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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to fuel your little one's fascination with vehicles? Look no further! Our curated list of Car Books for 6-Year-Olds is packed with exciting picks that are sure to captivate young minds and ignite their imaginations. Whether your child dreams of racing cars or fixing them, these books are the perfect companion for their adventurous spirit. Keep reading to discover our top selections that will keep your eager reader hooked!

Fun Car Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Beginner reader
  • Synopsis: This delightful book features a bunch of dogs going about their day in cars, boats, and even ending with a dog party in a tree. The simple text and repeated phrases help young readers develop their reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for building basic reading skills with its simple, repetitive text and vibrant illustrations. The story's playful sense of humor keeps the reading fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and vehicles, and those just starting to read on their own.

• If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Jack describes his dream car, featuring everything from a pool to robotic arms. The imaginative and rhyming text captures the whimsy of a child's dream.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and innovation, showing kids that their imaginations can run wild with possibilities. The rhyming text also makes it a fun and rhythmic read.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young inventors, as well as kids who love whimsical stories.

• Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a journey through a colorful world filled with countless vehicles on every page. Kids can spot different types of cars and trucks while following the Pig family on their way to the beach.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with detailed illustrations that keep readers engaged as they search for various hidden objects and vehicles. It's great for vocabulary development too.
  • Perfect for: Children who are fascinated by vehicles and enjoy searching for details in pictures.

• The Little Auto by Lois Lenski
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Little Auto, who has many roadside challenges and meets new friends along the way. The charming illustrations and simple narrative make it an endearing read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of helping others through the adventures of Little Auto. The straightforward plot and clear illustrations are ideal for early readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about adventures and vehicles, and those beginning to read independently.

• My Truck is Stuck! by Kevin Lewis and Daniel Kirk (illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This humorous story follows a truck that gets stuck in a hole while other vehicles try to help it out. The repetitive and rhyming text adds to the fun and makes it easier for young readers to follow along.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful and engaging story that introduces young readers to rhyming structures, making reading a fun activity. The theme of teamwork is also a great takeaway for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like trucks and playful stories, and those learning to recognize patterns in text.

Educational Car Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Cool Cars by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
  • Genre(s): Children's non-fiction, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to different types of cars, from race cars to limousines, explaining how they work and what makes them unique.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic mechanics, vocabulary related to automobiles
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple rhymes with educational content, making learning about cars fun and accessible for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in cars and how they operate, and early readers who enjoy rhyming texts.

• Everything Goes: Henry on Wheels by Brian Biggs
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Early reader
  • Synopsis: Follow Henry as he takes his new bicycle on a journey around his neighborhood and discovers all sorts of vehicles on his way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Early reading skills, introduction to different types of vehicles
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a great blend of a fun story and educational content, encouraging kids to explore the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Young cyclists and any child who loves stories about exploration and vehicles.

• Truck Stuck by Sallie Wolf, illustrated by Andy Robert Davies
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A truck gets stuck under a bridge and various community members come together to figure out how to free it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, community awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: The story promotes teamwork and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about trucks and community cooperation.

• Race Car Count by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, illustrated by Michael Slack
  • Genre(s): Children's non-fiction, Counting book
  • Synopsis: Count from one to ten with race cars zipping around the track in this exciting and colorful book.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting skills, number recognition, early math concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting in a dynamic and visually stimulating environment, which keeps young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young race car fans and any child learning to count.

• Cars Galore by Peter Stein, illustrated by Bob Staake
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Picture book
  • Synopsis: A whimsical journey through a world filled with bizarre and imaginative cars.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, vocabulary development
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a playful and inventive book that encourages children to think outside the box and enjoy the diversity of automobiles.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love cars and those who appreciate quirky, vibrant illustrations.

Challenging Car Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Car Science: An Under-the-Hood, Behind-the-Dash Look at How Cars Work by Richard Hammond
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the science and engineering behind how cars function, from engines and exhaust systems to aerodynamics and energy conversion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific and mechanical concepts that are usually not covered in detail at this age level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a detailed, educational insight into the mechanics of cars, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity about science and engineering.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in science and how things work, particularly cars.

• The Racecar Alphabet by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Alphabet book, Sports
  • Synopsis: A thrilling alphabetical journey through the world of racecars, from "A is for Automobile" to "Z is for Zoom."
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a variety of sophisticated words and concepts related to racecars and racing, which are unusual and challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines learning the alphabet with exciting racecar facts, making it a fun and educational read for kids.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love racecars and are learning the alphabet or looking to expand their vocabulary.

• If You Were a Kid Building a Car by Chris Welles Feder, illustrated by Greg Paprocki
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book imagines the reader as a young inventor in the early 1900s, exploring the process of building one of the first automobiles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses historical and technical content about early automobiles, which requires advanced comprehension skills for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches history and engineering through a creative, narrative approach that engages young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and engineers, and any child fascinated by how cars and inventions come to life.

• Monster Trucks! by Mark Todd
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Explore the exciting world of monster trucks, including their design, functions, and the thrilling events they participate in.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book provides detailed explanations of mechanical aspects and the physics behind how monster trucks perform stunts, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the thrilling world of monster trucks with detailed illustrations and engaging text that will excite and educate.
  • Perfect for: Fans of big vehicles and thrilling sports, and kids curious about mechanics and physics.

• How Cars Work by Nick Arnold, illustrated by Allan Sanders
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive guide to the inner workings of cars, explaining everything from engines and transmissions to brakes and suspension systems.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers detailed technical information about automobile mechanics, presented in a way that's informative but complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a clear and thorough understanding of car mechanics, illustrated in a fun and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring mechanics and any child with a deep curiosity about how cars operate.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your little one into a book lover, especially with a penchant for car books, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and engaging exercises designed specifically for 6-year-olds that will not only enhance their reading skills but also deepen their love for all things automotive. Let's drive into the world of books with these delightful activities!

• Create a Car Storyboard
  • What it is: Draw a sequence of pictures that tell a story from a car book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story.
  • Tips: Use a mix of drawings and words from the book to create the storyboard.

• Car Book Scavenger Hunt
  • What it is: Find specific items or themes in the book during or after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages attention to detail and active reading.
  • Tips: Make a list of things to find before starting the book.

• Role Play Reading
  • What it is: Take turns reading parts of the book, pretending to be different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves expressive reading and understanding of character emotions.
  • Tips: Use different voices or props to make the characters come alive.

• Design a Car Bookmark
  • What it is: Create a bookmark themed around favorite cars or scenes from the book.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more personal and engaging.
  • Tips: Use craft supplies like markers, stickers, and glitter to decorate.

• Question and Answer Game
  • What it is: After reading, ask each other questions about the story and its characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances retention and comprehension.
  • Tips: Think of both simple and challenging questions to keep it interesting.

These exercises are not just fun but also incredibly beneficial in nurturing a young reader's mind. They make reading an interactive, enjoyable experience, and before you know it, your child will be zooming through books with the same enthusiasm they show for cars. So, buckle up and enjoy the literary ride!