10+ Best Books for 5-Year-Old Learning to Read w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect books for a 5-year-old learning to read? Finding the right books can be a game-changer in your child's reading journey. Whether you're after captivating stories or engaging activities that inspire learning, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of books for 5-year-old learning to read, each designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for reading in your little one.

Fun Books for 5-Year-Old Learning to Read

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows another character, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with a variety of dining companions.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhyming text makes it an excellent choice for young readers to practice their phonics skills and build confidence.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to read and enjoy playful, repetitive text.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows the journey of a hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before transforming into a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple counting with a magical, nature-focused story that also teaches about the days of the week and the life cycle of a butterfly.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about nature and animals, and are learning to count.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Pattern Books
  • Synopsis: A big, happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck all parade across the pages of this delightful book, teaching children about colors and animals.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its predictable, repetitive text structure and charming illustrations make it ideal for early reading and color recognition.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are beginning to recognize colors and enjoy animal characters.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: In this rhythmic, rhyming alphabet chant, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh no - Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and lively way to help children learn the alphabet, with its playful text and bold, cheerful art.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who are learning their ABCs and enjoy upbeat, rhythmic stories.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, the pigeon makes his move. Will you let him drive the bus? This book invites the reader to interact with the story by answering the pigeon's pleas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages interaction and decision-making in a humorous setting, which is great for engaging young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to laugh and interact with stories, and those who enjoy being part of the story themselves.

Educational Books for 5-Year-Old Learning to Read

• Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Beginner Books
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to a range of simple, fun rhymes and illustrations that help them learn basic phonics and word recognition.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Phonics, word recognition, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple words and pairs them with engaging, fun pictures that help reinforce reading skills through rhyme and repetition.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who are just starting to read and need practice with simple words and sounds.

• Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Tongue Twisters
  • Synopsis: This book features a tricky fox in socks and Knox, who struggle with increasingly difficult tongue twisters as they move through silly scenes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Phonics, pronunciation, reading fluency
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young readers with tongue twisters that improve pronunciation and fluency in a fun and interactive way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a reading challenge and love playful, silly stories.

• We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A family embarks on an adventure to find a bear, facing several obstacles along the way. They experience the journey with sensory descriptions of each obstacle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory awareness, sequencing, rhythm and repetition
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and immersive, encouraging children to participate in the story by performing actions and making sounds.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy interactive, rhythmic stories that involve actions and sounds.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Cause and Effect
  • Synopsis: This story explores the chain of events that unfolds when a little boy gives a cookie to a demanding mouse, leading to unexpected and humorous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of cause and effect, prediction skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches logical thinking and consequence recognition through a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with humorous twists and learning about cause and effect.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, experiencing the joy and wonder of a snowy day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploration, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day while encouraging exploration and appreciation of the simple joys in life.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in nature and exploring the world around them, especially during the winter season.

Challenging Books for 5-Year-Old Learning to Read

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, illustrated by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: This classic story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warnings, and finds himself in various troubles.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features a rich, slightly formal vocabulary that is more complex than typical children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to a higher level of language and storytelling, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal adventures and are ready to expand their vocabulary.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes like anger and loneliness, conveyed through sophisticated narrative and imagery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It allows children to explore emotions and creativity through rich, imaginative storytelling and illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Children with a vivid imagination and an interest in exploring different emotions through stories.

• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon, illustrated by Janell Cannon
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: After being separated from her mother, Stellaluna, a young fruit bat, is adopted by a family of birds but struggles to fit in due to her differences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of identity and acceptance through a narrative that challenges young readers to think about family and belonging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about diversity and acceptance, encouraging empathy and understanding through a beautifully told story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning about individual differences and how to embrace them.

• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Madeline is a brave, spirited little girl who lives in a boarding school in Paris, known for her adventures and fearlessness, even in the face of appendicitis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text incorporates themes of courage and resilience, along with an introduction to cultural aspects of Parisian life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into a different culture through the eyes of a strong female character, inspiring bravery and independence.
  • Perfect for: Young girls and boys who appreciate stories of adventure and cultural exploration.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals. To avoid being eaten, the mouse invents a monster called the Gruffalo... only to meet him face to face.
  • Why this book is challenging: The clever use of rhyme and rhythm in storytelling introduces sophisticated literary devices to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and humorous tale that encourages strategic thinking and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with clever twists and playful language.

These selections not only challenge young readers but also introduce them to a rich world of language, emotion, and morality, fostering both their reading skills and personal growth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 5-year-old develop good reading habits, you're in the right place. Reading is not just about decoding words; it's about making it a fun and engaging part of everyday life. Here are some great exercises that can help your little one along their reading journey. Each exercise is designed to be enjoyable and beneficial for young readers.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Browse through a book's pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Play a game where you match objects around the house with starting letter sounds.
  • How it helps: Strengthens phonemic awareness, a crucial skill in learning to read.
  • Tips: Keep it playful and use objects your child is already familiar with.

• Story Retell
  • What it is: After reading a story, have your child retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory skills.
  • Tips: Encourage the use of gestures and expressions to make the retelling exciting.

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Find and create rhymes based on words from a book or everyday objects.
  • How it helps: Develops phonological awareness and enjoyment of language sounds.
  • Tips: Start with simple words and gradually introduce more complex ones.

• Alphabet Treasure Hunt
  • What it is: Create a scavenger hunt with items that start with each letter of the alphabet.
  • How it helps: Teaches letter recognition and sounds in a fun, engaging way.
  • Tips: Vary the hiding spots and make some clues more challenging as your child progresses.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud together, with your child following along.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary, pronunciation skills, and models fluent reading.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to keep it fun and engaging.

• Letter Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts based on letters of the alphabet.
  • How it helps: Reinforces letter shapes and sounds through tactile activities.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials (paper, clay, fabric) to keep things interesting.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can make reading a delightful part of your child’s day. Remember, the key is to keep it light and fun, so your little one always associates reading with joy and curiosity. Happy reading!