10+ Best Popular 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 roundup of popular books for 6-year-olds is packed with picks that are sure to captivate and foster a love of reading. From magical adventures to stories that celebrate everyday wonders, we've curated a variety of books that six-year-olds will adore. Keep reading to discover our top picks for popular books for 6-year-olds that will enchant and entertain your young reader.

Fun Popular 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 captures the essence of childhood adventures and emotions, encouraging imagination and creativity in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love letting their imaginations run wild and exploring new worlds.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows another character throughout the book to convince him to try green eggs and ham.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhyming text helps build early reading skills, and it teaches lessons about trying new things and open-mindedness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy playful, rhythmic storytelling.

• The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Ferdinand is a bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights. He sits quietly under a cork tree, until one day his peace is disrupted.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of peace and contentment, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate gentle stories and those who feel a bit different from others.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about friendship, love, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and touching for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child dealing with themes of friendship and loss.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This classic tale tells the story of a mischievous rabbit named Peter and his adventures in Mr. McGregor's garden.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to natural consequences and the joy of a good adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about animals and playful mischief.

Educational Popular Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals. To avoid being eaten, he invents a monster called the Gruffalo... only to meet the real Gruffalo later!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving skills, creativity, and imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever tale that teaches children about quick thinking and the power of intelligence over brute strength.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with clever twists and engaging characters.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: In this rhythmic, rhyming alphabet book, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh no - Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, early reading skills, and rhythm
  • Why we recommend this book: Its playful and rhythmic text makes learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who are starting to learn the alphabet.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture book
  • Synopsis: The crayons have had enough! Each crayon writes a letter to their owner, expressing their feelings about how they are being used.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, creative thinking, and color recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous look at perspectives and promotes understanding of emotions and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy drawing and those who appreciate a good laugh.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture book
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, the pigeon makes every attempt to get behind the wheel. Can you stop him from driving the bus?
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, responsibility, and persuasion
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and funny, allowing children to make choices and see the consequences.
  • Pefect for: Young readers who love interactive and funny stories.

• We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Social issues, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story introduces younger children to Auggie Pullman, the hero of the novel Wonder, showing how he navigates the world with facial differences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, diversity, and acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about kindness and looking beyond someone's appearance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning about diversity and the importance of acceptance.

Challenging Popular Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, four anthropomorphized animal friends in a pastoral version of England.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses rich, descriptive language and a sophisticated vocabulary that goes beyond simple children's tales.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless stories of adventure and friendship, and its lyrical prose helps to enhance linguistic skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship and adventure in a whimsically detailed setting.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with the gift of telekinesis, who uses her abilities to overcome her neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of justice and individuality, and introduces some darker elements of storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's resilience and cleverness make her a compelling role model, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who appreciate humor and tales of triumph over adversity.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden and, through her care, brings it back to life along with her sickly cousin and herself.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes like loss, healing, and transformation with an old-fashioned and rich prose style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of redemption and the healing power of nature, encouraging empathy and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about personal growth and the mysteries of exploring new places.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, having adventures and flouting conventional behaviors.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's adventures and the book's humorous, unconventional narrative challenge traditional storytelling and character expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi is a spirited character who embodies independence and imagination, making her adventures both amusing and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy quirky characters and stories that celebrate individuality and adventure.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This story follows Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, on his adventures in the big world as he searches for his lost friend, a bird.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blending of fantasy elements with real-world settings poses philosophical questions and introduces a level of abstract thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming tale that promotes courage and determination in the face of big challenges.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure stories and tales of characters overcoming the odds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-year-old develop good reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a regular and enjoyable part of their life. Let’s get started!

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary, pronunciation, and understanding of language.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each day for read-aloud sessions to build anticipation and routine.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help in decorating the nook to make it inviting and personal.

• Book Choice Time
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose books they want to read.
  • How it helps: Increases motivation and interest in reading.
  • Tips: Visit the library or bookstore together and explore different genres and topics.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Pause during reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Encourage creative guesses, and discuss the outcomes to see if the predictions were right.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as favorite characters from the books you read.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection with the story and enhances memory of the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes and act out key scenes from the book.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the books your child finishes.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual progress report and motivates continued reading.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a special treat for reaching reading milestones.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can make a big difference in how they view and engage with books. Not only do these activities make reading fun, but they also instill lifelong reading habits. So, grab a book and let's make reading an adventure for your little one! Happy reading!