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

Searching for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the magic of reading? Look no further than Roald Dahl books for 5-year-olds! These enchanting tales are just the right mix of whimsy and wonder to captivate young imaginations. Curious about which of Dahl’s classics might spark joy in your child? Keep reading as we explore various lists of Roald Dahl books perfect for 5-year-olds, guaranteed to turn storytime into an adventure!

Fun Roald Dahl Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story features a greedy crocodile who loves to eat juicy little children. He embarks on a mission to find his lunch, using clever tricks to disguise himself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling read with a good mix of suspense and humor, which keeps young readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy mischievous characters and parents looking for a fun read-aloud book.

• Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Mr. Fox steals food each night from three mean and wealthy farmers. The farmers get fed up and try to starve Mr. Fox and his family out of their den, leading to a clever battle of wits.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases themes of cleverness, bravery, and the importance of family, all wrapped up in exciting escapades.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about animals and clever tricks, as well as families looking for a story that celebrates resourcefulness.

• George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Young George decides to make a medicine to cure his grumpy grandma's nastiness, resulting in some unexpected and gigantic surprises.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks creativity and imagination through the bizarre and humorous outcomes of George's concoctions.
  • Perfect for: Children with a mischievous side and a fascination with science and experiments.

• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy, Billy, meets a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey who are window cleaners. Together, they embark on an adventure involving a break-in at a large mansion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an adventurous tale that promotes teamwork and friendship in a fun and unique way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about unusual friendships and teamwork.

• The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A girl with magical powers is upset with her neighbors for their hunting habits, so she uses her magic finger to teach them a lesson.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces themes of empathy and respect for nature through a magical and humorous narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories with a moral and those who enjoy tales of magic and transformation.

Educational Roald Dahl Books for 5-Year-Olds

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After the tragic death of his parents, young James Henry Trotter lives with two dreadful aunts. His life takes a magical turn when he enters a gigantic, enchanted peach and embarks on a surreal adventure with a group of anthropomorphic insect friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, courage, and friendship; introduces basic concepts of insects and nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with real-life emotions and challenges, making it both entertaining and relatable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love whimsical adventures and magical creatures.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. It's a chance of a lifetime to witness magical inventions, the Oompa-Loompas, and the fantastic secrets behind the factory’s gates.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, moral lessons, and understanding cause and effect.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that teaches important lessons about greed, pride, and humility through a richly imaginative narrative.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about magical places and learning life lessons in a fun way.

Challenging Roald Dahl Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, unappreciated by her crude, distant parents. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome challenges at school and deal with her tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of child empowerment and intellectualism are more complex, and the vocabulary is richer than in many other children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of a young girl, encouraging readers to value education and stand up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity and those who enjoy tales with a touch of magic.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young orphan, Sophie, encounters the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his giant peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces a unique language, 'Gobblefunk,' and explores themes of friendship and courage amidst fearsome odds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that stretches the imagination and teaches kindness and the importance of standing up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fantasy adventures and exploring new, imaginative worlds.

• Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Danny and his father share a life filled with love and joy. Their peaceful existence is threatened when they hatch a daring plan to sabotage the pheasant hunt of the wealthy, mean Mr. Hazell.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex moral questions and the relationship between right and wrong, which can provoke thoughtful discussions with young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the bond between father and son and the lengths one may go to protect loved ones and stand up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about adventure and the complexities of right versus wrong.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl with your 5-year-old, you're in for a treat! Dahl's stories are not only fun and engaging, but they also offer fantastic opportunities to develop good reading habits early on. Here are some exercises that you can incorporate into reading time to make the most out of these delightful books.

• Character Match Game
  • What it is: Create cards with pictures of characters and their names for matching.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and helps with name recognition.
  • Tips: Play after reading to help connect the character with their story.

• Story Map Drawing
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings from the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages comprehension and recall of the plot.
  • Tips: Use bright colors and symbols to mark significant places from the book.

• Pretend Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book using costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with understanding character actions and emotions.
  • Tips: Let your child take the lead in choosing scenes and characters to enact.

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Identify rhyming words in Dahl’s books and come up with more words that rhyme.
  • How it helps: Develops phonemic awareness and language skills.
  • Tips: Make it a fun competition to see who can come up with the most rhymes.

• Question and Answer Buddy Reading
  • What it is: Take turns reading and then ask each other questions about the story.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Encourage questions that are both factual and about opinions or feelings.

• Book-Themed Snack Time
  • What it is: Prepare snacks that are mentioned in Dahl’s books or inspired by them.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and memorable.
  • Tips: Involve your child in the snack preparation to make it more engaging.

By integrating these fun and educational exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your child's love for reading but also build a strong foundation in literacy. Roald Dahl's books, with their rich narratives and imaginative landscapes, provide the perfect canvas for these activities. So, grab your favorite Dahl book, and let the fun and learning begin!