Reading with your child is so important throughout their primary education. It will help to foster a love of reading, help to build vocabulary, improve spelling and grammar and unlock their imagination. It’s even more crucial if your child struggles with reading. I’ve written this blog as a guide to some of the best reading books for 5 year olds with dyslexia.

If your child struggles at all with reading, it’s vital that they start to build their confidence and learn to love reading at a young age. This should start at home – and it begins by reading together.  Reading to, and with, them will help them to develop a love storytelling, and will open their imagination. It will also hopeully lead on to them exploring books for themselves as they grow and gain confidence. Reading with your 5 year old will also:

  • Improve vocabulary and language skills
  • Increase attention span and focus
  • Provide a model for fluent reading
  • Enhance imagination and creativity

So… onto that all important list! What are the best reading books for 5 year olds with dyslexia? (click on the link to find out more)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, this has in no way influenced my choice of what I have listed in this post. 

Frog and Toad

Sale
Days with Frog and Toad (I Can Read, Level 2)
  • Lobel, Arnold (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 64 Pages - 02/03/2004 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)
One of my all time favourites from my childhood and stories that never get old, Frog and Toad is a classic book selection that should not be ignored. Raising important issues in a gentle way, these books are a must for now and throughout their early primary education. (#ad)

Dr Seuss

Sale
Dr. Seuss's Classic 4-Book Boxed Set Collection: Happy Birthday to You!; Horton Hears a Who!; The Lorax; The Sneetches and Other Stories (Classic Seuss)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Dr. Seuss (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 280 Pages - 09/14/2021 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
A list of reading books is never complete without a selection by Dr Seuss. Every story provides core vocabulary which helps to shape language development and encourages all children – even reluctant readers – to try to learn new words. They are witty, encourage all children to use their imagination and often focus on morals and building character. They have been a firm favourite in our house for many years. (#ad)

The Day the Crayons Quit

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The Day the Crayons Quit
  • Funny back-to-school story.
  • Duncan's crayons quit coloring. Crayons have feelings, too.
  • What can Duncan do to appease the crayons and get them back coloring?
  • Contains 40 pages and measures 9.25" x 6.25".
  • Recommended for ages 3 - 7 years.
A long-time favourite with all three of our kids. The Day the Crayons Quit is a funny story but also has an important message attached to it. The crayons in Duncan’s crayon box decide they’ve had enough of being treated so badly and have therefore quit. It introduces the theme of expressing emotions and also discusses how important cooperation is. A must have for every 5 year old’s home library. (#ad)

Giraffes Can’t Dance

Giraffes Can't Dance
  • N/A
  • Andreae, Giles (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages - 03/01/2012 (Publication Date) - Cartwheel Books (Publisher)
This is a great book to teach kids from as young as pre school about self love and self confidence. it also introduces the theme of never giving up.  Gerald can’t dance and is teased by the other friends, but he doesn’t give up and discovers a dance he can do perfectly. Giraffes Can’t Dance is told in a rhyme which helps kids engage with the story. (#ad)

A Twist of Tales

A Twist of Tales (Little Gems)
  • Donaldson, Julia (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 104 Pages - 09/09/2016 (Publication Date) - Barrington Stoke (Publisher)
I don’t think any of us can be in any doubt that Julia Donaldson is a master storyteller for younger children. In this book, she takes a modern twist on three classic folk tales. Children are taken on a fantastical journey to open their minds and imagination. With no big block texts, plenty of great illustrations and some good morals throughout, A Twist of Tales is the perfect accompanyment to bedtime. (#ad)

The Little Engine That Could

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The Little Engine That Could (Original Classic Edition)
  • The story of the blue locomotive who exemplifies the power of positive thinking
  • Author: Watty Piper
  • 48 pages
  • Watty Piper (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
If your child is feeling at all discouraged with reading, this story will change their view. A classic for so many generations, the story is both relatable and very sweet. It’s the perfect boost for any child struggling with any issue. It reminds us to keep going and not give up when things get tough. (#ad)

Dragons Love Tacos

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Dragons Love Tacos
  • Hardcover Book
  • Adam Rubin (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 40 Pages - 06/14/2012 (Publication Date) - Dial Books (Publisher)
A fun story with great illustration. This book will keep every child entertained and wanting to read it again and again. It’s one of a set by the same authors – it will undoubtedly leave you wanting to read them all! (#ad)

Beegu

Beegu
  • A "...simple, bittersweet picture book..."
  • Hardcover Book
  • Deacon, Alexis (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 40 Pages - 09/09/2003 (Publication Date) - Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Publisher)
Beegu is a heartwarming story about a little alien with floppy ears and three little eyes. She captures the heart of every little child who reads the book as she searches for her parents. The book tells a story about accepting those who may be different to us and remaining hopeful when all hope is lost. A must have for every child’s library. (#ad)

Brilliant Bea

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Brilliant Bea: A Story for Kids With Dyslexia and Learning Differences
  • Hardcover Book
  • Rudolph, Shaina (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages - 11/16/2021 (Publication Date) - Magination Press (Publisher)
A story for kids with dyslexia, Brilliant Bea is endearing and empowering, showing every child who reads the books that a learning difference like dyslexia doesn’t define you. Beatrice learns differently and her teacher recognises this. Together they find ways that Beatrice can tell her stories and share her talent with her class. (#ad)

Did You Say Pasghetti?

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Did You Say Pasghetti? Dusty and Danny Tackle Dyslexia
  • Fortune, Tammy (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 24 Pages - 03/11/2020 (Publication Date) - Tammy Fortune (Publisher)
This books features Danny and his dog Dusty as they embark on an adventure to understand dyslexia. It’s a great read for children of all ages with dyslexia. The message conveyed is that its ok for all kids to learn differently and it’s important for children to develop a positive attitude to learning as well as to be kind. It also tackles some of the struggles kids with dyslexia face such as frustration, low self-esteem and negativity. (#ad)

 

I could (and will) add to this list regularly. However, those listed above are unquestionably our favourite reading books for 5 year olds with dyslexia. They helped our daughter and many others foster a love of reading, build self confidence and unlock imaginations.

If you are setting up a home library, I highly recommend you visiting this page to find some of the best tools and resources for dyslexia.

If you are a teacher who has stumbled across our reading list, click here to find out if your classroom really is as inclusive as you think it is