Your support helps keep the site running! We recommend books and products we believe in. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Read our affiliate disclosure.
There are a lot of interesting places to visit in the world that can become a wonderful discovery for a child. A trip to the local library can take your kid outside of the realm of his/her bedroom and let them experience new books and places they have never been to.
The earlier you can get your child to start reading, the better. Reading is an important skill to have and is something that many people get great satisfaction and benefits from throughout their lives. It can be difficult at first to inspire children to read – my wife and I found out early – but this list of books that we have compiled should be more than enough to spark a love of reading in your 5-year-old.
What are the Best Books for 5-year-olds?
Elmer (Elmer Books)
Elmer is a classic book, that generations of children have grown up on. The story is sweet and positive, and many of us can learn something from it. The pictures are charming and distinctive, and it is easy to follow along with the story thanks to these and the simple language.
Gift Idea: Elmer Books Collection Set
- There could perhaps be a greater emphasis on language and words in Elmer. It is very visual, which makes it a better option for those who are trying to help their children to enjoy reading, or to enjoy the great pictures in the book.
- You are going to like this book if you enjoy beautiful illustrations and an uplifting story.
How to Hide a Lion (How to Hide a Lion, 1)
Published and illustrated by Helen Stephens back on February 1 of 2010, this book is the best when it comes to teaching your child about friendship. This heartwarming, as well as funny storybook, follows a girl who is friends with a lion. She then tries to continue hiding her friend lion in her house without her parents ever finding out. Can she really keep hiding her friend lion forever?
Gift Ideas: How to Hide a Lion from Grandma
The Storm Whale
The Storm Whale has beautiful and rich illustrations, and a story that is creative and moving. The art style is distinctive and unique, and really stands out amongst other picture books.
- There could be a greater emphasis on the narrative in this story, as the visuals take up a lot of attention.
- You are going to like it if you enjoy books with a unique story and a fantastic and original art style.
The Dot
The Dot is a wonderful and inspiring story about the power of creativity, and the potential that lies within all of us. It can help your child see that we all have the ability to create and explore the world around us.
Gift Idea: Peter Reynolds Creatrilogy Box Set (Dot, Ish, Sky Color)
- The story of The Dot is perhaps a bit abstract, and therefore might not be quite so suited to those who enjoy a narrative which is especially strong and clear.
- The Dot combines great visuals with very strong and creative storytelling. This makes it a wonderful choice to encourage children to explore the world around them and their creative potential.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
The story is sweet and has a great message that kids can enjoy.
Gift Idea: Giraffes Can’t Dance: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
- It is quite whimsical and might not be as suited to those looking for a story with more of a message.
- The art style is great, and the book could be a good introduction to exotic animals for many children.
Something Else
Published back in the year 1994 and written by Kathryn Cave, this is a story that would be a great choice if your child feels like they don’t fit in. But it can also just be a good and heartwarming story that you can share with them. It’s a simple story about s creature who just doesn’t fit in no matter what because he’s different. But one day, something turned up wanting to be friends with this creature.
- The story does not fit well with younger kids.
- It is a straightforward story with a beautiful lesson. But this book can also end up teaching your child about labels. My kids love it!
Dragons Love Tacos
Dragons Love Tacos is a sweet and charming story with simple and beautiful illustrations. It is fun and lighthearted and has a fun narrative that your child is going to love.
Gift Ideas:
- The story in the book is very whimsical, so there is not much of a message to the narrative.
- You are going to like this story if you enjoy beautiful and fun illustrations, and a charming world that you can share with your kids.
The Day the Crayons Quit
The day the crayons quit is a book written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. This story follows a boy named Duncan, who just really wants to draw. Once he opened his crayon box, he discovered that all of his crayons weren’t really happy anymore. That’s why Duncan has to find a way to make all of them happy again.
Gift Ideas:
- The story might be a bit hard for younger kids to understand without some guidance from an adult.
- It is a charming and unique story with a slightly ethical message behind it, in a way that children can easily understand. The fabulous illustrations and unique concept make it an entertaining read for your kid.
Green Eggs and Ham
The classic story by Doctor Seuss is beloved by generations of adults and children alike.
Gift Ideas:
- The story is a little bizarre and the art style can be a bit strange to some, too.
- You are going to like it if you like great stories with unique and interesting concepts behind them.
Very Tricky Alfie Atkins
This book has a really sweet and original story. There is some tension and ultimately a very happy ending. The story also has a great and positive message.
- The book could perhaps have some more emphasis on visuals, as it can be difficult for 5-year-olds to read for extended periods without some pictures to look at.
- You are going to like Alfie if you enjoy stories that are clever, uplifting, and positive.
What a Wonderful World
Full of wonderful and bright pictures, along with the beautiful message this book, What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, has is going to climb its way up to your child’s heart. This book has not only been a ray of hope for children but many adults too, which just proves how big of an influence this book had on other people.
- Please check some of the versions do not hold the audio-cd.
- A short book to introduce kids to Louis Armstrong’s song.
I hope you like the above listings. As soon as we read something awesome I will update this page.