Are you struggling to find the perfect books for your 6-year-old? It can be challenging to find books that are both age-appropriate and engaging. However, reading is a crucial component of a child’s education, and finding books that they enjoy can help instill a lifelong love of reading.
Luckily, there are plenty of amazing books out there for 6-year-olds, from picture books to chapter books. Whether your child loves stories about animals, adventures, or mysteries, there’s sure to be a book on our list that they’ll adore. Keep reading to discover the best books for 6-year-olds that will keep them entertained and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
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HappyBabyHub’s Best Books For 6-Year-Olds Picks
1. Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers
Bob Books Set 1 for early readers is a total game changer for teaching letter sounds to your little ones! The first book is a breeze, only containing four letters to keep things simple and easy to digest.
As your child progresses through the set, they’ll be gradually introduced to new sounds until they’ve mastered books containing all but one letter of the alphabet (sorry, Q!). Bob Books Set 1 uses simple phrases and three-letter words with short vowels that give your child a big boost of confidence as they learn to read.
2. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea
What do you get when you mix a cheerful narwhal with a straightforward jellyfish? An unlikely duo that love waffles, parties, and ocean adventures! Dive into the underwater world with Jelly and Narwhal and join them on their thrilling escapades.
In the first book of this three-story collection, Jelly discovers a hilarious graphic novel that will have your kids giggling. Together with their seaside pals, the two create their own fantastic pod. But that’s not all! Narwhal and Jelly even read the best book ever, even though it had no words or pictures.
3. The Book with No Pictures
A book without any graphics may seem dull and serious to you, with one exception… Here is how books function. The reader of the text must say all that is written on the page. Despite what the words state… BLORK. or BLUURF.
Even if the words are merely a litany of astoundingly absurd noises like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and GLIBBITY GLOBBITY, or a ridiculous song about eating ants for breakfast. Children will demand to hear The Book with No Pictures over and over because it is cleverly irreverent and irresistibly hilarious. (Parents will be glad to help.)
4. What Should Danny Do?
What Should Danny Do? is not your typical storybook! This cutting-edge, interactive book combines nine stories in one to help kids understand that their choices have consequences and can shape their lives.
As readers follow Danny’s adventures as a Superhero-in-Training, they face decisions that kids encounter every day. Should Danny choose to be brave and stand up to a bully, or give in to fear and run away? It’s up to the reader to decide!
But the fun doesn’t stop there. As kids make decisions for Danny, they’ll see how those choices impact the rest of the storylines. It’s an exciting and engaging way to teach kids that their decisions matter.
Both boys and girls will love following Danny’s journey and relating to his experiences. And parents and teachers will appreciate the valuable social-emotional skills the book teaches, from making wise choices to dealing with the consequences of poor decisions.
5. Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Dr. Seuss covers life’s ups and downs with his recognizable, hilarious words and whimsical pictures, from reaching great heights and taking in breathtaking views to being abandoned in the Lurch on a prickle-ly perch.
No matter what obstacles they encounter, readers are inspired and motivated by the message’s timeless wisdom to discover their own inner achievement. A classic favorite and an ideal present for anybody starting a new phase in life!
6. My Father’s Dragon: Illustrated: (My Father’s Dragon #1)
To save a flying baby dragon that is being exploited on a distant island, Elmer Elevator, the narrator’s father as a child, flees with an old alley cat. Elmer defeats the ferocious monsters of Wild Island with the aid of two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb.
7. How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans
Martha is not a fan of green beans. If you’re someone who has ever insisted that your child “Eat your green beans!” then you may be in for some trouble when a group of mean, green bandits arrives in town. Unfortunately, Martha’s parents are captured by the bean bandits, leaving her with no choice but to take action.
But what can she do to stop the evil vegetables from taking over her village? The answer is definitely not something you’ll find on a restaurant menu! This book is sure to tickle the funny bone of even the pickiest eaters, with its hilarious writing and rebellious illustrations.
8. Last Stop on Market Street
After church on Sundays, CJ and his grandmother take the bus across town. However, CJ is now perplexed as to why they don’t drive like his pal Colby. Why is it that the lads on the bus have iPods and he doesn’t? Why do they always have to disembark in the undesirable neighborhood? Grandma responds to each query with a reassuring statement, assisting him in seeing the beauty—and fun—in their daily activities and the environment.
In this upbeat journey through a busy metropolis, Matt de la Peña’s vivid language and Christian Robinson’s brilliant drawings bring to life the amazing viewpoint that only grandparents and grandchildren can share.
9. Ada Twist, Scientist (The Questioneers)
Get ready to blast off into the world of science and girl power with the #1 best-selling book that celebrates curiosity and the importance of asking “Why?” Ada Twist, the star of the book, is inspired by real-life inventors Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie and promotes STEM and women scientists in a riotous celebration of tenacity.
Ada Twist is always asking questions and exploring the world around her. Together with Iggy and Rosie, who have their own bestselling picture books, she embarks on scientific experiments and fact-finding missions. Even when things don’t go as planned, Ada learns to use her brain to solve problems and stay curious.
10. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates (A Penelope Rex Book)
Penelope Rex is excited to see her friends on her first day of school. But when they’re so incredibly tasty, making friends with people is difficult! That is until Penelope discovers she may not be at the top of the food chain after all and gets a taste of her own medicine. This humorous new tale by award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins will be devoured by readers.
11. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids
Author Carol McCloud explains this point by utilizing the straightforward metaphor of a bucket and a dipper to show that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of others around us but also fill our own buckets! On the other hand, when we decide to talk or act cruelly, we are delving into buckets.
By the things we say and the things we do, we are either filling each other’s buckets or dipping into them throughout the day. The world is a better place when you fill other people’s buckets! This 32-page picture book is ideal for kids, parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to foster compassion, educate empathy, and foster a pleasant atmosphere in their home, classroom, business, and community.
12. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
It was clear to Alexander that the day was going to be dreadful, horrible, no good, and really unpleasant. He woke up with gum in his hair after falling asleep with gum in his mouth and accidentally threw his sweater in the running sink when he got out of bed after tripping over his skateboard. He could sense that the day was going to be dreadful, horrific, not good at all, and extremely unpleasant.
It was a really lousy day—horrible, awful, nasty, extremely bad. Everything was wrong. Even the lima beans for dinner and the on-screen kissing went wrong. What are your plans for such a day? You may consider traveling to Australia. You might be relieved to learn that other individuals have also had days like that.
13. Frog and Toad are Friends
Frog and Toad are always there for one another like best friends should be, whether it is for letter-writing, swimming, story-telling, or even just helping retrieve misplaced buttons.
The Level Two I Can Read book, Frog and Toad Are Friends, is designed for children who can read independently but who still require some assistance. The captivating stories, fuller sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to support children in taking their next steps toward reading achievement, whether shared at home or in a classroom.
14. Iggy Peck, Architect (The Questioneers)
This well-liked New York Times best-selling picture book is an uplifting tale about the value of collaboration and the virtues of recognizing one’s unique talents and modes of expression.
Some children build sandcastles. Others create mud pies. Some people build enormous block buildings. Iggy Peck, who once created a life-size model of the Great Sphinx in his front yard, is the best builder, nonetheless. Iggy’s skill is unappreciated, which is unfortunate—certainly not by Miss Lila Greer, his second-grade teacher. Iggy appears to be doomed to exchange his T-square for a box of crayons, but a disastrous school trip demonstrates the value of a master builder.
15. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Get ready to embark on a deliciously wacky adventure with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs! This beloved book, enjoyed by children and adults all around the world, will have you laughing out loud as you follow the whimsical tale of a town where food falls from the sky like rain.
In the town of Chewandswallow, everything was normal except for the weather – which was food! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served up by the sky, with drinks and soup raining down, mashed potato-like flakes snowing from the sky, and even hamburger-related windstorms. Life was great until the weather took a turn for the worse and the portions became massive, causing floods and storms that destroyed everything in their path.
16. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (Sandpiper Books)
Mike creates deep canals for boats to navigate, carves railroad tunnels through mountains, and excavates cellars for skyscrapers in cities. Mary Anne is their go-to steam shovel.
But as technology advances, new machines replace the two, and soon they are no longer needed. The two have one last opportunity to demonstrate Mike’s claim and save Mary Anne from the scrap heap. Mike thinks Mary Anne can dig as much in a day as 100 men can in a week.
Their friendship, as well as traditional hard work and ingenuity, is demonstrated by what transpires next in the small town of Popperville.
17. The Story about Ping
Generations of readers have been enthralled by The Story About Ping since 1933, but it has never before been made available in a mass-market paperback edition. The novel’s protagonist, Ping, a courageous young duck who resides on a boat on the Yangtze River, is irresistible to readers. This timeless classic is based on Ping’s exploits while exploring his neighborhood one night, and Kurt Wiese’s tender and moving pictures bring it to life.
18. Fritz the Farting Reindeer: A Story About a Reindeer Who Farts
Fritz is a one-of-a-kind reindeer, with one small issue – he has gas. But don’t let that dissuade you from cheering him on as he attempts to make Santa’s Christmas crew! In the weeks leading up to the big day, Santa must select his team, and Fritz is eager to join in the fun. Follow Fritz on a new and exciting holiday adventure that is sure to be unforgettable. This timeless story is a beloved classic that will have 6-year-olds chuckling uncontrollably.
19. How to Catch a Turkey
Uh-oh! It’s almost time for the Thanksgiving performance, but there’s a wild turkey running around the classroom! Can YOU help catch it and save the show? Join the students as they turn their school upside down in a hilarious attempt to capture the elusive bird.
But don’t worry, there’s a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!). This wildly entertaining children’s picture book is perfect for starting a new family tradition this fall or for gifting it as a Thanksgiving present. It combines STEAM principles and clever traps with a side-splitting storyline and vibrant illustrations that will leave everyone in stitches.
20. Patrick Picklebottom and the Penny Book
Join Patrick Picklebottom on the journey of a lifetime as his incredible new book lets your imagination run wild! A kind store owner surprises little Patrick Picklebottom by offering to sell him his favorite book for just one penny.
But will he be able to read its amazing tales? It might not be as easy for him to go home as it seems! Patrick Picklebottom and the Penny Book is a story about the power of books and the passion of reading, stressing how a child’s imagination and creativity may soar by merely reading a fantastic book. It is written poetically, with brilliant, colorful drawings.
How To Choose A Book For A 6-Year-Old?
- Reading Level: While some 6-year-olds might still prefer picture books, others could be ready for chapter novels. Additionally, they will be able to recognize most, if not all, of popular sight words, which will help them learn how to read (1).
- Interests: If they are into animals, look for books that feature animal characters or themes. If they are into stories about magic and adventure, look for books with those themes.
- Age-Appropriate: Children are first exposed to challenging words at this age. Compared to sight words, these vocabulary terms are more challenging to read and spell. In order to continuously expand your child’s internal dictionary, it is crucial to find a book that is simple to follow but also contains new and interesting terms (2).
- Book Lesson: Look for books with positive messages and characters that your child can identify with. This can help the child learn about empathy, friendship, and other important life lessons.
- Phonics Books: By teaching kids the alphabet’s sounds, can aid in their reading development. It’s important to keep track of your child’s reading ability and if they would benefit more from a level one or two reading. The majority of the time, children aged 6 are at the level 1 stage, but if they are more confident, you can move them ahead.
What Kinds Of Books Should 6-Year-Olds Read?
There is a wide range of books that are appropriate for 6-year-olds to read. Some examples include simple picture books, easy-to-read chapter books, and books that explore a child’s emotions and experiences. It is important to select books that are developmentally appropriate for a 6-year-old’s reading level and interests (3).
How Much Should A 6-Year-Old Read A Day?
A general rule is that kids should read for at least 20 minutes each day. It’s possible to divide this up into smaller chunks of time, like 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night. Start with a lesser length of time and progressively increase it if your child finds it difficult to read for 20 minutes.
Is It Normal For A 6-Year-Old Not To Read?
Some children may start reading at 4 or 5 years old, while others may not start reading until they are 7 or 8. If your child is not showing an interest in reading, there are some things you can do to encourage them, such as reading to them which the AAP recommends helps in promoting their cognitive development (4).
