10+ Best Bedtime Story Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to wind down your six-year-old's busy day? You're in the right spot! Our curated selection of bedtime story books for 6-year-olds offers a delightful escape into worlds of adventure and calm, ensuring a peaceful transition to sleep. Keep reading to explore our favorite picks that promise to make bedtime a cherished time for both you and your little one.

Fun Bedtime Story Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and imagination, showing kids the power of their own minds to create adventures and manage emotions.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fantastical adventures and exploring their imaginations.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are frustrated and have quit! Each crayon writes a letter to Duncan, explaining why they are unhappy and what they want.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that teaches about perspective and problem-solving, with a humorous twist that keeps kids entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love colorful illustrations and those who appreciate a good laugh.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the familiar things around the room and beyond.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words make it an ideal bedtime read, helping to establish a calming bedtime routine.
  • Perfect for: Kids who benefit from a soothing story before sleep and parents looking for a peaceful end to the day.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to keep dangers at bay in a forest. But what happens when he meets the mythical beast itself?
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty story with rhymes that captivate children while teaching them about cleverness and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with clever characters and a bit of suspense.

• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This book explores the love dragons have for tacos and the chaos that ensues when they accidentally eat spicy salsa.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and light-hearted story that can spark a love for reading through its delightful absurdity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy playful and imaginative tales with lots of fun and laughter.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Family, Classic
  • Synopsis: Little Nutbrown Hare shows his daddy how much he loves him, stretching his arms wide and hopping high. But Big Nutbrown Hare can reach farther and hop higher.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the boundless nature of love between a parent and child, perfect for bedtime bonding.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents who enjoy sharing heartwarming stories at bedtime.

Educational Bedtime Story Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Peter, a young boy who explores his neighborhood after the season's first snowfall.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding of seasons, and exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day, encouraging children to explore and appreciate the simple joys of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in snowy adventures and exploring the world around them.

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: The story follows Alice Rumphius, who seeks to make the world more beautiful, fulfilling a promise she made to her grandfather.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, creativity, and personal responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to think about how they can contribute positively to the world, emphasizing the importance of leaving the world better than you found it.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are inspired by nature and those interested in making a positive impact on their surroundings.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Cultural
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a girl from Korea, is nervous about being teased for her name when she moves to America, so she decides to choose a new name from a "name jar."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, self-acceptance, and social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of accepting and celebrating one's own cultural identity and encourages respect and understanding among peers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are navigating their own cultural identities or those learning to appreciate the diversity of the people around them.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This wordless book features a lonely girl who draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps through it into a world of adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, and storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: Its stunning, detailed illustrations encourage children to tell their own story, boosting their imagination and narrative skills.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and adventurers who love to create and explore their own tales.

• Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature
  • Synopsis: A child and her father go owling on a cold winter night, experiencing the special bond between parent and child and the beauty of nature.
  • • Skills and subjects this book improves: Patience, appreciation for nature, and familial bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the quiet beauty of nature and the special moments shared between generations.
  • Perfect for: Children who love nature and those who cherish family bonding activities.

Challenging Bedtime Story Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow young Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and endless surprises.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative features complex language, intricate puns, and logical paradoxes that challenge young readers' comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination and introduces children to surreal storytelling, encouraging them to think creatively and solve problems.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy whimsical adventures and exploring imaginative worlds.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte, who devises a plan to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of friendship, loss, and the cycle of life, presenting opportunities for young readers to engage with more complex emotional content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as kindness, compassion, and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready to explore deeper themes in literature while enjoying a heartwarming story.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative structures, including stories within stories, and uses sophisticated vocabulary and themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages bravery and compassion, while its rich narrative layers promote advanced reading skills and deep comprehension.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy fairy tales with depth and moral lessons.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a small mouse born into a human family, embarks on adventures in a human-sized world, displaying courage and determination.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel blends fantasy and reality, challenging young readers to accept and enjoy the surreal aspects of the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of resilience and the importance of family, regardless of differences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about adventure and overcoming obstacles, despite one's size or limitations.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale explores the adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad, offering a mix of excitement, morality, and camaraderie.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text includes rich, descriptive language and a slower narrative pace that requires patience and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about friendship and morality, wrapped in the charming context of a pastoral England.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate nature and stories of friendship and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn bedtime reading into a nurturing routine that boosts your 6-year-old's reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can help your child develop good reading habits while enjoying some of the best bedtime storybooks. Let's dive in!

• Create a Cozy Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that makes reading a special and enjoyable time.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up and decorating the nook to make it more personal and exciting.

• Choose Books Together
  • What it is: Involve your child in picking the bedtime stories.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of ownership and excitement towards reading.
  • Tips: Have a mix of books available and guide them towards age-appropriate selections.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Share the task of reading; you read one page, and your child reads the next.
  • How it helps: Improves reading skills and builds confidence in reading aloud.
  • Tips: Encourage expression by changing your tone and using voices for different characters.

• Discuss the Story
  • What it is: Have a discussion about the story after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows your child to express thoughts and emotions.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and reflect on the story.

• Incorporate Reading Rewards
  • What it is: Implement a system of small rewards for consistent reading.
  • How it helps: Motivates your child to look forward to reading each night.
  • Tips: Use a sticker chart or give praise as rewards, keeping the focus on the joy of reading rather than material gifts.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about creating moments together, sparking imagination, and building lifelong skills. Try incorporating these into your nightly routine, and watch your little one's love for reading blossom. Happy reading!