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

Looking for the perfect way to wind down your six-year-old's busy day? Discover our handpicked selection of bedtime books for 6-year-olds that promise to make bedtime a smoother and more magical time. From whimsical tales to soothing stories, these books are perfect for cozy evening reads. Keep reading to explore our diverse lists of bedtime books that are sure to become nighttime favorites in your home.

Fun Bedtime 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 unleashes the imagination and explores themes of anger and reconciliation, making it a great way to discuss emotions with children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventures and exploring imaginary worlds.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book features a series of letters from Duncan's disgruntled crayons, each expressing their frustrations and demands.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and creative story that encourages empathy and problem-solving, as well as color recognition.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy humor and interactive reading experiences.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young rabbit goes through a comforting bedtime ritual, saying goodnight to everything in sight.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words and calming pace make it an ideal bedtime read, helping children wind down.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who benefit from a soothing bedtime routine.

• 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 one!
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches strategic thinking and the power of cleverness over brute strength.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with clever protagonists and a touch of suspense.

• 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the boundless nature of love between a parent and child.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents looking for a heartwarming bedtime story.

• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This book explores the love dragons have for tacos and the chaos that ensues when they accidentally eat spicy salsa.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious tale that also subtly introduces the consequences of not following instructions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a quirky sense of humor and a love for dragons.

Educational Bedtime Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follows the adventures of a young boy named Peter who explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding of seasons, exploration and curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day, encouraging children to explore and appreciate the simple joys of nature.
  • Perfect for: Kids who delight in snow and outdoor adventures.

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Life Lessons
  • Synopsis: This story tells the life of Alice Rumphius, who sought to make the world more beautiful by planting lupine flowers everywhere she went.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, community service, personal responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to think about how they can contribute positively to the world, wrapped in a beautifully illustrated and gentle narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future environmentalists.

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Environmental
  • Synopsis: Through the voice of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees, this book explores the consequences of unchecked industrialization on the environment.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental ethics, responsibility, cause and effect
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, engaging tale that highlights the importance of taking care of our planet in a way that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Eco-conscious families and children interested in nature and conservation.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a love for science and inquiry, showing kids the importance of curiosity and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young girl from Korea, is nervous about being accepted in her new American school, so she decides to choose a new name. Her classmates help her realize the beauty and significance of her real name.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, self-acceptance, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about diversity and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Children navigating new environments and learning about cultural diversity.

Challenging Bedtime Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • 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: The text includes a rich vocabulary and complex themes such as friendship, loss, and the cycle of life, which are profound for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that teaches about compassion, creativity, and the importance of friendships.
  • Perfect for: Children who are animal lovers and those dealing with themes of friendship and loss.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and her school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is a terrifying bully. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power that she uses to defend her friends and punish the wicked adults in her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex language, a high level of wit, and dark humor that can be sophisticated for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's resilience and cleverness make it an inspiring story for children, promoting the value of education and courage in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity, and those who love a touch of magic.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with large ears, who loves music and reading. He falls in love with a human princess and sets out on a quest to rescue her from danger.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving multiple perspectives and a sophisticated plot that intertwines different characters' stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate tales of adventure and heroism.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and spoiled young girl, transforms into a kind-hearted character through her experiences in the hidden garden she discovers at her uncle's home. The garden becomes a place of healing not just for Mary but also for her cousin, Colin, who is believed to be perpetually ill.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses descriptive language and explores themes of loss, neglect, and rejuvenation, which are mature topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of transformation and the healing power of nature, encouraging personal growth and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of discovery and personal transformation.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a small mouse born into a human family, embarks on a series of adventures. His size and love of adventure bring both humorous and thrilling challenges to his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of fantasy and reality, along with the sophisticated themes of identity and adventure, make it a thought-provoking read for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and adventurous tale that celebrates individuality and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure and exploring new worlds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn bedtime reading into a nurturing routine that not only soothes your 6-year-old but also boosts their reading skills, you've come to the right place. Here are some simple exercises that can help develop good reading habits, making bedtime stories something both you and your child look forward to.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an enjoyable and anticipated event.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting it up to make it more personal and inviting.

• Choose Books Together
  • What it is: Involve your child in picking the books you'll read together.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of ownership and interest in the reading material.
  • Tips: Visit libraries or bookstores together, or browse online for new and exciting titles.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading, ask your child to predict what the book might be about based on the cover and title.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension skills and engages your child’s imagination.
  • Tips: Keep the predictions fun and light; there are no wrong answers here!

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Share the reading by taking turns to read aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves reading fluency and confidence.
  • Tips: Start with you reading and gradually increase the parts your child reads as they gain confidence.

• Post-Reading Discussion
  • What it is: Have a small discussion about the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions like "What was your favorite part?" or "Why did a character do something?"

• Act Out Scenes
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out their favorite scenes from the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the story and characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and interactive storytelling.

• Book-Related Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts related to the theme or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in retaining information and makes the reading experience more memorable.
  • Tips: Keep craft supplies handy and tie the activity directly to a significant aspect of the story.

Incorporating these exercises into your nightly reading routine can make bedtime a delightful learning experience for your child. Not only do these activities make reading more interactive, but they also instill a lifelong love for books and learning. Happy reading!