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Expert Reviewed By - Choosing the best books for 5 year olds to read can be such fun, but with literally millions of books to choose from… how can you possibly choose?
Over the years, I have found some classics that never lose their appeal and in my recent research have discovered more wonderful books that I can’t wait to hand on to the next generation.
So here’s my comprehensive list of the best books for 5 year olds that every little library should include.
The Best Books For 5 Year Olds
Books for 5 year olds should be fun and engaging… Cover topics relevant to what’s going on in their life (such as building friendships, the arrival of a sibling, and being kind to others)… And most importantly, capture their imagination.
Here are my top book recommendations for 5 year old readers:
This beautiful book has a timeless story to tell and is the perfect book for 5 year olds as it teaches the importance of sharing and how this skill can cement friendships. Loved by parents around the globe, this book is certainly one to add to your little one's library.
Teaching children to be kind and caring has always been at the top of my list of priorities when parenting. This book is the perfect way to teach such values in a way that young children can understand. Learning how to say sorry, accept that it's ok to make mistakes and understand the importance of good manners and kindness are all written in the pages of this charming and stunning book.
Written by the same author who wrote The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has produced a wonderful range of phonics books for early readers. Designed to be read to your little one and later for them to read alone these books are a perfect start to your little ones reading development journey.
This book is the perfect rhyming story for reading out loud with your 5 year old. It is packed full of fun language and laughable moments that will keep your little one returning to it time after time.
Sure to capture your 5 year old's imagination with cute illustrations and a fabulously fun story... This wonderful book from Diane Alber will never age as read it to them and for them to one day read it back to you.
This book is the perfect way to introduce educational reading to young children. Easy to use and ideal for early sight word practice this simple book is the perfect place to start when helping your little one to recognise words and start learning to read in an uncomplicated way.
This is the perfect book for 5 year olds who are just about to start school. The story takes you through the different emotions of what children naturally feel when they are starting school. The beautiful illustrations make this a gorgeous and easy-to-read story too.
I have always loved Shirley Hughes' ‘Alfie’ books and would recommend all of them to everyone. She has the incredible ability to look at life from the point of view of very young children and get it just right. This is the perfect book for early readers to enjoy again and again.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Books For 5 Year Olds
Looking for more information about book recommendations for 5 year olds? Find answers to the most common questions here.
Should A Child Be Reading By Age 5?
Yes and no…
While it is true that some children will be able to read at 4… Most children do not manage to read fully until they’re between the ages of 6-7 years.
The most important thing to remember is that all children learn to read at their own pace and that exposure to all types of books for 5 year olds is the most valuable thing you can do to help your little one on their reading journey.
TOP TIP: Encourage and nurture a love of books by reading to your little one daily and letting them see you enjoy books too.
How Many Sight Words Should A 5 Year Old Know?
Experts say that recognition of between 20 and 40 sight words is what can be expected of the average 5 year old reading at a kindergarten level… but for many children, it is a lot less.
This is because all children learn to read at different rates.
Some 5 year olds are eager to grasp the concept of reading while others are not so interested… So do not be concerned if your child does not recognise 40 sight words just yet.
How Long Should A 5 Year Old Read For?
Your 5 year old will be able to concentrate on a book for up to 15 minutes at a time.
However, when your child is reading, you should always let them take the lead.
If they are keen to read for longer then let them do so…
But forcing a reluctant reader to spend more time looking at books for 5 year olds will only put them off and potentially trigger a 5 year old tantrum.
REMEMBER: All children learn to read eventually and no amount of pushing or pressurising them to do so before they are ready is going to help.
Can 5 Year Olds Read Chapter Books?
Most children will begin to read chapter books around the ages of 7 and 8.
However, most 5 year olds will enjoy short stories with rhymes, short sentences and bright pictures.
How High Can A 5 Year Old Count?
At 5 years old, children can often count up to twenty and beyond.
This age is the perfect time to offer simple opportunities to extend your child’s understanding of numbers and counting in everyday activities, fun books and simple math games too.
How Long Should You Read To A 5 Year Old Each Day?
I personally believe that you cannot read too much with your children.
However, you should never push a child who does not enjoy reading to stick around.
Therefore, I would suggest setting aside at least 15 minutes a day to read books to your 5 year old.
Bedtime and quiet time in a calm corner are ideal opportunities to incorporate reading into your daily routine.
Need More Parenting Help?
- Download our FREE Perfect Sleep Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use and proven formula designed for parents of 0-5 year olds to master the art of consistently undisturbed and restful sleep without the yelling, nagging or exhausting long-winded evenings.
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A bedtime & nap cheat sheet so good your little one will ask you to put them to bed...
Laura Williams "This is a life saver! I'm so glad I downloaded your bedtime & nap cheat sheet. My little one actually asked me to put him to bed last night! Unbelievable! Thank you so much!"
Click Here For The FREE Cheat Sheet
