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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to capture the imagination of your little one? Look no further than Julia Donaldson books for 5-year-olds! Known for her enchanting stories that dance off the page, Donaldson's books are just the ticket for your preschooler's bedtime story or a cozy afternoon read. Keep reading as we explore a variety of delightful picks from Julia Donaldson that are sure to become fast favorites in your home!

Fun Julia Donaldson Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals. To avoid being eaten, the mouse invents a monster called the Gruffalo... only to meet the real Gruffalo!
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling tale with repetitive and rhythmic text that captivates young readers, enhancing their reading skills and sparking their imagination.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with clever protagonists and a touch of suspense.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A kind witch and her cat fly happily on their broomstick until the witch drops some items and gains new animal friends after helping them.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story teaches themes of friendship and sharing, with engaging rhymes that help develop language skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of teamwork and magical adventures.

• Stick Man by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three. One day, Stick Man is carried away from his family and must navigate a perilous journey to get back home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a heartwarming narrative about family and perseverance, presented through creative and rhythmic storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Children who love heartwarming stories and adventures.

• The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Travel
  • Synopsis: A tiny snail with an itchy foot joins a humpback whale on a journey around the world, facing immense challenges together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of adventure and bravery with lyrical text that introduces children to rhyming and rhythm, broadening their understanding of the world.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about different environments and the creatures that inhabit them.

• Zog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Education
  • Synopsis: Zog is a keen but accident-prone dragon who wants to be the best student in dragon school. He learns various lessons each year, culminating in a daring rescue.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages perseverance and the importance of learning from mistakes, all wrapped up in a humorous and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love dragons and stories about school and learning.

Educational Julia Donaldson Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: George the giant buys new clothes to replace his scruffy garments, but as he walks home, he meets various animals that need his help, which leads him to give away his new items one by one.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, sharing, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that highlights the joy of helping others, with a rhythmic, repetitive text that appeals to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about kindness and generosity.

• Tiddler: The Story-Telling Fish by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Tiddler is a small fish with a big imagination who loves to tell tall tales. One day, Tiddler is late to school and must use his stories to find his way back home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, storytelling, punctuality
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and the importance of storytelling, while also teaching the consequences of tardiness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and creative storytelling.

• The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nell, the detective dog, has a keen sense of smell and loves solving mysteries, especially when she helps find missing books from the school library.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, reading interest
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines engaging rhymes with a fun mystery to solve, fostering a love for reading and cooperative problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy mysteries and dogs.

• A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Rhyming, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An old lady thinks her house is too small, so she asks a wise old man for advice. He tells her to bring in her farm animals, one by one, making her house feel even smaller!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming, spatial awareness, gratitude
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about perspective and being thankful for what they have, all through a humorous and rhythmic story.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about gratitude and those who enjoy playful and rhythmic texts.

• The Go-Away Bird by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Catherine Rayner
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: The Go-Away Bird sits in her nest and shouts "Go away!" to other birds until she realizes that she might need some friends after all.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social interactions, friendship, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that teaches the value of friendships and social interactions through engaging and colorful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning about the importance of friendship and cooperation.

Challenging Julia Donaldson Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Emotional Development
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her mother make a string of paper dolls, which embark on fantastical adventures. Despite facing a threat that could tear them apart, the dolls show resilience and the power of memory.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores loss, memory, and continuity, which are complex themes for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delicately introduces children to the concept of loss and the enduring power of love and memories, all through a beautifully illustrated and poignant story.
  • Perfect for: Children who are beginning to understand emotions and the concept of permanence.

• The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A swashbuckling rat rides along the highway, stealing food from other animals until he meets his match. This tale is a twist on the classic story of the highwayman.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of historical context and poetic justice in storytelling introduces advanced narrative techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, rhyming story that teaches about fairness and the consequences of selfishness, wrapped in a humorous and adventurous package.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with a moral and those fascinated by characters who learn lessons the hard way.

• The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Charlotte Voake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This sequel to Edward Lear’s classic poem follows the famous duo on another whimsical adventure filled with new friends and strange lands.
  • Why this book is challenging: It builds on a classic piece of literature and incorporates poetic forms, which require a higher level of linguistic understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands the imagination with lyrical language and fantastical scenarios, fostering a love for poetry and creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy whimsical tales and those interested in poetry and rhythmic storytelling.

• The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Social Skills
  • Synopsis: In this interstellar adventure, two alien families, the Smeds and the Smoos, forbid their children from fraternizing, but young Janet Smed and Bill Smoo fall in love and travel the universe together.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces themes of tolerance, prejudice, and reconciliation in a playful, accessible way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages acceptance and unity through a fun, engaging story that transcends differences, promoting inclusivity and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity and the value of overcoming differences through friendship.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring the magical world of Julia Donaldson books with your 5-year-old, you're in for a treat. Her stories, filled with charming rhymes and whimsical characters, are perfect for young readers. To enhance your child's reading experience and develop good reading habits, here are some engaging exercises you can try together:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Preview the book by flipping through the pages and discussing the pictures.
  • How it helps: Helps children use visual clues to predict the story and sets the stage for reading.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to spark curiosity and imagination.

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Identify and come up with rhyming words found in Julia Donaldson’s books.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness and helps in recognizing sound patterns.
  • Tips: Make a game out of finding rhymes from the book and creating new ones together.

• Story Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book using costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and makes reading a fun, interactive experience.
  • Tips: Let your child take the lead in choosing scenes and characters to role-play.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Create a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Discuss how the character might feel about the events in the story to guide diary entries.

• Reading Buddy
  • What it is: Pair your child with an older reading buddy or a parent to read together.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading as a social activity and improves reading confidence.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time for buddy reading sessions to build a routine.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: Rearrange story cards or simple drawings to put the plot in order.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding story structure and logical thinking.
  • Tips: Start with broad segments of the story and gradually increase complexity as your child gets better.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in nurturing a love for reading and improving literacy skills. By engaging actively with the texts, your child will find joy in reading and eagerly anticipate story time. So, grab your favorite Julia Donaldson book, and let’s make reading an adventure!