40 Best Books for 5 Year Olds Boys and Girls to Read in 2025

Is your 5-year-old ready to dive into new stories? At this age, kids crave engaging tales that match their growing curiosity and energy. But with so many options, finding the right books can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide: 40 handpicked books for 5-year-olds’ interests and developmental needs. From interactive chapters to calming bedtime stories, these picks will not only entertain but also boost learning and a love for reading. Let’s explore the best choices for your little boys or girls!

40 Best Books for 5 Year Olds Table List

Picking books for 5 year olds can be hard. There are so many great choices. This list has top picks from Epic’s “Books for Young Readers” collection. It also includes winners from Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Kids’ Book Awards and other trusted places. You’ll see stories that make kids curious, show different cultures, and help them love reading for life.

Tip: Try reading many genres and themes with your child. This helps them find new hobbies and learn to care about others. They will meet all kinds of characters in these books.

Here is a table with 40 of the best books. Each book is special. Some are funny adventures. Others teach about friendship or show life in other places.

Title	Author	Age Range	Type	Summary
Fluffy’s School Bus Adventure	Betty Tom	4–7	Animal/Adventure	Fluffy the guinea pig takes a wild ride on the school bus, learning about teamwork and navigating funny obstacles along the way.
When a Dragon Moves In Again	Jodi Moore	4–7	Fantasy/Family	A boy and his dragon adjust to a new baby in the family. Humor and heart help kids relate to changes and sibling dynamics.
Creepy Crawlies: Millipedes	Lisa Amstutz	4–7	Nonfiction/Nature	Explores the fascinating world of millipedes with bright photos and fun facts that engage young readers.
The Trouble With Trading	Betty Tom	4–7	Friendship/Game	Two friends learn about fairness and sharing through a playful trading game, highlighting social interactions.
Goodnight Moon	Margaret Wise Brown	3–6	Bedtime	A soothing bedtime classic that helps children wind down with gentle rhymes and a calm, comforting setting.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!	Mo Willems	4–7	Humor/Interactive	A silly pigeon tries every trick to get behind the wheel. Kids interact with the story by responding to the pigeon’s antics.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie	Laura Numeroff	4–7	Humor/Chain Story	One small cookie leads to a series of humorous events, teaching cause and effect in a playful narrative.
The Snowy Day	Ezra Jack Keats	4–7	Classic/Adventure	Peter explores a snowy day in the city, discovering wonder and joy in everyday moments.
Last Stop on Market Street	Matt de la Peña	4–7	Urban Life/Family	A boy and his grandmother ride the bus through the city, seeing beauty in ordinary surroundings and connecting with community.
Julian Is a Mermaid	Jessica Love	4–7	Imagination/Identity	Julian dreams of becoming a mermaid, exploring creativity, self-expression, and individuality.
Hair Love	Matthew A. Cherry	4–7	Family/Identity	A father and daughter bond over a special hair day, celebrating love, confidence, and family support.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story	Kevin Noble Maillard	4–7	Culture/Family	Children learn about Native American traditions and family through the story of making fry bread.
The Name Jar	Yangsook Choi	4–7	Identity/School	A girl learns to embrace her unique name and identity at a new school, discovering pride in her heritage.
The Day You Begin	Jacqueline Woodson	4–7	Friendship/Identity	Children feel nervous about starting something new, but sharing their stories brings connection and courage.
Sulwe	Lupita Nyong’o	4–7	Self-Esteem/Identity	Sulwe’s journey teaches her to appreciate the beauty in her own skin and value her individuality.
The Little Seal	Julia Groves	4–7	Animal/Adventure	A seal pup explores the ocean for the first time, learning about courage, curiosity, and friendship.
In My Garden Pop-Up Book	Joelle Jolivet	4–7	Interactive/Nature	Children explore a vibrant garden through pop-up elements, discovering flowers, insects, and hidden surprises.
Harold and the Purple Crayon	Crockett Johnson	4–7	Imagination/Adventure	Harold creates his own world using a purple crayon, learning creativity and problem-solving.
Are You My Mother?	P.D. Eastman	3–6	Animal/Family	A baby bird searches for his mother, encountering various animals and learning about family bonds.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC	Dr. Seuss	3–6	Alphabet/Fun	Introduces letters with playful rhymes, bright illustrations, and silly characters.
No, David!	David Shannon	4–7	Humor/Behavior	Follows David’s mischievous adventures and misbehavior, teaching consequences in a humorous way.
Go, Dog. Go!	P.D. Eastman	4–7	Action/Adventure	Energetic dogs of all shapes and sizes explore, race, and play in a lively, easy-to-read story.
Big Book of Love	Trace Moroney	4–7	Emotions/Family	Shows simple ways to express love through words, actions, and gestures with colorful illustrations.
Ten Little Ladybugs	Melanie Gerth	4–7	Counting/Interactive	Counting book featuring bright ladybugs with raised spots, teaching numbers and sequencing.
The Sand Horse	Ann Turnbull	4–7	Fantasy/Adventure	A magical sand horse comes to life on a quiet beach, leading children through gentle adventures.
Alma and How She Got Her Name	Juana Martinez-Neal	4–7	Identity/Family	Alma learns the stories behind her long name and family history, discovering pride in heritage.
The Rabbit Listened	Cori Doerrfeld	4–7	Emotions/Friendship	When things go wrong, a rabbit shows the power of listening and supporting friends.
We Are Water Protectors	Carole Lindstrom	4–7	Environment/Culture	A call to protect water, inspired by Indigenous voices, highlighting environmental stewardship.
The Very Impatient Caterpillar	Ross Burach	4–7	Humor/Nature	A caterpillar learns patience while waiting to become a butterfly through funny antics.
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes	Eric Litwin	4–7	Music/Adventure	Pete adapts to his shoes changing colors, teaching flexibility, positivity, and fun.
The Proudest Blue	Ibtihaj Muhammad	4–7	Family/Culture	A girl celebrates her sister’s first day wearing a hijab, embracing pride, identity, and courage.
Jabari Jumps	Gaia Cornwall	4–7	Emotions/Adventure	Jabari faces his fears at the pool and bravely takes a leap, learning courage and confidence.
The Bear and the Piano	David Litchfield	4–7	Music/Adventure	A bear discovers music and follows his dreams to the city, balancing ambition with friendship.
The Paper Bag Princess	Robert Munsch	4–7	Fairy Tale/Adventure	Princess Elizabeth outsmarts a dragon and saves herself, demonstrating intelligence and courage.
The Koala Who Could	Rachel Bright	4–7	Animal/Adventure	Kevin the koala learns to embrace change, try new things, and gain confidence.
The World Needs More Purple People	Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart	4–7	Friendship/Values	Promotes kindness, curiosity, and inclusivity through fun examples of “purple” behavior.
Ada Twist, Scientist	Andrea Beaty	4–7	STEM/Adventure	Ada’s endless questions lead to scientific exploration, problem-solving, and discovery.
All Are Welcome	Alexandra Penfold	4–7	Diversity/School	Celebrates children from all backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
The Gruffalo	Julia Donaldson	4–7	Adventure/Fantasy	A clever mouse outwits a hungry Gruffalo in the deep, dark woods using intelligence and wit.
There’s a Dragon in Your Book	Tom Fletcher	4–7	Interactive/Fun	A playful dragon interacts with the reader, creating an engaging and humorous reading experience.

These books for 5 year olds cover many genres. Some stories take you on magical trips. Others teach about friendship, family, or who you are. Many books have characters from many backgrounds. This helps your child see themselves and others in the stories.

• You get adventure, fantasy, and non-fiction in one list.
• Kindness, courage, and curiosity are common topics.
• The pictures and stories show many cultures and families.
• Some books talk about identity, gender, and traditions.
• Authors and artists come from many countries and share new ideas.

40 Best Books for 5 Year Olds Review

To help parents and caregivers, we’ve curated a comprehensive review of 40 best books for 5-year-olds, complete with details on name, author, main character’s gender, type, rating, and recommended reason. From timeless classics to modern favorites, from picture books to early chapter adventures, this list highlights stories that entertain, educate, and inspire young readers.

Picture Books for 5-Year-Olds

#1. Classic Favorites

Some of these stories are very old. Families have loved them for many years. Kids enjoy the easy words and bright pictures. These books help you read with your child often.

Goodnight Moon
A little bunny says goodnight to everything in his cozy room, including the moon, stars, and toys. The rhythmic, repetitive text creates a calming bedtime routine, while the soft illustrations provide a peaceful atmosphere that helps children wind down. The simplicity and pattern of words also support early literacy development, helping children recognize and predict language patterns.

Recommendation: Ideal for bedtime reading, this book fosters a sense of security, encourages vocabulary growth, and instills a love for reading with its gentle tone and comforting repetition.

Are You My Mother?
A baby bird hatches alone and sets out to find its mother, asking various animals along the way. The repetitive phrases make it easy for children to follow, while the story encourages observation and comprehension. Illustrations provide context, aiding in understanding and making reading interactive and fun.

Recommendation: This book is great for teaching children about family bonds, supporting early literacy skills through repetition, and engaging young readers in a playful story.

Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold draws his own world with a purple crayon, creating paths, obstacles, and adventures along the way. The story emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. Minimal text allows children to focus on illustrations and encourages them to visualize the story and think critically.

Recommendation: Perfect for inspiring imagination, independent thinking, and creative problem-solving, making it ideal for children who love to explore and create.

Tip: Many classic books for 5 year olds use rhyme and repeat words. This makes it easier for your child to remember new words and enjoy reading out loud.

#2. Modern Must-Haves

New picture books have fresh ideas and fun surprises. You will find silly stories and smart characters. These books make reading fun and exciting.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
A mischievous pigeon tries every trick to convince the reader to let him drive a bus. The book’s interactive approach engages children directly, prompting them to respond to the pigeon’s pleas. The expressive illustrations and simple text make the story humorous and fun, helping kids learn about consequences and choices.

Recommendation: Excellent for encouraging participation, social understanding, and humor appreciation. Children will enjoy asserting boundaries and making decisions along with the story.

The Very Impatient Caterpillar
A small caterpillar is excited to become a butterfly but struggles to wait. The story combines humor with gentle lessons on patience and growth. Colorful illustrations support comprehension and maintain engagement while showing the caterpillar’s journey step by step.

Recommendation: Great for teaching patience, understanding natural processes, and encouraging humor while learning about nature.

The Koala Who Could
Kevin the koala faces changes in his life and learns to embrace them with courage. Through relatable challenges, children see how perseverance and adaptability help overcome difficulties. The story is full of warmth and gentle humor.

Recommendation: Ideal for helping children understand change, develop resilience, and face new experiences with confidence and curiosity.

#3. Diverse Voices

It is important for your child to see many cultures in books. These stories show differences and help kids learn to care about others.

Last Stop on Market Street
A young boy rides the bus with his grandmother and notices the beauty in everyday life and people around him. The story explores urban life, gratitude, and appreciating diversity. Vivid illustrations depict different backgrounds and experiences, offering children a broader perspective of the world.

Recommendation: Helps children recognize everyday beauty, understand empathy, and appreciate diversity in their communities.

Hair Love
A father helps his daughter style her hair for a special day, celebrating love, confidence, and self-expression. The story portrays the importance of family bonds and cultural pride. Illustrations show joy, care, and personal identity in a relatable and heartwarming way.

Recommendation: Perfect for teaching self-love, family relationships, and celebrating unique identities, especially around hair and cultural expression.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Through the tradition of making fry bread, the story highlights family connections, culture, and community. Children learn about the values of sharing, tradition, and cultural pride, reinforced with bright illustrations and descriptive storytelling.

Recommendation: Encourages appreciation of cultural heritage, strengthens family connection, and introduces children to diverse traditions in an engaging way.

Reading stories from different backgrounds helps your child understand feelings and see the world in new ways.

First Reading Books for 5-Year-Olds

Phonics-Based Stories

Phonics books help your child sound out words. They use short sentences and repeat words a lot.

• Dr. Seuss’s ABC by Dr. Seuss (Male, Alphabet, 4.1): A lively and whimsical alphabet book where each letter is introduced with playful rhymes and colorful illustrations. Children learn the sounds of letters and simple words while enjoying Dr. Seuss’s creative language and humorous scenarios. The repetition of letters and words helps reinforce memory and phonics skills.
• Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman (Both, Early Reader, 4.2): Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors engage in a series of energetic activities. The repetitive text, simple sentences, and action-packed illustrations support early readers as they practice phonics, vocabulary, and sequencing. The story is full of humor and visual cues that help children connect words to actions.

Engaging Early Reads

These books are great for kids who want to read alone. The stories are short and full of adventure.

• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin (Male, Music/Adventure, 4.3): Pete the Cat walks through adventures while his shoes change color with each step. The story introduces basic sequencing, problem-solving, and positive thinking, while the fun illustrations and catchy text engage young readers. Pete’s calm, happy attitude teaches children resilience and adaptability.
• Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth (Both, Counting, 4.1): Children follow ten colorful ladybugs as they play, count, and explore the garden. The book combines simple counting with bright visuals and rhythmic text, making numbers and sequencing fun. Interactive elements keep children engaged and support early math skills alongside reading.

Early Chapter Books for 5-Year-Olds

Gentle Adventures

Early chapter books have longer stories but simple plots. Your child can finish these and feel proud.

• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield (Male, Music/Adventure, 4.4): A young bear discovers a piano on the beach and follows his musical dreams all the way to the big city. The story combines charming illustrations with a gentle narrative about courage, ambition, and the excitement of discovering new experiences. Children see how following a passion can lead to growth while also learning the importance of returning home and sharing joy with loved ones.
• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch (Female, Fairy Tale, 4.3): Princess Elizabeth outsmarts a fearsome dragon to rescue Prince Ronald, wearing only a paper bag after her castle is destroyed. The story challenges traditional gender roles and highlights cleverness, resourcefulness, and bravery. Children are encouraged to think independently and see that courage and intelligence are just as heroic as physical strength.

Friendship & Family

Stories about friends and family teach kindness and teamwork.

• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (Both, Emotions, 4.5): Shows how listening can help others feel better.
• The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart (Both, Friendship, 4.2): Encourages kids to be kind and curious.

Here’s a quick look at what these books offer:

Theme/Benefit	Description
Language Development	Reading out loud helps kids learn new words and sentence structure.
Critical Thinking	Following a story helps kids solve problems and think.
Empathy	Stories teach kids to understand how others feel.
Love for Learning	Fun reading helps kids stay curious and want to learn more.

You might see that many main characters are boys. Boys are often the main characters, while girls are sometimes shown as smaller or weaker. Picking different books helps your child see many kinds of people and stories.

New Releases 2025

Anticipated Titles

You want to keep your child’s bookshelf fresh and exciting. New books for 2025 bring magic, adventure, and heart. Here are some of the most talked-about new releases for young readers:

• Millie Fleur Saves the Night by [Author TBA]
  Meet Millie Fleur La Fae, a brave girl who helps her neighbors face their fear of the dark. She uses her magical garden and a special moon pie recipe. This story glows with kindness and courage. It’s perfect for bedtime or any time your child needs a little comfort.
• The Little Seal’s Big Splash by Julia Groves
  This gentle adventure follows a seal pup exploring the ocean for the first time. It’s a sweet story about bravery and curiosity.
• Fluffy’s School Bus Adventure by Betty Tom
  Fluffy the guinea pig takes an unexpected ride on a school bus, learning about teamwork, problem-solving, and friendship. The bright illustrations and silly situations make the story engaging and fun.

New releases often spark your child’s imagination and help them see the world in new ways.

Award Winners

You want the best for your child, so award-winning books are a great choice. These stories have earned praise from teachers, parents, and kids.

The Day You Begin
This heartwarming story encourages children to embrace new experiences, even when they feel different or nervous. By sharing their stories, children learn about empathy, friendship, and courage. The text is rhythmic and accessible, paired with rich illustrations that enhance emotional connection.

Recommendation: Excellent for building confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging in young readers facing new situations.

Ada Twist, Scientist
Ada Twist is an inquisitive young girl whose endless questions lead her on scientific discoveries and experiments. The story celebrates curiosity, problem-solving, and the excitement of learning, with vibrant illustrations that highlight her imaginative investigations.

Recommendation: Perfect for inspiring a love of science, inquiry, and critical thinking in young readers, while encouraging curiosity-driven exploration.

The Proudest Blue
A girl celebrates her sister’s first day wearing a hijab, learning about identity, pride, and cultural traditions. The story combines emotional depth with visually stunning illustrations that reflect family bonds and cultural richness.

Recommendation: Ideal for teaching children about diversity, cultural pride, empathy, and respect for others’ traditions.

Picks for Boys

Boys love stories with adventure, humor, and heroes they can cheer for. Here are some top picks:

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
  A clever mouse outsmarts a big, scary Gruffalo. Kids enjoy the rhymes and surprises.
• The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach
  This funny caterpillar learns patience while waiting to become a butterfly.
• Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
  Jabari faces his fears and takes a big leap at the pool. It’s a story about courage and trying new things.

Picks for Girls

Girls will find strong, smart, and creative characters in these stories:

• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
  Julian dreams of becoming a mermaid. This book celebrates imagination and being yourself.

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
  Princess Elizabeth saves the day her own way. She’s clever and brave.
• Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
  A dad and daughter share a special hair day. This story shines with love and confidence.

Seasonal & Thematic Picks

Halloween Books

You can make Halloween extra fun with these playful and not-too-spooky stories:

• There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
  A silly dragon causes mischief and invites you to join the fun.
• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
  A friendly witch and her animal friends go on a wild ride.

Activity Books

Kids love books that let them play and learn at the same time. Try these activity-packed favorites:

• In My Garden Pop-Up Book by Joelle Jolivet
  Explore a colorful garden with pop-ups and surprises.
• Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
  Count down with ladybugs and touch the raised spots on every page.

Dinosaur Books

Dinosaurs never go out of style! These books for 5 year olds bring prehistoric fun to storytime:

• How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen
  Dinosaurs show silly bedtime routines that kids will recognize.
• Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton
  Get ready to dance and stomp with a group of lively dinosaurs.

Teachers often recommend seasonal books like Watching the Seasons, The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, and Tap the Magic Tree to help kids learn about nature and the changing year. These stories make it easy for your child to connect with the world around them.

Why Reading Matters at Age 5

Language & Literacy Growth

Your child learns new words every day. Reading at age 5 helps language skills grow fast. When you read together, your child hears new words. They learn how sentences are put together. Kids who read early build bigger vocabularies. They keep learning more words as they get older. Reading with your child helps them speak and listen well. Sharing stories every day makes them more confident.

Tip: Pause while reading and ask your child to guess what happens next. This helps them think and talk about the story.

Imagination & Creativity

Books show your child new worlds. Reading with your 5-year-old sparks their imagination. Your child can picture dragons or faraway places. Stories help them dream and pretend. They might act out scenes from books. They may draw pictures from stories. This kind of play helps them solve problems. It helps them think in new ways.

• Reading lets your child:
  • Visit new places without leaving home
  • Meet brave, silly, or curious characters
  • Think of ways to solve hard problems

You can make reading a fun game. Try making up new endings or voices for characters. Your child will enjoy it, and you will have fun too.

Social & Emotional Skills

Reading together teaches more than words. It helps your child understand feelings and friendships. Many stories show happy, sad, or scared characters. Your child learns to notice these feelings. They learn to talk about their own emotions. Books teach sharing, kindness, and making friends.

Here’s how reading helps your child’s social and emotional growth:

Findings	Description
Executive Functioning	Reading and SEL activities help kids control themselves and pay attention.
Academic Improvement	Kids with SEL skills do better in math and reading, even if school is hard.
Long-term Outcomes	Early SEL support leads to more kids graduating and fewer mental health problems later.
SEL Competencies	Reading helps kids learn about themselves, manage feelings, understand others, build relationships, and make good choices.

Reading aloud and playing together help your child grow. These simple things boost social and emotional skills. Even doctors say reading and play help kids stay healthy.

Note: Reading with your child gives them ways to handle big feelings and make strong friends. This is a gift they will use forever.

How We Chose These Books

Selection Criteria

We want your child to have great books. We use a careful process to pick each one. Experts say good books for 5-year-olds should be fun and easy. They need bright pictures and simple words. We look for stories that help kids learn and grow. Here’s what makes a book special:

Criteria	Description
Captivating Art	Pictures are bold and colorful. They help kids imagine new things.
Celebrate Diversity	Stories show many cultures and traditions. Kids see different people and places.
Teach Empathy	Books help kids understand feelings and social skills. They learn how others feel.
Age-Appropriateness	Sentences are short and clear. Messages are easy for five-year-olds.
Fun Themes & Relatable Characters	Stories show real-life experiences. Kids can see themselves in the characters.
Clear Learning Goals	Each book has a purpose. It teaches or entertains.
Interactive Elements	Some books let kids join in. They might have pop-ups or ask questions.

We check trusted sources for good book ideas. You’ll find picks from Scholastic, Read Brightly, and Good Housekeeping. These groups work with teachers, librarians, and parents. They help find the best stories for young kids.

• Scholastic shares top books for every age.
• Read Brightly gives expert lists for 5- and 6-year-olds.
• Good Housekeeping highlights award-winning children’s books.

Tip: Picking books with these qualities helps your child love reading.

Balancing Classics & New Releases

You may wonder if you should choose old favorites or new books. We think both are important. Classic books have lasted a long time. They use rhyme, repetition, and simple stories. These help kids learn to read. New releases bring fresh ideas and modern themes. They show today’s world and new characters.

Criteria	Explanation
Popularity	Kids like stories that keep them interested. They want to read more.
Educational Value	Books should teach new things or spark curiosity.
Diversity	Stories should show many backgrounds and experiences.

We include both classics and new award winners. This gives your child comfort and excitement. They get familiar stories and new adventures.

Diversity & Representation

You want your child to see themselves and others in books. We look for stories with characters from many backgrounds. Books like All Are Welcome and We Belong celebrate diversity. Titles such as When We Say Black Lives Matter and A Kids Book about Racism start important talks about identity and fairness.

Book Title	Description
We Belong	Shows diversity and helps families talk about identity and the world.
When We Say Black Lives Matter	Explains the movement. Helps kids understand feelings and actions.
All Are Welcome	Uses rhyme to promote inclusion and celebrate differences.
A Kids Book about Racism	Gently starts conversations about racism for young children.

Choosing books with many voices helps your child learn empathy and respect. Reading time becomes richer and more meaningful for your family.

Match Reading Level & Interests

You want your child to feel excited about reading. The best way to do this is by matching books to both their reading level and their interests. Every child reads at their own pace, so it helps to know what makes a book just right for your 5-year-old.

• Look at the book’s text structure, vocabulary, and how many pictures it has. Books with simple words and lots of illustrations work well for beginners.
• Pay attention to what your child loves. If they like animals, trucks, or fairy tales, choose books with those themes.
• Try different types of books. Picture books, graphic novels, and nonfiction all offer something special.

You can also use tools that teachers and librarians trust:

1. The Lexile Framework gives each book a score based on how hard it is to read. This helps you pick stories that fit your child’s skills.
2. Guided Reading Levels (GRL) let teachers see how well your child understands and reads out loud.
3. The Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) checks how your child reads and remembers stories.

Tip: Let your child help pick out books. When they choose, they feel more excited to read!

Explore Genres & Formats

Kids love to explore new worlds through stories. You can help your child discover what they like by offering a mix of genres and formats. Some kids want silly adventures, while others enjoy learning about real things.

Popular genres for 5-year-olds include:

• Fiction
• Fantasy
• Action and adventure
• Mystery
• Horror (gentle, not scary)
• Nonfiction
• Graphic novels

You might notice your child giggling at the “How Do Dinosaurs” series or getting hooked on graphic novels like “The Bad Guys.” Mixing up genres keeps reading fresh and fun. Try a nonfiction book about bugs one day and a magical fairy tale the next.

Reading different types of books helps your child build new skills and find new favorites.

Encourage Reading at Home

Making reading part of your daily routine turns it into a special time for you and your child. The best memories often come from sharing stories together. You don’t need a lot of rules—just make it fun and relaxed.

Here are some easy ways to encourage reading at home:

• Read what interests your child, even if it’s the same book over and over.
• Let your child pick out books at the library or bookstore.
• Reread favorites. Kids love hearing the same story again.
• Encourage your child to tell their own stories or act out scenes.
• Laugh, play, and enjoy the time together.

Spending time talking, reading, and even writing together helps your child grow as a reader. When you show that reading is fun, your child will want to read more every day.

Remember: The most important thing is to enjoy the journey together. Every story you share builds a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

More Resources for Parents

It can be hard to pick books for your 5-year-old. You want stories that make your child curious and help them learn. There are many trusted places to help you. Let’s look at where you can get good book ideas and how to find great books both online and in person.

Where to Find Book Recommendations

You do not have to look for books by yourself. Many groups and websites help parents find the best books for young kids. These places review books, make lists for each age, and give tips for reading with children.

• Common Sense Media reviews children’s books and has lists for 5-year-olds. You can search by age, topic, or reading level. Their guides help you choose stories that fit your child’s likes and values.
• Local bookstores and libraries often share staff picks and themed lists. Ask your librarian for ideas. They know what books kids enjoy!
• Parenting magazines and websites post yearly “best books” lists. These lists show new books and old favorites.

Tip: Ask other parents or teachers what books they like. Their advice can help you find special stories.

Libraries & Online Platforms

Your public library is a great place for young readers. You can borrow books, join storytime, and use digital collections at home. Many libraries now let you use online platforms full of children’s books.

• International Children’s Digital Library has books in many languages. You can search by age and subject. This is good for finding stories from other countries.
• Oxford Owl gives free e-books and activities for ages 5-11. You will find phonics guides and fun writing ideas.
• Open Library has almost 35,000 children’s books online. You can read classics and find new stories for free.
• TumbleBooks lets you read animated picture books online. You just need a library card.
• Storyline Online shows videos of actors reading books out loud. Kids like watching their favorite stories.
• Story Time in Space is special—astronauts read books from space! This makes storytime extra fun.

Libraries often have reading challenges and themed events. These make reading more social and exciting for your child.

Reading Apps & Digital Options

If your child likes screens, you can use that to help them read. Many apps and digital libraries help you find books that fit your child’s level and interests.

• Epic! gives you over 40,000 books and audiobooks for kids ages 2-12. The app suggests stories your child might like.
• Reading Eggs uses games and activities to teach phonics. The app changes to match your child’s speed, so learning feels easy.
• Teach Your Monster to Read makes phonics into a game. Kids create a monster and go on reading quests.
• Phonics Hero has short lessons with instant feedback. Kids build skills step by step.
• Skybrary has interactive e-books and videos for ages 2-9. Kids can learn about animals, space, and more.
• ABCmouse teaches reading, math, and more with fun games and lessons.
• Homer Learn & Grow gives reading practice for ages 3-8. It focuses on what your child likes.
• Vooks animates children’s books, so stories move on the screen.

Many of these apps have free trials. Try a few to see which one your child likes best.

With these resources, you can always find new books for your child. You can visit the library, look online, or try a new app together.

You now have a list of top books for 5-year-olds in 2025. Epic and your local library are both good places to find stories. These options help your child enjoy reading and learn new things. Look at the table below to see how each choice helps your child.

Aspect	Epic Digital Platform	Traditional Libraries
Selection	Many different books	Books you can hold
Engagement	Fun interactive tools	Storytime with others
Accessibility	Read offline at home	Go to the library

Are you ready to begin? Try these easy steps:

1. Make a simple reading habit.
2. Ask questions while you read.
3. Link stories to things you do in real life.

Conclusion

Reading with your 5-year-old is more than just a bedtime routine—it’s a chance to bond, learn, and create memories. The 40 books in this list are designed to spark joy, curiosity, and a lifelong love for stories. Whether you’re looking for interactive fun, educational gems, or classic tales, there’s something here for every little reader. Ready to start? Head to GetEpic.com to explore these books and more—your child’s next favorite story is just a click away! Happy reading!

FAQ

What makes a book great for a 5-year-old?

You want books with bright pictures, simple words, and fun stories. Look for books that match your child’s interests. Stories about friendship, adventure, or animals work well. Choose books that invite your child to ask questions and imagine new things.

How often should I read with my 5-year-old?

Try to read together every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Daily reading builds strong habits and helps your child feel close to you. Short, regular storytimes work better than long sessions once in a while.

Can I use digital books and apps for reading?

Yes! Digital platforms like Epic offer thousands of books for kids. You can find stories, audiobooks, and interactive features. Just balance screen time with print books and talk about the stories together.

How do I keep my child interested in reading?

Let your child pick books they like. Mix up the genres—try funny stories, animal tales, or nonfiction. Reread favorites and act out scenes. Celebrate when your child finishes a book. 📚

What if my child wants the same book every night?

That’s normal! Kids love repetition. Reading the same book helps your child learn new words and understand the story better. You can add fun by changing your voice or asking your child to “read” along.

How do I know if a book is too hard or too easy?

Open the book and read a page together. If your child struggles with most words, the book may be too hard. If they read it easily, it’s just right or maybe a bit easy. Both are okay—mix them up for variety.

Are there good books for kids who are learning English?

Yes! Many picture books use simple language and lots of pictures. Try books with repetitive phrases or rhymes. Digital platforms often let you search by reading level or language, making it easy to find the right fit.

Where can I find more book ideas for my child?

Check your local library, ask teachers, or explore online lists from trusted sites like Epic, Scholastic, and Read Brightly. You can also join parent groups or follow book blogs for fresh recommendations.