10+ Best Books for 6-7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 6-7-year-olds that will keep your little reader engaged and excited? You've hit the jackpot! Whether you're looking for a bedtime story or an adventurous tale to spark their imagination, finding the right book can make all the difference. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of books for 6-7-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire young minds. Don't miss out on these fantastic reads!

Fun Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Illustrator: 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 mysterious 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 imagination and creativity, showing children the power of their own minds to create adventures and manage emotions.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who enjoy tales of fantasy and exploration.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
  • Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are fed up and have decided to quit! Each crayon writes a letter expressing their grievances about how they are used.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous story that encourages problem-solving and empathy by considering the crayons' perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing and coloring, and those who appreciate a good laugh.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, wrapped in a heartwarming story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are beginning to explore deeper themes in literature.

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
  • Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals. To avoid being eaten, the mouse invents a monster called the Gruffalo... only to meet the real Gruffalo later on!
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever tale that celebrates quick thinking and bravery, with engaging rhymes that capture the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy mythical creatures and tales of cleverness overcoming brute strength.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Illustrator: Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories about the adventures and deep friendship between a frog and a toad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to early chapter books and teaches valuable lessons about friendship through accessible and engaging stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books, and anyone who values stories about friendship.

Educational Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follows the adventures of a young boy named Peter who explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding of seasons and weather, exploration and curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child, encouraging outdoor play and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in the wonders of winter and snowy adventures.

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Environmental
  • Synopsis: A tale about the consequences of unchecked industrialization, told through the plight of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, responsibility, rhyming and literacy skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces important environmental issues in a way that is accessible and engaging to young children.
  • Perfect for: Eco-conscious families and young readers interested in nature and conservation.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
  • Illustrator: David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, perseverance, and the importance of asking "why," which are essential skills for budding scientists.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists, curious minds, and any child who loves to ask questions about how things work.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Illustrator: Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A pigeon dreams of driving a bus, but the reader is in charge of making sure the pigeon doesn't get behind the wheel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, understanding rules, and interactive reading
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny, interactive book that engages children in dialogue and decision-making, encouraging active participation in the story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive stories and those who love animals, especially birds.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently tries to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham in various locations with a variety of dining partners.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, trying new things, persistence
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of experimentation and open-mindedness in a fun, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Picky eaters and young readers who enjoy playful language and persistent characters.

Challenging Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with enormous ears, on his quest to save a human princess named Pea.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses sophisticated language and complex narrative structures, including stories within stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that weaves themes of bravery, forgiveness, and light versus darkness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy intricate narratives and classic fairy tales.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, goes on an epic journey from the arms of a girl who adores him to the depths of the ocean, learning about love and loss along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep and sometimes dark themes of love, loss, and redemption.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound life lessons through the adventures of an unlikely protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready to explore emotional depth in storytelling.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Illustrator: Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, as he finds a new view on life through friendship with an elephant named Ruby.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles themes of captivity, animal rights, and the power of art through a narrative that requires empathy and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that encourages compassion and awareness of animal welfare.
  • Perfect for: Young animal lovers and any child interested in stories about friendship and survival.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her family. At school, she meets a kind teacher and uses her telekinetic powers to stand up to the oppressive headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a plot that deals with serious issues like child neglect and bullying with a whimsical twist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a testament to the resilience of children.
  • Perfect for: Bright young readers who see themselves as different and appreciate stories of justice.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A charming tale of a small mouse named Stuart Little who was born into a human family and his adventures in navigating the larger world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is sophisticated, with a blend of fantasy and reality that prompts philosophical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of courage and adventure that encourages children to explore the world with curiosity and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about quests and overcoming challenges despite physical limitations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-7-year-olds develop good reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here's a list of fun and engaging exercises that are perfect for young readers. These activities are designed to make reading a habit they'll love and continue for years to come.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a positive association with reading and provides a comfortable, inviting space to enjoy books.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Schedule a specific time each day dedicated solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and helps make reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Keep this time free from distractions like TV and mobile devices.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and comprehension, and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make the reading more engaging and fun.

• Book Choice Freedom
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose their own books to read.
  • How it helps: Encourages independence and increases enthusiasm for reading.
  • Tips: Guide them towards age-appropriate books but let them make the final choice.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions and the actual outcomes after finishing the story or a chapter.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out their favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the books your child reads, rewarding them after finishing each book or a set number of books.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Offer meaningful rewards like choosing the next book, a small toy, or an extra bedtime story.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about building a lifelong love for books. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you'll help your child develop strong reading habits and a deep appreciation for storytelling. So grab some books and let's make reading fun!