Best Children's Books (5-7 Years) - September 2025
Children's Books (5-7 Years) are designed to engage early readers with captivating stories, relatable characters, and age-appropriate themes that foster a love for reading and support literacy development.
When selecting books for this age group, look for features such as simple chapter structures, vivid illustrations, and humorous or adventurous plots that encourage independent reading and comprehension. Books that explore themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery can resonate with young readers, helping them navigate their own experiences.
Children's books for ages 5-7 are ideal for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to nurture a lifelong passion for reading while supporting cognitive and emotional growth during these formative years.
Check out our top 15 picks below, along with brief reviews and notes to help you decide.
Magic Tree House Volumes 1-4 Boxed Set
Our take: This boxed set collects the first four Magic Tree House adventures—Dinosaurs Before Dark, The Knight at Dawn, Mummies in the Morning, and Pirates Past Noon—introducing siblings Jack and Annie, a time-traveling tree house, and fast-paced quests that spark a love of reading.
Blending action with real-world facts, each story slips in age-appropriate background on dinosaurs, medieval castles, ancient Egypt, and pirate life. Young readers practice comprehension, vocabulary growth, and stamina while following clear, high-stakes missions.
Perfect for early chapter-book readers and read-alouds (roughly ages 6–9), the short chapters and familiar structure build confidence. Expect takeaways in curiosity, teamwork, problem‑solving, and a desire to explore history and science beyond the page.
Magic Tree House Volumes 5-8 Boxed Set
Our take: Adventure that spans ninjas, rainforests, the Ice Age, and the Moon: This boxed set collects Magic Tree House #5–8 (Nights of the Ninjas, Afternoon on the Amazon, Sunset of the Sabertooth, Midnight on the Moon). Jack and Annie travel via their magic tree house on missions from Morgan le Fay, blending fast-paced quests with gentle humor.
Builds reading stamina and vocabulary: Short chapters, cliffhangers, and illustrations support emerging readers while strengthening comprehension, sequencing, and context-clue skills. Each story sparks curiosity about history, geography, animals, and space—ideal gateways to the series’ nonfiction Fact Trackers.
Takeaways: Encourages courage, teamwork, and problem-solving; great for independent reading or read-alouds for ages 6–9. Expect increased reading confidence, broader background knowledge, and easy prompts for parent/teacher discussion and cross-curricular activities.
Charlotte's Web: 70th Anniversary Edition
Our take: E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web follows Wilbur, a runt pig, and Charlotte, a wise spider who spins words into her web to save her friend. Set in a humble barnyard and brought to life with Garth Williams’s illustrations, it explores friendship, loyalty, and the gentle realities of life and loss with warmth and clarity.
The 70th Anniversary Edition celebrates this enduring classic with a commemorative presentation of the beloved text and art, making it ideal for family read‑alouds, classrooms, and collectors. Expect a polished package that honors the story’s timeless charm and craftsmanship, and invites new readers into Fern’s and Wilbur’s world.
Readers can expect takeaways in empathy and courage, the power of words to shape outcomes, and a deeper appreciation for the natural cycles of the seasons. It’s a tender introduction to big ideas—friendship, sacrifice, and remembrance—told with simplicity and grace.
Key Features
- PUFFIN Books
- Great one for reading
- Comes in Good condition
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Prince...
Our take: Kate DiCamillo’s The Tale of Despereaux follows a big-eared mouse who loves music and stories, a dungeon rat hungry for light, and a servant girl with a wish—all converging in a kingdom where soup is banned. Courage, kindness, and forgiveness drive a fairy-tale quest that explores how even the smallest can be brave.
Readers encounter intertwined perspectives—Despereaux, Roscuro, and Miggery Sow—framed by a narrator who invites reflection. Light versus darkness, the power of names, and the consequences of choices provide rich moments for discussion and classroom connections.
Expect vivid language, memorable motifs (thread, soup, light), and a pacing ideal for read-alouds. Takeaways: empathy for complex characters, the value of listening and telling our own stories, and the reminder that hope can be stitched from unlikely threads.
Owl Diaries #09: Eva'S Big Sleepover (A Branches Book)
Our take: In Owl Diaries #9: Eva's Big Sleepover, enthusiastic owl Eva plans a big sleepover for her classmates, only to discover that hosting isn’t as easy as it looks. As plans go awry, Eva must use problem-solving and teamwork to make the night fun for everyone.
Told in Eva’s diary-style voice with colorful illustrations and bite-sized chapters, this Branches book supports growing readers transitioning to longer texts. Humor, checklists, and doodles keep engagement high while modeling how to organize events and handle surprises.
Kids will learn about planning and flexibility, being a considerate host, and the value of asking for help. The story reinforces friendship, kindness, and staying positive when plans change—great themes for early elementary readers.
The BFG
Our take: Roald Dahl’s The BFG follows Sophie, an orphan who is whisked away by the Big Friendly Giant to Giant Country, where she discovers a world of bottled dreams, gobblefunk words, and dangerous, man-eating giants.
Together, Sophie and the BFG devise a bold plan—enlisting the Queen of England—to stop the brutish giants. The tale blends whimsy with suspense, showcasing Dahl’s inventive language and Quentin Blake’s iconic illustrations.
Expect takeaways around empathy, courage, and the power of imagination: seeing beyond appearances, using kindness as strength, and turning dreams into action.
Dragon Masters #01: Rise Of The Earth Dragon (A Branches Boo...
Our take: Rise of the Earth Dragon launches the Dragon Masters series by Tracey West, part of Scholastic's Branches line for emerging readers. When farm boy Drake is whisked to the king’s castle, he’s chosen to bond with an Earth Dragon named Worm under the guidance of the wizard Griffith. Short chapters, brisk pacing, and illustrations help new readers build confidence while staying engaged.
Drake trains alongside fellow dragon masters and learns to communicate with his dragon using a special dragon stone. As Worm’s unique earth-moving powers emerge, Drake uncovers hints that not everything at the castle is as it seems, pushing him to trust his instincts and protect his new friend.
Readers can expect themes of friendship, teamwork, and responsibility, plus gentle mystery that invites prediction and discussion. It’s a strong first step into fantasy for kids transitioning from leveled readers, with clear stakes, relatable characters, and satisfying, bite-sized chapters.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue: 1
Our take: Mercy Watson to the Rescue: 1 launches Kate DiCamillo’s witty early-reader series about a toast-loving pig whose cozy bedtime routine turns into a household emergency. When the Watsons’ bed collapses, Mercy’s quest for buttered toast accidentally sets a real rescue in motion—bringing neighbors and firefighters together in a cheerful, high-spirited caper.
What stands out: playful, repetition-rich prose that supports new readers; bold, cinematic illustrations by Chris Van Dusen that carry meaning and humor; and short, breezy chapters perfect for read-alouds or independent reading.
Takeaways: builds reading confidence through pattern and predictability; invites discussion about community, problem-solving, and being helpful; and delivers laugh-out-loud moments that make practice feel like play.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Our take: In Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Ramona starts third grade determined to be brave, helpful, and important as her dad returns to college and the family budgets carefully. Everyday mishaps—like a disastrous lunch, a misheard remark from her teacher, and sibling tensions with Beezus—become funny, heartfelt tests of growing up.
The story highlights resilience and empathy: Ramona learns to navigate embarrassment, misunderstandings, and responsibility, discovering that mistakes can lead to understanding and closer family bonds.
Readers can expect humor, relatable school and family moments, and insights into communicating feelings, handling setbacks, and building confidence—making it an enduring, encouraging chapter book for young readers.
My Father's Dragon
Our take: My Father's Dragon is a classic children's adventure in which young Elmer Elevator journeys to Wild Island to rescue a captive baby dragon. Told with charm and whimsy, it balances gentle peril with humor, making it an engaging read-aloud and a confidence-building first chapter book.
The story celebrates ingenuity and kindness: Elmer outsmarts animals using everyday items from his backpack (like gum, lollipops, and rubber bands) rather than force. Its episodic structure spotlights creative problem-solving, courage, and empathy.
Readers can expect takeaways in resourcefulness (thinking ahead, using limited tools), compassion (helping others, seeing beyond fear), and resilience (staying calm under pressure). Ideal for sparking imagination and discussions about planning, consequences, and friendship.
Judy Moody: 1
Our take: Judy Moody: 1 launches Megan McDonald’s spirited series about a third-grader with big feelings and even bigger imagination. On the first days of school, Judy grapples with a new teacher, class projects, and sibling shenanigans from little brother Stink—all while discovering how to turn a not-so-great mood into creative fun.
Readers can expect laugh-out-loud classroom moments, quirky friends like Rocky and rival Jessica Finch, and plenty of everyday challenges that feel real and relatable. The book highlights self-expression, friendship dynamics, and resilience as Judy learns to channel her moods into art and problem-solving.
Great for early independent readers, it offers accessible chapters, expressive illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds, and a tone that encourages empathy and a growth mindset—perfect for kids navigating the ups and downs of school life.
Ivy & Bean - Book 1 (Ivy and Bean Books, Books for Elementar...
Our take: Ivy & Bean (Book 1) introduces two unlikely second-grade neighbors—quiet, imaginative Ivy and bold, mischievous Bean—who discover that opposites can be the best of friends. Their first adventure blends humor, heart, and a touch of make-believe as they team up for a plan that goes hilariously sideways.
Readers take away themes of friendship, empathy, and seeing beyond first impressions, along with the confidence to embrace different personalities. Simple chapters, lively illustrations, and everyday kid dilemmas make it highly accessible for emerging readers.
Ideal for ages 6–9, classroom read-alouds, and independent reading, the book sparks conversations about problem-solving, kindness, and creativity—while keeping the laughs coming.
Key Features
- Great product!
The Last Firehawk#01: The Ember Stone - A Branches Book
Our take: In the world of Perodia, dark magic spreads under the vulture Thorn’s shadow. A brave young owl, Tag, and his quick-thinking friend, Skyla the squirrel, set out on a quest and discover Blaze—the last firehawk. Together, they begin the hunt for the fabled Ember Stone, the key to restoring light and hope.
Designed as an early chapter book in Scholastic’s Branches line, it blends fast-paced chapters with expressive black-and-white art to support growing readers. Expect accessible text, frequent illustrations, and cliffhangers that keep momentum high while easing the transition from picture books.
Readers can expect takeaways around teamwork and courage, problem-solving under pressure, and persistence against rising threats. It’s a confidence-building read that nurtures stamina, vocabulary, and comprehension through a gripping fantasy adventure.
The Magic Finger
Our take: Roald Dahl’s The Magic Finger is a brisk, funny fable about a young girl whose mysterious power—her magic finger—punishes cruelty on impulse. After her neighbors indulge in sport hunting, she zaps them into a bird’s-eye existence, forcing them to confront life on the other side of the shotgun.
The tale blends moral imagination with Dahl’s mischievous humor and Quentin Blake’s lively illustrations, making it ideal for read‑alouds and early independent readers. Kids encounter quick pacing, vivid reversals, and a satisfying, slightly spooky sense of justice.
Takeaways: expect conversations about empathy for animals, the consequences of thoughtless actions, and how power should be used responsibly. It’s a short, memorable story to spark discussions at home or in the classroom.
The Princess in Black
Our take: The Princess in Black follows Princess Magnolia, who swaps frills for a cape to secretly become a monster-fighting hero. It’s a fast, funny early chapter book with vivid illustrations that blend royal charm with daring rescues and **secret-identity** fun.
Readers discover themes of **courage**, **resourcefulness**, and **challenging stereotypes** as Magnolia balances tea parties with saving the day. The story models confidence and kindness while keeping the action light and inviting for **early readers**.
Expect **humor**, dynamic art, and short chapters ideal for developing independent reading. Takeaways include celebrating **inner strength**, valuing **teamwork and problem-solving**, and embracing who you are—cape, tiara, and all.