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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 6-year-olds that will capture their imagination and help foster a love for reading? Choosing the right book can be a magical journey for both you and your child. Whether you're looking for bedtime stories or interactive reads, we've curated a variety of lists that cater to the diverse interests of young readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks of books for 6-year-olds that are sure to engage and entertain!

Fun 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 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 captures the essence of childhood adventures and emotions, encouraging imagination and dealing with feelings.
  • Perfect for: Children with a wild imagination and a love for adventures.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows the journey of a caterpillar eating his way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly with simple and engaging text and illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy learning about nature and those beginning to learn numbers and time concepts.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows another character throughout the book, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with a variety of dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhyming text makes it an excellent choice for beginning readers to practice their reading skills and enjoy the playful language.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy silly stories.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to let him live.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about friendship, love, and the cycle of life.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story is told through a series of letters written by crayons, each expressing their feelings about how they are used.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and creative book that encourages empathy and looking at the world from different perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humor and creativity, and those who like drawing and coloring.

Educational Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to figure out the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to be curious about how things work and to never stop asking questions.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring scientists and inquisitive minds.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book captures the adventures of a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the simple joys and explorations of a snowy day, encouraging children to appreciate the small wonders of life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love snow and outdoor adventures.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering principles, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kids about the importance of believing in themselves and persisting through failures.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators, and anyone who needs a little encouragement to try again.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a girl from Korea, is anxious about being teased in her new American school, so she tells her classmates that she will choose an American name. Her classmates fill a "name jar" with suggestions to help her decide.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, social skills, identity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thoughtful exploration of identity and acceptance in a multicultural setting.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing or learning about cultural diversity and the value of being unique.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Creativity and Art
  • Synopsis: Vashti believes she cannot draw, but her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her. Starting with a small dot on a piece of paper, Vashti discovers her creative spirit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, self-expression, confidence in art
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to embrace their creativity and believe in their artistic abilities, no matter how small the start.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who needs encouragement to explore their creative side.

Challenging Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of a young girl named Matilda, who possesses extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. She faces challenges at home with her neglectful parents and at school with the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses advanced vocabulary and complex character development, providing a deeper narrative that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, inspiring readers to believe in their own abilities and stand up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and magical adventures.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and reading. He embarks on a heroic adventure in a castle to save a princess.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes sophisticated themes and a plot that weaves together the stories of multiple characters, requiring readers to follow complex storylines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories with moral lessons.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they devise a plan to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces a unique language invented by the BFG, which encourages readers to play with language and enhances their cognitive flexibility.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story of friendship and courage, packed with imagination and humor.
  • Perfect for: Children who love whimsical tales and learning new, playful ways to use language.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows Stuart Little, a small mouse born into a human family in New York City. He faces several adventures, big and small, in his quest to find his lost friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves sophisticated themes of belonging and identity, and the language is rich and descriptive, providing a more complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and celebrates the spirit of adventure, regardless of size.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who enjoys stories about quests and overcoming obstacles.

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After the tragic death of his parents, young James Henry Trotter lives with two dreadful aunts. His life changes when he enters a gigantic, magical peach, and embarks on a journey with a group of friendly insects.
  • Why this book is challenging: The imaginative plot and rich, vivid descriptions challenge the reader's comprehension and ability to visualize fantastical scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical adventure that stimulates the imagination and teaches lessons about friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magical adventures and stories about overcoming adversity with friends.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-year-old develop great reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a delightful part of their daily routine. These activities are designed to be engaging and beneficial for young readers.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time each day reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary, improves listening skills, and fosters a love for storytelling.
  • Tips: Choose books with exciting plots and colorful illustrations to keep their interest peaked.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through a book and talk about the pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and comprehension skills by letting the child predict the story.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to encourage your child to think and express their ideas.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Play games that involve matching letters with their sounds using cards or blocks.
  • How it helps: Reinforces phonics skills which are crucial for reading development.
  • Tips: Keep the game lively and short to maintain their attention and make learning fun.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: After reading a story, ask your child to sequence the events using pictures or simple sentences.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of narrative structure and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Start with simple stories and gradually increase complexity as your child's comprehension improves.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out their favorite character from the story.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and enhances interpretative skills.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play and encourage creative expression.

These activities are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, interactive, and integral part of your child’s daily life. Give them a try and watch your little one grow into a confident and enthusiastic reader! Happy reading!