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Looking for recommendations for 5 year old independent reading books

5 replies

Newbie887 · 22/04/2025 10:05

Hi all, I would like to get my 5 year old some independent reading books.

His older siblings read in bed each night and he has started doing this too. So they need to be books he can easily read on his own. To give an idea of reading level, these are what he currently has next to his bed:

  • some of the easier Dr Seuss books (hop on pop, mr brown can moo, cat in the hat, etc)
  • a set of Claude the dog books

we have a lot of picture books in the house but I’m looking for smaller format books he can hold easily which are designed for young readers. Often he gets stuck on a word in a Julia Donaldson book for example.

Series like the 13 story treehouse, captain underpants, dog man etc are too difficult for him at the moment.

He is going through a Mario / Minecraft phase at the moment so bonus points for any recommendations by those brands.

many thanks!

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Pr1mr0se · 22/04/2025 10:39

Have you had a look at ladybird books? Lots of short books based on reading ability both fiction and non-fiction (topics).

Alternatively graphic novels might be more appealing for someone into minecraft etc https://www.waterstones.com/booklist/44788106/waterstones-booksellers-graphic-novels-for-5-8-year-olds

Forgottenmyphone · 23/04/2025 11:44

Wigglesbottom Primary
Blue, Barry & Pancakes
Mudpuddle Farm
Peanut, Butter & Crackers
Flying Fergus

SushiDisco · 23/04/2025 14:26

waiting for that mumsnetter to come along and tell you her 5 year old has read all the Harry Potter books.

Newbie887 · 23/04/2025 22:55

Pr1mr0se · 22/04/2025 10:39

Have you had a look at ladybird books? Lots of short books based on reading ability both fiction and non-fiction (topics).

Alternatively graphic novels might be more appealing for someone into minecraft etc https://www.waterstones.com/booklist/44788106/waterstones-booksellers-graphic-novels-for-5-8-year-olds

His school has lots of the ladybird books in their library which he brings home sometimes. He’s not particularly interested in them tbh! The graphic novels are def more his thing but unfortunately there are no “look inside” options on Waterstones. I know some of them (like dogman) are a bit too hard atm as we have them in the house already. I guess I should go to the shops and see

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Newbie887 · 23/04/2025 22:59

Forgottenmyphone · 23/04/2025 11:44

Wigglesbottom Primary
Blue, Barry & Pancakes
Mudpuddle Farm
Peanut, Butter & Crackers
Flying Fergus

I bought a blue, Barry and pancakes book on Amazon yesterday which arrived today. Absolutely perfect!! So I will look into those others you’ve recommended. Wigglesbottom primary we have already, I think he is nearly ready but not quite

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