10+ Best Story Books for 5-6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect story books for 5-6-year-olds? Choosing the right book can spark a lifelong love of reading in your little one. Whether you're looking for bedtime stories or interactive adventures, we've got you covered with our curated lists of top picks. Keep reading to discover a treasure trove of engaging story books for 5-6-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire young minds. Let's dive in!

Fun Story Books for 5-6-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in his wolf costume, wreaks havoc at home and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood imagination and emotions, providing a perfect outlet for young readers to explore their feelings through a captivating adventure.
  • Perfect for: Children with a wild imagination and a love for adventure.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy learning about nature and animals, and those who appreciate vibrant artwork.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows the unnamed character, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to try new things and teaches persistence in a humorous and playful manner.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are picky eaters or hesitant to try new experiences, as well as those who enjoy rhymes and rhythmic texts.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime story, Poetry
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young bunny says goodnight to all the familiar things in the softly lit room.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words and calming pictures make it an ideal bedtime story, helping children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need a soothing story before bedtime, making their nighttime routine peaceful and comforting.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, eating as many vegetables as he can before Mr. McGregor chases him away.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches moral lessons about the consequences of misbehaving through the exciting adventures of Peter Rabbit.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with animal characters and a mix of mischief and adventure.

Educational Story Books for 5-6-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: In this lively story, the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh no - Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and rhyme, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and rhythmic romp through the alphabet, perfect for helping kids remember their ABCs.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners beginning to learn the alphabet.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Peter explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season. The simple joys and adventures of a snowy day unfold beautifully through the story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding seasons, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love playing in the snow or experiencing the wonders of each season.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, the pigeon makes every attempt to get behind the wheel. Can he be trusted? It's up to the reader to decide.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision making, understanding rules, persuasive argument
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s interactive and hilarious, engaging children in dialogue and decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Energetic kids who enjoy humor and engaging directly with the story characters.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern book, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck all parade across the pages of this delightful book.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color and animal recognition, sequencing, rhythm
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive, rhythmic text and colorful artwork make it a captivating read for young children.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children who are learning colors and animals.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Cause and effect, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story begins with a boy giving a cookie to a mouse, setting off a chain of events that leads from one activity to another, then back to more cookies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding cause and effect, predicting outcomes
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches logical connections and consequences in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories that build on cumulative sequences and humorous outcomes.

Challenging Story Books for 5-6-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of more complex vocabulary and themes of friendship, loss, and survival are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides emotional depth and teaches important life lessons about friendship and the value of life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore deeper themes and complex relationships.

• 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 who all wish to eat him. He invents a monster called the Gruffalo to scare them off, but then he meets the Gruffalo itself.
  • Why this book is challenging: The strategic use of rhymes and sophisticated plot elements can be challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and quick thinking, and it's a fun way to develop rhyming and phonetic skills.
  • Perfect for: Children who love mythical creatures and clever resolutions.

• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This poignant story features the relationship between a boy and a tree as they both age. The tree provides the boy with everything he needs at various stages of his life, asking for nothing in return.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes of selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up discussions about generosity and gratitude, making it a meaningful read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to explore deeper emotional and ethical questions.

• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: After being separated from her mother, a young fruit bat named Stellaluna is adopted by a family of birds but struggles to fit in due to her differences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of identity, acceptance, and the celebration of differences, presented through a narrative that requires comprehension of complex concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about embracing and celebrating differences and finding one's identity.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different or are dealing with fitting in.

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Environmental
  • Synopsis: The Lorax speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler in a tale that focuses on the consequences of environmental degradation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The environmental themes and the imaginative, yet complex, narrative structure challenge young readers to think critically about conservation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes environmental awareness and responsibility in a highly engaging and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in nature and environmental activism.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to foster a love of reading in your 5-6-year-old, here are some fun and effective exercises that can help them develop good reading habits early on. These activities are designed to be engaging and beneficial for young readers.

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day to read a storybook together.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and enhances reading comprehension.
  • Tips: Let your child pick the book to increase their interest.

• Character Play
  • What it is: Act out stories or scenes from their favorite books.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and deeper understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make it more fun and engaging.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Helps predict the story and stimulates curiosity.
  • Tips: Ask questions about what they think is happening in each picture.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops analytical skills and anticipation.
  • Tips: Encourage creative guesses, no matter how wild!

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Identify and come up with rhymes found in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness and memory.
  • Tips: Make a game out of finding the most rhymes.

• Book-Themed Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts related to the theme or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the story and characters in a tactile way.
  • Tips: Use simple, safe materials that the child can handle easily.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Use a chart to track books read and reward milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more often.
  • Tips: Offer meaningful rewards like choosing the next book or a storytelling session.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make reading a fun and rewarding part of their day. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also build essential reading skills that will benefit them immensely as they grow. Happy reading!