20 Great Books for Children Learning to Read (Ages 5-7)

For parents eager to foster a love of reading in their young children, the ages of 5 to 7 represent a pivotal stage. This is when kids transition from being read to, to actively decoding words and forming their own understanding of stories. Selecting the right books can ignite their imagination, significantly boost language skills, develop empathy, and build crucial confidence in their emerging reading abilities. Our expertly curated list features 20 great books specifically chosen to engage and support children at this exciting stage, helping them become fluent, enthusiastic readers. You can also explore more award-winning and classic books for early readers to further enrich their literary journey.

20 Recommended Great Books for Children Learning to Read Ages 5-7

Selecting the right books for your budding reader is key to building their confidence and maintaining their excitement about reading. This selection focuses on titles known for their engaging narratives, appropriate vocabulary, and ability to support children as they develop their decoding and comprehension skills. These books are often part of popular series, encouraging children to continue reading once they discover a favorite character or author. For additional inspiration, consider these expert books for beginner readers ages 5-7.

1. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

This iconic rhyming tale introduces Sally and her brother to a mischievous, hat-wearing cat who turns their dreary, rainy day into an unforgettable adventure. With simple vocabulary and repetitive phrasing, Dr. Seuss masterfully crafts a story that is both wildly entertaining and perfect for emerging readers. Its playful rhythm and engaging illustrations help children connect words to sounds and understand the narrative, making it a cornerstone for early literacy development.

• Timeless classic by a beloved author.
• Excellent for phonological awareness and sight word recognition.
• Over 10,000 Amazon reviews, a staple in many homes.

2. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss’s beloved classic takes young readers on a hilarious journey as Sam-I-Am persistently tries to convince a grumpy character to try green eggs and ham. The book’s genius lies in its limited vocabulary, using only 50 distinct words, which makes it an ideal choice for children just beginning to read independently. The repetitive text and whimsical illustrations reinforce word recognition and build reading fluency in a fun, accessible way.

• Uses only 50 unique words, perfect for new readers.
• Enhances sight word recognition and reading fluency.
• A New York Times Bestseller.

3. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

A baby bird falls out of its nest and on a quest to find its mother, encountering various animals and objects along the way. This heartwarming story, with its simple sentences and expressive illustrations, is a classic for a reason. Its repetitive question-and-answer format allows children to anticipate words and build confidence as they read along, making it an excellent bridge from picture books to early readers.

• Classic Beginner Book from Random House.
• Repetitive text supports early reading skills.
• Teaches empathy and problem-solving.

4. Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman

Full of playful dogs driving various vehicles, this book is a joyous celebration of colors, sizes, and movement. P.D. Eastman uses simple words and humorous scenarios to introduce basic concepts and prepositions. The bright, energetic illustrations and minimal text make it highly appealing and manageable for children just embarking on their reading journey, encouraging them to enjoy the act of reading itself.

• Engaging and humorous illustrations.
• Introduces basic concepts like colors and prepositions.
• Excellent for building vocabulary with context clues.

5. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel

This heartwarming collection of five short stories introduces readers to the enduring friendship between the amiable Frog and the often-grumpy Toad. Lobel’s simple yet eloquent language and gentle humor make this an ideal choice for emerging readers. The tales explore themes of friendship, patience, and kindness in a way that is both relatable and easy to understand for children aged 5-7, building comprehension alongside decoding skills.

• A Caldecott Honor Book and Newbery Honor Book.
• Part of a beloved series, encouraging continued reading.
• Focuses on themes of friendship and empathy.

6. I Am a Frog (An Elephant & Piggie Book) by Mo Willems

In this hilarious installment of the Elephant & Piggie series, Piggie convinces Gerald the elephant to play a game where Piggie pretends to be a frog. Mo Willems’ distinctive minimalist illustrations and speech-bubble dialogue are perfect for young readers who are building fluency and expressive reading. The humor and clear character emotions make it incredibly engaging, fostering a love for reading through laughter and simple, memorable text.

• Part of the highly popular Elephant & Piggie series.
• Excellent for practicing expressive reading and dialogue.
• Geared towards beginning readers with easy-to-follow narratives.

7. We Are in a Book! (An Elephant & Piggie Book) by Mo Willems

Gerald and Piggie discover they are characters in a book, and they can make the reader say words! This meta-narrative is brilliant for engaging young readers and showing them the power of words. The direct address to the reader makes it interactive and exciting, boosting confidence as children realize they are part of the story. Mo Willems’ clear illustrations and speech bubbles continue to be a perfect format for emergent readers.

• Interactive and meta-narrative engages young readers.
• Encourages expressive reading and understanding author’s intent.
• Winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal.

8. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin & James Dean

Pete the Cat steps in his brand new white shoes and doesn’t let changing colors get him down. This groovy story with its catchy refrain and vibrant illustrations is a fantastic read-aloud that seamlessly transitions into an early reader. The repetitive phrases and predictable pattern help children build confidence in predicting words, while Pete’s positive attitude teaches a valuable lesson about resilience.

• Catchy, repetitive text is great for sight word practice.
• Teaches a positive attitude and resilience.
• Over 6,000 Amazon reviews, a highly popular series.

9. Henry and Mudge: The First Book by Cynthia Rylant

The first book in a cherished series, this story introduces a lonely boy named Henry and his lovable, enormous dog, Mudge. Cynthia Rylant’s gentle prose and simple sentence structures are ideal for children who are ready for slightly longer stories but still need supportive text. The comforting themes of friendship, family, and overcoming fears resonate deeply with young readers, encouraging them to pick up the next book in the series.

• Part of a highly acclaimed and extensive early reader series.
• Explores themes of friendship, comfort, and companionship.
• Features accessible text and heartwarming illustrations.

10. Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Join Biscuit, a playful yellow puppy, as he goes about his day. These simple, sweet stories use very few words per page, relying on clear illustrations to convey much of the narrative. The predictable text and focus on everyday activities make the Biscuit series perfect for the earliest independent readers, allowing them to feel successful and motivated as they easily read through entire books.

• Minimal text with strong picture support, ideal for beginners.
• Teaches about pets and daily routines.
• A popular series with many delightful adventures.

11. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff

Danny meets a friendly dinosaur at the museum and invites him out to play. Syd Hoff’s classic “I Can Read!” book uses simple vocabulary and straightforward sentences to tell an imaginative and fun story. The charming illustrations and the sheer joy of a boy playing with a dinosaur make this an enduring favorite for children taking their first steps in independent reading, building both fluency and confidence.

• Classic “I Can Read!” book.
• Simple vocabulary and engaging plot.
• Great for sparking imagination and love for dinosaurs.

12. Fly Guy Presents: Sharks by Tedd Arnold

While the original “Fly Guy” books are fantastic for early readers, this non-fiction installment takes the beloved character to learn about sharks. Tedd Arnold cleverly combines humor with factual information, making educational topics accessible and engaging for young readers. The clear, concise text alongside humorous illustrations helps children absorb new vocabulary and concepts, proving that non-fiction can be just as exciting as fiction for ages 5-7.

• Combines humor with educational non-fiction.
• Introduces new vocabulary in an accessible way.
• Part of a best-selling series with over 500 Amazon reviews.

13. Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Nate the Great is a young detective who loves pancakes and solves mysteries with his dog, Sludge. These early chapter books offer engaging plots with simple sentence structures, making them an excellent next step for children transitioning from picture books. The predictable format and subtle clues encourage critical thinking and reading comprehension, keeping young readers captivated as they help Nate solve each case.

• A classic mystery series for emergent readers.
• Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Accessible text for children ready for slightly longer stories.

14. Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea by Cynthia Rylant

This gentle story introduces Mr. Putter, an old man, and his beloved cat, Tabby. Rylant’s comforting writing style and the warm illustrations create a soothing reading experience. The simple narratives about everyday life and the enduring friendship between Mr. Putter and Tabby make this series perfect for young readers seeking quiet, character-driven stories that build reading stamina and emotional connection.

• Gentle stories with heartwarming themes.
• Ideal for building reading stamina.
• Winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.

15. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

Meet Emily Elizabeth and her enormous, lovable dog, Clifford. These books, with their clear, large print and engaging illustrations, are excellent for children beginning to read independently. The simple stories about Clifford’s adventures and the consequences of being a very big dog provide humor and gentle lessons, making them highly relatable and enjoyable for young readers while boosting their confidence.

• Simple language and large print support new readers.
• Teaches about responsibility, friendship, and differences.
• A globally recognized and beloved character.

16. Miss Nelson Is Missing! by Harry G. Allard Jr.

The notoriously ill-behaved students of Room 207 suddenly face a strict substitute, Miss Viola Swamp, when their sweet teacher, Miss Nelson, disappears. This humorous mystery, with its clever plot and expressive illustrations, keeps young readers guessing. The engaging storyline is supported by accessible language, making it a fantastic choice for building comprehension and fostering a love for exciting narratives.

• Engaging mystery with a humorous twist.
• Encourages reading comprehension and inference skills.
• A popular choice for classrooms and home libraries.

17. Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel

Another delightful collection from Arnold Lobel, this book features five simple stories about a charming, solitary owl. Lobel’s concise prose and whimsical illustrations bring Owl’s gentle adventures to life. The short, distinct chapters and relatable scenarios, like inviting winter into his house, make this an excellent choice for children developing reading fluency and an appreciation for quiet, thoughtful stories.

• A Caldecott Honor Book.
• Short, engaging stories ideal for building reading stamina.
• Explores themes of independence and simple pleasures.

18. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Ferdinand is a gentle bull who prefers to sit quietly and smell the flowers rather than fight in bullfights. This timeless classic offers a beautiful message about individuality and peace. While it’s a picture book, its clear language and compelling narrative make it wonderful for shared reading and encouraging early readers to follow along, discussing themes of staying true to oneself.

• Classic story with a profound message.
• Promotes individuality and non-conformity.
• Recipient of the Caldecott Medal.

19. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Max, sent to his room without supper, sails off to a land inhabited by Wild Things. Maurice Sendak’s masterpiece is a visually stunning and emotionally rich picture book. Its powerful yet concise text, combined with iconic illustrations, encourages imaginative storytelling and emotional literacy. While not a traditional “early reader,” its sparse, impactful words are excellent for building vocabulary and comprehension when read aloud or with emerging readers.

• A Caldecott Medal winner and timeless classic.
• Spark imagination and discusses managing emotions.
• Engaging for shared reading and word recognition.

20. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

An imaginary friend, Beekle, waits on an island for a child to imagine him, but when no one does, he sets off to find his perfect match. This heartwarming and visually stunning picture book, with its themes of friendship and belonging, uses accessible language to tell a captivating story. Its beautiful illustrations and emotional depth make it a powerful choice for early readers to explore deeper themes while practicing their decoding skills.

• Winner of the Caldecott Medal.
• Visually rich and emotionally engaging.
• Explores themes of imagination, friendship, and courage.

For more options and to find a comprehensive list of books that can make a big impact, check out every 6-year-old should read these books.

Why Reading Great Books Matters for Ages 5-7

At ages 5-7, children are actively building foundational literacy skills. Engaging with a variety of carefully chosen books offers numerous benefits beyond simply learning to read words. It strengthens phonics recognition, helps solidify sight words, and significantly improves reading fluency. Critically, it also develops comprehension skills, enabling children to understand not just what the words say, but what the story means. Exposure to diverse narratives cultivates imagination and empathy, as they step into different worlds and perspectives.

Moreover, reading together fosters a strong parent-child bond, creating cherished memories and positive associations with books. These shared moments can instill a lifelong love for reading, transforming a skill into a genuine passion. Books at this age also serve as gateways to knowledge, sparking curiosity about history, science, and the world around them. For more insights into fostering these early skills, refer to our guide on best beginner reading books, which offers additional strategies and recommendations.

Encouraging a Lifelong Love for Reading

The journey of learning to read is an incredible adventure for children aged 5-7, and with the right books, it can be a joyful and empowering experience. By providing access to engaging stories and supportive texts, parents play a crucial role in nurturing confident, enthusiastic readers. Remember to create consistent reading routines, whether it’s snuggling up for a bedtime story or allowing independent reading time. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and encourage them to explore different genres and authors.

These early years are fundamental in shaping a child’s relationship with books. Embrace the power of storytelling and watch as your child blossoms into a lifelong reader, ready to explore endless possibilities within the pages of a book. Don’t forget to check out our popular books for toddlers and young readers for even more fantastic selections as your child grows.