They can understand books that have more complicated language, longer lengths, and more sophisticated and sensitive subjects. When children reach these ages, reading levels vary greatly depending on life and listening experiences and attention spans. It is important therefore, for parents to use their intuitions about childrens' sensibilities.
Many parents stop reading picture books when a child turns five or older.
Though this is a very appropriate age for children to begin hearing novels, there are many wonderful picture books that are written specifically for the interest of an older listener. There are characters in older picture books that four to eight year olds are very fond of. Many of these are faced with issues children can relate to and become either role models or at least comforting book friends. Others are characters they would like to be or become or be befriended by. Children this age are series-lovers.