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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your little one? Look no further! Our curated list of must-read books for 6-year-olds is packed with delightful stories that are sure to captivate and foster a love for reading. Whether your child is a budding reader or a storytime enthusiast, these books promise to enchant and educate. Keep reading to discover our top picks that every 6-year-old should have on their bookshelf!

Fun Must Read 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 appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, allowing children to explore their feelings about anger and solitude through a captivating narrative and illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Children who love using their imagination and embarking on adventures.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows the journey of a hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally turning into a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly with simple, engaging text and colorful pictures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy learning about nature and animals through stories.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently tries to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhyming text makes it an excellent choice for beginning readers, and it teaches the value of trying new things.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy silly stories.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the familiar things in the softly lit room.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words and calming pictures make it a perfect bedtime story, helping children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a soothing story before bedtime.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, despite his mother's warnings, leading to a series of adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the thrill of misadventure and the ensuing consequences, teaching lessons about obedience and prudence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals and playful mischief.

• Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
  • Genre(s): Early Reader, Friendship
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories highlighting the adventures and friendship between a frog and a toad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates friendship while teaching subtle lessons about the virtues of patience, persistence, and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Children beginning to read independently and looking for stories about friendship and cooperation.

Educational Must Read Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: A lively alphabet chant that follows all the lowercase letters of the alphabet up a coconut tree, and the ensuing chaos when they all tumble down.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and rhyme, early literacy skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and rhythmic story that helps children learn the alphabet in a lively, memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who are learning the alphabet.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Cause and Effect, Humorous
  • Synopsis: This circular tale begins with a boy giving a mouse a cookie, which leads to a series of increasingly absurd requests.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of cause and effect, sequencing, prediction
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to the concept of cause and effect in a humorous and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with humorous twists and learning through playful scenarios.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Diversity
  • Synopsis: Peter, a young boy, explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, experiencing the wonder and excitement of a snowy day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploration, cultural diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day while celebrating diversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy exploring the world around them and experiencing the joys of different seasons.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Persuasive
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, a pigeon makes several humorous attempts to get permission to drive the bus.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Persuasion techniques, understanding of rules and responsibilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious book that engages children in dialogue and decision-making, encouraging them to think about rules and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love interactive stories and those who enjoy having a laugh while reading.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Family, Classic
  • Synopsis: Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other, trying to measure how much they love each other.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, expressive language skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the boundless nature of love between a parent and child.
  • Perfect for: Young children and their parents or guardians who enjoy heartwarming bedtime stories.

Challenging Must Read Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells 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 praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as friendship, loss, and the cycle of life, which are explored through rich, nuanced language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching tale that teaches important values like kindness and selflessness, and the narrative encourages emotional development.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready to explore deeper themes in stories and can handle slightly more complex narratives.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored with life until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he finds himself in a fantastical world where he embarks on a quest that teaches him the importance of learning and curiosity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes a wealth of puns, wordplay, and philosophical concepts that are typically beyond the usual understanding of a 6-year-old.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the mind and encourages a love for language and learning through its creative and playful exploration of words and meanings.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy puzzles and word games, and those who appreciate a whimsical story.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family in New York City. He has various adventures, including a quest to find his bird friend, Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure and the eloquent language provide a more complex reading experience than typical children’s books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an adventurous tale that promotes courage and perseverance, and it’s written in a way that captures the imagination of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure stories and are ready for more sophisticated plots and language.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel school headmistress. She discovers she has the power of telekinesis and uses it to stand up to the adults mistreating her and her friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features rich vocabulary and a plot that deals with themes of justice and personal empowerment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the resilience and intelligence of children, encouraging readers to believe in their own abilities and stand up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about triumph over adversity and those who have a keen sense of justice.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion in Yorkshire. There, she discovers a locked, neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, brings it back to life along with her own transformation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses descriptive, intricate language and explores deep themes such as healing, growth, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a transformative story that shows how nurturing others can help heal oneself. It also encourages connection with nature and the discovery of beauty in unexpected places.
  • Perfect for: Children who are introspective and enjoy stories of personal growth and magical discoveries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-year-old develop stellar reading habits, you've come to the right place! Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a habit they'll love and maintain. Let's dive in!

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Sit with your child and read a book aloud.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves listening skills.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to make the story more engaging.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Browse through a book, looking at and talking about the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and sets the stage for understanding the story.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Play games that involve matching letters with sounds.
  • How it helps: Reinforces phonics skills which are crucial for reading.
  • Tips: Use flashcards or apps designed for phonics to make it interactive and fun.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to arrange a series of pictures or sentences from the story in order.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory.
  • Tips: Start with simple stories and gradually increase complexity.

• Role Play Reading
  • What it is: Act out stories with your child, assigning roles to different characters.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a dynamic activity and enhances understanding.
  • Tips: Use props and costumes to make it more exciting and memorable.

• Book Choice
  • What it is: Allow your child to pick out books they wish to read.
  • How it helps: Encourages a personal interest in reading and self-motivation.
  • Tips: Guide them towards age-appropriate books but let them make the final choice.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the books your child reads, offering small rewards for milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and goal setting.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and reading-related, like a new book or extra reading time before bed.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine will not only enhance your child’s reading skills but also build a lifelong love for books. Remember, the key is consistency and making reading fun. Happy reading!