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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the wonders of nature? Look no further! Our curated selection of Wildlife Books for 5-Year-Olds is packed with enchanting stories and fascinating facts that will captivate your child's imagination. Dive into this blog to discover our favorite picks that are sure to inspire a love for the animal kingdom in your young reader. Keep reading to explore the various lists of Wildlife Books for 5-Year-Olds we've put together just for you!

Fun Wildlife Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Illustrator: Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This iconic 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's a fantastic introduction to counting, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly, all presented in a simple and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love colorful illustrations and learning about nature.

• Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
  • Illustrator: Patrick Benson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Three baby owls, Sarah, Percy, and Bill, wake up one night in their hole in a tree to find that their mother has gone. They sit on a branch and wait, wondering when she will return.
  • Why we recommend this book: It gently addresses themes of separation anxiety and reassurance, which are very pertinent for young children.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and need a comforting read.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
  • Illustrator: Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Rhyming 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, repetitive text helps develop language skills and introduces young readers to a variety of animals and colors.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who enjoy vibrant illustrations and playful storytelling.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals by Catherine D. Hughes
  • Illustrator: Franco Tempesta and others
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This appealing book introduces little kids to the wonders of the animal world with big, full-color photos and fun facts about different wildlife.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with amazing photographs and fascinating information that will capture the attention of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who have an interest in animals and the natural world.

• Over in the Forest: Come and Take a Peek by Marianne Berkes
  • Illustrator: Jill Dubin
  • Genre(s): Educational, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: Children will learn about the wonders of the forest and the creatures that inhabit it through a rhyming tale that encourages counting and active participation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines engaging rhymes with a playful invitation to explore animal life in the forest.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who enjoy interactive reading and learning about forest wildlife.

Educational Wildlife Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Animals in the Sky by Sara Gillingham
  • Genre(s): Educational, Board Book
  • Synopsis: This board book uses simple text and vivid illustrations to explore different animals that can be imagined in the star formations of the night sky.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy basics, animal recognition, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful blend of astronomy and zoology that encourages young readers to look up at the night sky with curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Little stargazers and animal lovers.

• Hello, World! Ocean Life by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Educational, Board Book
  • Synopsis: This engaging board book introduces children to the creatures and features of the ocean, from dolphins and sharks to sandy shores and deep ocean trenches.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Marine biology, environmental awareness, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a colorful and accessible introduction to the wonders of the ocean, fostering a love for marine life and conservation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by the sea and its diverse inhabitants.

• My First Book of Birds by Zoë Ingram
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Aimed at young readers, this beautifully illustrated book details the characteristics and habitats of various birds, enhancing children's understanding and appreciation of birdlife.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Bird identification, ecological awareness, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its vibrant, detailed illustrations and simple, informative text make learning about birds an enjoyable experience.
  • Perfect for: Budding ornithologists and children who enjoy outdoor activities.

• The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids: 500 Wild Facts! by Ginjer Clarke
  • Genre(s): Educational, Fact Book
  • Synopsis: This compendium offers a treasure trove of animal facts, covering a wide range of species with fun, engaging information.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, reading comprehension, curiosity about wildlife
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with hundreds of interesting facts that are sure to captivate and educate young minds about the animal kingdom.
  • Perfect for: Kids who devour facts and have a keen interest in learning more about animals.

• Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest by Fiona Cohen
  • Illustrator: Marni Fylling
  • Genre(s): Educational, Nature Guide
  • Synopsis: This guide explores the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and the animals that inhabit them, from the rainforest to the coast.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ecological literacy, regional flora and fauna, exploration skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages outdoor exploration and environmental education through beautifully illustrated pages and engaging text.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers eager to learn about and explore their natural surroundings.

Challenging Wildlife Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green
  • Illustrator: Claire McElfatrick
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the fascinating world of trees, explaining their life cycles, the ecosystems they support, and their crucial role in our world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents complex ecological concepts and detailed scientific information suited for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enriches a child’s understanding of environmental science and the importance of conservation through visually appealing illustrations and engaging text.
  • Perfect for: Nature-loving kids who are curious about the science behind the natural world.

• Atlas of Animal Adventures by Rachel Williams and Emily Hawkins
  • Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: This atlas takes young readers on a journey across continents exploring various animal habitats and the adventures of wildlife around the globe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed maps and sophisticated facts about different species and their habitats, providing a more in-depth look at biodiversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a global perspective on wildlife, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world’s ecosystems.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are ready to take a deeper dive into the animal kingdom and global geography.

• The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explores the vital role bees play in the environment, detailing their life cycle, habitats, and the challenges they face.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the complex topics of ecology and conservation, presenting them in a way that is accessible yet stimulating for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It raises awareness about environmental issues and the importance of bees, fostering a sense of responsibility and curiosity about nature.
  • Perfect for: Environmentally conscious kids who are interested in insects and their impact on our world.

• The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the mysteries of the ocean, introducing children to the creatures that live in and around the sea, with a focus on conservation and marine biology.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a range of scientific concepts related to marine life and environmental issues, challenging young readers to think critically about conservation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an engaging and visually stunning exploration of marine life that encourages a love for science and the ocean.
  • Perfect for: Young marine biologists and any kid fascinated by the wonders of the sea.

• Animalium by Jenny Broom
  • Illustrator: Katie Scott
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Presented as a virtual museum with "galleries" of different animal kingdoms, this book offers a detailed exploration of the animal world, from simple sponges to large mammals.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features museum-quality illustrations and a wealth of scientific information that goes beyond basic animal facts, suitable for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive view of biodiversity and animal taxonomy in an accessible and visually appealing format.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have a deep interest in zoology and enjoy museum-like experiences in a book format.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring wildlife books with your 5-year-old, you're on a fantastic path to fostering a love for reading and nature. To make the most of this journey, here are some fun reading exercises that can help develop good reading habits while keeping the content engaging and age-appropriate.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you and your child look at the pictures in the book and guess what the story might be about.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to tell a story based on the pictures before reading the text.

• Echo Reading
  • What it is: You read a sentence or a page aloud, and then your child repeats it.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and pronunciation skills.
  • Tips: Keep your reading pace slow and clear to make it easier for your child to mimic.

• Role Play Reading
  • What it is: Assign characters to each reader, taking turns reading their parts aloud.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a fun, interactive experience and helps with understanding character roles.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more engaging.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Drawing or constructing a map based on the settings and events in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Use simple symbols or drawings to represent different parts of the story.

• Question Pops
  • What it is: Ask questions about the story after reading a page or a chapter.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and detail retention.
  • Tips: Start with simple who, what, when, where, why questions to gauge understanding.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in building strong reading habits at an early age. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you're helping your child develop a deeper love for books and an enthusiastic curiosity about the natural world. Happy reading!