best books for 5 year olds

The Best Books for 5 Year Olds

In this list

17 books

  1. The Day the Crayons Quit · Drew Daywalt
  2. Giraffes Can’t Dance · Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
  3. There’s a Bear on my Chair · Ross Collins
  4. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World · Kate Pankhurst
  5. The Rainbow Fish · Marcus Pfister
  6. Dragons Love Tacos · Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
  7. The Good Egg · Jory John and Pete Oswald
  8. Crocodiles Need Kisses Too · Rebecca Colby and Penelope Dullaghan
  9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar · Eric CarleRecommended 7 times
  10. The Story of Ferdinand · Munro Leaf
  11. Where the Wild Things Are · Maurice SendakRecommended 6 times
  12. Oi Frog! · Kes Gray
  13. The Velveteen Rabbit · Margery WilliamsRecommended 3 times
  14. The Gruffalo · Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
  15. Lift the Flap: Fairy Tales · Roger Priddy
  16. Can I Be Your Dog · Troy Cummings
  17. My First Book of Planets · Bruce Betts

It is no secret that books are a vital part of a child’s development. They help to foster a love of learning, and they provide valuable lessons on everything from empathy to the alphabet. When it comes to choosing books for 5 year olds, there are countless great options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for tales of friendship or stories about far-off lands, you’re sure to find something that your child will love.

To help you make your selection, we’ve put together a list of some of the best books for 5 year olds. So whether you’re shopping for a gift or stocking your own shelves, be sure to check out our list. You’re sure to find something that your child will cherish for years to come.


1.

The Day the Crayons Quit

the day the crayons quit - best books for 5 year olds

The Day the Crayons Quit is one of the best books for 5 year olds. It’s a fun and quirky story about a box of crayons that go on strike. The crayons are tired of being used all the time, so they decide to quit. This leaves the poor child with no way to color. The story is told from the perspective of the crayons, which makes it really fun and unique.

It’s a great way to teach kids about Diversity and Inclusion, and how important it is to listen to everyone’s voices. It’s a great book for sparking imagination and creativity, and it’s sure to bring a smile to any child’s face.

2.

Giraffes Can’t Dance

giraffes can’t dance - best books for 5 year olds

Giraffe’s Can’t Dance is a delightful story about a giraffe who, despite being told he’s not good at dancing, follows his heart and eventually becomes the star of the jungle dance. The book is a great reminder for children that it’s important to pursue their passions, even if others tell them they can’t succeed.

In addition, the book’s vibrant illustrations and rhyming text make it an enjoyable read-aloud for both parents and kids. Whether your child is struggling to find their passion or simply loves animals, Giraffe’s Can’t Dance is sure to be a hit.

3.

There’s a Bear on my Chair

there’s a bear on my chair - best books for 5 year olds

There’s a Bear on my Chair is one of the best books for 5 year olds. The story is about a bear who comes to visit a little girl in her chair, and the two of them end up having a lot of fun together.

Throughout the book, there are lots of moments that are bound to leave your child laughing. The illustrations are also very cute and colorful, which kids will love. This book is a great read for any child, and it will teach them valuable lessons that they can use in their everyday life.

4.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World

fantastically great women who changed the world - best books for 5 year olds

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World by Kate Pankhurst is a great book for children to read. It is the story about inspiring women who made a big impact and fought for change. A child can learn from the book that anyone, no matter their gender, can make a difference in the world.

The book is also a great way to introduce children to important historical figures like Edith Farkas, Daphne Sheldrick and Anita Roddick. By reading about the accomplishments of these women, children will be inspired to achieve their own goals. Additionally, the book includes beautiful illustrations that bring the stories to life. Overall, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is an excellent choice for books for 5 year olds.

5.

The Rainbow Fish

the rainbow fish - best books for 5 year olds

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is one of the best books for 5 year olds. It’s a story about a fish who is blessed with beautiful, shimmering scales. The other fish in the sea are envious of his wonderful treasure and ask him to share it. The Rainbow Fish doesn’t want to part with his scales, but he finally agrees to share them when he realizes that it will make the other fish happy.

This book teaches children the importance of sharing and caring for others. It also promotes cooperation and friendship. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is engaging. I highly recommend this book for any child who is just learning to read.

6.

Dragons Love Tacos

dragons love tacos - best books for 5 year olds

Dragons Love Tacos is a great book for 5 year olds. It’s a fun story about dragons who love tacos and the things that can happen when they eat too many. But it’s also a story with a message about being careful of what you eat and how much you eat.

It’s a good reminder for kids that they need to be mindful of their food choices and not overdo it on any one thing. This is an important lesson for kids to learn, and Dragons Love Tacos does a great job of teaching it in a way that is both fun and engaging.

7.

The Good Egg

the good egg - best books for 5 year olds

The Good Egg by Jory John and Pete Oswald is one of the best books for 5 year olds. The story is about a good egg who tries to be perfect all the time. But no matter how hard he tries, things always seem to go wrong. One day, he cracks under the pressure and has a breakdown.

But his friends are there to support him and help him realize that it’s okay to be imperfect. This book is a great way to teach children that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be themselves. On top of that, it’s a really lovely story with very endearing characters that your child is bound to love.

8.

Crocodiles Need Kisses Too

crocodiles need kisses too - best books for 5 year olds

Crocodiles Need Kisses Too is a charming book that is perfect for 5 year olds. The story follows a young crocodile who is trying to understand the concept of love. Through his interactions with other animals, he learns that love comes in many different forms. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and a touching message about the power of love.

Children will enjoy following the crocodile’s journey as he discovers the many ways that we can show love to others. This book is a great way to teach kids about empathy and acceptance, and it will stay with them long after they’ve finished reading it.

9.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

the very hungry caterpillar - best books for 5 year olds

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a book that 5 year olds can enjoy. The story is about a caterpillar who is very hungry. He eats a lot of food and then turns into a butterfly. This book is good for children to read because it teaches them about the life cycle of a caterpillar.

They can also learn about different types of food. The book is also very colorful and has simple words. This makes it easy for young children to follow along. All in all, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great book for 5 year olds to read.

10.

The Story of Ferdinand

the story of ferdinand - best books for 5 year olds

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf is a classic book that has been beloved by children for generations. The story tells the tale of a young bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights. Though he is initially ridiculed by the other bulls, Ferdinand eventually learns to be proud of who he is and follows his own path.

The book teaches children the importance of being true to themselves, no matter what others may think. It also promotes acceptance and understanding, as Ferdinand’s friends learn to appreciate him for his unique personality. The Story of Ferdinand is a timeless book that every child should read.

11.

Where the Wild Things Are

where the wild things are - best books for 5 year olds

Where the Wild Things Are is a classic picture book by Maurice Sendak, and it remains one of the best books for 5 year olds. The story follows Max, a young boy who is sent to bed without dinner. In his bedroom, he imagines himself sailing to a faraway land where he becomes king of the Wild Things.

Although the book is short, it is packed with mischief, imagination, and adventure. It is also filled with striking illustrations that bring the story to life. As a result, it is no wonder that Where the Wild Things Are continues to be popular with young readers.

12.

Oi Frog!

oi frog - best books for 5 year olds

Oi Frog! by Kes Gray is a delightful book for 5 year olds. It’s a story about a frog who doesn’t want to sit on anything other than a lily pad. But as he goes through the day, he gradually realizes that there are all sorts of other interesting things to sit on – from mushrooms to toadstools.

By the end of the book, he’s sitting on all sorts of different things and he’s much happier for it. The book is full of fun rhyming text and charming illustrations. It’s a great book for children to read, and they can learn some valuable lessons from it too. They’ll learn that it’s important to be open-minded and to try new things, and they’ll also have a lot of fun along the way.

13.

The Velveteen Rabbit

the velveteen rabbit - best books for 5 year olds

The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic children’s book that has been beloved by generations of young readers. The story tells the tale of a small rabbit who is given to a boy as a gift and who comes to believe that he is real. The rabbit goes on a journey of self-discovery, learning about the true meaning of love and friendship.

Throughout the story, the rabbit remains positive and hopeful, even in the face of adversity. This makes The Velveteen Rabbit an inspiring and uplifting book for children. It teaches valuable lessons about staying true to yourself and never giving up on your dreams. Consequently, it is no wonder that this book has remained popular with young readers for over a hundred years.

14.

The Gruffalo

the gruffalo - best books for 5 year olds

The Gruffalo is one of the best books for 5 year olds. It’s a story about a mouse who takes a walk in the forest. The mouse is looking for nuts, and he meets a lot of different animals along the way. The book is full of characters that children will love, including the Gruffalo himself.

The story is also exciting, and it will keep children engaged from start to finish. In addition, the book is packed with beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life. The Gruffalo is a truly wonderful book, and it’s one that every child should have on their bookshelf.

15.

Lift the Flap: Fairy Tales

lift the flaps fairy tales - best books for 5 year olds

Lift the Flap: Fairy Tales is a wonderful book for five year olds. It is a story about a young girl who goes on an adventure with her friends. The story is full of excitement and suspense. The book is also filled with beautiful illustrations.

This book is a great way for 5 year olds to learn about friendship, loyalty, and bravery. The book is also a great way for children to learn about different fairy tales. Children will love the story and the beautiful illustrations. This book is a great way for children to learn about different cultures and stories.

16.

Can I Be Your Dog

can I be your dog - best books for 5 year olds

Can I Be Your Dog is a heartwarming story about a dogs quest to find a forever home. Told from the perspective of Arfy, a lovable mutt in need of a family, the book follows his adventures as he tries to win over the hearts of everyone he meets. Though he ultimately fails to find a home, Arfy’s journey is full of fun and compassion, making it a great choice for young children.

The books simple text and adorable illustrations make it perfect for kids aged 4-7, and its message of acceptance is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a bedtime story or a new favorite for your little reader, Can I Be Your Dog is sure to fill the bill.

17.

My First Book of Planets

my first book of planets - best books for 5 year olds

My First Book of Planets by Bruce Betts is a perfect book for 5 year olds who are interested in space. The story follows a young boy named Timmy as he learns about the different planets in our solar system. Timmy is first introduced to the sun, and then he learns about each planet one by one.

As he learns about each planet, he imagines what it would be like to visit there. By the end of the story, Timmy has a newfound appreciation for our solar system and all of the different planets that make it up. This book is a great way to introduce children to the concept of space and help them to understand a little bit more about our place in the universe.


Reading is one of the most important things you can do for your child. It helps them to develop language skills, learn about the world around them, and bond with you. If you’re looking for the best books for 5 year olds, there are many great options out there.

But ultimately, the best book for your child is the one that they enjoy and can connect with. So take some time to explore different books with your child, and find the ones that they love the most. Reading together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and foster a love of learning in your child.

If you enjoyed this list of the best books for 5 year olds, you may also enjoy learning why reading is important for kids.

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