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At five, children are starting Year 1 and many are beginning to read words for themselves, while still loving to be read to. The best books for this age work both ways: lively enough to share aloud, simple enough in places for a new reader to have a go.
The short answer
- The one to start with
- This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne — A hugely entertaining book which demands reader participation and captures…
- A favourite to share
- This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen — Almost wordless, this multi-award winning international best seller is a…
- For keen readers
- Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith — An exuberant, multicultural twist on the traditional fairytale
What to look for at age 5
Mix picture books that reward rereading with very first chapter books and early readers. Bold pictures, short sentences and plenty of humour keep new readers going; a story they already know by heart is the perfect thing to try reading alone.
Our pick of the best books for 5 year olds
This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne
A hugely entertaining book which demands reader participation and captures a young readers imaginationReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThis is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Almost wordless, this multi-award winning international best seller is a superlative cautionary tale -- or is it?Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamLittle Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith
An exuberant, multicultural twist on the traditional fairytale; Illustrated and told with his usual witty aplomb and winning the 3-6 UKLA Book AwardReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBrenda Is a Sheep by Morag Hood
The classic wolf in sheep’s clothing premise given a literal and hilarious twistReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMixed by Arree Chung
The primary colours have got everything sorted out in the city so they live in separate areas and never mix.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamTen Fat Sausages by Michelle Robinson
A tale of sausages and their fight for freedom, this rollicking picture book will have everyone laughing.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids team1 to 20 Animals Aplenty by Katie Viggers
This witty, stylish counting book will catch the attention of adults as well as the imagination of the very young.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamYes You Can, Cow by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Hilarious twist on a familiar nursery rhyme with a positive, affirmative messageReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThere's a Mouse in My House by Ross Collins
Rib-tickling rhyming yarn in which Bear discovers the joys of companionshipReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWhen Dinosaurs Walked the Earth by Sean Taylor
Who will get breakfast and who will be breakfast? A hilarious dino cat and mouse chase will decideReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMaybe You Might by Imogen Foxell
A beautiful picture book alive with hope and possibilitiesReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Artist by Ed Vere
Looking at inspiration, creativity and overcoming mistakes through the eyes of an artistReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamHoley Moley by Bethan Clarke
Holey entertaining picture book, sure to inspire delight in words, rhymes and language gamesReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamDadaji's Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
A story rich in emotion and a reminder that love never leaves usReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamFive Bears by Catherine Rayner
Gorgeous bears with a gentle empathetic message about difference and friendshipReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamFlooded by Mariajo Ilustrajo
A humorous look at letting a problem fester and growReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWe're Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman
Over the shimmering ocean, up the huge, high mountain, through the deep, dark forest...Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamAmy Gets Eaten by Adam Kay
Amy the tiny sweetcorn’s hilariously fearless and informative exploration of Noah’s digestive systemReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Overall Winner of the Red House Children's Book Awards 2015, and winner in books for younger children category - Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2014 - One of…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamCyril and Pat by Emily Gravett
Award-winning author/ illustrator Emily Gravett explores the fun of being friends but different in this light-hearted and playful picture book.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids team
These 20 books come from our Year 1 reading list of 40 titles for the 2026/27 school year. Looking for a little younger or older? See books for 4 year olds and books for 6 year olds, or our guide to The Best Books for 5-7 Year Olds.
Chosen by experts, not an algorithm
Every title here comes from our Year 1 reading list, chosen by LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists — people who match books to real children every day. We’ve recommended on merit since 2005, and through our Schools Reading Programme we see which stories genuinely land with this age group. When you buy through us, up to 25% of the cover price can go to a school of your choice.
Each is named, with a photograph and full biography, on our editorial experts page.
Members of the panel include:
Julia Eccleshare MBEAward-winning children’s literature expert and former Guardian Children’s Editor
Amy McKayFormer UK School Librarian of the Year and Yoto Carnegies National Coordinator
Joy CourtLeading children’s literature expert and former Chair of the CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals
Deborah MaclarenLoveReading CEO and literary prize judge, championing books and reading for pleasure
Your questions answered
What should a 5 year old read?
Our editors recommend starting with This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne, This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen and Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith, all from our Year 1 reading list. The full list of 20 books is on this page.
Which school year is a 5 year old in?
In England, most children turn 5 during Year 1, so these books come from our Year 1 list. Children read at very different levels, so look at the ages either side too.
How are these books chosen?
By LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists, including former Carnegie judges and school librarians, not by sales rank or an algorithm. We have recommended books on merit since 2005.
What if my child is a reluctant reader?
Try shorter, funnier or illustrated books first, and let them choose. Our guide to the best books for reluctant readers has picks chosen to win children round.