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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime story or a magical adventure that will captivate your little one's imagination? Look no further than our curated selection of unicorn books for 5-year-olds! These enchanting reads are just the ticket to whisk your child away to lands filled with wonder, friendship, and, of course, unicorns. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to spark joy and creativity in every young reader.

Fun Unicorn Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Brigette Barrager
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around Uni, a unicorn who believes that little girls are real, even though other unicorns don't.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and belief in the magical, fostering a love for reading through its whimsical storytelling and vibrant illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and believers in magic.

• Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Thelma is an ordinary pony who dreams of being a unicorn. After a fortuitous event involving glitter and pink paint, she becomes an overnight sensation but learns that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself, presented in a fun, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh and a heartwarming message.

• You Don't Want a Unicorn! by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Liz Climo
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: When a little boy wishes for a unicorn without considering the consequences, he finds out the hard way why a pet unicorn might not be so great.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and delightful cautionary tale that teaches children about the responsibilities involved in getting what they wish for.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy playful stories with a dose of reality.

• Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Born under the sea to a family of narwhals, Kelp has always felt different. He soon discovers he's actually a unicorn and ventures out to find creatures like himself.
  • Why we recommend this book: This tale of self-discovery and acceptance is filled with heart and charm, encouraging readers to embrace their uniqueness.
  • Perfect for: Children exploring their own identity and place in the world.

• Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert by Morag Hood, illustrated by Ella Okstad
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sophie Johnson considers herself a unicorn expert. She's so busy teaching her unicorns everything they need to know that she doesn't notice a real unicorn hiding among them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful and witty story that celebrates creativity and imagination, with a subtle message about paying attention to the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a flair for the dramatic and a passion for unicorns.

Educational Unicorn Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Unicorn Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Shennen Bersani
  • Genre(s): Educational, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers through the alphabet, each letter featuring a unique unicorn that corresponds with various historical and mythological facts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, vocabulary expansion, historical and cultural knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the enchantment of unicorns with educational content in a way that captures the imagination and aids learning.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners beginning to learn their letters and those interested in mythical creatures.

• Unicorn Day by Diana Murray, illustrated by Luke Flowers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A celebration of all things unicorn, this story follows a group of unicorns having a fun-filled day, promoting themes of friendship and inclusivity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional awareness, celebration of diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a joyful, colorful read that encourages acceptance and friendship through its playful and inclusive narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy stories about celebrations and making friends.

• Unicorn (and Horse) by David Miles, illustrated by Hollie Mengert
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Unicorn and Horse are barn mates with very different personalities and talents. Through their story, children learn about jealousy, appreciation, and the value of unique qualities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of relationships, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny yet insightful look at friendships and the importance of valuing everyone's unique traits.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning to navigate friendships and personal differences.

• How the Crayons Saved the Unicorn by Monica Sweeney, illustrated by Feronia Parker-Thomas
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When the unicorns lose their magic, it's up to a brave group of crayons to help bring color and magic back to their world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: This imaginative tale not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about cooperation and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who loves a good magical adventure.

• Never Let a Unicorn Scribble! by Diane Alber
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Creative Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story explores what happens when a little girl lets a unicorn scribble with crayons, leading to magical and unexpected adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, art skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to think outside the box and embrace their creative impulses in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids and anyone who loves a story that celebrates artistic expression.

Challenging Unicorn Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Unicorn Who Loved to Read by Ella Rose, illustrated by Anna Abrams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Educational
  • Synopsis: Luna, a young unicorn, discovers a hidden library in her forest and embarks on adventures through the books she reads.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a variety of literary genres and complex vocabulary that are not typical in everyday conversation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters a love for reading and introduces the concept of libraries as gateways to knowledge and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore different genres and expand their vocabulary.

• The Unicorn Prince by Saviour Pirotta, illustrated by Jane Ray
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Prince Orien meets a unicorn that needs his help to save a magical forest from destruction.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes elements of traditional fairy tales with a more complex plot and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of bravery and environmental conservation through a captivating fairy tale setting.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about royalty and mythical creatures, with a lesson on caring for nature.

• Unicorn School: The Treasure Hunt by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Biz Hull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, School Life
  • Synopsis: At Unicorn School, Willow and her friends go on a treasure hunt that tests their magic and friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with problem-solving and the development of interpersonal relationships among characters, which are more complex themes for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to school life and teamwork, wrapped in a magical unicorn-themed adventure.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy school stories and learning about friendship and cooperation.

• The Secret of the Unicorn Queen: Swept Away by Josepha Sherman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sheila is transported from her everyday life to a world ruled by a unicorn queen, where she becomes part of a rebellion.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book blends fantasy and science fiction, introducing complex concepts of alternate universes and rebellion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and introduces young readers to sci-fi and fantasy elements beyond the typical fairy tale.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in stories about other worlds and adventurous, heroic quests.

• Gloria the Summer Fun Unicorn by Daisy Meadows
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Gloria the Unicorn brings summer fun to Fairyland, but when Jack Frost steals her magical items, it's up to the readers to help her retrieve them.
  • Why this book is challenging: The interactive elements and the need to solve puzzles to proceed in the story make this book more demanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages readers actively, making them part of the story and enhancing their problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Children who love interactive adventures and magical creatures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of unicorn books with your 5-year-old, why not enhance the experience with some fun reading exercises? These activities are designed to not only make reading more enjoyable but also help develop strong reading habits early on. Let's make reading a sparkling adventure!

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read the book aloud to your child, or take turns reading.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and helps with word pronunciation.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to keep it fun and engaging.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the unicorn books with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and brings the story to life.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more exciting.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: Arrange story events in the order they happened.
  • How it helps: Boosts understanding of the narrative structure and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use pictures from the book or draw your own to visualize the sequence.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures before reading, making up your own story.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and prediction skills.
  • Tips: Ask questions about what might happen next based on the pictures.

• Find the Unicorn
  • What it is: Search for hidden unicorns or specific items in the illustrations.
  • How it helps: Enhances observational skills and focus.
  • Tips: Keep a tally of found items to add a sense of achievement.

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Identify rhyming words in the book and think of other words that rhyme.
  • How it helps: Develops phonemic awareness and language skills.
  • Tips: Make a game out of finding as many rhymes as possible.

• Create a Unicorn Drawing
  • What it is: Draw a favorite scene or a new unicorn character.
  • How it helps: Fosters creativity and helps with hand-eye coordination.
  • Tips: Display the artwork near your reading space to connect art with literature.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making memories around books. So, grab your favorite unicorn tales and let these activities turn reading time into an enchanting journey of exploration and fun for your little one. Happy reading!