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

Looking for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the joy of reading? You're in the right place! Our guide to easy books for 6-year-olds is packed with delightful picks that are just right for early readers. Whether you're on the hunt for bedtime stories or just something new for daytime reading, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our favorite easy books for 6-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire young minds!

Fun Easy Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows another character throughout the book, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and simple language makes it perfect for early readers, helping to build confidence and recognition of sight words.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy playful, rhythmic stories.

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max dresses in a wolf suit, causes mischief, and is sent to bed without dinner. 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 in a way that's accessible to young minds.
  • Perfect for: Children who love letting their imaginations run wild and exploring fantastical worlds.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a caterpillar eating his way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches days of the week, counting, and the process of metamorphosis in a simple and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about nature.

• 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 deep friendship between a frog and a toad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for developing early reading skills and teaches valuable lessons about friendship and the importance of caring for others.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are beginning to read independently and enjoy stories about friendship.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a contest and gets a tour of Willy Wonka's magical chocolate factory along with four other children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks creativity and imagination with its whimsical storyline and eccentric characters.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magical adventures and dreaming about the impossible.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Animal tales, Classic
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden and finds himself in various troubles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to natural consequences and promotes an interest in the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about animals and playful mischief.

Educational Easy Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: In this lively story, the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? As the letters pile up, the tree bends and the chaotic adventure begins!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and rhyme, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and rhythmic way to help children learn the alphabet while enjoying the playful antics of the letters.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who are learning the alphabet and enjoy rhythmic, lively stories.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture book
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, a pigeon makes several humorous attempts to get behind the wheel. The reader gets to interact with the pigeon, telling him "no" to driving the bus.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, responsibility, reader interaction
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages children directly, making them part of the story while teaching about responsibility and consequences.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive stories and laughing at silly scenarios.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern book, Animal book
  • Synopsis: A teacher and various colorful animals including a brown bear, a red bird, and a goldfish are sequentially asked what they see, introducing children to a pattern of repetition and colorful creatures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Pattern recognition, color identification, animal names
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightfully simple repetitive pattern book that helps with memorization and learning colors and animals.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to recognize colors, animals, and enjoy repetitive, rhythmic texts.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book captures the adventures of a little boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploring new experiences, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the wonder and excitement a child feels during a snowy day through simple, engaging text and charming illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love snowy days and exploring the world around them.

• 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 of saying "goodnight" to everything visible from his room and in his great green room.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Routine establishment, calming down techniques, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic bedtime story that uses gentle repetition and calming rhythm to help children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children who benefit from a bedtime routine and enjoy soothing bedtime stories.

Challenging Easy Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude, distant family. Matilda develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome obstacles and stand up against her oppressive school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex vocabulary and themes of justice and personal empowerment, which are advanced for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's resilience and intelligence make her a fantastic role model for young readers. The story encourages a love for reading and standing up for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young advanced readers who enjoy stories about triumph over adversity and magical adventures.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they devise a plan to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces invented words and a unique linguistic style that requires more advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship and courage, packed with imagination and linguistic play that can enhance cognitive development.
  • Perfect for: Children who love creative language and fantastical plots.

• 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 themes of friendship, loss, and mortality, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as friendship, compassion, and the reality of life and death, all handled delicately for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are emotionally mature and can handle slightly more complex narratives.

• 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 friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of fantasy elements with real-world settings introduces abstract thinking and philosophical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of adventure and determination, showcasing that size does not limit capability and that friendship transcends species.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventure tales and thinking about larger existential questions.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Lauren Child
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an eccentric, super-strong, and cheerful girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey. The book details her adventures with her neighbors, Tommy and Annika.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's unconventional lifestyle and the book's humorous exploration of independence and self-sufficiency present complex ideas to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Pippi Longstocking encourages imagination and self-confidence, showing that different doesn't mean less valuable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who value independence and have a quirky sense of humor.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When you're introducing your 6-year-old to the world of reading, it's not just about picking the right books but also about engaging them in a way that turns reading into a fun and habitual activity. Here are some simple exercises that can help your child develop good reading habits while keeping the process enjoyable:

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read a book aloud to your child or take turns reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to make the story more interesting.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as characters from the book you are reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper connection with the story and characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes and act out favorite scenes.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause your reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Discuss why each of you thinks your prediction might come true.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters based on the story you're reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes the reading experience more interactive.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paints for illustration.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books read or time spent reading.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and establishes a reading routine.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching reading milestones.

• Book Choice Night
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose any book they want to read for the evening.
  • How it helps: Encourages independence and interest in reading.
  • Tips: Guide them towards age-appropriate books but let them make the final choice.

• Question Time
  • What it is: Ask questions about the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Keep questions simple and related to the story’s events or characters.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you not only make reading a more dynamic and engaging activity for your 6-year-old but also lay a strong foundation for their future reading habits. Have fun exploring new stories and watch as your child's love for reading grows!