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature. Snowflake Bentley won the 1999 Caldecott Medal.
11. Me . . . Jane
by: Patrick McDonnell Release date: Apr 05, 2011 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
One of the world’s most inspiring women, Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things.
With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall’s autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young–and young at heart.
12. A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785
by: Matthew Olshan, Sophie Blackall Release date: Oct 11, 2016 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
In the year and a half since the flight of the first manned balloon in 1783, an Italian has flown, a Scot has flown, a woman has flown, even a sheep has flown. But no one has flown from one country to another. John Jeffries, an Englishman, and his pilot, Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a Frenchman, want to be the first. On January 7, 1785, they set out to cross the English Channel to France in a balloon. All seemed to be going fine, until Jeffries decides the balloon looks too fat and adjusts the air valve?how hard could it be? Too bad he drops the wrench over the side of the aerial car. With no way to adjust the valve, the balloon begins to sink. Jeffries and Blanchard throw as much as they can overboard?until there is nothing left, not even their clothes. Luckily, they come up with a clever (and surprising) solution that saves the day. A VOYAGE IN THE CLOUDS from Matthew Olshan and Sophie Blackall is a journey that will keep kids laughing the whole way.
A Margaret Ferguson Book
13. Trombone Shorty
by: Troy Andrews, Bryan Collier Release date: Apr 14, 2015 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Along with esteemed illustrator Bryan Collier, Andrews has created a lively picture book autobiography about how he followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom. Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music.
14. Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words
by: Karen Leggett Abouraya, L. C. Wheatley Release date: Jan 29, 2014 Number of Pages: 36 Find in Library Read Review |
15. Forever Young
by: Bob Dylan, Paul Rogers Release date: Sep 23, 2008 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Since it first appeared on the 1974 album Planet Waves, “Forever Young” has been one of Bob Dylan’s most beloved songs. Now award-winning artist Paul Rogers gives us a new interpretation of the lyrics. With images inspired by classic Dylan songs and pieces of his life, this is a bold and touching tribute to an anthem whose message will always stay forever young.
16. Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music
by: Margarita Engle, Rafael López Release date: Mar 31, 2015 Number of Pages: 48 Find in Library Read Review |
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.
17. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
by: Javaka Steptoe Release date: Oct 25, 2016 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Jean-Michael Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocked to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art work had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe’s vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat’s own introduce young readers to the powerful message and art doesn’t always have to be neat or clean–and definitely not inside the lines–to be beautiful.
18. Heroes for My Son
by: Brad Meltzer Release date: Oct 25, 2016 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
#1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer brings together a remarkable group of heroes with one thing in common: they were ordinary people who became extraordinary.
Brad was inspired by the birth of his first son to curate this collection, but you don’t need to be a parent to treasure it—Heroes for My Son is perfect for children, parents, teachers, and anyone looking for inspiration. The fifty-two featured figures represent the spectacular potential we all have within us to change the world. The format allows for reading straight through or at your own pace, and includes photos, quotes, brief biographies, and vignettes that highlight the single moment that made each person great. The wonderfully diverse heroes included in the book are men, women, historical, contemporary, athletes, actors, inventors, politicians, and so many more. Heroes for My Son is a book to be read again and again, as the simple question of what makes a hero remains a vital part of today’s conversation.
19. Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx (Spanish and English Edition)
by: Jonah Winter, Edel Rodriguez Release date: Nov 10, 2009 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Before Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor took her seat in our nation’s highest court, she was just a little girl in the South Bronx. Justice Sotomayor didn’t have a lot growing up, but she had what she needed — her mother’s love, a will to learn, and her own determination. With bravery she became the person she wanted to be. With hard work she succeeded. With little sunlight and only a modest plot from which to grow, Justice Sotomayor bloomed for the whole world to see.
Antes de que la magistrada de la Corte Suprema Sonia Sotomayor llegara al máximo tribunal de nuestra nación, no era más que una niñita en el South Bronx. La magistrada Sotomayor no tuvo mucho durante sus primeros años, pero sí tuvo lo que contaba — el amor de su madre, la voluntad de aprender y su propia determinación. Con valentía se hizo la persona que quería ser. Con trabajo arduo triunfó. Con un poquito de sol en un solarcito donde crecer, la magistrada Sotomayor floreció para que todo el mundo la vea.
20. Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer
by: Diane Stanley, Jessie Hartland Release date: Oct 04, 2016 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
From nonfiction stars Diane Stanley and Jessie Hartland comes a beautifully illustrated biography of Ada Lovelace, who is known as the first computer programmer.
Two hundred years ago, a daughter was born to the famous poet, Lord Byron, and his mathematical wife, Annabella.
Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, math, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind.
A hundred years before the dawn of the digital age, Ada Lovelace envisioned the computer-driven world we know today. And in demonstrating how the machine would be coded, she wrote the first computer program. She would go down in history as Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer.
Diane Stanley’s lyrical writing and Jessie Hartland’s vibrant illustrations capture the spirit of Ada Lovelace and bring her fascinating story vividly to life.
21. Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh
by: Sally M Walker, Jonathan D. Voss Release date: Jan 20, 2015 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Who could care for a bear?
When Harry Colebourn saw a baby bear for sale at the train station, he knew he could care for it. Harry was a veterinarian. But he was also a soldier in training for World War I.
Harry named the bear Winnie, short for Winnipeg, his company’s home town, and he brought her along to the training camp in England. Winnie followed Harry everywhere and slept under his cot every night. Before long, she became the regiment’s much-loved mascot.
But who could care for the bear when Harry had to go to the battleground in France? Harry found just the right place for Winnie while he was away?the London Zoo. There a little boy named Christopher Robin came along and played with Winnie?he could care for this bear too!
Sally Walker’s heartwarming story, paired with Jonathan Voss’s evocative illustrations, brings to life the story of the real bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh.
22. Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
by: Laurie Ann Thompson, Sean Qualls Release date: Jan 06, 2015 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.
Thompson’s lyrical prose and Qualls’s bold collage illustrations offer a powerful celebration of triumphing over adversity.
Includes an author’s note with more information about Emmanuel’s charity.
23. The Rhyme Bible Storybook
by: L. J. Sattgast, Laurence Cleyet-Merle Release date: Dec 29, 2012 Number of Pages: 344 Find in Library Read Review |
Children love the soothing sound of rhyme! And now they can enjoy thirty-five delightful, classic Bible stories retold in lilting verse and rollicking, read-aloud rhyme in this new updated edition of The Rhyme Bible Storybook. From the story of creation, to the resurrection of Jesus, this is the perfect choice for parents who want to introduce their children to the Word of God. Updated and vivid illustrations by Laurence Cleyet-Merle breathe new life into a previously successful storybook Bible in the popular Rhyme brand. The Rhyme Bible Storybook is certain to become a well-worn favorite!
24. Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
by: Jen Bryant, Boris Kulikov Release date: Sep 06, 2016 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read.
Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him.
And so he invented his own alphabet—a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.
Award-winning writer Jen Bryant tells Braille’s inspiring story with a lively and accessible text, filled with the sounds, the smells, and the touch of Louis’s world. Boris Kulikov’s inspired paintings help readers to understand what Louis lost, and what he was determined to gain back through books.
An author’s note and additional resources at the end of the book complement the simple story and offer more information for parents and teachers.
Praise for Six Dots:
“An inspiring look at a child inventor whose drive and intelligence changed to world—for the blind and sighted alike.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Even in a crowded field, Bryant’s tightly focused work, cast in the fictionalized voice of Braille himself, is particularly distinguished.”—Bulletin, starred review
“This picture book biography strikes a perfect balance between the seriousness of Braille’s life and the exuberance he projected out into the world.” — School Library Journal, starred review
25. The Legend of Saint Nicholas
by: Anselm Grun, Giuliano Ferri Release date: Aug 08, 2014 Number of Pages: 26 Find in Library Read Review |
Many stories are told about Saint Nicholas — stories about his generosity and his miracles, stories about the concern he showed for those in poverty. This warm, inviting books tells many of these stories, both familiar and lesser-known. It recounts how he ended a famine by multiplying grain from a merchant ship and how he walked on water to rescue sailors from a terrible storm. And, of course, it tells the story of how Nicholas gave his inheritance to prevent a desperate man from selling his daughters into slavery.
Anselm Grun’s simple, graceful text and Giuliano Ferri’s beautiful paintings combine to provide the perfect way to introduce young readers to the rich life of this beloved saint.
26. I Am Jazz
by: Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, Shelagh McNicholas Release date: Sep 04, 2014 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
“This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty.”—Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia in “Orange Is the New Black”)
From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn’t feel like herself in boys’ clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz’s story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.
27. The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art
by: Barb Rosenstock, Mary GrandPre Release date: Feb 11, 2014 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist.
But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . . music?
In this exuberant celebration of creativity, Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPré tell the fascinating story of Vasily Kandinsky, one of the very first painters of abstract art. Throughout his life, Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds, and sounds as colors—and bold, groundbreaking works burst forth from his noisy paint box.
Backmatter includes four paintings by Kandinsky, an author’s note, sources, links to websites on synesthesia and abstract art.
28. The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps
by: Jeanette Winter, Jeanette Winter Release date: Apr 05, 2011 Number of Pages: 48 Find in Library Read Review |
The Watcher was named a Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and the Bank Street College of Education.
29. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909
by: Michelle Markel, Melissa Sweet Release date: Jan 22, 2013 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
From acclaimed author Michelle Markel and Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet comes this true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history. This picture book biography includes a bibliography and an author’s note on the garment industry. It follows the plight of immigrants in America in the early 1900s, tackling topics like activism and the U.S. garment industry, with handstitching and fabric incorporated throughout the art.
When Clara arrived in America, she couldn’t speak English. She didn’t know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast.
But that didn’t stop Clara. She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a shirtwaist factory.
Clara never quit, and she never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers the country had seen.
From her short time in America, Clara learned that everyone deserved a fair chance. That you had to stand together and fight for what you wanted. And, most importantly, that you could do anything you put your mind to.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.
30. The Golden Girls of Rio
by: Nikkolas Smith Release date: Nov 15, 2016 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
The Golden Girls of Rio focuses on the paths to glory for these women athletes, how they got their start and rose to meteoric heights in the Rio games. The other swimming and gymnastic teammates are included in the story as well.
An inspiring story, bursting with color and action and life, that will make you smile to see these champion athletes as little girls, and to revisit their triumphs in achieving Olympic gold.
Best Selling Books for 4 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Science, Nature & How It Works
- Sports & Outdoors
Recommended Books for 4 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Science, Nature & How It Works
- Sports & Outdoors
Best Selling Biographies Books for:
- 1 Year Olds
- 3 Year Olds
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
- 2 Year Olds
Recommended Biographies Books for:
- 1 Year Olds
- 3 Year Olds
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
- 2 Year Olds
Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 3:26 AM