Books for Ages 5 to 6
Developing Imagination and Literacy
At ages 5 to 6, children can distinguish between fantasy and reality, making it a perfect time to introduce more layered storytelling. Books with symbolism, metaphors, and longer narratives keep them engaged.
Building Literacy Skills
As children begin recognizing sight words and developing phonemic awareness, picture books, early readers, and short stories are ideal for both guided reading and independent learning. Regular reading fosters language development, phonics skills, and stronger bonds between parents and children.
Encouraging Daily Reading
Creating a home literacy environment (HLE) filled with books supports their growth as independent readers. Series books and reading logs help maintain interest and ownership of reading, while classic authors like Maurice Sendak and Mo Willems offer exciting titles for this age group.
Regular reading helps children develop vocabulary, understand new concepts, and build a lifelong love for books!
Sample Titles of Books for 5 Year Old's
Here are some titles we love and have shipped to our subscribers for this age group:
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across. Each animal says no. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear’s memory! This take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humor — and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.
Once Upon a Saturday by Leslie Lammle
The day belongs to June. She can search for wild animals, learn how to fly, or maybe even discover long-lost treasure. But before she is free to enjoy her day, June must face one big problem: her list of chores! Luckily, the only thing bigger than June's list of chores is her imagination, and she finds that with a little ingenuity even humdrum activities like eating her breakfast, sweeping the leaves, and cleaning her room can become an adventure.
It’s a Book by Lane Smith
Playful and lighthearted with a subversive twist that is signature Lane Smith, It’s a Book is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age. This satisfying, perfectly executed picture book has something to say to readers of all stripes and all ages.
Snowbots by Aaron Reynolds & David Barneda
How do the robot children of Clackentown spend snow days? They have supersonic snowball fights, make robot angels with wing nuts moving up and down, take hot oil baths to thaw out the joints, and receive eskimo kisses on metal noses at bedtime.
Mousetranaut by Mark Kelly & C. F. Payne
Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show readiness for the mission and is chosen for the flight! While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes—and only the smallest member of the crew can save the day!
Dirt on My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy & Steve Bjorkman
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy creates a neighborhood filled with fun, family, friends, and more. Here you'll meet Cousin Lizzy, Uncle Ed and Aunt Foo Foo, cows with horns that don't go beep, dads in sweaters, also sheep. From the thrill of flying to the imaginary planet Woosocket to bonding with a friend over a shared hatred of spinach, these poems capture the very essence of being a kid.
Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger
Max and Marla are best friends. And aspiring Olympians! With their eyes on the prize, they know exactly what it’ll take to reach sledding success: preparation, practice and perseverance. So when rusty blades, strong winds and difficult slopes get in their way, Max and Marla realize true joy lies not in winning but in friendship. Obstacles turn into victories!
Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads by Bob Shea & Lane Smith
Drywater Gulch has a outlaw toad problem. Then hope rides into town. Sheriff Ryan might only be seven years old, and he might not know much about shooting and roping. But he knows a lot about dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs. And it turns out that knowing a thing or two about paleontology can come in handy when it comes to hoodwinking and rounding up a few no-good bandits.
The King’s Taster by Kenneth Oppel & Lou Fancher
Max is the cook's dog. And because he is also the king's taster, Max gets to feast on French Fries! Rose Pudding! Cheese Pie! Pizza! No wonder Max loves his job. Who wouldn't want to dine on these delicious dishes? The new king, that's who. And if the new king has his way, it won't just be their job that the cook and Max lose!
Corduroy Takes a Bow by Viola Davis & Jody Wheeler
Fifty years after this lovable, inquisitive teddy bear was first introduced to readers, he’s now the star of the show. Author Viola Davis uses her own experience as an Emmy, Tony, and Oscar Award-winning actress to imbue Corduroy’s adventure with all the magic of the stage. A beautifully illustrated tale with a classic feel, Corduroy Takes a Bow is sure to spark an interest in theater in children of any age.
The Yawns Are Coming! by Christopher Eliopoulos
Two best friends have big plans for their sleepover. They aren't going to go to bed at all--they'll stay up playing all night long. But then it happens: The YAWNS show up! And as much as they try to outrun and hide from them, it's no use: The Yawns catch them. Maybe they could keep going anyway, but then a DOZE arrives . . . followed by the dreaded SNORES!
The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat
This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and--at long last--is given his special name: Beekle.
When I Feel Scared by Dr. Sharie Coombes & Jo Fernihough
When I Feel Scared is a profound educational tool that guides children toward understanding the many facets of fear. Through the eyes of a little lost rabbit, readers discover the inclination to seek refuge in stillness and quietude when fear strikes. This journey teaches children that these feelings are not only natural but can also be steppingstones toward discovering their own resilience.
There's an Alien in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
Readers will enjoy jiggling, bouncing, and turning their book around as they try to launch Alien back up into space--because aliens don't belong on Earth...do they? Packed full of interactive fun, with a gentle message about openness, acceptance, and inclusion that will speak to the very youngest readers.
A Family for Louie by Alexandra Thompson
Meet Louie. He's a dog of very fine taste. He knows every chef in town, and each day he wanders the city, visiting his favorite restaurants. It's a good life, except... Louie is all on his own. What Louie wants more than anything is a family.
A Day With Cinderella by Little Bee Books
In this interactive board book, kids will spend the day with Cinderella and learn to tell time by moving the hands of the clock. Children will be prompted to move the clock's hands to correspond to various events throughout the day: when Cinderella's day begins at 6:00 AM, when the messenger arrives with the notice about the ball at 11:00 AM, when she loses her glass slipper at midnight, etc.
Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father. Jolly piragüeros, mischievous cats, and costumed musicians color this tale of love, family, and the true meaning of home.
A Fox Found a Box by Ged Adamson
A little fox is digging for food when he finds a box! When the fox brings the box home to his animal friends it sings, and music fills the forest. Everyone agrees that it feels nice. Day and night, they listen to the box's songs, until, one day, it goes quiet. No matter what they try, they just can't get the box to sing again. This picture book that gently introduces the concept of mindfulness.
If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen
If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time.
You Are My Friend by Aimee Reid & Matt Phelan
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood is a gentle homage to Fred Rogers and shows how his simple message still resonates with us today: “There’s no person in the world like you and I like you just the way you are.” The book includes a short biography of Fred’s life and a bibliography.
Can’t Decide Which Books for 5 Year Old's to Choose?
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