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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime adventure for your little one? Look no further than the enchanting world of dragon books for 5-year-olds! These tales are packed with fun, adventure, and the kind of magic that only dragons can bring. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of dragon books that are sure to spark the imagination of your young reader and transport them to lands filled with mythical creatures and daring quests.

Fun Dragon Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This delightful book explores the love dragons have for tacos and the chaos that ensues when they accidentally eat spicy salsa.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and engaging read that introduces young readers to the fun of storytelling and the joy of dragons who love tacos as much as they do.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy playful stories and those with a love for dragons and tacos.

• There's No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Billy Bixbee finds a small dragon in his bedroom and tries to convince his mother of its existence, as the dragon grows larger with each denial.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book teaches children about acknowledging and confronting issues rather than ignoring them, wrapped in a fun and imaginative story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like fantasy creatures and stories that offer a moral lesson.

• Good Night, Little Dragons by Leigh Ann Tyson, illustrated by Jimothy Oliver
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: Three little dragons get ready for bed through a series of whimsical and soothing routines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of dragons with calming bedtime rituals, helping kids wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantasy and need a fun way to ease into bedtime.

• When a Dragon Moves In by Jodi Moore, illustrated by Howard McWilliam
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Family
  • Synopsis: A boy builds a perfect sandcastle which attracts a dragon, leading to a series of playful beach adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination about fantastical friends and enhances the joy of beach play and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy beach stories and imaginative play involving mythical creatures.

• The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie dePaola
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A knight and a dragon prepare for a fight but realize they prefer other activities, leading to an unexpected friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of finding peaceful solutions and the power of friendship over conflict.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about knights and dragons, as well as learning about cooperation and friendship.

Educational Dragon Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Dragon Snatcher by M.P. Robertson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy teams up with his pet dragon to rescue baby dragons from a wicked witch.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, bravery, and friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It features thrilling adventures and teaches important values like courage and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and those who love stories of heroism and dragons.

• Argus by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Andréa Wesson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, School Life
  • Synopsis: Sally's science project hatches a dragon instead of a chick, leading to unexpected challenges and learning in her classroom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, science concepts, and dealing with the unexpected
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with educational content, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy school stories and learning about science in a playful way.

• Dragon Night by J.R. Krause
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Friendship
  • Synopsis: A young boy and his dragon friend embark on a magical night-time adventure, overcoming fears together.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, overcoming fears, and the value of friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that helps address children's fears through a supportive friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children who might have fears of the dark or bedtime, and those who love stories about supportive friendships.

• Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el, illustrated by Tim Bowers
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Crispin Blaze is a dragon who, instead of breathing fire, breathes things like whipped cream and marshmallows.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, uniqueness, and diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children to embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them unique in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel different and anyone who enjoys a good laugh with a meaningful message.

• Roar of the Elders by A.J. Massey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting tale, a young girl discovers her ability to speak to dragons and must use this power to save her village.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership, communication, and courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that highlights the importance of bravery and leadership in challenging times.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring leaders and young readers who dream of going on epic quests and making a difference.

Challenging Dragon Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Tell Me a Dragon by Jackie Morris
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully illustrated book, readers are introduced to various dragons, each unique to their companion from around the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses rich, descriptive language and a variety of complex sentence structures, making it a more advanced read for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, allowing children to envision their own dragon, fostering a personal connection to the story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy and have a creative streak, as well as those who appreciate detailed illustrations.

• The Egg by M.P. Robertson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A boy discovers a dragon's egg and embarks on a journey of understanding and friendship as he helps the dragon inside grow and find its place in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes themes of responsibility and nurturing, which are complex for young readers, paired with a narrative that encourages deeper comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about care and companionship through a captivating fantasy story.
  • Perfect for: Children who are not only fans of dragons but also enjoy stories about growth and responsibility.

• Herbert: The True Story of a Brave Sea Dog by Robyn Belton
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Adventure, Animals
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book recounts the adventures of a small dog who was lost at sea and the community's efforts to find him.
  • Why this book is challenging: Though not about dragons, its inclusion of real-life events and historical accuracy provides a challenging read for young minds used to more fantastical narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic adventure that can help children understand history and the importance of community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in real-life heroics and animal stories.

• Dragon's Extraordinary Egg by Debi Gliori
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Family
  • Synopsis: A young dragon finds an abandoned egg and raises the creature that hatches from it, only to discover it's a penguin.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces themes of adoption and diversity, wrapped in a narrative that challenges the concept of family and belonging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes acceptance and love in all forms, teaching children about the beauty of non-traditional families through a heartwarming tale.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about familial bonds and those interested in themes of acceptance and diversity.

• The Dragon Machine by Helen Ward
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: George, feeling unnoticed, discovers a world of dragons hidden from everyone else and embarks on a journey to find where they truly belong.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores feelings of loneliness and discovery through subtle storytelling and detailed illustrations, requiring careful attention and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines a sense of adventure with a deeper understanding of personal emotions and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel a bit different or unnoticed and those who love adventures that delve into personal growth and understanding.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of dragon books with your 5-year-old, here are some fun exercises to enhance their reading experience and develop good reading habits. These activities are designed to be engaging and beneficial for young readers.

• Create a Dragon Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that includes key locations from the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the setting and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers and stickers to make it more fun and engaging.

• Dragon Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the dragon book with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more exciting.

• Draw Your Favorite Dragon
  • What it is: Encourage your child to draw their favorite dragon from the book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and helps in visualizing the text.
  • Tips: Display the artwork at home to show appreciation of their effort.

• Story Sequencing Cards
  • What it is: Create cards that depict scenes from the book, and arrange them in order.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the plot and logical sequencing.
  • Tips: Let your child narrate the story as they arrange the cards.

• Guess the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops predictive skills and engages analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Discuss why they made those guesses, linking back to the story.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you're not only making reading fun but also laying a strong foundation for good reading habits. These activities will help your child connect more deeply with what they read and spark their imagination. Enjoy your adventure with dragons!