Books to read aloud to ages 5 and 6

A funny picture book about dragons learning they don’t always have to be bad!

An ingenious picture book that uses the power of the imagination to create a fun interactive experience for children aged two upwards

Ten green alien bottoms bounce around, causing mayhem. Based on a well-known song, and with buckets of humour and a light counting theme, this is a very enjoyable read.

Bright, bold, expressive illustrations add to the fun in this hilarious picture book with a knockout ending.

Moles live in holes, right? This funny book plays with rhyme as Gus the Goat tries to guess where his friend Mavis Mole lives.  

One day, a huge pink octopus appears on the roof of a young family’s house, and despite the fire brigade’s best efforts, it seems that it’s there to stay! Peter Bently’s wonderfully crafted rhyming story is brilliant to read aloud.

On a far-off planet, a young red Smed called Janet falls in love with a young blue Smoo called Bill. The newest rhyming picture book from the stellar pairing of Donaldson and Scheffler provides all their usual invention, quirkiness and read-aloud expertise.

Michael the cookie loves standing out from the batch, but the other cookies disapprove. Can Michael find a way to be himself? Funny rhyming text and fabulous illustrations, with themes of friendship and acceptance.

Gran injures her knee while teaching a dance class so Kwesi choreographs some very special moves to put her at the centre of the action once more. This exuberant picture book celebrates the joy of dance and the loving relationship between grandparent and child.

Are you a monster? No? Well, can you make a big loud noise? Oh no…! A wonderfully fun and brilliantly interactive picture book for all ages.

An action-packed and hilarious rhyming adventure which sees a team of hamster superheroes battle against a variety of rodent foes. 

A beautifully illustrated book explaining how plants evolved and how they work now.

Theo’s sunflower has grown right through the tower block! A delightful celebration of nature and community.  

Tigers, anacondas and polar bears are in, and rabbits, kittens and puppies are definitely out. A fabulously funny picture book that turns the idea of the perfect pet on its head. 

This delightful, zany book about a clever little full stop and an incorrigible dragon is a great way to explain full stops and what they do in punctuation to young readers and listeners.

Rene opens a café, but her only customer is an ogre! By disguising her food as disgusting bats and battered mice, she becomes a hit with the locals. A brilliantly illustrated, hilarious picture book.  

In this collection of traditional rhymes from across the world, Michael Rosen reminds us of the rather silly things that we might learn in the playground or from our parents, as well as including some of his own poems and that of other authors.

Wherever you live, in a town, by the sea or in the countryside, this vividly illustrated picture book by CBeebies favourite Ranger Hamza will make any walk more interesting and exciting. 

Funny and silly, this is a book that will entertain children for a good amount of time. With over 40 ridiculous challenges!