10+ Best Baseball Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you looking to introduce your little slugger to the exciting world of baseball through reading? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of Baseball Books for 5-Year-Olds is perfect for getting tiny fans excited about the game. From stories that capture the spirit of teamwork to tales that spark a love for the game, we've got a variety of picks that are sure to hit a home run with your kiddo. Keep reading to discover our favorite Baseball Books for 5-Year-Olds and find the perfect match for your young reader.

Fun Baseball Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Goodnight Baseball by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Christina Forshay
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A heartwarming story about a young boy who experiences a wonderful day at the ballpark, ending with a goodnight to his favorite game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of a baseball game in a way that's relatable to young children, making it a perfect bedtime read.
  • Perfect for: Little baseball fans and children who enjoy bedtime stories.

• Take Me Out to the Yarn Game by Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Stacy Ebert
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This charming book combines the excitement of a baseball game with the creativity of knitting, as Grandma and her grandchild knit together while watching the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces kids to baseball through a unique and engaging story, encouraging creativity and bonding over shared activities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love crafting or spending time with grandparents.

• Baseball Baby by Diane Adams, illustrated by Charlene Chua
  • Genre(s): Sports, Board Book
  • Synopsis: Follows a baby through a day filled with baseball, from playing catch to watching a game, all in a simple, engaging format for the youngest readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, repetitive text and bright illustrations are perfect for capturing the attention of toddlers and introducing them to the joys of baseball.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children just starting to explore books and sports.

• My First Book of Baseball by The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
  • Genre(s): Sports, Educational
  • Synopsis: Essentially a beginner's guide to baseball, this book explains the basics of the game in an easy-to-understand language for kids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's educational and fun, providing a solid foundation in the sport which can help foster a lifelong love for reading and baseball.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts eager to learn about baseball rules and gameplay.

• Little Baseball by Brad Herzog, illustrated by Doug Bowles
  • Genre(s): Sports, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: Rhymes and vibrant illustrations introduce young readers to the fun and excitement of baseball, covering everything from the equipment to the thrill of hitting a home run.
  • Why we recommend this book: The playful rhymes make learning about baseball fun and engaging, helping to build early literacy skills.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who enjoy rhyming stories and are interested in sports.

Educational Baseball Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Baseball Buzz by Anika Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar
  • Genre(s): Sports, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This lively story follows young Carlos as he attends his first major league baseball game with his dad, capturing the sights, sounds, and excitement of the ballpark.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of baseball terminology, sensory details, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It vividly brings the experience of a baseball game to life, fostering a love for the sport and highlighting a memorable father-son outing.
  • Perfect for: Young baseball fans and children experiencing their first live sports event.

• The Everything Kids' Baseball Book by Greg Jacobs
  • Genre(s): Sports, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide offers everything from baseball history and trivia to tips on playing like a pro, including puzzles and games to test knowledge.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Baseball history, strategic thinking, sports trivia knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with a variety of activities and facts that keep young readers engaged while learning about baseball.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about baseball history and enjoy interactive learning.

• Zach and Lucy Play Baseball by the Ransom, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow siblings Zach and Lucy as they organize a neighborhood baseball game, learning about teamwork and leadership along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, leadership skills, community engagement
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important social skills through a fun and relatable story about playing baseball with friends.
  • Perfect for: Children who are beginning to understand the value of teamwork and those who like organizing or participating in group activities.

• Bats at the Ballgame by Brian Lies
  • Genre(s): Sports, Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A whimsical tale of a group of bats that sneaks into a ballpark to play a game of baseball, showcasing their nocturnal adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, understanding of nocturnal animals, baseball gameplay
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with sports to create a captivating story that encourages creativity and a love for baseball.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and imaginative tales with a sports twist.

Challenging Baseball Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Stupendous World of Baseball by Mark Weakland, illustrated by Patrick Carlson
  • Genre(s): Sports, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the intricate details of baseball, explaining rules, player positions, and historical moments with a depth that challenges young minds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of the game and its history that are usually not covered in typical children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enriches a child's understanding of baseball beyond just playing, fostering a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the sport.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who show an advanced interest in sports and are eager to learn more about the intricacies of baseball.

• Spectacular Plays and Amazing Athletes: A Baseball Adventure by David Kelly
  • Genre(s): Sports, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follows a young protagonist who travels through time to witness the most spectacular plays in baseball history and meet legendary players.
  • Why this book is challenging: The time-travel element introduces historical contexts and legendary figures that require a higher level of comprehension and retention.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning history exciting through the lens of baseball, encouraging both a love for the sport and an interest in historical events.
  • Perfect for: Children who are not only fans of baseball but also show curiosity about history and legendary sports figures.

• Baseball: Then to WOW! by The Editors of Sports Illustrated for Kids
  • Genre(s): Sports, History
  • Synopsis: Shows how baseball has evolved from its early days to the present, highlighting changes in equipment, rules, and playing styles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of historical and technical aspects of baseball, requiring readers to understand and appreciate changes over time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of the sport's development, which can inspire respect and a deeper passion for baseball.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in how games evolve and those who appreciate a historical perspective on their favorite sports.

• Mighty Casey at the Bat by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Joe Cepeda
  • Genre(s): Sports, Classic Adaptation
  • Synopsis: A retelling of the classic poem "Casey at the Bat" with a more detailed narrative and vibrant illustrations to captivate young readers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The poetic format and older language style provide a unique reading experience that challenges young readers to interpret and enjoy classical literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to classic poetry through the universally appealing theme of baseball, enhancing both literary appreciation and reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories told in verse and those looking to experience classic literature in a more accessible way.

• Pitch Perfect: How to Play Baseball by Joe Ball, illustrated by Bob Berry
  • Genre(s): Sports, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Offers detailed explanations and strategies on how to play baseball, including pitching techniques, batting tips, and fielding positions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The technical descriptions and strategic aspects of baseball presented are typically geared towards older children or adults.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thorough understanding of playing baseball, which can be beneficial for skill development and a deeper appreciation of the game's complexities.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young baseball players who are serious about improving their game and understanding every aspect of how it is played.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young readers to the world of books through a topic they love, like baseball, can be a fun and engaging way to foster a love for reading. Here are some tailored exercises that can help 5-year-olds develop good reading habits while enjoying baseball-themed books.

• Picture Walk Before Reading
  • What it is: Look through the pictures in the book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Helps children make predictions and connect visually with the story.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to stimulate curiosity and engagement.

• Echo Reading
  • What it is: You read a sentence and then have the child repeat it after you.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and comprehension by modeling proper pacing and intonation.
  • Tips: Keep it fun by changing your voice to match different characters or actions.

• Spot the Baseball Gear
  • What it is: Identify and name baseball gear shown in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and recognition of common baseball items.
  • Tips: Turn it into a game by counting how many items they can spot and name.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Discuss the feelings and actions of characters in the story.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Relate the characters’ experiences to the child’s own life to make it more relatable.

• Read and Act
  • What it is: Read a page or passage and then act it out.
  • How it helps: Strengthens memory and comprehension through physical activity and play.
  • Tips: Use simple props like a baseball cap or a toy bat to make the acting more fun.

These exercises are designed to make reading a dynamic and interactive experience for young baseball fans. By incorporating these activities, you're not just teaching a child how to read; you're also sparking an enduring passion for stories and learning. Enjoy the reading adventure!