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

Are you on a quest to find the perfect princess books for 5-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether your little one dreams of enchanting castles, daring adventures, or magical creatures, we’ve gathered a delightful collection that will spark their imagination and nurture their love for reading. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of princess books that are just right for 5-year-old readers!

Fun Princess Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Feminism
  • Synopsis: This story revolves around Princess Elizabeth who sets out to rescue her fiancé from a dragon, armed only with a paper bag.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips the traditional princess narrative, empowering young readers with its message of independence and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of adventure and strong female protagonists.

• Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Smartypants enjoys being single and goes through great lengths to fend off suitors who want her hand in marriage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's humorous and breaks traditional princess stereotypes, encouraging individuality and self-contentment.
  • Perfect for: Children who love laughter and parents keen on introducing non-traditional fairy tales.

• The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Janet Stevens
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Classic
  • Synopsis: A prince searches for a true princess to marry and finds her identity tested by a single pea hidden under a stack of mattresses.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic tale is whimsical and offers a gentle introduction to traditional fairy tales with a touch of humor.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of classic fairy tales and whimsical stories.

• Part-Time Princess by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cambria Evans
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl imagines what it would be like to be a princess, only to find out that it involves more than just wearing a fancy crown.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and play, showing that you can be a princess and still be yourself.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative kids who like playing dress-up and engaging in adventurous fantasies.

• Princess Peepers by Pam Calvert, illustrated by Tuesday Mourning
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Peepers loves her collection of glasses, but when she goes to the Royal Academy, she tries to fit in by not wearing them, leading to humorous mishaps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of being yourself and embraces the uniqueness in everyone.
  • Perfect for: Children who might feel different and anyone who enjoys a good laugh while learning life lessons.

Educational Princess Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Feminism
  • Synopsis: This book features princesses who wear sneakers and jeans, highlighting that princesses can be anything they want to be.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Gender stereotypes, self-expression, confidence building
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates diversity and breaks away from traditional princess narratives, promoting empowerment and individuality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are exploring their own identities and interests.

• Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle, illustrated by Mike Gordon
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl asks her mother questions about what princesses do, like whether they climb trees or bake cookies, showing that princesses can enjoy a variety of activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Curiosity, outdoor activities, self-discovery
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages questions and exploration, showing that being a princess doesn't limit one's hobbies or interests.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love exploring the world around them and questioning norms.

• Princess Hair by Sharee Miller
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Diversity
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the beauty and diversity of black hair, showcasing princesses with different hairstyles like braids, puffs, and twists.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, self-esteem, acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes diversity and self-love, teaching children to appreciate and embrace their unique qualities.
  • Perfect for: Children learning to love their natural hair and those interested in understanding and appreciating diversity.

• Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: In this futuristic retelling of the classic Cinderella story, Cinderella is a talented mechanic who dreams of fixing fancy rockets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, ambition, technology
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of classic fairy tales with a modern twist, encouraging interest in science and technology.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of space and enjoy stories of innovation and determination.

• The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Self-Discovery
  • Synopsis: Geraldine, who believes she is a fairy princess, shows that being a princess is more about one’s sparkle within than fancy gowns and crowns.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, creativity, identity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches that what makes you special comes from inside and encourages children to be true to themselves.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fantasy and are discovering their own unique traits and talents.

Challenging Princess Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she's also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. When monster alarms go off, she must sneak away from her royal duties to save the kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual identity of the protagonist introduces complex themes of identity and responsibility.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends traditional princess elements with action-packed superhero antics, promoting bravery and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love action, adventure, and superheroes.

• Zog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zog, a young dragon at dragon school, learns various skills each year. In his final year, he captures a princess who rather than seeking rescue, wants to be a doctor.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book challenges traditional roles and introduces career concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a delightful twist on the classic dragon and princess story, promoting ambition and non-traditional roles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy tales with a twist and those interested in roles that defy stereotypes.

• The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Sue dreams of being rescued by a prince, only to find out that her rescuer wants her to stay in a tower. She teams up with a dragon to defy expectations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It subverts traditional fairy tale narratives and promotes independence.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for discussing themes of independence and self-determination in a humorous and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate humor and stories of empowerment.

• The Apple-Pip Princess by Jane Ray
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Environmental
  • Synopsis: In a kingdom stripped of its beauty and vitality, the king asks his three daughters to use a single apple pip, each in their own way, to make their mark and restore the land.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces environmental stewardship and the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about caring for the environment and the impact of individual actions on a larger scale.
  • Perfect for: Environmentally conscious young readers and those interested in stories about renewal and responsibility.

• Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Lydia Monks
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ellen gets chicken pox and finds herself face-to-face with Princess Mirror-Belle, a princess from the mirror world who claims to have dragon pox. Together, they embark on adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a unique narrative style and introduces an alternate reality concept.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s engaging and imaginative, encouraging creative thinking and empathy through its storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young readers who enjoy fantastical adventures and playful narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of princess books with your 5-year-old, you're in for a treat. Not only are these stories enchanting, but they also offer great opportunities to develop solid reading habits early on. Here are some fun exercises to enhance your little one's reading experience:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Browse through the book looking at pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Helps in setting the stage for the story and ignites curiosity.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or sentences with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in learning new words.
  • Tips: Emphasize excitement and emotions in the story to make it more engaging.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and interactive storytelling.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map or a sequence of events from the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the plot and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Keep colored pencils and markers handy to make the activity more appealing.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Create a diary entry from the perspective of a character.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of characters.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to express the character's feelings about events in the story.

Incorporating these exercises can make reading time not just educational but also incredibly fun. Watch as your little one grows not just in their ability to read, but in their love for stories. Happy reading!