Today’s blog includes some of the best books I’ve read for 5-year-olds. Five is such a sweet age for books. Kids can finally follow longer stories, catch jokes, and start giving their opinion on characters. They are also at that age where they still enjoy a good snuggle up with a picture book at bedtime. While I don’t do a good job reading chapter books to my kids today, my husband and I were diligent in reading lots of picture books during bedtime when the kids were that age. I sometimes miss those days when bed time was simpler.
After reading for all my 3 kids, I obviously have some favorites. I am sharing 10 of the best books I believe your 5-year-old will love – a mix of classics and some recent books.
How I Pick Books for 5-Year-Olds
- Age-appropriate: It’s rich enough to hold a five-year-old’s attention without scary or crude language.
- Re-readable: It is something they will ask for over and over again.
- Fun to read aloud: It has rhyme, rhythm, and is well written.
- Eye-catching: Of course, no picture book is worth reading without awesome illustrations.
Classic Tales Every 5-Year-Old Should Know
1. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Ferdinand is a gentle bull who would rather sit under his favorite cork tree and smell the flowers than fight in the bullring. Everyone expects him to be fierce, but he stays true to who he is. It’s a short, timeless story about being content and not having to follow the crowd. There is a movie as well which is quite entertaining.
2. The Three Billy Goats Gruff
My seven year (at the time of this post) said this was one of his favorites when he was five.
In this story, three goat brothers outsmart a grumpy troll to cross the bridge to the green grass. It’s a classic folk tale with repetition kids love to join in on (“Who’s that tripping over my bridge?”), and it’s a good introduction to traditional stories. Paul Galdone’s version is a favorite of ours.
3. Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Big Anthony is told never to touch Strega Nona’s magic pasta pot, and of course he does. It’s a funny, wordy folk tale with a clear lesson about listening and consequences.
4.The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
A stuffed rabbit learns what it means to become “Real” through being loved. It has longer text and a tender, sometimes sad, story, so it’s best read slowly together. Apple TV has a sweet movie adaptation of this book that you should check out.
5. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard search Boston for the perfect place to raise their ducklings. When the little ones are ready, Mrs. Mallard leads all eight of them through busy city streets, and a kind policeman stops traffic to help them cross. It’s a longer, story-rich classic about family, patience, and a whole city pitching in to help. The illustrations are adorable. There is a more recent picture book about how the author came to write this book and is worth checking out. The title is Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards.
Clever Picture Books With Heart
6. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
IF you have known me for any time at all, you will know how much I love Julia Donaldson books. Her audiobooks are absolutely delightful to listen to.
In this story, a clever mouse walks through the woods inventing a scary about a Gruffalo, until he meets one. It’s brilliant and rhythmic, and it’s not too frightening for most five-year-olds. This one is a read-aloud classic about using your wits.
7. The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
This is another Julia Donaldson book that my kids and I love. Julia Donaldson is a British writer, and sadly, many of her books have both British and American editions. Of course, the British editions are the best. If you are looking to purchase the British edition, look for “The Smartest Giant in Town”. If you are looking to add the British edition to your home library, click this link..
This book is about a giant named George. George isn’t a scary giant at all — he’s a real softie. He wants to look spiffy in new clothes and snazzy shoes, but along the way he meets animals who need help and he does the sweetest thing by giving away his new clothes. It’s a sweet, heartfelt story about kindness winning out over vanity.
8. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Duncan’s crayons have had enough, and each color writes him a letter to say why. It’s silly and creative, and it’s perfect for kids who love art (and have opinions). I think your kid will also relate to each color’s complaints – too much brown, not enough grey, and so on.
If your kid loves anything to do with color, try The Sharpest Crayon, Mr. Pine’s Purple House or Harold and the Purple Crayon.
9. Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty
For the little child who dreams of being something wonderful, this book is for them. It is written in a form of rhyme and is an account to little Rosie Revere’s dream of becoming an engineer. Her hidden away stash of treasures, her tinkering days, and secret projects help her truly appreciate who she is and wants to be in the future.
10. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
My niece loves this book and she is turning 5 this month so I had to include it in this list. Mr. Fish is sure he’s destined to spread “the dreary-wearies” with his permanent pout, no matter how many sea friends try to cheer him up. Then a surprise visitor helps him see he was made for something better. The rhyme is catchy and fun to read aloud, and if your child is anything like my niece, they will be reciting the whole book from memory.
Tip for Purchasing Books
When purchasing books for your library, pick the hardcopy if it is cheaper as it will hold longer over time.
More Book Lists
A five-year-old doesn’t need a huge library, just a handful of books they’ll ask for again and again. Which one does your five-year-old beg for at bedtime?
This article contains Amazon affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission when you purchase using these links at no added cost to you.