Best Mysteries & Detectives Books for 4 Year Olds

Here are the top 30 mysteries & detectives 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. Art Dog

by: Thacher Hurd
Release date: Feb 01, 1996
Number of Pages: 32
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Oh, no! Someone has stolen the Mona Woofa from the Dogopolis Museum of Art and the police don’t even realize that they are barking up the wrong tree when they collar their number one suspect. So it’s up to Art Dog, the mysterious, masked painter who roams the streets of Dogopolis, to find the missing masterpiece. Zip! Splash! Smoosh! He paints himself a Brushmobile, and he’s off––on a wild and funny chase to capture the dastardly crooks. With the same deft touches of high-spirited fun and adventure that have made Mystery on the Docks and Mama Don’t Allow (both Reading Rainbow Featured Selections) such perennially popular stories, Thacher Hurd serves up a new action-packed tale that will delight young readers.

1996 ‘Pick of the Lists’ (ABA)
Children’s Choices for 1997 (IRA/CBC)
1998 Red Clover Book Award (VT)

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Dogs

2. Shark Detective!

by: Jessica OlienJessica Olien
Release date: Sep 01, 2015
Number of Pages: 32
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Perfect for fans of Love Monster and Dragons Love Tacos, this sweet and funny story about an unexpected friendship will delight creatures of all ages.

During the day, Shark lived a lonely life in the big city . . . but at night, he dreamed of being a detective. When a kitty goes missing, could it be time for Shark’s dreams to finally come true?

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Marine Life

3. Nate The Great And The Big Sniff (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Nate the Great Detective Stories)

by: Marjorie Weinman SharmatMartha Weston
Release date: Feb 01, 2003
Number of Pages: 48
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Nate the Great follows the clues to find his lost dog, Sludge, in a department store.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

4. Unicorn Uproar (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Nancy Drew & the Clue Crew (Prebound))

by: Carolyn KeeneMacky Pamintuan
Release date: Sep 08, 2009
Number of Pages: 96
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. When the unicorn from the town’s medieval fair disappears, Nancy, Bess, and George search for clues to solve the mystery.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Girls & Women

5. CAM Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolencorn Popper

by: David A AdlerProfessor Susanna Natti
Release date: Jul 01, 2004
Number of Pages: 58
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The Cam Jansen series is perfect for young readers who are making the transition to chapter books. The first ten books in the series have received updated covers, bringing new life to these perennial bestsellers. Now the series redesign continues with five more books, giving Cam a cool, modern look!
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Chapter Books

6. Sherlock Chick and the Peekaboo Mystery (Parents Magazine Read Aloud Original)

by: Robert M. Quackenbush
Release date: Oct 01, 1987
Number of Pages: 48
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Thinking that a lost mouse might hide in a hole, Sherlock Chick interviews many animals living in holes as he searches for the missing baby mouse.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

7. Ashley Bryan’s ABC of African American Poetry

by: Ashley BryanAshley Bryan
Release date: Jan 01, 2001
Number of Pages: 32
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“And God stepped out on space,
And he looked around and said:
I’m lonely — I’ll make me a world.”

— James Weldon Johnson
Thus begins Coretta Scott King Award-winner Ashley Bryan’s collection of inspiring excerpts of poems by celebrated African American poets. Beautifully illustrated with his own tempera and gouache paintings, Ashley Bryan’s unique alphabet book will delight readers of any age.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Stories In Verse

8. Super Special 01: The Case Of The Buried Treasure (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Jigsaw Jones Super Special)

by: James PrellerJamie Smith
Release date: Dec 01, 2001
Number of Pages: 112
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

9. The Neighbourhood Witch (A Halloween Story for Kids)

by: Gramps Doodlebug
Release date: Oct 24, 2012
Number of Pages: 23
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There were cases of missing dogs in the village and Cedric suspected that their new neighbours were the ones responsible for it. When he witnessed some scary and unusual happenings at their neighbours’ house, he was almost convinced that their neighbours were practicing witchcraft. Cedric wanted his father who was a police officer to arrest their neighbours.

Are they going to succeed?

tags:

Children’s Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Spine-Chilling Horror

10. Cam Jansen And The Millionaire Mystery (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

by: David A. AdlerJoy Allen
Release date: Sep 12, 2013
Number of Pages: 64
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Using her excellent memory, Cam Jansen, aided by her friend Eric, investigates the disappearance of Mrs. Scott’s valuable pearl necklace during a charity brunch.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Multigenerational

11. The Creepy Computer Mystery (Invisible Inc. No. 4 / Hello, Reader! Level 4)

by: Elizabeth LevyDenise Brunkus
Release date: Apr 01, 1996
Number of Pages: 48
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Three friends who call themselves “Invisible Inc.” must solve a mystery when they receive a cryptic e-mail.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Beginner Readers

12. The High-Rise Private Eyes #2: The Case of the Climbing Cat (I Can Read Level 2)

by: Cynthia RylantG. Brian Karas
Release date: Aug 07, 2001
Number of Pages: 48
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Deep in the heart of the city. . .

Miss Nancy saw somebody run off with her binoculars. . .Where did the thief go? And will she get her binoculars back?

This sounds like a case for the High-Rise Private Eyes–Case #002, to be exact, The Case of the Climbing Cat

Because no mystery is too mysterious, no puzzle to puzzling, no crime too criminal, no trouble too troubling for ace detectives and very best friends Bunny Brown and Jack Jones.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

13. Old Granny and the Bean Thief

by: Cynthia DeFeliceCat Bowman Smith
Release date: Aug 07, 2003
Number of Pages: 32
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Take your friends where you can find them!

Old Granny is lonely, living way out in the country with no one to talk to. She’s happy enough, though, as long as she has her beans. One night a thief climbs through the window of
her little cabin while she’s sleeping and steals her beans! Old Granny sets out to see the sheriff. Along the way, she meets an odd assortment of talking creatures: a snake, a pecan, a cow patty, a prickly pear cactus, and an alligator. Soon they’ve all befriended Old Granny, and joined forces to help her foil the thief in this humorous tale that glows with the bright, bold colors of the Southwest.

 
Old Granny and the Bean Thief is a 2004 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Multigenerational

14. Scooby Doo! The Haunted Road Trip (Scooby-Doo Readers, No. 22)

by: Gail Herman
Release date: May 01, 2008
Number of Pages: 32
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Join Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Inc. gang on a spooky roadtrip!

Scooby-Doo and the gang are going on a spoooky roadtrip, but yikes! Is the “Creepy Motel” really haunted? Find out in this new Scooby-Doo reader.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Beginner Readers

15. Andy Shane And The Barn Sale Mystery (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

by: Jennifer Richard JacobsonAbby Carter
Release date: Aug 24, 2010
Number of Pages: 64
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Wanting to get a binocular case for his Granny Webb’s unbirthday but lacking funds, Andy collects castoffs from his neighbors to organize a barn sale but inadvertently sells the binoculars, a situation that triggers a search and two O. Henry-style acts of sacrifice.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Friendship

16. Mess Detectives: The Slobfather

by: Doug Peterson
Release date: Oct 15, 2003
Number of Pages: 40
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Case #101–1:25 pm Veggie detectives, Bob and Larry, are called to the scene of a messy crime already in progress. But they arrive too late—the bedroom of Junior Asparagus is already seriously messy. It’s time to uncover the messy truth. Who did it? Was it Junior? Or could it have been a gang of nasty Slobsters, led by the notorious Slobfather—the mastermind of all messes? Kids will enjoy being a part of the investigation as they find out who’s really behind the whole messy mystery. Children will laugh and learn with their favorite friends from VeggieTales™ as they discover the importance of telling the truth. Big Idea Productions: Sunday morning values, Saturday morning fun! Through imaginative and innovative products, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian

17. The Mess Detectives: The Don’t-Touchables (Big Idea Books)

by: Doug Peterson
Release date: Feb 24, 2004
Number of Pages: 40
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The Mess Detectives, starring Bob and Larry, are back again to sort through another mess and help kids learn a lesson about sharing. Case #239–11:23 am: Veggie Detectives, Bob and Larry are called to the scene of another messy crime, but when they arrive at the home of Percy Pea, they discover he’s burning mad. Percy doesn’t want his little brother to EVER touch his stuff! His Magnetic Man action figure is missing and he thinks Li’l Pea took it. But, did Li’l Pea really do it? See how the messy truth comes out in this case of the Don’t-Touchables. Kids will enjoy being a part of the investigation as Bob and Larry uncover the messy mystery and learn a lesson about how to share with others. Sunday morning values, Saturday morning fun. Now that’s the Big Idea! Through imaginative and innovative products, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian

18. The Case of the Missing Tooth

by: Vicky Duffer WatkinsRaygan Watkins
Release date: Oct 06, 2014
Number of Pages: 9
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This mystery is a true story about three little kids and their Granny. See if you can guess who lost the tooth before they do.
tags:

Children’s Books > Mysteries & Detectives

19. Death’s Door (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

by: Betsy Byars
Release date: Jan 01, 1999
Number of Pages: 134
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Super-sleuth Herculeah Jones’s investigation of the attempted murder of Meat’s uncle leads them to a mystery bookstore named Death’s Door.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Beginner Readers

20. Freddie Ramos Stomps the Snow (Zapato Power)

by: Jacqueline JulesMiguel Benitez
Release date: Mar 01, 2014
Number of Pages: 96
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When a freak spring blizzard buries Starwood Park, Freddie works with Mr. Vaslov to clear the sidewalks using a new invention?Zapato Power snowshoes! But not even the snow can stop a thief from causing trouble in the neighborhood. Can Freddie solve the case, even if it means helping Erika, the Starwood Park bully?
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Chapter Books

21. In a Scary Old House (Picture Puffin books)

by: Harriet Ziefert
Release date: Oct 01, 1989
Number of Pages: 208
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A fun-filled hide-and-seek game book that poses questions and then reveals the answers when children lift the flap. The bright, cheerful art and simple text will delight young children and teach simple concepts about the everyday world. Full-color illustrations. Baby-Preschool.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Beginner Readers

22. The Case Of The Bicycle Bandit (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Jigsaw Jones Mysteries)

by: James PrellerJamie Smith
Release date: Jun 01, 2001
Number of Pages: 74
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Jigsaw Jones and Mila go undercover to find out who has stolen Ralphie Jordan’s old bicycle, but the big challenge is figuring out who would want a hand-me-down bike.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

23. The Lost Treasure of Grandpa Jingle-Wingle

by: Steven Waiters
Release date: Oct 06, 2004
Number of Pages: 130
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Imagine a pair of bumbling bank robbers, a trio of kidnapped eighth-grade bullies, a lost treasure of gold coins, and a newly discovered system of underground caves, tunnels, and narrow ledges.

These are just some of the encounters that sixth graders Albert McKavitt and Ben Crawford face in The Lost Treasure of Grandpa Jingle-Wingle. And it all begins after a single gold coin is found in the abandoned house of an old crusty miser who, along with his treasure, disappeared many years ago.

When Albert and Ben realize a kidnapping has occurred, they decide to follow the careless trail of footprints stamped into the muddy bank of a small meandering creek. The trail leads them to the entrance of a vast, seemingly endless, underground maze.

With only a single flashlight growing dimmer with each passing minute, Albert and Ben trek deep into the darkness, searching for the three captive eighth graders. But what they find, besides the shriveled-up remains of poor old Grandpa Jingle-Wingle, is the adventure of a lifetime.

tags:

Children’s Books > Action & Adventure

24. Mission 1: Lost Lunchboxes: Secret School Spy Squad – a fun rhyming spy picture book for 4-8 year olds

by: Janelle McGuinnessFXNCOLOR Studio
Release date: Sep 07, 2016
Number of Pages: 30
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Students’ lunchboxes are going missing from school – and if the case isn’t solved soon the kids will be going hungry.

Go on a mission with our student spy, Agent N, and solve the mystery of those missing lunchboxes.

This fun children’s picture book, full of colour and rhyme, tells the story from the perspective of the secret student spy as they try and solve the mystery. The gender and identity of the spy is hidden, allowing your child to imagine themselves in the story.

Each book in the series comes with a new clue to the identity of the spy. Visit the Secret School Spy Squad website with your child to try and guess who is Agent N.

Coming soon:
Mission 2 – “Germs Galore”
Mission 3 – “Shrinking Students”
Mission 4 – “Hair-raising Hair

Want to be notified when new books become available?
Sign up at www.secretschoolspysquad.com or like the Secret School Spy Squad Facebook Page.

tags:

Children’s Books > Mysteries & Detectives

25. MYSTERY OF MADERA CANYON

by: Ed Kostro
Release date: Nov 04, 2004
Number of Pages: 108
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A mysterious ghost holds the key to a 200-year old mystery. A courageous boy and his dog stumble upon him and several other eerie creatures on an exciting bird watching expedition in Madera Canyon. Can they solve the mystery?
tags:

Children’s Books > Mysteries & Detectives

26. The Rainbow Mystery (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

by: Jennifer DusslingBarry Gott
Release date: Sep 01, 2002
Number of Pages: 32
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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. When rainbows mysteriously appear on the wall, Annie and Mike try to find out where they come from.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Beginner Readers

27. The Snack Attack Mystery (Invisible Inc., No. 3; Hello, Reader! Level 4)

by: Elizabeth LevyDenise Brunkus
Release date: Feb 01, 1996
Number of Pages: 48
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Three mystery-solving friends who call themselves “Invisible Inc.” must figure out why all the kids snacks have gone missing.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Friendship

28. Barnyard Mystery (Golden Sight ‘n’ Sound Book)

by: Golden BooksPat Relf
Release date: Jan 22, 1992
Number of Pages: 24
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When someone takes Mommy’s watch, Rose and Sally Dog search the farm–encountering lowing cows, barking dogs, clucking chickens, and meowing cats–in order to locate it.
tags:

Children’s Books

29. Mess Detectives, The: The Big Sleepover

by: Doug Peterson
Release date: Sep 20, 2004
Number of Pages: 40
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The Mess Detectives, starring Bob and Larry, are back again to sort through another mess and help kids learn a lesson about telling the truth and taking responsibility for their actions. Case #374–8:33 a.m.: Veggie Detectives, Bob and Larry, are called to the scene of another messy crime. When they arrive at Madame Blueberry’s house, they discover a horrifying scene. Percy Pea and his friends had a wild, crazy sleepover and someone broke the bed. But who did it? The four suspects try to make a ‘pea bargain,’ but no one will admit to the dastardly deed. Who will come clean and take responsibility for this messy crime in this case of The Big Sleepover? Once again, kids will enjoy being a part of the investigation as Bob and Larry uncover another messy mystery and learn a lesson about responsibility. Sunday morning values, Saturday morning fun. Now that’s the Big Idea! Through imaginative and innovative products, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Values

30. The Case of the Best Pet Ever (Jigsaw Jones Mystery, No. 22)

by: James PrellerHowie DewinJamie Smith
Release date: Oct 01, 2003
Number of Pages: 80
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This pet show is a CAT-astrophe! Not a problem for ace detectives Jigsaw Jones & Mila Yeh. They know that mysteries are like jigsaw puzzles–you have to look at all the pieces to solve the case!

With his top-secret detective journal, eye for detail, and ace partner Mila, Jigsaw is always ready to take on a new case. But this latest mystery is for the dogs!

The pet store is having a pet show! All the neighborhood kids sign up. The most talented pet wins a shiny gold medal. But when the big day comes, the prize—poof— disappears! Now, Jigsaw and his dog Rags have to enter the contest themselves so they can solve this mystery and make the town safe for dogs, cats, goldfish, and even iguanas!

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Chapter Books

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Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 3:48 AM