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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 5-year-olds to read themselves? You're in the right place! Whether you're looking to spark their imagination or strengthen their reading skills, we've curated a variety of delightful reads that are just right for young bookworms. Keep reading to discover our top picks of books for 5-year-olds to read themselves, and watch your little one's love for reading grow!

Fun Books for 5-Year-Old to Read Themselves

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows another character throughout the book to convince him to try green eggs and ham.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhyming text makes it easy for young readers to follow along and participate in reading aloud, enhancing their phonetic skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy playful, repetitive text.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: The story follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces concepts of counting, the days of the week, and life cycles in an engaging and visually stimulating way.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about nature.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A pigeon dreams of driving a bus and tries to convince the reader to let him drive it after the bus driver steps away.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages interaction as children can respond to the pigeon’s pleas, fostering decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Energetic readers who enjoy dialogue and humor, and who might like saying "no" to the cheeky pigeon.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern Books, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Different colorful animals are asked what they see, leading to a chain of responses that culminate in a surprise ending.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its predictable, repetitive text structure and vibrant illustrations help children anticipate and recall words, enhancing their reading confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rhythmic texts and learning about different animals.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Friendship Stories
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories about the adventures and deep friendship between a frog and a toad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s composed of simple, easy-to-follow stories that teach valuable lessons about friendship, patience, and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Children who are beginning to read independently and appreciate stories about friendship and loyalty.

Educational Books for 5-Year-Old to Read Themselves

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet Book, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: A lively alphabet rhyme where the letters of the alphabet race up the coconut tree and tumble down, creating a delightful chaos.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhyming skills, letter sequencing
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines rhythmic, playful text with bold colorful illustrations, making learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are starting to learn the alphabet and enjoy rhythmic, lively stories.

• Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A baby bird goes on a journey to find his mother, asking various animals and objects, "Are you my mother?" until he finally reunites with her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, animal identification, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a simple, charming story that helps develop reading confidence and emotional connection through the theme of mother-child bonding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventure stories and learning about different animals.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: A gentle bedtime story featuring a quiet poetry as a young bunny says goodnight to everything in the "great green room."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, rhyming skills, calming routines
  • Why we recommend this book: Its soothing rhythm and familiar bedtime routine provide a comforting transition to sleep.
  • Perfect for: Young children who benefit from a bedtime story as part of their nighttime routine.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Seasonal
  • Synopsis: Peter explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, experiencing the simple joys and adventures of a snowy day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, seasonal changes, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child, with beautiful, expressive illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy exploring and learning about different weather conditions and seasons.

• We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: A family goes on an exciting adventure to find a bear, facing various obstacles along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sequencing, prepositions, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages physical activity and imagination through its repetitive, catchy phrases and invites readers to act out the scenes.
  • Perfect for: Energetic children who enjoy interactive read-alouds and family-themed adventures.

Challenging Books for 5-Year-Old to Read Themselves

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory, where he encounters fantastical inventions and characters.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces a rich vocabulary and imaginative concepts that go beyond everyday experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks creativity and wonder, encouraging children to imagine and explore beyond the ordinary.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and whimsical stories.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, School
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her talents are constantly belittled by her cruel parents and headmistress. She discovers she has a special telekinetic gift and uses it to stand up to the bullies in her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a plot that deals with themes of justice and personal courage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and resilience, showing that it’s okay to stand up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate stories of triumph and individual empowerment.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, facing consequences for his actions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes sophisticated language and a moral lesson that requires some reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about obedience and the repercussions of misbehavior in a gentle, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with animals and those who are learning about making good choices.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a small mouse born into a human family, embarks on several adventures, using his wit and courage to navigate the challenges he faces.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines elements of fantasy with real-world issues, presented through rich language and complex sentences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of bravery and adventure that encourages readers to think creatively and persistently when facing obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure and exploring different perspectives.

• The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: A stuffed rabbit yearns to become real through the love of his owner. The story explores the rabbit's quest for realness and the transformative power of love.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into deep philosophical themes like existence and reality, intertwined with a narrative that is both tender and poignant.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a heartwarming exploration of love and the value of personal connections.
  • Perfect for: Children who are thoughtful and enjoy deep, emotional stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 5-year-old develop some stellar reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are a few fun and effective exercises designed specifically for young readers. These will not only engage them but also enhance their reading skills.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Encourages 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: Find objects around the house that start with the same letter/sound as words from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces phonics and sound recognition.
  • Tips: Turn it into a fun scavenger hunt with each new book.

• Story Retell
  • What it is: After reading, the child retells the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal articulation.
  • Tips: Encourage them to mention key details and characters.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or sentences with your child.
  • How it helps: Builds confidence and fluency in reading.
  • Tips: Praise their efforts to keep them motivated.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the story after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and recall.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and engagement.

• Reading Buddy
  • What it is: Pair your child with an older sibling or a friend for joint reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Promotes social skills and makes reading a fun activity.
  • Tips: Let them choose books they both like to maintain interest.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting reading environment.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up and decorating the nook.

By incorporating these exercises into your 5-year-old's reading routine, you'll not only help them develop strong reading skills but also foster a lifelong love for reading. Remember, the key is to keep the activities fun and engaging. Happy reading!