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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime read that will thrill your little football fan? Look no further! Our curated selection of football story books for 6-year-olds is packed with exciting tales that capture the magic of the game. From backyard scrimmages to championship dreams, these books are sure to ignite a love of reading and football in your child. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will score big with your young reader!

Fun Football Story Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Terry’s Team by Jodie Parachini, illustrated by Caroline Pedler
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Terry wants to play football, but he's nervous about trying out for the school team. With encouragement from his friends and some practice, he discovers his true potential on the field.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches kids about perseverance and teamwork, making it a great motivational read.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and children who are apprehensive about trying new activities.

• My First Football Book by Sterling Children's
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: A simple introduction to the game of football, explaining the rules, the gear, and basic techniques through easy-to-understand language and illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down the complexities of football into manageable pieces for a young reader, sparking interest in the sport.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are new to football and looking to understand the game better.

• Sean Wants To Be Messi by Tanya Preminger, illustrated by Elettra Cudignotto
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Sean is a huge fan of Lionel Messi and dreams of becoming just like his hero. He practices daily, facing challenges and working hard to achieve his dream.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that encourages kids to dream big and work hard, with a relatable character who loves football.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young footballers and fans of Lionel Messi.

• Dino-Football by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: Dinosaurs playing football! In this imaginative book, the plant-eating Greenblades face the meat-eating Redscales in a prehistoric game of football.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines the excitement of football with the thrill of dinosaurs, making it incredibly fun to read.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dinosaurs and enjoy action-packed stories.

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A.G. Ford
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Set in a dusty South African township, a group of friends share their love for football by playing together, overcoming challenges that arise.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the power of friendship and community through the universal language of football.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate stories about friendship and cultural diversity.

Educational Football Story Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Football Boy Wonder by Martin Smith, illustrated by Charles Salter
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Charlie Fry battles an ongoing health issue while discovering his extraordinary talent for football.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, resilience, understanding of health challenges
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes an engaging football story with themes of overcoming personal obstacles, making it both entertaining and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love sports stories and overcoming challenges.

• Frankie's Magic Football: Frankie vs The Pirate Pillagers by Frank Lampard
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: Frankie and his friends find a magic football that takes them to different worlds where they play against fantastical opponents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, imagination, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy and sports, offering exciting adventures alongside lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy magical adventures and football.

• Billy and the Mini Monsters Play Football by Zanna Davidson, illustrated by Melanie Williamson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor, Sports
  • Synopsis: Billy and his tiny monster friends tackle a big football game, where teamwork and fun are more important than winning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, sportsmanship, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted, fun-filled story that emphasizes the joy of playing sports with friends.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy laughter with their sports stories.

• Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom: Ben Plays Football by Neville Astley and Mark Baker
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Sports
  • Synopsis: Ben Elf joins a football game in the Little Kingdom, learning the importance of playing fair and having fun.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fair play, enjoyment in activities, basic football rules
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that introduces young children to the concepts of fairness and fun in sports.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and fans of the "Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom" series.

• Agent Moose and the Football Flop by Mo O’Hara, illustrated by Jess Bradley
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Mystery, Sports
  • Synopsis: Agent Moose, the best (and only) secret agent at Woodland HQ, is on a case to find out who is trying to sabotage the big football match.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding sportsmanship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical blend of mystery and football, making it perfect for engaging young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good mystery and enjoy football.

Challenging Football Story Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 1: Kevin the Star Striker by Joachim Masannek, illustrated by Jan Birck
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Kevin and his friends form a soccer team to challenge the unbeatable "Unbeatables." The story combines intense soccer action with the drama of overcoming tough rivals.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex team dynamics and strategic thinking, which are advanced concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases teamwork, strategy, and perseverance through thrilling soccer matches, offering both excitement and valuable lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young soccer enthusiasts who are ready for a more complex and engaging story.

• Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Renato Alarcão
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Paulo dreams of becoming a soccer star and escaping poverty, but his daily life is a challenge. The story captures his journey and the power of his dreams.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles themes of poverty and aspiration, presenting a deeper social context that challenges young readers to think beyond just the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into how sports can provide hope and change lives.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in stories that combine real-life challenges with sports.

• Max and the Soccer Twins by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Santiago Cohen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Max is excited to join a new soccer team but soon finds out he has to play against his talented twin friends in the championship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book explores themes of competition, jealousy, and friendship through a more sophisticated narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about sportsmanship and the importance of friendship over winning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about sports and personal growth.

• Luca, Soccer Star by Lisa Joy, illustrated by Alessia Girasole
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Luca struggles to balance his love for soccer with his school responsibilities and friendships, learning important life lessons along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces the concept of balance and priorities, which are advanced life skills for young children to contemplate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the importance of balancing various aspects of life, which is a crucial lesson for children at any age.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who are interested in stories about personal development and soccer.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to make reading football storybooks more engaging for your 6-year-old, I've got some fun exercises that can help. These activities are designed not only to keep them interested but also to develop strong reading habits early on. Let’s kick off!

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the sequence of events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand the structure of the story and remember the details.
  • Tips: Use simple symbols or pictures to represent different parts of the story.

• Character Match-up
  • What it is: Match characters from the story with their traits or actions.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall abilities by associating characters with specific behaviors.
  • Tips: Use flashcards with character names on one side and their traits or actions on the other.

• Story Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of their favorite character.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper engagement with the text and helps with emotional understanding.
  • Tips: Keep props handy that relate to the football theme to make the role play more exciting.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer for a fun, uninterrupted reading sprint.
  • How it helps: Builds concentration and can turn reading into a fun, game-like activity.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase as your child becomes more comfortable.

• Book-Based Drawing Session
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters based on the child’s interpretation of the book.
  • How it helps: Fosters creativity and helps children visualize textual content, enhancing memory.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to show the value you place on their efforts and interpretations.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make learning from football storybooks a dynamic and enjoyable experience. Not only will these activities keep them engaged, but they'll also build foundational skills that enhance their reading capabilities. Give them a try and watch your little reader grow!