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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the wonders of the universe to your little one? Look no further! Our curated list of science books for 5-year-olds is packed with exciting reads that are sure to spark curiosity and inspire young minds. Whether you're looking for bedtime reading or interactive play, these books cater to all interests. Keep reading to discover our top picks for science books that are perfectly tailored for your budding scientist!

Fun Science Books for 5-Year-Olds

• My First Book of Planets: All About the Solar System for Kids by Bruce Betts
  • Genre(s): Science, Astronomy
  • Synopsis: This colorful book explores the wonders of our solar system, introducing young readers to each planet with vivid illustrations and fascinating facts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to astronomy, simplifying complex concepts into bite-sized, understandable pieces for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Curious youngsters who have a budding interest in space and the planets.

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a wild, educational ride through the Earth's crust, into the mantle, and towards the core, learning about geology along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and learning in a unique narrative style that captivates young readers and stimulates an interest in science.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure and are eager to learn about the world beneath their feet.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields
  • Genre(s): Science, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book provides answers to common "why" questions asked by kids, covering a broad range of topics with engaging explanations and interactive elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the natural curiosity of children at this age and encourages them to think and ask more about the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive minds that are always asking questions and seeking to understand how things work.

• Curious George Discovers the Rainbow by H.A. Rey
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow Curious George as he learns about the science behind rainbows, engaging in experiments and adventures that explain how light and water create colorful arcs in the sky.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches basic scientific principles through a beloved character, making learning both relatable and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with familiar characters and are new to learning scientific concepts.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers simple, easy-to-follow science experiments that can be done with everyday household items, helping kids learn about different scientific principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science interactive and hands-on, which is perfect for engaging young children and keeping their attention focused on learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love doing projects and experiments, and who learn best through doing rather than observing.

Educational Science Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering! by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
  • Genre(s): Science, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This board book introduces young readers to the basics of flight, from birds to airplanes and rockets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic engineering concepts, understanding of flight
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex aerospace engineering concepts into simple, digestible parts for preschoolers.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers fascinated by how things fly.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life scientists, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem solving, critical thinking, scientific inquiry
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, perseverance, and the importance of asking "why," which are crucial elements in scientific learning.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who are always asking questions and exploring how things work.

• The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth by David Burnie
  • Genre(s): Science, Nature, Encyclopedia
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide provides a detailed look at the animal kingdom, including information on habitats, species diversity, and conservation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of biology, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, visual exploration of biodiversity and the importance of ecological balance.
  • Perfect for: Young nature enthusiasts eager to learn more about animals and their environments.

• Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future by Kathy Ceceri, illustrated by Sam Carbaugh
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This interactive book introduces kids to the basics of robotics, including how robots work and how they are made.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of robotics, basic programming
  • Why we recommend this book: It includes DIY project ideas that help children understand and create simple robots.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in building, programming, and how robots can be used in the real world.

• The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner
  • Genre(s): Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explores the world of bees, explaining their role in the ecosystem and why they need protection.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, understanding of ecosystems
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of bees in our world through engaging illustrations and clear, informative text.
  • Perfect for: Young readers passionate about animals and conservation.

Challenging Science Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Exploring the Elements: A Complete Guide to the Periodic Table by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Sara Gillingham
  • Genre(s): Science, Education
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the periodic table, explaining each element with engaging visuals and accessible text.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex chemical concepts and the structure of the periodic table, which are typically taught at much higher educational levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies a fundamental concept in chemistry, making it accessible and fascinating for young curious minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who show an early interest in chemistry and enjoy understanding the building blocks of the universe.

• Gravity by Jason Chin
  • Genre(s): Science, Physics
  • Synopsis: This illustrated book explains the concept of gravity by showing what would happen if it stopped working.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles abstract scientific principles that are not only conceptually challenging but also fundamental to understanding the physical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents a complex physics concept in a visual and relatable way, sparking curiosity about how the world works.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by space, planets, and the forces that keep us grounded.

• The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Science, Geology
  • Synopsis: This unique fold-out book takes readers on a journey deep below the earth's surface, exploring layers of soil, underground water systems, and fossil beds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers detailed geological processes and the structure of the Earth in a depth not usually explored with this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a literal deeper look into the planet, encouraging a comprehensive understanding of Earth from the ground down.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about what lies beneath their feet and are interested in the natural world.

• Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton
  • Genre(s): Science, Biology
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to the world of microbes, explaining their diverse roles in the earth's ecosystem and in human life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with microbiology, a complex subject about organisms that are not visible to the naked eye.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands a child's understanding of biology and introduces the idea that not all germs are bad, fostering an early interest in scientific research.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who are intrigued by the unseen and want to know more about the tiny organisms that populate our world.

• How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World by Steven Johnson
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, History
  • Synopsis: This book explores six essential innovations—glass, cold, sound, clean, time, and light—and their historical impact on modern society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It connects scientific concepts with historical developments, requiring readers to think about how different elements influence each other over time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers understand the interconnectedness of science and history, and the impact of innovation on daily life.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in how things work and how they were developed, linking science with historical progress.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your little one into a budding scientist, pairing fun reading exercises with engaging science books can be a fantastic strategy. Here are some easy and enjoyable exercises designed for 5-year-olds that will not only enhance their reading skills but also spark their curiosity in science. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Picture Dictionary
  • What it is: Make a dictionary using pictures from science books.
  • How it helps: Helps in vocabulary building and aids in visual learning.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to draw or cut out pictures and label them with your help.

• Story Sequencing Cards
  • What it is: Use cards to sequence the events from a science story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in understanding the logical flow of information.
  • Tips: Read a story together, then mix up the cards and have them put the story in order.

• Science Book Club
  • What it is: Start a mini book club focused on a weekly science book.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deepens understanding.
  • Tips: Invite your child’s friends over and discuss the book’s themes and ideas.

• Role Play Reading
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book with costumes or puppets.
  • How it helps: Makes reading fun and improves retention.
  • Tips: Let your child choose their favorite character to role-play.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading science books aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves language skills and helps in bonding.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to keep it engaging.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make learning more enjoyable for your child but also instill a love for science from an early age. Give these a try and watch your little scientist grow!