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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English books for 6-year-olds that will keep your little one engaged and excited about reading? You've come to the right place! Whether you're looking to spark imagination or build early reading skills, we've curated a variety of lists just for you. Keep reading to discover our top picks of English books for 6-year-olds that are sure to captivate and educate your budding reader.

Fun English Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Illustrator: 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 dealing with feelings.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love letting their imaginations run wild and those who sometimes feel a little wild themselves.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Illustrator: Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a simple and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy learning about nature and those beginning to learn numbers and time concepts.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Rhyme, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently tries to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhymic text makes it an excellent choice for beginning readers, and it humorously encourages trying new things.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are picky eaters or reluctant to try new experiences.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
  • Illustrator: Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime story, Fiction
  • Synopsis: In a great green room, a young bunny says goodnight to all the familiar things in the softly lit room.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words and calming pace make it a perfect bedtime read, helping children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who need a soothing story to help them settle down for the night.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Illustrator: Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animals
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden and faces the consequences of his actions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches moral lessons about the consequences of misbehaving, all wrapped up in engaging, beautifully illustrated animal adventures.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about animals and those learning about right and wrong.

Educational English Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
  • Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: The letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? As the alphabet climbs up, the tree starts to bend and the chaotic adventure begins.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, early reading skills, rhythm and rhyme
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lively and rhythmic story that makes learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who are starting to learn the alphabet.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
  • Illustrator: Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Cause and effect, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book explores the chain of events that unfolds when a boy gives a cookie to a demanding mouse, leading to increasingly whimsical requests.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of cause and effect, sequencing, prediction skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about consequences and the sequence of actions in a fun and humorous way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with playful scenarios and those learning to predict outcomes and understand logical sequences.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Diversity
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Peter explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season, experiencing the simple joys and adventures of a snowy day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, exploration and discovery, diversity awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day, encouraging outdoor play and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy snowy adventures and those learning about diverse cultures and settings.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
  • Illustrator: Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern book, Animal recognition
  • Synopsis: A teacher and her students explore the colors and creatures they see around them, creating a pattern of repetitive questions and answers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color and animal recognition, early reading skills, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and predictable text helps children anticipate what comes next, making it great for early readers.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are beginning to learn colors, animals, and enjoying rhythmic, repetitive texts.

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Illustrator: Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Life lessons, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows Alice Rumphius, who longs to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. She accomplishes all three by scattering lupine seeds everywhere she goes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, sense of responsibility, inspiration to make the world a better place
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to think about how they can contribute positively to the world while sharing the beauty of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and nature lovers who are inspired by stories of adventure and beautification.

Challenging English Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classics
  • 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 him in her web to persuade the farmer to save his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text introduces a richer vocabulary and a complex narrative structure compared to typical books for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship, loss, and survival, providing emotional depth and moral lessons.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who are ready for more complex stories and those interested in animal characters and farm life.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classics
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy, mysterious house. She discovers a neglected garden and, along with her sickly cousin and a local boy, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features some archaic language and themes of loss and rejuvenation that might be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story encourages outdoor exploration and healing through nature, and it offers a compelling narrative of transformation and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy mystery and stories about friendship and the healing power of nature.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, embarks on several adventures, including a quest to find his bird friend, Margalo. His size brings unique challenges and perspectives to his adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates elements of fantasy with real-world settings, creating a blend that requires imaginative thinking and understanding of nuanced themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of adventure and courage with a unique protagonist, which helps cultivate imagination and empathy in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure stories with animal characters and those who enjoy tales that blend fantasy with reality.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her family. At school, she faces a cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda discovers she has the power of telekinesis and uses it to stand up to her bullies and change her destiny.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of abuse and resistance in a child-friendly format, introducing complex moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's resilience and cleverness make her a fantastic role model for young readers, encouraging them to embrace their intelligence and stand up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity and those who appreciate a little bit of magic in real-life scenarios.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classics
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the adventures of four animals—Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the irrepressible Toad. Their escapades through the English countryside offer excitement and reflection on the changing seasons of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is descriptive and uses a rich vocabulary that is not typically found in children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about friendship, adventure, and respect for nature, all wrapped in beautifully written prose.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories set in nature and those who are ready to tackle more sophisticated language and themes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to get your 6-year-old excited about reading, you've come to the right place! Below are some fun and effective exercises designed to help young readers develop good reading habits. Let's dive in!

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read a book aloud with your child, taking turns to read pages or paragraphs.
  • How it helps: This exercise improves vocabulary and helps children understand the flow of language.
  • Tips: Choose books with engaging dialogue and pictures to keep the reading session interactive.

• Picture Book Scavenger Hunt
  • What it is: Create a list of items for your child to find within the pictures of a particular book.
  • How it helps: Enhances observational skills and makes the reading process more engaging.
  • Tips: Keep the list simple and fun; reward them with a small treat for finding all items.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before turning a page, ask your child what they think will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages imaginative thinking and helps develop prediction skills.
  • Tips: Show enthusiasm for any ideas they come up with, whether they're right or wrong.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: After reading a book, act out scenes with your child, each of you playing different characters.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding character development and emotional empathy.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and memorable.

• Word Hunt
  • What it is: Have your child pick out new or interesting words from the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and aids in recognizing sight words.
  • Tips: Help them create a small notebook or a wall chart to keep track of the words they learn.

• Create a Book Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home where your child can comfortably read.
  • How it helps: Encourages a routine and creates a personalized space for reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, toys, or decorations.

These exercises are not only educational but also a great way to bond with your child. Remember, the key to developing good reading habits is consistency and making sure the reading experience is always enjoyable. Have fun exploring the magical world of books together!