Encouraging a love of reading in early childhood shapes your child to become a life long learner. At ages 5-7, kids are developing crucial reading skills, transitioning from pre-readers and setting the stage to become independent readers. Whether your child is just starting to sound out words or already confidently reading beginner books, choosing engaging stories can make all the difference. Below, I’ve curated a list of some of the best books for 5 year olds, 6 year olds, and 7 year olds, along with a few reading tips to help you support your early readers. I’ll also address some of the most common questions parents have about early reading development.
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Best Books for Early Readers
Engaging Picture Books
Even as children begin reading on their own, picture books for early readers remain an essential part of their development. (I’ll also argue that these are important for older kids, too. I read them to my fifth graders all the time!) The illustrations provide visual context, helping them understand new words and concepts.
Here are some of my favorites:
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson – This rhythmic, rhyming story is a joy to read aloud, building confidence as kids recognize repeated phrases. It’s also a lot of fun to make up voices for each of the animal characters in this story!
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins – I think it’s safe to say that Ryan T. Higgins is my favorite picture book author. This is a hilarious and heartwarming book that helps kids navigate social interactions at school. I laugh out loud each time I read it!
- Tale of the Valiant Ninja Frog by Alastair Chisolm – Part of a trilogy of picture books, you get to take part in a father’s bedtime story that he makes up for his kids. The kids interject with their ideas for creative (and silly) additions to the story.
- Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty – A fantastic introduction to curiosity and STEM concepts, perfect for little thinkers.
- Nibbles: The Very Hungry Book Monster by Emma Yarlett – Follow this little yellow book monster as he gobbles his way through well-known stories to give them an interesting twist.
Bridging the Gap Between Picture Books & Chapter Books
While kids are learning to read, they might feel intimidated at the jump from picture books to chapter books. Even early chapter books with pictures can still be a big change. I love to recommend graphic novels to parents for this purpose.
I would not recommend pushing a child to read chapter books independently before they are ready, as this can take away from their love of books. If your child is getting plenty of exposure to stories through read-alouds and audiobooks (because listening is still reading!), then the best thing to do is allow them to enjoy their independent reading time without pressure.
Nonfiction books are often a favorite at this stage because the text is broken up by pictures, making them feel less intimidating than a traditional chapter book. Graphic novels serve the same purpose! They are a fantastic bridge between picture books and chapter books because they use visual storytelling to break up the text, making reading more approachable.
While I’m not necessarily a fan of Dog Man or Diary of a Wimpy Kid because of the silly content, there are many wonderful graphic novel options available now. Research continues to highlight their benefits, particularly in requiring higher-order thinking skills. To fully comprehend a graphic novel, kids must process both the text and the images together, making them a powerful literacy tool. So don’t shy away from graphic novels as an option—they’re a valuable stepping stone in a child’s reading journey!
Early Readers & Beginner Chapter Books
As kids move toward independent reading, simple chapter books with engaging storylines and illustrations can make the transition smoother. These best early chapter books will keep them engaged and motivated to read.
- Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems – These books use repetition and humor to build confidence in emerging readers.
- Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel – Classic friendship tales with simple yet meaningful narratives.
- Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo – A delightful beginner chapter book series about a toast-loving pig and her amusing adventures.
- Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant – Heartwarming stories about a boy and his big, lovable dog.
- The Princess in Black series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale – A fun, action-packed series that’s perfect for kids who love adventure and superheroes.
- Hey Jack! and Billie B. Brown by Sally Rippin – My son’s favorite books. These are two separate series: one with Jack as the main character and the other featuring Billie. They are and neighbors and best friends. You’ll find great themes of friendship and family.
Interactive & Phonics-Based Books
If your child is still mastering early phonics, phonics-based reading books can provide a great boost.
- Bob Books by Bobby Lynn Maslen – A well-known phonics book series that helps beginning readers sound out words step by step.
- Usborne My First Reading Library – A structured set of books that gradually increase in difficulty as children build confidence.
- Charge into Reading Decodable Readers by Brook Vitale – Grounded in the science of reading and also UFLI aligned.
- Doodling Dragons: An ABC Book of Sound by Denise Eide – This book along with Whistling Whales and Knitting Knights (both Beyond Sounds of ABC) are great resources to help children master single-letter sounds and multi-letter phonograms.
The Science of Early Reading Development
Reading is primarily a left-brain activity, and children do not begin to rapidly develop left-brain skills until around ages 6-7. Before this, young kids are primarily right-brain learners, meaning they learn best through storytelling, movement, and visual experiences. This is why exposure to rich language, read-alouds, and engaging books for beginning readers is so critical in the early years. As their left-brain development accelerates, systematic phonics instruction plays a crucial role in helping them connect letters to sounds and develop decoding skills.
Most parents today learned to read in first or second grade. In fact, many countries do not begin formal reading instruction until around age 7. Despite the push for early reading instruction in kindergarten, research has not shown a corresponding improvement in literacy rates or long-term success. Instead of focusing on earlier instruction, a more developmentally respectful reading approach would include play-based learning in early childhood, with formal reading instruction beginning when children are truly ready. That said, because our education system is structured with early literacy benchmarks, it is important to support children within that framework—whether through early intervention for struggling readers in school or taking a child-led approach in homeschooling.
It’s also worth noting that around 5% of children learn to read effortlessly. The rest benefit from a structured, phonics-based reading approach that aligns with their brain development. While every child’s journey looks different, a strong foundation in early literacy skills and a love of reading will set them up for long-term success.
The Importance of Phonics-Based Learning
Phonics-based learning is a crucial component of early literacy, helping children connect letters with sounds and develop strong decoding skills. Research has shown that systematic phonics instruction leads to better reading outcomes compared to approaches that rely on memorization or guessing. The podcast Sold a Story by Emily Hanford dives deep into the history of reading instruction and how some widely used methods have failed young readers. If you want to understand why phonics is essential and how to support your child’s early reading development, this podcast is a must-listen.
Common Questions About Early Readers
What are the best books for 5-7 year olds?
The books listed above are great choices, but it’s important to select books that match your child’s interests and reading level. Look for best books for kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders with simple sentence structures and illustrations to support comprehension.
How can I help my 5 year old start reading?
Start with phonics-based books and interactive reading experiences. Read aloud daily, encourage letter recognition, and play simple word games to make learning fun.
I would also recommend a Yoto Player so your child can listen to a variety of books using this screen-free device. We take ours on long car rides, but my kids also enjoy listening to it around the house, too.
What are the best strategies for teaching a 6 year old to read?
Focus on phonics-based reading, encourage decoding skills, and provide plenty of opportunities for reading practice. Let them read familiar books repeatedly to build fluency and confidence.
How do I make reading fun for my child?
Let them choose their own books, create a cozy reading space, and make reading an interactive experience. Best books for beginning readers with humor, adventure, or favorite characters can keep them engaged.
Introducing your child to a book series is another great way to help them fall in love with stories. Once they get hooked on the first book, it’s difficult not to read through the rest!
How can I tell if my child is reading at grade level?
Observe their ability to sound out words, recognize sight words, and comprehend stories. Many schools provide reading assessments, or you can consult your child’s teacher for guidance.
By incorporating these books, addressing common concerns, and using these reading strategies for kids, you’ll help your child develop strong reading skills and, most importantly, a lifelong love of books. Happy reading!
