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

Are you on the hunt for easy books for 5-year-old to read that will capture their imagination and help them grow as readers? You've come to the right place! Whether you're looking to cozy up for storytime or find a book that your little one can start reading on their own, we've got a variety of options lined up. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections of easy books perfect for 5-year-olds to dive into!

Fun Easy Books for 5-Year-Old to Read

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Rhyme, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows another character, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: The repetitive and rhyming phrases help young readers develop phonemic awareness and can boost early reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy playful language and silly scenarios.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book 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 the life cycle of a butterfly.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love nature and learning about animal transformations.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Pattern book
  • 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive text and bold, colorful illustrations help children anticipate what's coming next, aiding in language development.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy animal sounds and colorful artwork.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Humor
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, the pigeon makes several humorous attempts to get the reader to let him drive the bus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages interaction as children can respond to the pigeon’s pleas, fostering decision-making skills and assertiveness.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to laugh and say "no" to silly requests.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime story, Poetry
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, and everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its gentle, rhythmic text and calming pace make it a perfect bedtime read.
  • Perfect for: Children winding down for sleep and those who enjoy peaceful, soothing stories.

Educational Easy Books for 5-Year-Old to Read

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet book, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: The letters of the alphabet race up the coconut tree, but will there be enough room? As they reach the top, the tree bends and the letters tumble down, leading to a chaotic and colorful adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, early phonics, rhythm and rhyme
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines lively illustrations with rhythmic text that makes learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are just starting to learn their ABCs and enjoy vibrant, energetic stories.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Circular tale
  • Synopsis: This story begins with a boy giving a cookie to a mouse, which sets off a chain of events where the mouse continuously asks for more things, creating a seemingly never-ending cycle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Causal relationships, sequencing, prediction
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about cause and effect in a humorous and relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with humorous twists and learning about actions and consequences.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows Peter, a young boy who explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season. His day is filled with playful adventures in the snowy landscape.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploring new experiences, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love snow and exploring the outdoors.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Family
  • Synopsis: Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other, trying to measure their affection in ever more imaginative and larger capacities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, expressing feelings, measurement concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the limitless nature of love between a parent and child.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents or caregivers looking to share a heartwarming storytime experience.

• We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: A family embarks on an adventure, overcoming various obstacles, to find a bear, and their journey is filled with repetitive chants and fun rhythms.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sequencing, rhythm and sounds, bravery and adventure
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages physical activity and interactive reading through its repetitive and catchy phrases.
  • Perfect for: Energetic youngsters who enjoy acting out stories and going on imaginary adventures.

Challenging Easy Books for 5-Year-Old to Read

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • 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 uses imaginative narrative and fantasy elements that require abstract thinking and emotional understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of anger, imagination, and coming to terms with one's emotions in a creative and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventures and exploring their imagination.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit, who disobeys his mother's orders and sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, facing several challenges as he tries to escape back home.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rich, formal language and the moral lessons embedded in the story provide a higher level of reading complexity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about obedience and the consequences of one's actions in an engaging and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals and learning through the adventures of characters.

• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Madeline is a brave and mischievous little girl who lives in a boarding school in Paris. Despite facing appendicitis and a hospital visit, her spirit and adventures continue to charm.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces cultural references and complex themes like health and fear, wrapped in rhythmic, rhyming text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It portrays bravery and resilience through a strong female character, encouraging young girls and boys to be fearless.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy lively stories with rhythmic texts and those interested in experiences in different settings.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Easy reader, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories about two friends, Frog and Toad, exploring their friendship through various seasons and scenarios.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of early chapter format, subtle humor, and themes of friendship require interpretive skills and emotional understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delicately illustrates the beauty of friendship and loyalty through simple yet profound stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to explore books with more structured narratives and those who appreciate stories about friendship.

• Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Strega Nona ("Grandma Witch") owns a magical pasta pot in her Italian town. The story unfolds as her helper, Big Anthony, tries to use the pot without her permission, leading to a humorous disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The incorporation of an Italian cultural setting and the moral lessons woven into the plot offer a rich reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with important lessons about responsibility and respecting others' belongings.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical stories and learning about different cultures through folklore.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Are you looking for ways to help your 5-year-old develop good reading habits with some easy books? Well, you've come to the right place! Below, I've compiled a list of fun and simple exercises that can make reading a more engaging and beneficial experience for your little one. Let's dive in!

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read a book aloud to your child, or take turns reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves listening skills.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pitch to make the story more exciting.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Helps in predicting the story and stimulates imagination.
  • Tips: Ask your child to describe what they think is happening in each picture.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Focus on the sounds of the first letters in words.
  • How it helps: Strengthens phonemic awareness, an essential skill for reading.
  • Tips: Playfully challenge your child to find objects around the house that start with the same letter.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: Arrange story events in order after reading.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and memory skills.
  • Tips: Use simple drawings or cut-outs from magazines to visually sequence events.

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Identify and come up with rhymes for words in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonological awareness and enjoyment of word play.
  • Tips: Make a fun game out of coming up with as many rhymes as possible.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on a character's role.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more engaging.

These exercises aren't just educational; they're a great way to bond with your child and foster a lifelong love for reading. Pick a few to try this week, and watch your little reader grow and thrive! Happy reading!