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Original poster

First chapter books for 5 year old

33 replies

Clicheinaqashqai · 25/06/2024 22:29

DS has started to move on to chapter books at bedtime rather than (multiple) picture books.

So far we have read The Giants and the Joneses by Julia Donaldson, and the 13 Storey Treehouse. He loved both, the treehouse one was fun but perhaps not ideal for bedtime.

He is quite sensitive, so nothing too 'scary' (we have to fast forward during certain scenes in the Lion King and The Good Dinosaur) or at least not quickly resolved.

Does anyone have any recommendations of what might be a good series or authors to try?

OP posts:
MrsTartanTeacosy · 26/06/2024 12:26

Mr Majeika series is great, perfect size and subject matter for his stage. Mrs Pepperpot is good too.

HDready · 26/06/2024 12:25

My five year old enjoyed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and also the Hotel Flamingo series - there are four books. About a girl who inherits a hotel where all staff and guests are animals.

Original poster
Clicheinaqashqai · 26/06/2024 12:22

Thank you @Nostrawberriesandcream will look those up. He has read Esio Trot with his grandma, as she has lots of tortoises.

OP posts:
Nostrawberriesandcream · 25/06/2024 22:44

Flat Stanley series by Jeff Brown.
The trouble with daisy by kes gray.
Esio trot by Roald Dahl isn't scary.

Original poster
Clicheinaqashqai · 25/06/2024 22:42

Thanks @Dazeandconfuse, I did wonder about Roald Dahl, as I loved these as a kid, but wasn't sure on age. Will give Matilda a go and see how it goes down, with some possible editing along the way!

Will also look up the Faraway Tree, he has what I think might be a similar Percy the Park keeper seasons collection which is loved. Might be a good thing to have between the chapter books for a change.

I also must admit I didn't know there was a book called the Hodgeheg, I just thought I was something my Grandad made up and my family called them 🙈

OP posts:
Original poster
Clicheinaqashqai · 25/06/2024 22:37

Thank you @Icanwalkintheroom will have a look in to these.

It feels very overwhelming in the library and bookshop when I don't know what is good and suitable, especially when it is much harder to skim than the picture books!

OP posts:
Dazeandconfuse · 25/06/2024 22:35

My 5yo daughter is a huge fan of The Magical Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. There's a really colourful illustrated collection, which is a great transition from shorter story books.

The Hodgeheg also went down pretty well, although I think other Dick King Smith books are a bit harder for a 5yo to follow.

She's also enjoyed some Roald Dahl (Matilda, George's Marvellous Medicine, Fantastic Mr Fox) but they can be a bit scary at times and the language can be a bit fruity for the little ones - I edit as I go!

Icanwalkintheroom · 25/06/2024 22:31

Claude. Pamela Buchart (wrigglesbottom primary). Jill Tomlinson books.

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