Best Books for 5-Year-Olds
Your preschooler is quickly learning the basics of reading. What books are good for a 5-year-old developing early reading skills? Stories need to keep their interest enough to be read over and over, as repetition is key to success. So I’ve come up with a list of the best books for 5-year-olds.
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, Jackie and I are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for interactive picture books, books about starting school, and so many more suggestions to help you raise little readers.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for 5-year-olds have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
The Best Books for 5-Year-Olds
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Counting Book
Count on Me by Miguel Tanco – Jump to section
The Best Bedtime Book
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett – Jump to section
The Best Alphabet Book
Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers – Jump to section
The Best Food Book
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett – Jump to section
The Best School Book
Pencil & Eraser to School by Jenny Alvarado – Jump to section
The Best Color Book
Pocket Full of Colors by Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville – Jump to section
The Best Nature Book
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner – Jump to section
The Best Rhyming Book
If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen – Jump to section
The Best Animal Book
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo – Jump to section
The Best Classic Book
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter – Jump to section
The Best Book for Motor Development
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall – Jump to section
The Best Books About Love
Love by Matt De La Peña – Jump to section
The Best Interactive Book
The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak – Jump to section
The Best Family Book
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ by Eileen Spinelli – Jump to section
The Best Book About Art
Sarabella’s Thinking Cap by Judy Schachner – Jump to section
The Best Book About Feelings
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Counting Books for 5-year-olds
Place Value
Author: David A. Adler
Illustrator: Edward Miller
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 6 – 9
Plot
This book does such a good job of teaching children about place values. It breaks it down for little ones in an easy-to-understand manner that is perfect for beginning mathematicians!
Why Jackie loves it
For children struggling with learning place value, this illustrated book helps explain it in the best way!
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Count on Me
Author: Miguel Tanco
Illustrator: Miguel Tanco
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
In a home with a musician, painter, and etymologist, one little girl explains that her passion is math. She outlines finding shapes and solving word problems, as she uses math throughout her day. The end of the book features her math journal, which is cleverly placed through the illustrations. In the journal, you can see all the math that she has pointed out explained.
Why Kirsten loves it
I bought this story for my math-obsessed son. While it’s not technically a counting book, it’s a great story to show what happens when you take the building blocks of math (numbers, counting, etc) and apply them to harder concepts. I also love that the little mathematician is a girl!
Find this book in: Counting Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds
At the Old Haunted House
Author: Helen Ketteman
Illustrator: Nate Wragg
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
At the old haunted house, there are lots of monsters, witches, and other Halloween creatures. When children come and trick-or-treat, they find out the creatures are friendly and welcoming.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is fun for everyone. It’s a great story to embrace the holiday season while also teaching your child about counting!
Find this book in: Halloween Picture Books / Counting Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Bedtime Books for a 5-year-old
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Author: Francesca Cavallo, Elena Favilli
Year: 2016
Genre: Children’s Short Story Collection
Age: 4+
More info: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls #1
Plot
This book is filled with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women throughout history.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the read-aloud books that you might not want to put down. And, as your rebel girl gets older, these are the perfect bedtime stories for her to read on her own.
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Best Books for 5-year-olds
My Father’s Dragon
Author: Ruth Stiles Gannett
Illustrator: Ruth Chrisman Gannet
Year: 1948
Genre: Classic Early Reader
Age: 4 – 7
More info: My Father’s Dragon #1, Newbery Honor Book
Plot
This is the story of Elmer, a runaway who headed to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon, being taken advantage of by the lazy animals of the island. It is such a great story and continues with two more books after. Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland complete this trilogy.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love this book. It was my kid’s first fantasy chapter book. This is a wonderful book with a wonderful message as well as a perfect read-aloud bedtime story.
Find this book in: Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds / Best Books to Read Aloud
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Author: Betty MacDonald
Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
Year: 1947
Genre: Early Chapter Books
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle #1
Plot
If your family loves Mary Poppins or Amelia Bedelia, then they will love Mrs. Piggle-wiggle too! This cheery old lady has the craziest fixes to any childhood issues, but they work every time!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that each chapter is its own short story. It makes it easier to digest for younger kids.
Find this book in: Family Audiobooks for Road Trips / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Alphabet Books for 5-year-olds
Plot
In 15 years, I don’t think I have ever found everything on ANY page in this book. The illustrations are completely amazing, creative, and mesmerizing as well. This is the alphabet book that I can read with all my kids (including my 16-year-old).
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best alliteration books I have ever read and the fact that it is also a mystery makes it a wonderful pick for the whole family.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Alphabet Books / Animals Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Once Upon an Alphabet
Author: Oliver Jeffers
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
Oliver Jeffers is just the most brilliant writer and illustrator. This collection of short stories for each letter is a lovely item for any library and is one of my favorite alphabet books.
Why Jackie loves it
With gorgeous illustrations and lovely words, this book is an excellent one to gift to pre-k graduates!
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Big Words for Little Geniuses
Author: Susan and James Patterson
Illustrator: Hsinping Pan
Year:
Genre:
Age:
More info:
Plot
When I came across this book I thought it was, well, genius. It is also fun to read with its huge vocabulary words inside from A-Z. There is also a list of other big words in the back listed alphabetically.
Why Jackie loves it
I love the pictures but, it’s also pretty hilarious to hear a 4-year-old use the word loquacious correctly in a sentence.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Alphabet Books
Food Books for 5-year-olds
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Author: Judi Barrett
Illustrator: Ronald Barrett
Year: 1982
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs #1
Plot
The town of Chewandswallow has weather changes three times a day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything is fine until the weather food turns super-sized.
Why Kirsten loves it
Before this adorable book was made into a movie, it was a favorite in our house. This is a book whose story is so unique and imaginative, there is nothing I do not love about it.
Find this book in: Food Book for Children / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Creepy Carrots
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Peter Brown
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Caldecott Honor Book
Plot
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, but he soon thinks his favorite carrots are out to get him! This funny tale is very Twilight Zone-inspired and it’s awesome. The underwear version is funny too and it glows in the dark!
Why Jackie loves it
Both Creepy Carrots and its sibling book, Creepy Pair of Underwear, are favorites in my household. This is the perfect picture book for older kids. It is simultaneously funny and creepy.
Find this book in: Books for 5-year-olds / Book About Food for Kids / Halloween Picture Books
Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever!
Author: Stephen Shaskan
Illustrator: Stephen Shaskan
Year: 2o21
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Pizza & Taco #1
Plot
This early reader series is hysterical! It gives full Mo Willems vibes with the way Pizza and Taco interact with each other.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is an adorable graphic novel with a funny story, but not a lot of words on the page.
These books are laid out in a graphic novel/comic book style that makes it easy for young kids to decipher. When looking for books for a child new to reading, this is a great place to start.
Find this book in: Kids Books About Food / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Books Set at Daycare for a 5-year-old
Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma!
Author: Jenny Alvarado
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5-8
More info: Pencil & Eraser #1
Plot
Get ready for back-to-school season with this adorable new early reader series about Pencil & Eraser! These besties are perfect for fans of Elephant & Piggie or Pizza & Taco! This new graphic novel series has charming adventures that are easy to read!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love this new series of graphic novel for early readers. The main characters are charming, the story is sweet, and I just know this series will be a hit with all new readers!
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
The King of Kindergarten
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 6
Plot
After his parents call him the King of Kindergarten, a young boy experiences his first day of school in his new “kingdom.”
Why Jackie loves it
Sharing, learning, and the joy of making new friends are all explored in his sweet tale. This adorable pick from first day of school books it so uplifting.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / First Day of School Books
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Author: Joseph Slate
Illustrator: Ashley Wolff
Year: 1996
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 6
More info: Part of the Miss Bindergarten series
Plot
Using the letters of the alphabet, readers meet each kid in the class as they get ready for school. We also see Miss Bindergarten get ready for school by cleaning, organizing, and decorating her classroom.
Why Jackie loves it
If you are looking for first day of school books for kindergarten, this is a really cute choice.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / First Day of School Books / Alphabet Books
Color Books for 5-year-olds
Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire
Author: Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville
Illustrator: Brigette Barrager
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
The pictures in this book are captivating, the colors are brilliant but, the best part is that it is true. Based on the story of Mary Blair, this story tells how one woman broke the mold and created “It’s a Small World”.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a feast for the eyes! I loved this book even more than my daughter. It’s one I will treasure forever.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Books About Colors
I Don’t Draw, I Color!
Author: Adam Lehrhaupt
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
This is a lovely book that explores creativity as opposed to artistry. I love how the child in this book can express feelings and emotions with colors.
Why Jackie loves it
Often, it is so difficult for children to express themselves verbally and I love how this book gives another way to do this.
Find this book in: Books About Colors / Books About Feelings / Books for 5-year-olds
Mixed: A Colorful Story
Author: Arree Chung
Illustrator: Arree Chung
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
The blues, reds, and yellows live together in harmony until one day each color declares its color is the best and they don’t like the colors mixing.
But when yellow and blue fall in love, they make a little green baby. Soon colors start to mix and make new colors. They realize that the colors are better when they are mixed together.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is really a wonderful way to introduce racism to your children and teach them their colors at the same time.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Books About Colors
Season and Nature Books for a 5-year-old
Our Seasons
Author: Sue Lowell Gallion
Illustrator: Lisk Feng
Year: 2022
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info:
Plot
Our seasons opens up to create a 3D globe depicting the world during Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall.
Why Jackie loves it
I’m a sucker for any kind of book that turns into something else. This gorgeous book will enthrall your child.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds
Over and Under the Pond
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the Over and Under series
Plot
This delightful story is about a mom and child who are canoeing over the pond. When the child asks about what is under the pond, the story explores the ecosystem and all its little miracles.
Why Kirsten loves it
The illustrations and layout of this story make it a forever keepsake for any home library.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds
The Little Red Sleigh
Author: Eric Guendelsberger
Illustrator: Elizaveta Tretyakova
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
Little Red Sleigh longs to be Santa’s sleigh so she sets out one winter to find the North Pole. As she travels she makes new friends along the way.
While she didn’t make it to the North Pole for Christmas, she did get an invitation to visit Santa up at the North Pole the next year.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sleigh gets to ride on a truck and a train, befriending them along the way, but she really makes her mark on the little girl who finds her. This sweet story is all about perseverance.
Find this book in: Children’s Books about Winter / Best Christmas Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Rhyming Books for 5-Year-Olds
Shark in the Park
Author: Phil Roxbee Cox
Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright
Year: 2006
Genre: Beginning Reader
Age: 5 – 6
More info: Part of the Usborne Phonics Readers
Plot
Fat cat, big pig and pup are all concerned that there is a shark in the pond at the park.
Why Jackie loves it
The Usborne Phonics Readers are some of my favorite books for developing phonological awareness.
Find this book in: Shark Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds / Rhyming Books
If I Built a Car
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2007
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
More info: Part of the IF I Built series
Plot
Jack has decided that his dad’s car is just not up to his standards, so he proceeds to explain to his father all the the items he would put in his dream car – from an instant snack bar to a pool, his car has it all! With Chris Van Dusen’s one-of-a-kind illustrations, this is any vehicle lovers dream book!
Why Jackie loves it
This book will spark your child’s imagination as Jack imagines what his dad’s car could do if it were not so boring and bland. Ask your child what their dream car looks like.
Why Kirsten loves it
One of my absolute all-time favorites, this book has been read so many times that my entire family can recite half the book by heart. It is so creative and funny. Best of all, it is written entirely in rhyme. There are not many books that can top this is on my list of must-have baby books for boys.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds
The Gruffalo
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Year: 2005
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
This book is another classic in our house. Mouse proves that a little bit of brain is all you need when faced with a whole lot of muscle. We adore this rhyming wonder.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is this book written in rhyme, but it is funny as well. It also has a very strong message about brains vs. brawn as well as bullying.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Animal Children’s Books / Best Books for 5-Year-Olds
Animal Books for a 5-year-old
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2005
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Mercy Watson #1
Plot
My youngest son’s favorite early reader series revolved around a pig named Mercy Watson. I have every book about this charming pig being raised as a child in the Watson home. There is also a spin-off series about her neighbors on Deckawoo Drive.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Kate DiCamillo and the wonderful messages in her books but I cannot overlook the wonderful drawings of Chris Van Dusen too! This is my favorite early reader series to gift – every kid loves Mercy.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Bedtime Stories / Early Reader Books / Best Chapter Books to Read Aloud
The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms
Author: Sandra Fay
Illustrator: Sandra Fay
Year: 2022
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
Mongolian Death Worms are as legendary to some as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, but these worms just want to make friends despite their gruesome appearance. Can the save the day when disaster strikes the desert?
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked this book up at my son’s book fair after all the kids in the grade were raving about how funny the story is. If your kid likes silly tales, this one doesn’t disappoint.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Animal Books for Kids
The Pout-Pout Fish
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hamas
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
More info: Part of the Pout-Pout Fish series
Plot
This is a classic children’s book about the ocean and the first book in the best-selling series. In it, Pout-Pout Fish learns that it is not his destiny to always be gloomy.
Why Kirsten loves it
With it’s adorable rhymes and sweet message, this book is rights up my alley. There is alot of repetition in this story, which is makes it a wonderful choice of picture book for a beginning reader too.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Ocean Books for Kids / Kids Books About Fish
Classic Books for 5-year-olds
Nate the Great
Author: Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Illustrator: Marc Simont
Year: 1977
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Part of the Nate the Great series
Plot
The first book in a series about kid detective, Nate, who solves mysteries for his friends and neighbors. In this story, Annie has lost a picture, but Nate is on the case!
Why Kirsten loves it
This beginning reader kids mystery book series is wonderful for emerging readers. The series doesn’t need to be read in order, but your kid will love reading it outloud to you over and over again!
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Books for Emergent Readers / Mystery Books for Kids
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Author: Judy Viorst
Illustrator: Ray Cruz
Year: 1987
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
Alexander and his bad days have been beloved for decades. This classic children’s book is one of the best books about feelings that exists.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this story because it’s funny and has unique illustrations to help with social-emotional learning. I know in my house, that we used this picture book to talk about bad days and how it’s perfectly normal to have them.
Find this book in: Feelings Books / Classic Kids Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Author: Beatrix Potter
Illustrator: Beatrix Potter
Year: 1901
Genre: Classic Short Story Collection
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
Beatrix Potter’s Tales of Peter Rabbit are some of the most beloved stories in children’s literature. Her fantastic illustrations and Peter’s engrossing escapades have stood the test of time.
I was so pleased when I learned there would be a movie adaptation of the series. This book should be on every kid’s bookshelf! And don’t forget to watch the Netflix book adaptation!
Why Jackie loves it
It is a classic that withstands the test of time. There is nothing cuter than talking animals and the illustrations are beautiful and so realistic.
Find this book in: Best Rabbit Books / Best Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Sports Books for 5-year-olds
Jabari Jumps
Author: Gaia Cornwall
Illustrator: Gaia Cornwall
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
This story shows Jabari, who just passed his swim test, working up the courage to jump from the diving board. A perfect story for beginning swimmers.
Why Kirsten loves it
Both Jackie and I made sure our kids were in swim lessons by the time they were in preschool. It might be the book you need to get your kiddo working on an important motor skill – swimming!
Find this book in: Books About Learning to Swim / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Dino-Football
Author: Lisa Wheeler
Illustrator: Barry Gott
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Part of the Dino-Sports series
Plot
Dinosaurs and Football? Every little boy will love this story! It’s time for the Greenblades and Redscales to play in the Mega-Bowl. Watch as these dinos put on their gear and start scoring touchdowns. Who will win the big game?
Why Jackie loves it
My dinosaur fan loved reading this story over and over before the big game. It’s a great one for any football-loving child!
Find this book in: Football Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Plot
This picture book biography tells the story of Simone Biles from her life as a young child to her eventual trips to the Olympics.
Why Kirsten loves it
This gymnastics book is perfect for kids who love the sport and were inspired by Simone’s many medal wins!
Find this book in: Olympics Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Books About Love for 5-year-olds
If I Had a Little Dream
Author: Nina Laden
Illustrator: Melissa Castrillon
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1- 4
Plot
The story is a wonderful look at the world and how it nurtures us. It’s a pick for the best baby books because it is a keepsake you’ll cherish forever.
Why Kirsten loves it
I discovered this jewel of a book last year I cried like a baby the first time I read it and it has become my go-to book selection for any newborn regardless of gender. But it’s a great one for older kids too.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Best Books for Baby Girls / Baby Books for Baby Showers
Plot
This sweet, gorgeously illustrated tale showcases the different kinds of love. It highlights how love stays with you and makes you stronger.
Why Kirsten loves it
I also loved that it pointed out the different actions people take to show their love without saying words. I get teary-eyed every time I read this story.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Valentine’s Books for Kids / Gender-Neutral Baby Boys
A Crankenstein Valentine
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Crankenstein #2
Plot
It’s all about a cranky boy who hates Valentine’s Day and all the hearts, love, and pink the holiday brings. That is until he finds another Crankenstein just like him! Maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t so bad after all!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the perfect Valentine’s Day picture book to give to boys or girls reluctant to celebrate love.
Find this book in: Valentine’s Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Interactive Books for a 5-year-old
The Book With No Pictures
Author: B.J. Novak
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
This is such a fun and interactive book for kids. While most kids will think that a book with no pictures is not a fun book to read, this is a hilarious pick that will have kids giggling and responding while you read the book.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a great book for listening comprehension. It’s a fun and interactive book for kids.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Interactive Books
Duck Rabbit
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Year: 2009
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 3 – 8
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
This Rabbit book is exceptionally clever and hilarious. It is based on the optical illusion that is a duck or rabbit depending on how you look at the picture. In each illustration, children can look at this book from two points of view.
Why Jackie loves it
Besides being hilarious, this book teaches kids that there will always be another point of view. This book is interactive and allows children to see when to let go of an argument.
Find this book in: Interactive Books / Children’s Rabbit Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Plot
Based on the popular, Wreck This Journal, this picture book is designed for little kids! With prompts on each page to make creative changes to the picture book, this is a perfect travel activity book for 5-year-olds.
Why Jackie loves it
This interactive book for kids is designed to make children use all their senses while reading the book. They are encouraged to smell, touch, and fold the pages.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Interactive Books
Family Books for 5-year-olds
A Family is a Family is a Family
Author: Sara O’Leary
Illustrator: Qin Leng
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
For a class project, the teacher asks everyone to talk about their families and what makes them special. There is someone raised by a grandmother, someone with two dads, and so on. Such a wonderful story highlighting non-traditional families.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a wonderful story about all the different kinds of families that exist. It’s inclusive in the best way.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds
The Bench by Meghan
Author: Meghan Sussex
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 8
Plot
This is an absolutely beautiful book written by The Duchess of Sussex. She tells the story of watching her husband sit with their son together.
Why Kirsten loves it
This loving story, written in rhyme, is a heartwarming pick from our list of Father’s Day picture books.
Find this book in: Father’s Day Picture Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons
Author: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Year: 1992
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
Through a series of events, each family member’s dish goes awry but they never tell anyone. When the extended family shows up for dinner, they realize they have nothing to eat! So instead, they say grace, give thanks for having each other, and head to the fridge to make sandwiches for dessert
Why Kirsten loves it
This comedic story about the meaning of Thanksgiving is quite funny. It’s one I pull out every year to read!
Find this book in: Thanksgiving Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Creativity Books for a 5-year-old
Chalk
Author: Bill Thomson
Illustrator: Bill Thomson
Year: 2010
Genre: Wordless Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
Three children discover a magical bag of chalk on a rainy day. As they begin to draw, magic happens and their creations come to life.
Why Jackie loves it
This wordless picture book will delight adults too. It’s the perfect playground book for a lovely day. Pack it in your activity bag, read it with your kids and let them draw their own chalk creations.
Find this book in: Playground Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds / Wordless Picture Books
Sarabella’s Thinking Cap
Author: Judy Schachner
Illustrator: Judy Schachner
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 8
Plot
Sarabella is a daydreamer and creates a hat to show all her dreams and thoughts! With the encouragement of a special teacher, Sarabella can be herself.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the books to inspire imagination that we read over and over, even as our kids get older.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Books to Inspire Imagination
Beautiful Oops
Author: Barney Saltzberg
Illustrator: Barney Saltzberg
Year: 2010
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
Beautiful Oops is a 3-D book that shows a mistake, and then how the artist turns it into a masterpiece.
Why Kirsten loves it
A good imagination book inspires creativity but also teaches a lesson. The lesson in this book? It’s OK to make mistakes. It’s a great book to reference when talking to your children about mistakes and how to fix them.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Children’s Books to Inspire Imagination
Feelings Books for 5-year-olds
I Walk with Vanessa
Author: Karascoët
Illustrator: Karascoët
Year: 2018
Genre: Wordless Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
More info:
Plot
After a little girl watches her new classmate get bullied, she enacts a plan to welcome Vanessa and show her kindness. This wordless picture book allows children to explore bullying in their own voice and teaches kindness.
Why Kirsten loves it
This wordless picture book brought tears to my eyes the first time I read it. My son’s second-grade teacher used this in her curriculum last year too. This is not only an amazing back-to-school book but it’s also a great book to teach about kindness.
Find this book in: Books about Feelings / Wordless Picture Books / Back to School Books / Best Books for 5-year-olds
The Rabbit Listened
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Illustrator: Cori Doerrfeld
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2- 6
Plot
When Taylor is sad, every animal tries to help by offering different advice from shouting to crying but they don’t make the sadness go away. But the rabbit sits there and listens.
Why Kirsten loves it
What a lesson for kindness, empathy, and dealing with emotions! It’s a wonderful way to explore sitting with sadness.
Find this book in: Books for 5-year-olds / Books about Feelings/ Rabbit Books for Kids
Niko Draws a Feeling
Author: Bob Raczka
Illustrator: Simone Shin
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
There are so many wonderful things about this book. Nico loves to draw but he doesn’t draw like other kids do. He draws what he feels inside. If only we could all express ourselves this way.
Why Kirsten loves it
My kindergartener loved it so much that he asked me to read it to his class. This wordless picture book allows children to explore bullying in their own voice.
Find this book in: Books for 5-year-olds / Feelings Books
Expert Tip
- By 5 years old, children are on their way to reading. Get them ready for kindergarten by selecting books that work on vocabulary and reading comprehension.
- At this age, some children can graduate from picture books with storylines to early readers.
- Check in on their reading comprehension by asking them questions throughout the book about what has already happened or what their predictions are for the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read with a 5-year-old?
Be patient and be sure to let your child guide you. Some children will be ready to start sounding out words, while others may still be learning to identify letters. Go at your child’s pace.
How do I make sure my child is ready for kindergarten?
Read with your kids and let them see you reading too. Help them learn their letters and the sounds those letters make. If you are looking to see if your child is ready to learn to read, refer to our article on the stages of reading.
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Epilogue
I hope that you love my list of books for 5-year-olds. What are your favorite books to read with your preschooler? I would love to hear your thoughts. My favorites from when my kids were this age will always have a special place in my heart! Did you find any books for a 5-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
