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

Choosing the right first reading books for 6-year-olds can be a delightful milestone in your child's learning journey. Whether you're on the lookout for engaging stories or books that enhance reading skills, finding that perfect match is key. Curious about which books to pick? Keep reading as we explore a variety of first reading books for 6-year-olds, perfect for beginning readers eager to dive into the world of words!

Fun First Reading Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently asks his friend to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various companions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, engaging read that introduces beginner readers to rhymes and repetitive patterns, which are crucial for phonics development.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy playful, repetitive text.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A mischievous cat visits two children and turns a dull, rainy afternoon into a magical and just-a-bit chaotic adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its imaginative narrative and playful illustrations capture the attention of young readers, making reading a delightful experience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with fun characters and a bit of mischief.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories detailing the adventures and friendship between Frog and Toad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship through easy-to-follow stories that help build reading confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and adventures.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max sails to an island inhabited by creatures known as the Wild Things, who crown him as their king.
  • Why we recommend this book: It allows children to explore themes of anger, imagination, and adventure through rich, evocative illustrations and simple yet profound narrative.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative children who dream of adventure and enjoy tales of fantastical creatures.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the eccentric Willy Wonka.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story that sparks imagination and teaches moral lessons amidst a backdrop of whimsical wonders.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magical adventures and dreaming about fantastical worlds.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with the gift of telekinesis, who uses her powers to overcome bullies, including her family and school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to believe in their own power to change their circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel different or misunderstood and enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

Educational First Reading Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the forest and encounters several dangerous animals. To avoid being eaten, he invents a creature called the Gruffalo... only to meet one!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever tale that encourages strategic thinking and shows the power of intelligence over brute strength.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love engaging stories with a mix of humor and suspense.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are tired of how they're being used and go on strike, each explaining their grievances through letters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color recognition, empathy, persuasive writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique story that combines humor with a lesson in understanding and valuing others' perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy creative stories and learning about emotions and negotiation.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A pigeon dreams of driving a bus, but the bus driver has warned us against letting him do so. The pigeon tries every persuasive trick to get permission.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Persuasion skills, understanding of rules and responsibilities
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is interactive and funny, making it a hit for kids who love to say "no" while teaching about responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive stories and expressing their opinions.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes STEM education and inspires kids to question how things work.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Social themes, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story, based on the bestselling book Wonder, features Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences who shows readers how to look with kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about acceptance and looking beyond physical appearances to see the wonder in everyone.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about diversity, kindness, and acceptance.

Challenging First Reading Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux is banished from his colony because of his unusual behaviors but ends up on a heroic quest.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, featuring multiple perspectives and a sophisticated vocabulary that goes beyond typical books for this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that encourages bravery and compassion, with rich language that enhances vocabulary.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of heroism.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Edward Tulane, a china rabbit who is passed from owner to owner, experiencing love and loss and learning to care for others.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with deep themes of love, loss, and redemption, presented through elegant and emotionally charged prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound life lessons through a beautifully told story, encouraging empathy and reflection.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready for more emotionally complex narratives.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: The story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to keep him alive.
  • Why this book is challenging: This classic novel uses a rich vocabulary and explores themes of friendship, loss, and survival.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that teaches about the cycle of life and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories of friendship and resilience.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, navigates the challenges of being small in a big world, embarking on several adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book contains complex themes of identity and belonging and uses a higher level of vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages independence and problem-solving, with plenty of excitement to keep young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love stories about quests and overcoming obstacles.

• The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, illustrated by William Nicholson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: A stuffed rabbit made of velveteen wants to become real through the love of his owner. The book explores his journey towards becoming real and the transformative power of love.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces philosophical questions about reality and existence, woven through a narrative that also discusses love and loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story offers a gentle introduction to deep existential themes and the importance of love.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-year-old develop strong reading habits, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for young readers. These will not only improve their reading skills but also make the process enjoyable!

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You and your child take turns reading a book aloud.
  • How it helps: Enhances pronunciation skills and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Choose books with engaging dialogues and colorful pictures to keep it fun and interactive.

• Picture Story Guessing
  • What it is: Look at the pictures in a book and guess the story before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Develops imagination and predictive skills which are crucial for understanding plot and character.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to explain why they think the story will unfold in a certain way based on the pictures.

• Match the Word
  • What it is: Create flashcards with words from the book and match them with corresponding pictures or definitions.
  • How it helps: Helps in vocabulary building and word recognition, essential skills for early reading.
  • Tips: Keep the session lively and reward correct matches to motivate further learning.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map or a sequence of events from a story after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding of the story structure and major events, aiding in comprehension.
  • Tips: Use large sheets of paper and colorful markers to make this activity visually appealing and fun.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking up roles of different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character actions and emotions, and enhances empathetic skills.
  • Tips: Use simple props and costumes for a more engaging role-playing session.

Remember, the key to developing good reading habits is consistency and enjoyment. Make these exercises a regular part of your reading routine, and watch as your little one blossoms into a confident and enthusiastic reader. Happy reading!