50 Books for 5-Year-Olds: 2024 Picks

Great little book for showing appreciation to teachers! I purchased this for my daughter's VPK teacher and my son's 2nd grade teacher, and both of them were touched by the personalized messages and beautiful illustrations. The compact size of the book makes it a unique and heartfelt keepsake for educators. I believe this is an ideal gift for Teacher Appreciation Week or any occasion to thank the special teachers in our lives.

Bought this book for my shy child and it turned out to be a wonderful choice. The story follows Gerald, an insecure dancer who faces teasing from other animals, but eventually discovers his own unique dance style, winning everyone's admiration. Reading this book together not only sparked conversations about bullying and self-love, but also showed the importance of having a positive mindset and supportive friends.

Great for young readers, this book has a charming and relatable story that my 6-year-old enjoyed reading independently. The simple language and sentence structure in these Penguin Young Readers make it an ideal choice for beginners without overwhelming them. The humorous tale about making ice cream soup kept my child engaged and eager to find out what happened next. Additionally, the appealing illustrations and catchy rhymes added to the overall enjoyment of the book. With its original story and true Level 1 readability, this book has become a favorite in our household, and we plan to explore more from this series.

Excellent bedtime story for young construction enthusiasts, this book features charming rhymes and engaging illustrations of various construction vehicles. From my experience, the durable board book format and the story's soothing tone make it perfect for winding down at the end of the day. While the muted colors may not be as vibrant as some may prefer, they contribute to the calming bedtime atmosphere, making it a hit with my little one who loves "tractors."

I'm thrilled with these early reader books, as they've been a tremendous help in teaching my little one how to read. The gradual introduction of new letter sounds in each book makes the process less overwhelming and more enjoyable. My child's confidence in reading and even spelling has increased significantly since using these books. These books may not be a complete system for teaching reading, but they've been an invaluable resource in our learning journey.

I'm thrilled with these Curious George phonics books, as they have significantly helped my 6-year-old son improve in his reading and boost his confidence. The books are colorful and engaging, with a mix of simple and more complex words to keep him interested. I appreciate the inside cover of each book, which provides a helpful guide to new sounds and words to learn. Watching my son's progress and excitement while reading these books has been a wonderful experience for our family.

Best decision purchasing this heartwarming book that beautifully captures the love between a father and daughter. As a 3rd grade teacher, I found the story engaging and it sparked excellent discussions among my students. The book focuses on family moments and presents a positive view of a subject that has caused emotional pain for many black women, their hair type. The elegant writing, combined with beautiful illustrations, makes this an enjoyable read for families with both boys and girls.

This timeless classic, "The Story of Ferdinand," holds a special place in my heart. As a child, I was captivated by the tale of the peaceful bull who preferred to sit quietly and smell the flowers rather than engage in the rough play of the other bulls. The black and white illustrations, while not as colorful as most modern children's books, perfectly capture the gentle nature of Ferdinand. I've enjoyed sharing this book with my own kids, who find the story just as endearing as I did. The message of being true to oneself and embracing a peaceful nature remains relevant and important for children today.

I'm delighted with this children's book that features catchy rhyming words and a fun storyline about a mouse and a bear. The oversized text and emphasized words make it easier for young readers to follow along. I enjoyed how the mouse cleverly uses words that rhyme with "bear" to persuade the bear to leave his chair, adding a playful twist to the story. The illustrations are charming and engaging, perfectly complementing the silly narrative. My 5-year-old absolutely adores this book, and I'm sure other kids will enjoy it too.

From the moment I opened this book, I was impressed by its bright illustrations and easy-to-read text. My 9-year-old son and even my 3-year-old enjoy the cute and humorous story about a boy who dreams of dragons. The charming story and well-done illustrations (created by the author) have made this book a nightly favorite for my kids, alongside another great read, Dragons Love Tacos. However, I would advise being cautious when ordering with other items, as the packaging could be improved to prevent potential damage. This book has been a hit as a gift for my grand niece and grand nephew, whose mothers are both avid readers with PhDs.

In my experience, this book has been a cherished childhood favorite that resonates with both children and adults. The captivating illustrations and engaging story teach valuable lessons about generosity and sharing. While some may find the characters and their actions controversial, I believe that these real-life scenarios help children develop empathy and understanding towards others.

I recently discovered this delightful children's book, which masterfully blends humor and imagination to create an engaging tale about dragons and their love for tacos. The repetitive and interactive elements throughout the story, such as the phrase "Dragons love tacos," encourage young readers to participate and become more engaged. The vibrant illustrations are visually appealing and truly bring the whimsical world of dragons and tacos to life. This book has become an instant favorite in our home, providing a unique and entertaining reading experience for kids.

This children's book offers a unique and creative reading experience as you follow the character Mel on a journey that requires turning the book to keep up with the story. The simple yet engaging storyline encourages young readers to face their fears and try new things. Although the pages could be thicker and the print more vibrant, the beautiful illustrations make it a favorite for both kids and adults. As a grandparent, it's heartwarming to see my grandchild's enthusiasm for reading this book over and over again.

After purchasing these Pete the Cat books, I noticed that my daughter's motivation to read independently increased. The short stories are perfect for young learners, as they won't feel overwhelmed or bored during the reading process. However, the overall durability of the books could be improved, as they are designed to be carried around. These books are not only great for beginner readers, but also enjoyable for kindergarteners who love Pete the Cat. Although the stories are quite short, with only a few sentences per page, my child still enjoys them and can remember the titles and storylines after just one read-through.

When I first read this book with my 5-year-old, I was delighted by its approach to teaching self-control and emotional awareness. The humorous rhymes and silly illustrations made it an enjoyable read, while effectively addressing the feelings my child experiences. This book acknowledges their emotions as normal, but also instills confidence in their ability to manage and eventually overcome these big feelings. As a parent, I found it to be a valuable tool in helping my child navigate the challenges of being five.

I'm thrilled to share my thoughts on this timeless children's book that I enjoyed as a child and now share with my own kids. The intricate illustrations never fail to captivate, as I find myself discovering new details every time I read it, making it both entertaining and educational. Even as an adult, I've noticed unfamiliar terms that prompted me to learn more, which I appreciate. This book has been a favorite gift for friends and family over the years, sparking joy and curiosity in readers of all ages. The fact that it originates from Australia adds an extra layer of charm and uniqueness, making it a standout addition to any book collection.

I'm impressed by the captivating language and vibrant illustrations in this picture book, which beautifully portrays the magic of dawn and dusk. In my experience as a teacher, this book has served as an excellent tool for sparking discussions on descriptive language and figurative imagery among middle school students. The author's poetic writing style allows readers to effortlessly visualize each scene, making it a popular choice for independent reading and classroom activities.

Got this adorable book featuring Kitty and Cat, where their expressive illustrations introduce the concept of opposites in an engaging way. The story is told through simple vocabulary and humorous visuals, making it perfect for young readers. Not only does it teach opposites, but it also evokes emotions and laughter as we watch the two feisty felines interact and eventually come together.

This delightful children's book offers a captivating journey into the world of a sour grape and the reasons behind its grumpiness. As a parent, I found it to be a fantastic way to teach my child about empathy and understanding as we explored the grape's backstory and the concept of feeling "sour." The witty fruit humor sprinkled throughout the story kept us entertained, and it proved to be an excellent conversation starter about kindness and compassion.

I recently added this Pigeon book to my collection, and it has quickly become a favorite in our household. My 4-year-old loves the humor, and even as an adult, I enjoy reading it with him. This particular story has been helpful in coaxing my young one into bath time, as the pigeon's feelings resonate with active toddlers.

Best suited for both small children and older kids, this humorous book tells an enjoyable story featuring frogs as the stars. My family has had endless laughter while reading this book multiple times, even causing my son to laugh so hard he had an accident. The illustrations are well done and complement the fun narrative nicely, making it a popular choice for a Halloween read or any time of the year. Additionally, this book inspired creative treat ideas and activities, such as giving away plastic spoons with little frogs glued to them, making it ideal for engaging young readers.

Excellent storytelling and captivating illustrations make this book a delightful read for children. At first, the non-linear style might seem a bit confusing, but it ultimately teaches kids a unique way of understanding cause and effect. From my personal experience, even if the young ones don't immediately grasp the storyline, they will surely learn about planting trees and enjoying outdoor activities. The beautiful artwork in this book is sure to capture their imagination and keep them engaged.

As a reader of all ages, I found this beautifully illustrated book to be full of thought-provoking messages and a delightful celebration of creativity. This book follows a young boy nurturing his idea, despite discouragement from others, ultimately demonstrating the power of ideas to change the world. Reading it has not only sparked meaningful discussions with the children in my life about their own ideas and decision-making but also served as a heartwarming reminder for adults to embrace their inner child and cherish their ideas.

If you're looking for a powerful children's book that teaches valuable life lessons, this hardcover book might just be the perfect addition to your household. The beautifully written and illustrated story resonates with both younger and older kids, helping them understand how to handle their emotions and face problems head-on. My own child, who struggles with emotional regulation, found the message of perseverance, courage, and strength particularly impactful. The unique and sometimes dark illustrations capture the essence of the book's message, making it an engaging read for our family. This book is part of a fantastic series that offers great opportunities for discussion and personal growth, and I've noticed that my 5-year-old twins enjoy it as well.

Got this book for my daughter and she absolutely loves it. The story follows a young female engineer on her journey to create something magnificent, teaching valuable lessons about patience, taking breaks, and trying again. The illustrations are delightful, and my daughter enjoys trying to figure out what the "magnificent thing" will be. This book is not only entertaining but also teaches children about problem-solving, managing emotions, and personal growth. It's a great addition to our collection, and we've enjoyed reading it together multiple times.

I've enjoyed reading this beautifully illustrated children's book with my little one, who is fascinated by buses. The simple yet engaging storyline follows a bus stopping at various locations, and different people getting off throughout the day. The lovely Japanese aesthetic in each detail-rich picture provides an opportunity for spending extra time on each page, discussing what we see with our child. This book appears to be suited for children aged 5 and above, as it showcases various types of people such as shoppers, artists, and construction workers.

My experience with this book has been incredibly positive, as it teaches kids about consent and personal space in a simple yet effective manner. Reading it together with my child, we navigated the sensitive topic of setting boundaries for physical touch with ease. This book is perfect for children aged two to nine and provides them with an invaluable life lesson. It not only empowers them to understand their own personal boundaries but also teaches them the importance of respecting others' boundaries.

Love how this book tackles a difficult subject and helps open up a line of communication with kids. While reading it to my children, I did find some parts a bit too wordy, causing them to lose interest at times. However, overall it's a valuable resource for teaching children about unsafe touch and the importance of speaking up, despite some minor flaws like the unnecessary focus on the mother's background.

My experience with this train book has been delightful, especially for my young son who adores trains. The pages are filled with captivating pictures and informative blurbs about the history of trains, making it both educational and entertaining. Although there are some minor technical inaccuracies, they don't hinder the overall enjoyment of the book. The large, interactive pictures kept my child engaged for hours, and it even appealed to older kids as well. This book is perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages, and I'm sure it will be a hit with anyone who loves trains.

If you're looking for a charming and educational children's book, this one is a fantastic choice. As a teacher, I've used it in my classroom for years, and it never fails to engage my students. The story is both captivating and thought-provoking, leading to meaningful discussions about empathy and compassion towards all living creatures. This book has become a favorite in my household as well, sparking important conversations with my young child about being kind to animals and people.

This children's book is not only well-written and beautifully illustrated, but it also delivers a significant message about embracing our differences. I found it to be an easy read, perfect for sharing with my child or discussing the story's important lessons afterward. The rhyming and engaging narrative teaches children about getting along with others and appreciating the unique qualities everyone brings to the world. My 3-year-old and her classmates were captivated by the story, even requesting it days later. The only downside I encountered was when reading on my Kindle, the pictures appeared quite small, making it difficult for a group of kids to see without passing the device around.

I recently purchased this Golden Book for my daughter, and we both absolutely loved it! Reading it together has been a joy, as the beautiful illustrations and empowering stories show her that girls can truly achieve anything. I've also bought several other Golden Books featuring inspiring figures like Betty White, Frida Kahlo, and even Lucille Ball when it comes out. These books make excellent gifts for young children and their parents, who will undoubtedly treasure them for years to come.

I've been enjoying this book for its engaging illustrations and simple explanations about the actual sizes of various animals. It's a great way for both kids and adults to learn something new. My young son has become fascinated with the life-sized images and loves comparing his hand to the gorilla hand, sparking his interest in animals and measurements. The textured paper illustrations by Steve Jenkins make the book visually appealing, and the additional information about each animal adds educational value. It's a hit with my 3-year-old, and I've even found it helpful when working with my 4th grade tutee who is dyslexic.

After reading this book with my five-year-old, I found it to be an entertaining and educational story set in a school environment. The plot revolves around Miss Nelson's disappearance and the arrival of an unwelcoming substitute teacher, which teaches children the value of appreciation. Both parents and teachers will find this book suitable for reading to young kids, as it prepares them for understanding classroom culture. Moreover, the engaging plot twist towards the end is not just appealing to children but also enjoyable for adults.

My experience with this book has been nothing short of nostalgic and heartwarming, as it takes me back to my childhood. The vibrant illustrations and captivating storyline make it an ideal read both for my preschool students and my own young children. Not only is it an entertaining read, but it also teaches valuable lessons on honesty, kindness, and bravery. This book has undoubtedly become a cherished addition to our home library, perfect for bedtime stories and engaging discussions.

This book is a charming and age-appropriate introduction to the topic of where babies come from, perfect for younger kids. The story follows a curious boy who receives various amusing answers from different adults before finally getting a satisfying explanation from his parents. I appreciated the light-hearted and humorous approach, which made my 5-year-old son laugh, especially about the grandfather's belief in storks! The illustrations are beautifully done, adding to the appeal of the book. However, for older kids seeking more detailed information, this book may be too simplistic. There is a helpful FAQ section at the back with age-appropriate answers, but the main story may not fully satisfy all kids' curiosity.

When I first read this book with my young daughter, I was amazed at how well it introduces the concept of the five senses to early learners. The delightful artwork and relatable examples make it easy for children to grasp and engage with the material. My son, who is only two, has already developed a fundamental understanding of his senses thanks to this book. It's a fantastic tool for fostering a love of reading and learning, while also providing precious one-on-one bonding time with your child.

I recently introduced this book to my PreK students and my own toddler, and it has quickly become a favorite for both groups. The story's focus on waiting and patience resonated with the kids, and they found the characters relatable and engaging. As a teacher and a parent, I appreciate the simplicity and readability of the text, as it encourages beginner readers to gain confidence and develop a love for reading. My 6-year-old son even enjoys reading this book independently, which speaks volumes about its appeal to young readers. This delightful book not only entertains but also teaches important life lessons, making it an invaluable addition to our collection.

For anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring children's book, this one truly stands out. The story revolves around a lion who stays true to himself and supports his friend, even in the face of peer pressure. As a parent, I found the book's message on embracing individuality and not conforming to societal expectations incredibly powerful. The rhyme pattern and lovely illustrations make it engaging and enjoyable for both children and adults alike. My four-year-old adored this book so much that we ended up buying copies for friends and his preschool classroom, making it a cherished addition to our collection.

This book is a fantastic way to teach children about the diversity of families, and it has become a favorite in our household. The colorful illustrations are engaging and help to showcase various family types, including adoption and same-sex parents. My child loves the fun and playful approach to the topic, making it an enjoyable and educational read. While it may not cover every possible family situation, it still provides a wonderful framework for understanding and appreciating the differences in the world around us.

I recently read this captivating book that emphasizes self-love and inclusivity, and it truly resonated with me. The charming illustrations are diverse and joyful, making it appealing for both young readers and the young-at-heart. As a teacher, I see countless opportunities to incorporate this book's message into classroom lessons and activities, promoting kindness and acceptance. The author's approach in encouraging us to expand our circles and care for one another is a timely and powerful reminder for people of all ages.

My experience with this book has been nothing short of delightful as it perfectly caters to preschool children preparing to enter kindergarten. The story cleverly addresses common anxieties faced by little ones on their first day of big school, sparking excitement and easing their fears. I've found it to be an excellent conversation starter, as it covers various topics that some families might overlook. Reading this book with my grandson allowed us to discuss his feelings and expectations, which was truly a valuable bonding experience.

This beautifully illustrated book, based on an old English folk song dating back to the 1400s, combines art, music, and literature to create a memorable experience for children. As a child, I sang this tune and have now relearned it to share with the younger generation. The story features a fox providing for its family, which may not be suitable for all readers, but it can serve as a gentle introduction to sensitive topics. Peter Spier's award-winning illustrations truly bring the story to life and the music at the back of the book allows for an interactive learning experience.

Great story about a child and her Pa going "owling" on a cold winter night. I enjoyed the tender relationship between the two as they shared a special family tradition while exploring the snowy outdoors. The almost poetic writing style and soft illustrations made this book perfect for winding down before bedtime or during quiet moments with my little one. This heartwarming tale is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of children and parents alike.

This beautifully illustrated book captivated not only my children's attention but mine as well. The diverse representation of children and the whimsical artwork truly brought the message of love and understanding to life. While some may find certain aspects of the book controversial, I appreciate the opportunity it provides to engage in meaningful conversations with my kids about faith.

From the moment I received this charming crayon book, my kids and I have been enjoying its delightful illustrations and unique personalities of each crayon. Although the book is smaller than the regular sized ones and has a basic storyline, it still captivated my 8 and 12-year-olds, as well as my one-year-old who found it simple enough to flip through and laugh at. My granddaughter, who is a teacher, also had it on her list of recommended books for her students. However, with its very short length, I believe this book would be most suitable for kids under 4 years old. While we adore the crayon series and were thrilled to see a Christmas edition, I couldn't help but wish for a more extensive storyline.

Definitely a captivating read for young ones intrigued by history and influential figures, this book shares the courageous tale of Audrey Faye Hendricks, the youngest activist ever to be arrested in the fight against segregation. My child was completely engaged in Audrey's story, and we frequently revisit this book to further grasp the impact of her actions. As they grow older, they will undoubtedly appreciate the significance of Audrey's contributions to the world we live in today.

Got this book for my nieces and nephews, and it quickly became a favorite among them, despite the varying age range from 2 to 11 years old. The illustrations are charming and the stories are strange yet engaging, providing opportunities for deeper discussions with children about metaphors and the pictures. While some might find the content a bit dark or morbid, my family appreciates the wit, creativity, and unique humor this book offers.

My experience with this Fly Guy book has been nothing short of delightful, as it has become a favorite for both my 7-year-old son and my 6-year-old nephew. The engaging storyline features a friendly fly performing tricks for a young boy, which not only captured my son's imagination but also helped alleviate his fear of bugs. This book's readability level and sentence structure make it perfect for new readers, providing them with a sense of accomplishment as they progress through its short chapters. In addition to its entertainment value, the book also delivers an important message about accepting others and challenging preconceptions. However, parents should be aware that it may give children the impression that houseflies are suitable pets, despite their potential to carry disease.

Love how this book helped my son with his separation anxiety and made starting school a little easier for both of us. The Kissing Hand is a beautiful reminder of love and comfort, and it even comes with a special gift! Reading this heartwarming story brought back fond memories of my own childhood and created a new tradition for my family to enjoy together.