It’s never too early to begin reading and it's also never too late to start. Reading is a wonderful relationship builder as it strengthens your bond with your child, promotes good communication between the two of you, and helps develop early literacy skills. It’s important for children to have positive attitudes towards reading throughout their lives and this starts at home. So to help you, we have put together some a list of our favorite books for 4-5 year olds.
Ravi never minded being the smallest until one day his arms can’t reach the monkey bars. He soon becomes so furious that he becomes a ferocious, roaring tiger who can do whatever he wants, but who wants to play with a scary, roaring tiger? Ravi will have to discover something very important about emotions to not be a tiger anymore.
This wordless picture book tells the story of an elementary school girl who is bullied and a fellow student who notices and must decide how or if to help. A sweet tale of kindness, acceptance, and strength, this story is a great introduction to a different kind of book and conversations about kindness.
A rhyming tale that celebrates all the unique and wonderful ways to be smart. The style of this book will be familiar to beginning readers and teach them some about self-esteem along the way.
Maria is from Guatemala, Jin is from Korea, and Fatima is from Somali All three are new to America and learning how to speak English. With simple sentences and excellent visuals, this is a story of how a community can work together and build a home for all.
If you were wondering when to introduce this classic read between ages 4 and 5 is a great time. It tells the story of a tree who loved a little boy and gave to him all that she could. It is a parable for all ages about the gift of giving and loving in return.
This fun, cute book with energetic illustrations is about a chicken who cannot stop interrupting, no matter the story. From Hansel and Gretel to Chicken Little, interrupting chicken will make an appearance. A great book for some laughs just before bedtime.
A story that follows an imaginary friend who is waiting to be chosen and named by a real child on Earth. He is overlooked so many times that he sets out on a journey to find his perfect match on his own. This is a great tale about friendship, imagination, and finding your place in the world.
Sadness is a visitor in this story with a face and a shape. The reader is encouraged to give it a name and do activities with it including sitting quietly, drawing, or going for a walk. This book helps practice reading skills, but it also gives children who are gaining an awareness of emotions a way to cope.
This rhyming story is about the friendship between a mouse and lion. The mouse wants to learn how to be heard, and the lion is afraid of mice. Together, they overcome their fears.
This is a great book to start introducing beginner reader books to a child. Unicorn and Yeti run into each other and discover that they both are looking for sparkly things. They become fast friends over hot chocolate with rainbow sprinkles.
Don't forget to check out our other booklists here!