Best Books Under $5 for Ages 3–5

From hilarious read-alouds to independent readers, these budget-friendly picks will help you get more books on your shelves for less.

Jun 20, 2025

Ages

3-5

Best Books Under $5 for Ages 3–5

Jun 20, 2025

Having a wide range of books to choose from at home has so many benefits for kids, helping them develop critical early reading skills and setting them up for preschool success. But, it shouldn’t have to break the bank. 

This collection of books under $5 is designed to be a cost-effective way to grow your child’s home library while offering a diverse selection. It includes everything from beloved picture books and popular characters to nonfiction favorites and teacher-approved workbooks. 

Shop all books under $5 for all ages here. 

Ages 3–5 are a magical window in a child’s development—especially when it comes to reading. These early years lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. With every story you read together, your child is not only expanding their vocabulary and critical thinking skills, but also nurturing their imagination, strengthening their emotional understanding, and starting to unlock sounds and letters – the building blocks of literacy.  

So how can you make the most of this crucial time? Make reading a cherished daily ritual. Whether it’s a silly bedtime story or a quiet moment on the couch, these shared moments spark joy, strengthen family bonds, and turn books into beloved companions. They also boost foundational skills that will help your child feel confident and ready when they start school—and introduce them to unforgettable characters who just might become lifelong friends.

Ready to get started with a few favorites under $5? Peppa Pig! Young fans of Peppa (and unicorns!) will love following along with the fun in Peppa’s Magical Unicorn. When Suzy comes over to play with Peppa, they have a lot of fun with Peppa’s new toy horse, but what they really want to play with is a wonderful, colorful, magical unicorn! Can Daddy Pig make their dreams come true?

The Scholastic line of Acorn books are perfect for kids who are just growing into independent readers. Featuring easy-to-read text, short-story formats, humor, and colorful artwork on every page, they’re designed to build reading confidence and fluency. Kids will love A Friend for Dragon — a hilarious yet touching story about friendship from best-selling author Dav Pilkey. 

Looking for more kid favorites at parent approved prices? Check out our great tips to save on books kids love.

Shop our under $5 favorites for kids aged 3–5 below. Find all these books and much more at The Scholastic Store.

Fun Family Read-Alouds

Early Independent Readers

Engaging Nonfiction Titles

Educator-Approved Workbooks

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You'll also get 15% off your first order at the Scholastic Store Online.

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