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Original poster

Suitable books for 5 year old boy?

41 replies

fantus · 25/08/2011 08:03

Hello,

just wondering if anyone can recommend any good books for DS. We read everynight at bedtime and he seems to have suddenly outgrown all his old favourites!

He has a book case full of books but is now saying they are too young for him and I am not sure what to go for next. I had a look in an independent book shop yesterday and the range seemed to go from very young picture books to Harry Potter type books with nothing in between. He has in the past been a fan of Julia Donaldson, Catherine Rayner books and he loves action, adventure, pirates etc.

Or do you think he would enjoy chapter books now and if so which ones to start with?

Thanks for any input!

OP posts:
rebeccaw · 13/09/2011 19:53

I have a DS aged 6 and we've been making the transition. Things which have been good include:
The Worst Witch series (Jill Murphy)
Ralph Mouse (Beverly Cleary)
Green Smoke (Rosemary Manning)

He's also liked the Beast Quest series and Professor Branestawm.

There are 2 Captain Najork books which are good picture books but suitable for older children.

He liked Astrosaurs, but I can't say I was a big fan of reading them.

I've bought The Phantom Tollbooth and My Friend Mr Leakey for our next lot of bedtime reading.

Hope that helps!

Littlepurpleprincess · 12/09/2011 19:25

Fungus the Bogeyman is great. It's more like a comic (or graphic novel, as DH would say). It's utterly disgusting, and therefore hilarious according to 5 year old boys!

munstersmum · 02/09/2011 11:02

Fantus before spending money ask at your local library if they can order Dinosaur Cove books in. These books are very popular & I'm willing to bet they have loads that are all on loan as it's the holidays. DS has had about 6 through our library & about 12 to go !

Echo Happy Families. Mr Crook & Master Bun are favourites here.
Roald Dahl - The Minpins
Easy chapter book - Mudpuddle farm series

midnightexpress · 02/09/2011 10:08

My 4 and 5 year-olds are really enjoying the Faraway Tree books at the moment. Before that we were reading the Moomins too - they are actually a bit difficult for that age, but once they got to know the characters they really enjoyed them (I'd avoid the last two - Moominland in November and Moominpapa at Sea, which are v heavy going for that age I think). I loved reading them again too; they are so magical.

An0therName · 02/09/2011 09:59

my 5 yo DS still likes books with pictures but more writing -the chapter books havn't all hit the markt
he really likes Alan Alehberg- happy families series - very funny and the Gaskitt family books
anyone got any thoughts on books like these

deaconblue · 30/08/2011 19:44

Ds loved the jack stalwart books, magic faraway tree and anything by roald Dahl. I've just ordered stig of the dump and the Phoenix and the magic carpet- really hope he will love them as much as I did

sittinginthesun · 27/08/2011 17:59

Cat in the Hat! Forgot about those. DS2 loves them.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 27/08/2011 17:37

If you are after some Roald Dahl to start with he may like Revolting Rhymes.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 27/08/2011 17:36

DS liked the Smartest Giant in Town at that age but he does have the same name as the giant so it was probably going to be a winner.

Glad you've got something for him, have you tried Paddington or maybe Dr Seuss books?

Original poster
fantus · 26/08/2011 07:18

We popped along to the library yesterday. Couldn't find any of the dinosaur cove or astorsaur books but I have been looking online so might get a few and see if he enjoys them before committing to more!

I did look at some Roald Dahl but there wasn't much choice. Tried to tempt him with the BFG but he had already picked up a few others by this time so will look again next time we go.

I used to love the Faraway Tree stories when I was little! Forgot all about them but will definately think of them next time we are at the library.

He came away with a Max Power story? He read a chapter with DH last night and seemed to really enjoy it. Also The Magicians Nephew by C S Lewis. I thought this might be a bit old for him but I think it was the title that swung it for him. Now I just need to make sure I get to take him to bed every night when we start reading this! Got to admit I am looking forward to getting to read some old favourites all over again.

OP posts:
sittinginthesun · 25/08/2011 21:55

Roald Dahl every time. Start with the Giraffe, the Pelly and Me, as it is shorter!

Also, my youngest is currently loving the Magic Faraway Tree series - thought Enid blyton might be a bit old fashioned etc, but he's really enjoying it.

wearymum200 · 25/08/2011 21:51

Dick King Smith's Dinosaur Trouble is good; also try the simpler Roald Dahl (Fantastic Mr Fox, Magic Finger, Twits)
Oliver Moon was much enjoyed by my 4-5 yr DS, as were Enid Blyton's Magic Wishing Chair.
Dino Cove is ace though (and there are so many to get through)

Original poster
fantus · 25/08/2011 12:57

Thanks for the suggestions, I feel a trip to the library coming on!

I know he won't go for Horrid Henry, wouldn't even wear the pyjama's my mum bought him, but the others sound like a good place to start.

I'll also try a few more bookshops when I get the chance. I've just had a look at the Astrosaurs and Dinosaur Cove books on Amazon too, looks like the kind of think he would love, thanks

OP posts:
SecretSpi · 25/08/2011 08:41

If he likes action and adventure, the Dinosaur Cove series might interest him.
And what about Horrid Henry?

Takver · 25/08/2011 08:21

A lot of bookshops have a '5 - 7' age range section which has these sorts of books, so as you say in between the picture books & older fiction levels.

Takver · 25/08/2011 08:20

I would definitely try some shorter chapter books. He might like:

Winnie the Witch chapter books
Astrosaurs (dinosaurs in space!)
Pirate School (not absolutely sure about the titles, but author is Jeremy Strong)
How to Train your Dragon (poss a little later than the others)

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