Here's the third list of favourite children's books from me and my friend, author and editor Yamini Vijayan. This one is for 5-7 year olds.

Every child develops reading skills at their own pace, and so it’s important to remember that learning to read is not a race. Some 7-year-olds might be fluent readers, while others might take pleasure in vivid illustrations in picture books. Our suggestions for this age group (5 to 7) are centred around themes that acknowledge a child’s growing world.

Hey Diddle Diddle by Anushka Ravishankar & Priya Kuriyan 

Minootty’s best friend Susan gets annoyed with her because she names her new calf Susie, after her dear friend. Friendship is complicated and messy, but thankfully, they find a way to patch up.

My Teacher is a Monster! by Peter Brown

We've all disliked teachers. So it's quite incredible to see how Peter Brown has managed to show a young boy's perception of his teacher change when they meet outside of school. 

The Princess with the Longest Hair by Komilla Raote & Vandana Bist

After years of the same old tiring princess tropes, it's hard to describe our thrill at seeing a bald princess live on her own terms – especially given our age-old, rigid ideas of hair, beauty and freedom.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen 

Someone has taken Bear's hat and he wants it back. We are in complete awe of Klassen's sharp-witted illustrations and sparing use of words, and the incredibly elegant design of this book elevates it entirely. 

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez & Felicita Sala 

The book traces the amazing life of Joan Procter, a herpetologist at the London Zoo. What makes her story fascinating is that she grew up at a time when girls were expected to play a certain way (afternoon tea parties), and certainly not chase scaly reptiles. Picture book biographies can be tricky—they have to be inspiring, informative AND FUN! This one ticks all the boxes. 

Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel

There's something so precious about the gentle friendship between Frog and Toad. It's relatable, hilarious and there's so much tenderness. Published way back in the 70s, but it still feels so fresh!