10 Fun Books to Read With a 5-Year-Old

Five is a brilliant age for stories. Children can laugh at repeated phrases, predict what happens next, spot tiny details in pictures and begin to develop strong favourites.

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

Look for engaging characters, easy-to-follow stories, repetition, rhythm or rhyme, humour and adventure, themes such as friendship and kindness, and illustrations that spark conversation.

Top tips for reading together

Make it fun with silly voices, let children predict what happens next, talk about pictures and details, ask simple questions about how characters feel, and revisit favourite books.

10 books and story worlds to try

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler; We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury; Oi Frog! by Kes Gray and Jim Field; The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr; Supertato by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet; Stinky – A Tail-Wagging Adventure by Simon M Vowles; The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler; Paddington by Michael Bond; The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers; Funnybones by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

Stinky – A Tail-Wagging Adventure

Stinky is a cheerful, muddy and mischievous dog whose colourful adventure celebrates friendship, kindness, imagination and fun.

Let your child lead sometimes

Repetition helps children build confidence, language skills and a real love of reading.

Keep the story going after the book closes

Talk about the characters, draw a favourite scene, create new adventures or head outside for your own Stinky-style muddy expedition.