The best books for 5 and 6-year-olds

Attack of the Heebie Jeebies is the first book in Tom Percival’s fun and engaging illustrated series exploring anxiety in children. Erika has had a bad day. But going to sleep means bad dreams. When she finds herself trapped in the Dreamscape with a mob of Heebie Jeebies and with a terrifying Angermare on the loose, it’s up to the Dream Team to help her overcome her worries and get home safely. 

This interactive kid's book from Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo, is a surefire way to get even the most reluctant 5 and 6-year-olds excited about reading. With a rhyming story to read aloud and ten different jungle sound buttons to press, children will love discovering who's hiding inside the pages of The Noisy Jungle Book. 

This picture book from award-winning author and illustrator Emily Gravett is great fun to read aloud with early readers. With its comical, rhyming verses and heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship, Cyril and Pat will become a firm favourite for both you and your child! 

Despite being bored spending day after day inside, when Frederick is invited to play by adventurous Emily, his first thought is to say no, after all, it's dangerous in the great outdoors. Ben Manley’s story of cautious Frederick and his free-spirited new friend is told through the letters they send to each other and Emma Chichester Clark's charming illustrations. 

The day that young Ellen meets the mysterious and mischievous Princess Mirror-Belle, her life becomes full of adventure and a whole lot more fun. This chapter-book contains six short stories for early readers about Ellen and Mirror-Belle's experiences, from starting a new school to defeating the dreaded Dragon Pox. 

Max and the Midknights is a story for young adventurers everywhere, and the first book in a new chapter-book series by bestselling children's author Lincoln Peirce. With a thrilling quest to follow and a cast of hilarious characters to meet, this book would make an excellent gift for fans of Roald Dahl and David Walliams. 

This classic children's book was first published in 1928, and now it’s best-loved character is back to delight a new generation of young readers. Charting the adventures of Milly-Molly-Mandy and her friends little-friend-Susan and Billy Blunt, this collection contains 13 short stories perfect for reading together. 

The best way to get kids excited about reading is to make it fun, and Just Annoying will do just that with its practical jokes, hilarious adventures and general silliness. Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton's second short story collection is guaranteed to give young readers lots of laughs! 

This activity and sticker book for kids aged 5 and 6 is based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's best-loved jungle adventure. With games, creative jungle-themed craft projects to make together and over 200 stickers; this animal-themed activity book has lots of inspiring ways to keep little ones occupied and entertained. 

This creative activity book is full of colouring pages and crafting ideas inspired by Moomin magic. Young fans of the Moominvalley TV series will love recreating Moominmama's flower beds, fashioning a flower crown just like Snorkmaiden's, and colouring scenes that feature their favourite characters. 

This activity book is perfect for fans of the Treehouse series. With crosswords and word puzzles plus colouring pages and ways to get creative, The Treehouse Fun Book 3 has plenty of engaging ways for 5 and 6-year-olds to practise their reading skills.