The best books for 3 to 5 year olds. This is the perfect age to get a child into books. During these years a child is quickly developing and stories help them to start to understand their emotions and the world around them. We have collected books recommended by experts to help your child start on their lifetime of loving books and reading.
Our book recommendations are all made by experts, who explain their choices in an interview. You can browse our database either by book or by interview:
“First of all, the cover totally drew me in. Juana Martinez-Neal’s illustrations are always so warm and inviting and made me want to read it straight away. What I love about this book is that while it’s specifically a Native American family story, it really could be any family that is connecting and bonding over a tradition and over food. The text is brief and delightfully bubbles along, it’s poetic. Between the pictures and the words, you can imagine all the scrumptious food smells and the joy of the togetherness.” Read more...
” I love the simplicity of the illustrations, combined with the simplicity of the words—and yet this book also has a really profound effect on you. It reminds you that it’s okay to feel sad and that if you actually take the time to sit with your feelings, then you have the time to release them and set them free.” Read more...
“It’s a bit of a profound story and it gives an understanding of just what hard work and perseverance can actually achieve for you. Also, how a moment in time can maybe be disappointing, but could actually turn into a lifetime of enjoyment. So, in the case of Because, had one little girl never made it to the orchestra concert, she may not have had a lifetime of music, which becomes a deep passion for her.” Read more...
The Paper Bag Princess
by Michael Martchenko (illustrator) & Robert Munsch
***Our bestselling children’s book of 2019 (ages 3-6) so far***
What Do You Do With a Problem?
by Kobi Yamada
A beautifully written book to help children understand problem solving. This multi award winning book shows how to tackle difficult problems – ideal to develop your child’s resilience.
A kids aged 3-5 book
Wherever My Wellies take Me
by Clare Morpurgo
A charming book that follows Pippa into the countryside as her day unfolds, she encounters people and animals on the way. Pippa’s travels are complemented by poems from some of our greatest authors, personally chosen by Clare and Michael Morpurgo. Part poetry anthology, part child’s scrapbook,
Dogs Don't Do Ballet
by Anna Kemp and illustrated by Sara Oglivy
A feel-good book about a dog who dreams of being a ballerina.
“A classic that would be a treat for any child to read.” Read more...
The best books on Pets For Young Kids
Catherine Rayner, Children's Author
Blue Chameleon
by Emily Gravett
When the chameleon meets a pink cockatoo, he also tries to mirror it’s characteristics. Young children recognize the bird, but then when they’re a bit older they think it’s funny that the chameleon’s doing an impression.
“It’s non fiction. If you’ve got a cat, you can relate to it—but I’d never had a cat when I first read it and I still loved it.” Read more...
The best books on Pets For Young Kids
Catherine Rayner, Children's Author
“a story about Dick King Smith’s own guinea pigs and there’s a little bit of their history, a bit of non-fiction, a bit of how to look after them, and just some lovely little facts about them.” Read more...
The best books on Pets For Young Kids
Catherine Rayner, Children's Author
Julian Is A Mermaid
by Jessica Love
While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Then his imagination takes over. A thoroughly charming story
Joy
by Corrinne Averiss and illustrated by Isabelle Follath
Emotional, funny and uplifting, this beautiful picture book has a strong message about empathy and maintaining loving relationships with our grandparents. Guaranteed to bring a bit of joy into every reader’s life, this story is a pure delight.
Children reading this book will understand how the simple act of being with someone, of talking to someone, can have a huge impact.
“This book, in particular, has a great lesson for everybody – that you have to accept who you are. In this case, the chameleon doesn’t like who he is and wants to be another animal so he goes around trying to have the attributes of all the other animals and finally ends up mixed-up and unable to function. I just think it’s brilliant.” Read more...
The best books on Human Imperfection
Henry Normal, Poet
“It is an African Cinderella with John Steptoe’s illustrations adding classical beauty.” Read more...
The best books on Courage and Kindness for Kids
Beverley Naidoo, Children's Author
“I love, love, love this book……This is what I call the world’s first cli-fi picture book, about the danger CO2 poses to the planet.” Read more...
Dan Bloom, Environmentalist
Harvey Slumphenburger's Christmas Present
by John Burningham
When it comes to delivering the last present in his sack, no journey is too far for Father Christmas! A charming seasonal story from an award-winning artist.
Small Finds a Home
by Celestine and the Hare
When Small comes to live with the Tribe there aren’t enough beds to go around. A charmingly simple story about not judging others and about the rewards of kindness.
“I was just blown away by it. The design, the colours. The colours were so vibrant. I hadn’t seen anything like it before.” Read more...
Korky Paul on Inspiring Illustrations
Korky Paul, Cartoonist/Illustrator
Angry Arthur
by Hiawyn Oram and Satoshi Kitamura (illustrator)
Arthur is incapable of hearing. He’s so angry that nobody can get through to him. And, by the end, he can’t even remember what caused his anger.
“Violet invents different airplanes and helicopters, and she is on her way to an air show where she wants to show off her inventions when she notices that there is a boy-scout troop stranded in the river.” Read more...
Yana van der Meulen Rodgers, Economist
“John Parra’s illustrations are perfect! Gracias/Thanks is about a boy thinking through what makes him thankful. The book illustrates, beautifully, bilingually, and creatively, that what we might be most thankful for are the common things that surround us—friends, siblings, and home.” Read more...
“It’s a book about sharing the abundance of good in the world. It cleverly illustrates the idea that the more you give, the more you get back. It’s very sweet, and it has glitter in it!” Read more...
“This book is beautiful. It’s gorgeously drawn. It points out the beauty in the world, the beauty in simple things, the beauty of different types of people, and the beauty of different types of relationships.” Read more...
“When I see Karma Wilson’s name on a book, I know the verse is going to be stellar! She’s so playful and fun. Bear Says Thanks, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, is about food and sharing. But there is more to Thanksgiving than that; it’s a holiday about family and the feeling of belonging. That is what this book is about—being with others who love you as you are. It’s just great.” Read more...
“There are a massive number of Gerald and Piggie books. They’re magical on so many levels and The Thank You Book is how Mo Willems tied them together.” Read more...
Sweep
by Louise Greig
Sweep starts with a small worry that becomes bigger and bigger and bigger. The book was nominated for the Kate Greenway Medal, as well as being shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge and the Waterstones Prize.
Llama Llama Red Pajama
by Anna Dewdney
A soothing rhyme that children will love and be able to relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama’s reassuring message.
There's Room For Everyone
by Anahita Teymorian
If there’s room in the world for all the birds in the sky and whales in the ocean, why do humans always fight for space? This young child’s thoughts carry a enduring message of peace and tolerance.
Ruby's Worry
by Tom Percival
Ruby does a lot of things and then she has a little worry. She keeps it to herself and then it keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger until she has to deal with the anxiety.
“It’s essentially a story about how the dad of the title remains completely unconcerned as he’s swapped and moved and replaced. He doesn’t notice! You never see his face. It’s always behind a newspaper. Essentially that is the joke.” Read more...
Kate Milner, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“This book is a combination of some really smart modern graphics, and a well observed text about change, and what change feels like.” Read more...
Kate Milner, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“The story is told by children looking in on grown-ups and the odd ways that they behave. It is also an urban environment that doesn’t get into picture books anymore—it is an ordinary working community.” Read more...
Kate Milner, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“Rundell has this mastery of language, this light touch—and she’s so funny when she puts her mind to it. It’s just beautiful.” Read more...
The Best Picture Books of 2017
Zoe Greaves, Children's Author
“I don’t know how many times we’ve read this for bedtime since it came out, but it’s a joy, and just beautifully silly.” Read more...
The Best Picture Books of 2017
Zoe Greaves, Children's Author
“My son was asleep within two minutes of it finishing, which is a very pleasant bonus for a parent.” Read more...
The Best Picture Books of 2017
Zoe Greaves, Children's Author
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
by Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers is an exceptionally brilliant artist and children’s author and illustrator. He has a lovely, playful streak.
The Lost Words
Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris (illustrator)
***Winner of the 2019 Kate Greenaway Medal*** (for best illustration of a children’s book)
“The exuberance and the sheer energy of it is just fantastic. The rhyme and the repetition give it even more momentum and energy.” Read more...
Kate Milner, Cartoonist/Illustrator
The Best Books on Gratitude for Kids, recommended by Dana Sheridan
What should you read with your kids on Thanksgiving? Dana Sheridan of Princeton University Library’s Cotsen Children’s Library recommends five children’s books with themes of love, gratitude, belonging and sharing with one another—what the holiday is all about.
Books To Help Children Overcome Anxiety, recommended by Chitra Soundar
As young children grow, finding a vocabulary for their worries and anxiety is often difficult. Children’s author Chitra Soundar recommends five books that help children process their emotions and use fiction as a tool for talking about anxiety.
Children’s Picture Books, recommended by Kate Milner
Kate Milner, winner of the prestigious Klaus Flugge Prize, discusses some of the trailblazing illustrators that have inspired her own career. She heralds artists whose imaginative works have given us some of the most exuberant storytelling for children over the last 50 years.
