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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect dinosaur books for 6-year-olds? You're in luck! Whether your little paleontologist is just starting to explore the prehistoric world or already has a favorite dinosaur, we've got a selection that will captivate and educate. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of dinosaur books that promise to spark curiosity and adventure in every young reader.

Fun Dinosaur Books for 6-Year-Olds

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by Franco Tempesta
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, ranging from small, feathered creatures to the giant sauropods, with simple text and vibrant illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's tailored to fit the learning styles of younger children, with engaging facts and interactive questions that make learning about dinosaurs fun and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds who have a budding interest in science and the natural world.

• Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: In this lively rhyming book, dinosaurs come to life with zippy, zappy, and snappy beats, inviting kids to join in the dance and excitement.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, rhyming text promotes phonemic awareness and early reading skills, all while providing a fun, energetic reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Energetic kids who enjoy stories with rhythm, rhyme, and lots of action.

• How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This charming story explores bedtime routines as different dinosaur children prepare for bed in humorous and relatable ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends delightful storytelling with behavioral lessons, making bedtime routines fun and encouraging good nighttime habits.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who love dinosaurs and parents who appreciate a story that makes bedtime a little easier.

• The Dinosaur Who Lived in My Backyard by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Susan Davis
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A young boy imagines that a dinosaur once lived in his backyard, leading to a whimsical exploration of what life with a dinosaur might have been like.
  • Why we recommend this book: The imaginative scenario helps spark creativity and curiosity about history and paleontology in a very personal, relatable setting.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative children who enjoy creating their own worlds and stories.

• Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This hilarious tale theorizes a funny reason why dinosaurs became extinct— their love for underpants causes a comical conflict.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces history and paleontology in a light-hearted, humorous way that will capture the attention and laughter of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and parents who value educational content delivered in an entertaining way.

Educational Dinosaur Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this first book of the Magic Tree House series, siblings Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that transport them back to the age of the dinosaurs. They embark on a thrilling adventure to learn about different dinosaur species and how they lived.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, historical knowledge about dinosaurs, imagination and creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with educational content, making learning about dinosaurs an exciting adventure for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love stories that blend learning with magical journeys.

• The Berenstain Bears' Dinosaur Dig by Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: The Bear family visits a dinosaur dig at the museum and learns about paleontology, the process of digging up dinosaur bones, and the creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of paleontology, scientific inquiry, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to scientific exploration and paleontology, presented in a fun and familiar context with the beloved Berenstain Bears.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the Berenstain Bears series who are curious about science and dinosaurs.

• Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs by Tedd Arnold
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Fly Guy and Buzz visit a natural history museum to learn all about dinosaurs. The book provides facts about different dinosaur species, their environments, and what scientists have learned from fossils.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fact-finding, critical thinking, understanding scientific evidence
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents factual, scientific information in a highly engaging format for young readers, with fun illustrations and characters they'll love.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who enjoy learning facts through stories and engaging characters.

• Dinosaur A-Z by Roger Priddy
  • Genre(s): Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun way to learn about the alphabet and dinosaurs simultaneously, with each letter representing a different dinosaur. It provides interesting facts about each dinosaur, including how to pronounce their names.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, vocabulary, pronunciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent resource for both dinosaur enthusiasts and early readers, helping them learn about dinosaurs while practicing the alphabet.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early elementary students who are beginning to read and have an interest in dinosaurs.

Challenging Dinosaur Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical, Biographical
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Waterhouse Hawkins, an artist and scientist who built the first life-sized dinosaur models in the 1800s, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early days of paleontology.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines complex historical and scientific concepts, introducing young readers to biographical and historical storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique blend of art, science, and history, inspiring creativity and a deeper appreciation for the pioneers of paleontology.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and budding scientists interested in both the history of dinosaurs and the people who studied them.

• When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach, illustrated by David Small
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Imagine a world where instead of balloons or stickers, kids get a real dinosaur with every purchase! This book explores a day in the life of a boy who experiences just that.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book encourages imaginative thinking and problem-solving, as children consider what it would be like to live with dinosaurs today.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, imaginative story that encourages creativity and whimsy, making the concept of dinosaurs more accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love fantastical scenarios and exploring "what if" questions.

• Atlas of Dinosaur Adventures by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: Step into the prehistoric world with this atlas that takes readers on a continent-by-continent journey exploring different dinosaurs and their habitats.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed geographic and paleontologic information, requiring readers to understand complex concepts about Earth’s history and dinosaur biology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands a child’s understanding of geography and paleontology through beautifully illustrated maps and engaging, informative narratives.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are not only fascinated by dinosaurs but also eager to learn about the world they inhabited.

• Dinosaur Atlas by Anne Rooney, illustrated by James Gilleard
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive atlas provides detailed information about the dinosaurs from each continent, including recent paleontological finds and insights into the ancient ecosystems.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes up-to-date scientific research and terminology that can stretch the comprehension of young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive look at dinosaurs globally, encouraging a scientific mindset and curiosity about the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Detail-oriented kids who love facts and are ready to dive deeper into the study of dinosaurs.

• Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages by Dr. Thomas R. Holtz Jr., illustrated by Luis V. Rey
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Encyclopedia
  • Synopsis: This detailed encyclopedia presents the latest research and discoveries in the field of dinosaurs, with in-depth profiles on numerous species.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses scientific language and detailed descriptions that are more advanced, suited to readers who can handle more complex information.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thorough and up-to-date resource that provides young readers with a wealth of information about dinosaurs, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these ancient creatures.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring paleontologists and any young reader who craves a more sophisticated understanding of dinosaurs beyond basic facts.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of dinosaurs with your 6-year-old, enhancing their reading experience can be both fun and educational. Here are some engaging exercises to pair with their dinosaur books that not only make reading more enjoyable but also help develop strong reading habits.

• Create a Dinosaur Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner dedicated to reading dinosaur books.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and exciting event.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the nook with dinosaur posters or toys to make it inviting.

• Dinosaur Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new words found in dinosaur books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Review the list together and try using the words in sentences.

• Match the Fact
  • What it is: Create a matching game with facts from the dinosaur books.
  • How it helps: Reinforces information retention and comprehension.
  • Tips: Use index cards for a fun and interactive game.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters based on the dinosaur stories read.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with visualizing text.
  • Tips: Display the drawings near the reading nook for added inspiration.

• Story Retell Time
  • What it is: Encourage your child to retell the dinosaur story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of narrative structure.
  • Tips: Ask questions during the retell to guide and develop their narrative skills.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading dinosaur books aloud together.
  • How it helps: Builds reading confidence and bonding over shared interests.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make it more engaging.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these playful and educational activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. Enjoy exploring the prehistoric with your little one!