Top Books for Five Year Olds

If you're looking for the top books for 5-year-olds, you have a large selection from which to choose. Keep in mind that, at this stage in your child's development, he or she will be approaching the move from eye-catching picture, pop-up, or scratch-and-sniff books with little or no text, to books which feature large-print text in addition to large illustrations. Scholastic, a worldwide children's publishing, education and media company, recommends picking stories that animals, favorite characters, or other kids who are a year or two older than your child.

  1. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

    • Jim Trelease, author of "The Read-Aloud Handbook" (1982), which is used as a text-book for education students all over the world, recommends several books to be used as read-alouds for 5-year-olds. "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is at the top of the list. Written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz, it contains 34 pages that describe Alexander's off-day from start to finish in a humorous 5-year old's language and manner. The book ends up with Alexander realizing that everyone has bad days every once in a while, and that's OK.

    When I Was Five

    • "When I Was Five," by Authur Howard, is a top pick on Amazon.com and features a boy named Jeremy who is almost 6 years old and who compares what he wanted to do when he was 5 to what he wants to do now that he is "big." It features large, colorful, humorous illustrations and the language of a little boy, with a clear sense of self-awareness, speaking directly to his audience.

    Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm

    • Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm, written by by Jerdine Nolen and illustrated by Mark Buehner, is recommended by teachers and parents alike for 5-year-olds. The book is made up of 32 thick, glossy pages that boast vibrant illustrations and a magical plot of a girl who discovers a balloon farm. The book has earned a Notable Book citation from the American Library Association and various state-level book awards.

    Cat in the Hat

    • The never-out-of-date "Cat in the Hat" is part of the "I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Books" by Dr. Seuss. This 61-page book has been adored by 5-year olds, their parents and their teachers since it first came out in 1957 and won the Association for Childhood Education International Books for Children Bibliography and the Horn Book Children's Classics. The story starts when a cat with a hat comes in to play games with a brother and a sister and makes a big mess. The rhyming words make it fun to read along with the playful pictures.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • California Laws on Unattended Minors Home Alone
      Many parents debate what is the appropriate age to leave children home alone. Work responsibilities, running a few errands, partaking in an outdoor exercise regimen or having a romantic dinner out together may result in leaving the children without s
    • Kid's Skit Ideas
      Role-playing and performing skits may seem like childs play, but it actually allows kids to explore complex social ideas, obstacles and complications. It also teaches about self-control, as kids take on a role with a set of parameters and rules. For
    • Physical Development in Middle Childhood
      The middle childhood years are a time of many changes, both emotionally and physically. Between the ages of 5 and 12, your child will continue to grow at a steady rate and start developing into a young adult. Of course, no two children are alike, so