Introduction
At age five, children are full of imagination, curiosity, and big questions about the world. Picture books are a powerful way to spark conversations, build vocabulary, and nurture a lifelong love of reading. Whether you’re looking for bedtime stories, funny adventures, or books that teach kindness, this list of the 10 best picture books for 5-year-olds is a perfect place to start.
1. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
A hilarious story where crayons write letters of complaint to their owner. Kids love the humor, and it encourages creativity.
2. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Mo Willems’ interactive storytelling makes kids laugh out loud while teaching lessons about boundaries.
3. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
A silly, imaginative story that gets kids giggling—and maybe hungry!
4. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
This award-winning book teaches gratitude and perspective, showing the beauty in everyday moments.
5. Sam Says NO! by Dean Giles
A fun, relatable story about resilience and growth for children who sometimes resist trying new things. Perfect for picky eaters and stubborn moments.
6. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
A charming, rhyming story of friendship, teamwork, and a kind witch who makes room for everyone.
7. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
A heartwarming book about dreams, individuality, and the love between parent and child.
8. If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley
Silly mischief and vibrant illustrations make this a kid-favorite with lots of laughs.
9. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A timeless classic that captures imagination, emotions, and the power of storytelling.
10. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Funny, quirky, and a little outrageous—this story teaches empathy in a laugh-out-loud way.
Why These Books Work for 5-Year-Olds
- Interactive & Funny: They keep kids engaged.
- Emotional Lessons: Teach kindness, resilience, and empathy.
- Imaginative & Visual: Vibrant illustrations fuel storytelling.
- Relatable Themes: From school jitters to stubborn “NOs,” kids connect instantly.
Closing
Choosing the right picture book can turn storytime into a magical experience. Whether you’re snuggling before bed or inspiring a classroom full of kindergartners, these books will spark laughter, learning, and a love of reading.
✨ Tip for Parents: Create a nightly routine—20 minutes of reading every evening builds strong literacy skills and precious memories.
Free eBook for kids! Sam Says No! Download directly from Amazon!
