10+ Best Body Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the wonders of the human body? Look no further! Our curated selection of body books for 5-year-olds is designed to captivate and educate young minds about how their bodies work in a fun and engaging way. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will surely spark curiosity and provide hours of learning fun!

Fun Body Books for 5-Year-Olds

• My Amazing Body by Pat Thomas, illustrated by Lesley Harker
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health
  • Synopsis: This book teaches young children about the different parts of the body and how they function together to help us live and grow.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple language and charming illustrations to explain complex concepts, making it easier for young readers to understand their own bodies.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to ask questions about how things work.

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a magical journey through the human body aboard the Magic School Bus, exploring organs, blood vessels, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun adventures with educational content, which helps to engage children and spark their interest in science and anatomy.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy learning through stories and vibrant illustrations.

• From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Interactive, Health
  • Synopsis: This interactive book encourages children to move along with the animals as they bend, turn, and stretch their bodies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes physical activity and body awareness through playful prompts and engaging animal characters.
  • Perfect for: Active children who enjoy moving, playing, and mimicking animal actions.

• I Hear a Pickle (and Smell, See, Touch, and Taste It, Too!) by Rachel Isadora
  • Genre(s): Sensory Experience, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explores the five senses through the experiences of children interacting with the world around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers understand and appreciate their senses, enhancing their observational skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are keen to explore their environment and learn through sensory play.

• Me and My Amazing Body by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Annette Cable
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health
  • Synopsis: This book provides a clear and engaging overview of the human body, explaining how the different parts work together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a straightforward explanation of anatomy tailored for young children, complete with appealing illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young learners eager to know more about how their bodies function.

Educational Body Books for 5-Year-Olds

• See Inside Your Body by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Colin King
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This lift-the-flap book takes children on an informative journey through the human body, exploring everything from the brain to the toes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Anatomy knowledge, motor skills through flap lifting
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an interactive experience that keeps children engaged while they learn about body parts and their functions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive reading and are curious about how their body works.

• My First Human Body Book by Patricia J. Wynne and Donald M. Silver
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This coloring book introduces young children to the human body with fun, easy-to-understand illustrations that they can color.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of human anatomy, fine motor skills, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines learning with creativity, allowing kids to color as they learn about their bodies.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing and coloring while learning new things.

• Inside Your Outside: All About the Human Body by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Featuring the characters from Dr. Seuss's books, this educational read takes a whimsical look at the human body's anatomy and functions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic anatomy, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses familiar characters and rhymes to teach complex concepts in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Dr. Seuss fans and young learners who enjoy rhythmic texts and colorful illustrations.

• The Fantastic Body: What Makes You Tick & How You Get Sick by Howard Bennett
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Science
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide for young readers covers various aspects of the human body, including how it works and what happens when it doesn't.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Health knowledge, understanding of medical science
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers detailed, kid-friendly explanations about the body and health, helping children understand what keeps them healthy and what makes them sick.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who have a keen interest in science and health.

• The Body Book by Shelley Rotner and Steve Calcagnino
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This photo-illustrated book teaches young children about the human body with clear, simple text and engaging images.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic understanding of body parts, visual learning
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of real-life photographs and accessible text makes it easy for children to connect with the content.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young children who respond well to photographic representations.

Challenging Body Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Human Body: A Shine-A-Light Book by Carron Brown, illustrated by Rachael Saunders
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This innovative book allows kids to explore the human body in a unique way. By shining a light behind the pages, children can see hidden details, such as the skeleton and various organs.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of anatomy through an interactive format that requires understanding and manipulation of light and shadows.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a magical experience that combines learning with play, enhancing both understanding and engagement.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love interactive and hands-on learning experiences.

• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., illustrated by Sarah Ackerley
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book teaches young readers about the brain's capabilities and encourages them to stretch and grow their minds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the complexities of brain functions and neuroplasticity in a way that's accessible yet thought-provoking for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children by explaining how learning new things can physically change their brains and improve their abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and self-improvement.

• The Incredible Human Body by Richard Walker
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This book provides a detailed look at the human body, explaining how different systems and organs work together to keep us alive and healthy.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of scientific details about the human body, including lesser-known facts that are usually not introduced at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive overview of the body with clear explanations and vivid illustrations, making complex concepts understandable.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who have a strong interest in science and how things work.

• The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This humorous book features fun facts and quirky illustrations to teach children about the importance of the brain and its functions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses humor and complex ideas about the brain’s role in various bodily functions, which requires a higher level of cognitive engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about the brain fun and memorable through its entertaining approach and engaging artwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy learning through humor and fun visuals.

• Bones: Skeletons and How They Work by Steve Jenkins
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This visually engaging book explores the skeletal structures of humans and other animals, showing how bones function and comparing them across species.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides detailed anatomical illustrations and scientific explanations that go beyond basic knowledge of the human body.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s visually striking and informative, offering deep insights into the role and diversity of skeletal systems.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by biology and comparisons between humans and animals.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your 5-year-old to the fascinating world of body books, you're on the right track to sparking a lifelong interest in learning. To make the most out of this experience, here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits early on. These activities are not only fun but also educational, making reading a delightful part of your child's daily routine.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you and your child look at the pictures in a book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the book might be about based on the pictures.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read a book aloud to your child, involving them by pointing to words and images.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and listening skills, and models fluent reading.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the reading more engaging.

• Story Retell
  • What it is: After reading, encourage your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and memory skills.
  • Tips: Prompt with questions about key details to guide their retelling.

• Match the Word
  • What it is: Create flashcards with words and pictures from the book and have your child match them.
  • How it helps: Reinforces word recognition and understanding.
  • Tips: Start with a few cards and gradually increase the number as your child becomes more comfortable.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book using simple costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper engagement with the content and stimulates imagination.
  • Tips: Let your child choose their favorite character to role play.

• Book-Based Drawing
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Allows children to express their understanding and interpretation of the story.
  • Tips: Discuss the scenes or characters as your child draws to reinforce their comprehension.

By integrating these exercises into your reading sessions, you're not just helping your child learn about the human body in a fun and interactive way, but also laying the foundation for strong reading skills that will benefit them immensely in school and beyond. Happy reading and exploring together!