It's always important when you're picking the best books for your child, that they are also age appropriate, so when choosing the best books for five year olds, it's important to remember to choose a book you know they'll enjoying listening to and maybe try to read themselves.
At aged five, your child's language will be much more developed, especially if they've start school. They might be trying to read the words of their classic books more independently too, so choosing a book suited to their age will be a great way to support their development.
The best books for five year olds at a glance:
• Best books for five year olds about kindness: The Goody - buy here on Amazon.
• Best books for five year olds about worrying: Ruby's Worry: A Big Bright Feelings Book - buy here on Amazon.
• Best books for five year olds about self belief: Mabel and the Mountain - buy here on Amazon.
Books with deeper meanings and teaching moments are good for this age, such as books about empathy, worrying and kindness. They can still enjoy picture books, and if they have a favourite that they've heard lots, they'll be able to start linking the illustrations to the words.
Best books for five year olds new school worries
Description
A magical tale of friendship to soothe your little one's starting-school worries. In My School Unicorn, when Evie puts on her new school uniform, she makes a magical discovery. Hidden inside the pocket of her jumper is Bobby, a tiny school unicorn! Bobby has a very important job - helping children feel brave when they go to school.
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The Goody
Best books for five year olds about kindness
Description
What happens when Chirton Krauss decides that being a good child isn't so good after all? The Goody follows Chirton who's the goody, and her sister who is not good. It's a charming, funny story about the importance of kindness, and allowing children the freedom to be themselves.
Best books for five year olds about history
Description
Discover fascinating facts about some of the most amazing women who changed the world we live in with Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World. Fly through the sky with the incredible explorer Amelia Earhart, and read all about the wonderful adventures of Mary Seacole. Bursting full of beautiful illustrations and astounding facts, this book is the perfect introduction to just a few of the most incredible women who helped shape the world we live in.
Best books for five year olds about worrying
Description
Ruby's Worry: A Big Bright Feelings Book has a perceptive and poignant story that is a must-have for all children's bookshelves. One day, Ruby finds a worry. At first, it's not such a big worry, and that's all right, but then it starts to grow. It gets bigger and bigger every day and it makes Ruby sad. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again?
Best books for five year olds about change
Description
In the follow-up to Rochelle Humes' bestselling debut, Mai discovers that although change might feel scary it can be a good thing in The Mega Magic Teacher Swap. This is a heart-felt picture book about starting a new year at school which will resonate with young audiences and their parents alike.
Best books for five year olds about sleep.
Description
Arlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep is a beautifully illustrated story with a gentle mindfulness message. Ideal for reading at bedtime, this book might be especially helpful for children who struggle falling asleep and Arlo's friend, the owl, advice.
Best books for five year olds about self belief
Description
Mabel and the Mountain is about a little fly with big plans! This sweet story helps to show readers that there is nothing more important than the power of confidence, and believing in yourself, no matter your size even if giving up seems like an easier option.
How should I support my five year old reading?
When supporting your child's reading, there are plenty of things you can do to support their reading other than just choosing the best books for five year olds.
Explore the words
Whether you're reading to your child or they're trying to read it themselves, help them to understand what the word means. For example, if another word other than 'walk' is used to describe a character moving, such as stroll, fled or glide, talk about the connection and whether they understand what it means or what other word could be used too
Ask questions
Asking questions about the book not only helps your child to make sense of it, but it also encourages your child to recognise elements of the book and expand their words and understanding beyond the page. This could involve asking about what expressions are on the characters faces and why they might be feeling that way, or even what animals or colours they can see.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.