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The Best Books of the Year, as Decided by a 5-Year-Old

The Best Books of 2019, as Decided by a 5-year-old

Last year, I wrote a blog post on my 4-year-old’s favorite books published that year. Well, we’re doing it again! And as you may have guessed, this time she’s 5. This time we have some chapter books added. And this time, we went back through her archive of library checkouts to ensure we didn’t miss a single book. She loves reading and loves telling everyone about the books she loves. So, please, enjoy!

Picture Books:


Underwear! by Jenn Harney

Where is bear’s underwear? Is it over there? Is it on his hair? Does he shake it everywhere? This book is a rhyming delight.

 


Llama Destroys the World by Jonathan Stutzman; illustrated by Heather Fox

A llama eats too much cake, so his pants rip, which CREATES A BLACK HOLE. It’s a strange book that delighted L.

 


How Do You Dance? by Thera Heder

This one was fun to act out as we read. About all the different ways you can dance – be it silly or professional, with a partner or a mop!

 


Can U Save the Day by Shannon Stocker; illustrated by Tom Disbury

What happens when consonants mock vowels? They disappear. And you can’t really spell words without vowels, rght? L requested I read this one to her class!

 


The Cool Bean by Jory John; illustrations by Pete Oswald

A new part of the Bad Seed / Good Egg books, this was L’s favorite of the trio. About a bean who loses his friends when they become cool. But what actually makes someone cool? And did he really lose them after all?

 


Forky in Craft Day Buddy by Drew Daywalt; illustrated by George McClements and Stéphane Kardos

Like many kids, L loves Forky. So this Forky adventure had her giggling.

 

Chapter Books:


The Princess in Black and the Bathtime Battle by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale; illustrated by LeUyen Pham

This was the first year for longer chapter books for her, and she LOVES the Princess in Black series. Bathtime Battle was just released, and is already a hit. Who doesn’t love a princess that disguises herself as a superhero to battle goat-eating monsters

 


Meet Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi; illustrated by Hatem Aly

Yasmin is an adorable girl who’s an explorer, painter, builder, fashionista and more! L loved following her adventures.

 

Graphic Novels:


Narwhal’s Otter Friend by Ben Clanton

The fourth adventure in the delightful Narwhal and Jelly books! Narwhal has a new friend, and Jelly is a bit … jealous.

 


Dear Justice League by Michael Northrop; illustrated by Gustavo Duarte

L loves superheroes. Here, Justice League members receive letters from kids, and have to address some of their mistakes (like Superman texting while flying)! It’s funny and endearing.

 


DC Super Hero Girls: Spaced Out by Shea Fontana; art by Agnes Garbowska

Last, this graphic novel series is L’s FAVORITE. The last in the series (though they don’t have to be read in order), it’s about Green Lantern (Jessica Cruz) learning to believe in herself as she visits OA for the first time. This was L’s #1 book of the year!

 

What were your child’s favorite books from this year? Let us know!

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