Whether your child has already developed an appetite for reading or is just starting to discover its delights, here is a selection of books for 5 to 6 year olds. You’re sure to find an option that enthrals them, no matter their interests.
Dog in the Dungeon, Lucy Daniels
The first in an exciting spin-off trilogy as Mandy and James follow up ghostly sightings of animals and unravel the secrets behind them. This story features an aristocratic deerhound called Aminta. The last in a long line of dogs that protected the owners of the castle Mandy and James are visiting, the ghostly dog has been regularly sighted since the death of the owner of the estate. Has she returned from beyond the grave to try and help reclaim the castle?
(160 pages with illustrations)
Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp, Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman’s wry wit and award-winning talent brings much to this rich, dark and uplifting rendition of the classic tale Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp. With enchanting illustrations and magic and mischief in equal measure, it will captivate readers of all ages.
(68 pages with illustrations)
The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths, Saviour Pivotta
Here are ten of the greatest and best-loved Greek legends retold with warmth and humour for young children and illustrated with bright, friendly artwork. Meet Theseus and the Minotaur, Odysseus, Pandora, King Midas and a whole cast of larger-than-life characters in a series of extraordinary adventures. The perfect introduction to Greek Myths.
(96 pages with illustrations)
Flat Stanley, Jeff Brown
Stanley Lambchop was just an ordinary boy – until a noticeboard fell on him. Now he’s flat as a pancake! But it turns out that being flat is fantastic: he can be rolled up, sent in the post and even fly like a kite. But it’s not all fun and games . . . there are thieves in town. Can Flat Stanley be a hero?
(80 pages with illustrations)
Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren
Pippi Longstocking is one of the most popular children’s characters of all time and is still much loved by millions of children today. This anniversary edition of Pippi Longstocking will introduce the eponymous heroine and her adventurous spirit to a whole new generation of readers.
(144 pages with illustrations)
My Naughty Little Sister, Dorothy Edwards
My naughty little sister is stubborn and greedy and full of mischief. She tries to cut off the cat’s tail and eats all the trifle at Harry’s party! How much bother can one little sister be?
(192 pages with illustrations)
The Wooden Mile, Chris Mould
Crampton Rock seems the perfect place to spend a long summer holiday. But there’s always something to go and spoil it all, isn’t there? Why are all the dogs three-legged? Is there really a werewolf on the loose? And what do the pirates want with Stanley Buggles …?
(192 pages with illustrations)
Oliver and the Seawigs, Philip Reeve
Along with his new friends, a grumpy old albatross, a short-sighted mermaid, and a friendly island called Cliff, Oliver goes off in search of his missing parents. But before he can put his rescue plan into action there’s the evil Stacey de Lacey and an army of greasy, green sea monkeys to contend with . . .
(208 pages with illustrations)
Willa and Old Miss Annie, Berlie Doherty
When she moves with her parents to a new home far away, Willa is convinced that she’ll never have friends again until she meets Old Miss Annie who introduces her to a lonely goat, a forgotten pony, and an orphaned fox.
(96 pages with illustrations)
The Diary of Killer Cat, Anne Fine
Poor Ellie is horrified when Tuffy drags a dead bird into the house. Then a mouse. But Tuffy can’t understand what all the fuss is about. Who on earth will be the next victim to arrive through the cat-flap?
(64 pages with illustrations)
Going Solo, Roald Dahl
As a young man, Roald Dahl’s adventures took him from London to East Africa, until the Second World War began and he became a RAF pilot.
You’ll read stories of whizzing through the air in a Tiger Moth Plane, encounters with deadly green mambas and hungry lions, and the terrible crash that led him to storytelling. Going Solo is exciting, enthralling and just like its prequel Boy, it’s all true!
(241 pages with illustrations)
The Animals of Farthing Wood, Colin Dann
Farthing Wood is being bulldozed, and there’s a drought. Fox, Badger, Toad, Tawny Owl, Mole and the other animals must band together and set off to a far-away nature reserve. Their journey is full of adventure and fraught with disasters, and the animals must work together to survive.
(400 pages with illustrations)
