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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime stories to delight your little equestrian? Look no further! Our roundup of horse books for 5-year-olds is packed with tales that will whisk them away on galloping adventures. Whether your child dreams of trotting through mystical lands or learning about real-life ponies, these picks are sure to capture their imagination. Keep reading to discover our favorite horse books for 5-year-olds, each one guaranteed to become a cherished part of their storytime routine!

Fun Horse Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Little Blue Truck navigates the challenges of the big city while helping the city vehicles realize the importance of taking turns and being kind.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud, and the story teaches important lessons about cooperation and patience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love vehicles and city adventures, and those learning about kindness and teamwork.

• If I Ran the Horse Show by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this Dr. Seuss-inspired book, young readers join the Cat in the Hat as he explains different types of horses and the basics of horse care and riding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun rhymes and educational content, making learning about horses engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who show interest in horses and those who enjoy the whimsical style of Dr. Seuss.

• Pony Brushes His Teeth by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Oriol Vidal
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Health & Daily Living
  • Synopsis: Pony learns the importance of brushing his teeth in a fun and relatable way, mirroring the daily routines of children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for parents to encourage good dental hygiene through a story that makes tooth brushing fun.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are learning about personal care routines.

• Noni the Pony by Alison Lester
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyming Story
  • Synopsis: Noni the Pony is friendly and funny. Her days are filled with fun and adventures with her animal friends on the farm.
  • Why we recommend this book: The gentle, rhyming text and delightful illustrations make this book a joy to read aloud, perfect for bedtime or any quiet time.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy stories about animals and friendship.

• My Pony by Susan Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young girl dreams of having a pony and imagines all the adventures they would have together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood dreams and aspirations, beautifully illustrated to spark imagination.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and any child who has ever wished for a pony.

Educational Horse Books for 5-Year-Olds

• A Horse Named Bob by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Claudia Wolf
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: Jen can't have a real horse, so she's excited when her neighbor brings home a horse named Bob. She learns about caring for a horse and the responsibilities that come with it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Responsibility, animal care, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about the responsibilities of caring for animals in an engaging and relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and are curious about horse care.

• The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Folklore
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a Native American girl who has a deep affinity for wild horses and spends her days among them, eventually becoming one with the herd.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, appreciation for nature, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated Caldecott Medal winner that captures the spiritual relationship between humans and animals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in folklore and stories about deep connections with nature.

• Are You a Horse? by Andy Rash
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A silly story about Roy, a cowboy who receives a saddle and goes on a quest to find a horse. He encounters various animals and objects, asking each if they are a horse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal recognition, logic, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious journey that will keep kids laughing while they learn to differentiate animals.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy humor and those learning to identify different animals.

• Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse by Rebecca Janni, illustrated by Lynne Avril
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nellie Sue does everything with a cowgirl flair, but what she really needs is a horse. When her birthday comes, she hopes for a horse and gets a different kind of ride.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, problem-solving, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and shows how imagination can turn any situation into an adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and imaginative thinkers who dream big.

• Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: Fritz isn't as beautiful as the other horses but proves that being gentle and reliable is more important than external beauty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, understanding of inner qualities, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the importance of inner qualities over appearance through a touching story.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about self-worth and the value of being dependable and kind.

Challenging Horse Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Smallest Horse in the World by Lavinia Harris
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A story about a tiny horse that dreams of being big and strong, and the journey it takes to discover its own unique strengths.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of self-acceptance and perseverance in a whimsical, yet profound way that challenges young readers to think about personal growth and self-worth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to embrace their individuality and to recognize that being different is a strength, not a weakness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel overlooked or undervalued, and those who love magical stories.

• Henry the Explorer by Mark Taylor, illustrated by Graham Booth
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After a snowstorm, Henry and his dog Laika decide to go on an expedition to discover new lands and they mark their journey with flags, including one on a mysterious hill that turns out to be a sleeping horse.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a more complex narrative structure and introduces map-reading and exploration concepts, which are advanced for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, the spirit of adventure, and basic geographical knowledge, all wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring explorers and young adventurers who are curious about the world around them.

• Starlight Stable: Pony Detectives by Soraya Nicholas
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Three best friends spend their days at Starlight Stables solving mysteries that involve their beloved ponies. Each mystery challenges their problem-solving skills and deepens their friendships.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces mystery-solving and critical thinking in a context that is engaging yet complex enough to challenge advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of mystery with the joy of horse riding, fostering a love for reading and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and horse lovers who enjoy a good puzzle and teamwork.

• The Horse and the Mysterious Drawing by Annie Wedekind
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young girl discovers a mysterious drawing that leads her on an adventure to save a neglected horse. Along the way, she learns about courage, trust, and friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves a complex plot with emotional depth, introducing themes of animal welfare and ethical responsibility.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of taking action when faced with injustice, all through a compelling story that captivates young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers passionate about animals and those who are ready to tackle more sophisticated stories.

• Galloping Through History by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a journey through history on the backs of various horses, each representing different historical eras and events.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates historical facts with storytelling, requiring readers to engage with both the narrative and educational content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique way to learn history through the adventurous tales of horses, making learning both fun and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and any child with an interest in both history and horses.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of horse books with your 5-year-old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these stories fun and engaging, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to develop good reading habits early on. Here are some simple exercises to enhance your little one's reading experience and make the most out of your storytime together.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Browse through the book looking at pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Helps children make predictions and connect visuals to words.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what might happen in the story based on the pictures.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or sentences with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Emphasize fun by changing your voice for different characters.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading, have your child retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and memory.
  • Tips: Encourage them by asking questions about the plot and characters.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Identify words in the book that start with the same sound.
  • How it helps: Strengthens phonemic awareness.
  • Tips: Make it a game to find a new sound every time you read together.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book using dialogues or actions.
  • How it helps: Boosts understanding and makes reading interactive.
  • Tips: Use props like stuffed animals to make the role play more engaging.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading sessions will not only make reading more enjoyable but also equip your child with skills that last a lifetime. So, grab your favorite horse book, snuggle up, and let the adventures begin! Happy reading!