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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect French books for 6-year-olds to captivate the young minds in your life? Whether you're aiming to introduce a new language or nurture a growing interest in French culture, finding age-appropriate and engaging books can be a delightful adventure. Keep reading as we explore a variety of French books for 6-year-olds that are sure to enchant and educate.

Fun French Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning about the bizarre behavior of adults.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and introduces philosophical concepts in a way that is accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and thinkers, and any child who wonders about the wider world.

• La Belle Lisse Poire du Prince de Motordu by Pef
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Prince de Motordu who lives in a bizarre world where words are delightfully twisted into funny shapes and meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful introduction to wordplay and puns, encouraging creative thinking and language skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love silliness and playing with words.

• Max et Lili veulent tout tout de suite by Dominique de Saint Mars, illustrated by Serge Bloch
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This book in the popular Max et Lili series deals with the issue of patience and the importance of waiting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons about patience and the rewards of waiting, wrapped in an engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Impatient youngsters who want everything right away.

• Cornebidouille by Pierre Bertrand, illustrated by Magali Bonniol
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: When a young boy refuses to eat his soup, the soup witch Cornebidouille comes to confront him, leading to hilarious consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a touch of rebellion, making it a delightful read that also subtly encourages good eating habits.
  • Perfect for: Picky eaters and any child who enjoys a good laugh.

• T'choupi va sur le pot by Thierry Courtin
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Educational
  • Synopsis: T'choupi, the beloved character, faces the challenge of transitioning from diapers to using the potty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for parents and children going through potty training, offering a comforting and relatable story.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are in the process of potty training.

Educational French Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Mon Grand Livre de Mots by Richard Scarry
  • Genre(s): Educational, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This large, colorful book is filled with detailed illustrations depicting various scenes, each teeming with numerous objects all labeled in French.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary expansion, object identification, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visual feast that captivates young minds while simultaneously enhancing their French vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and beginners in French language.

• Roule Galette by Natha Caputo, illustrated by Pierre Belvès
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Folklore
  • Synopsis: A freshly baked galette (cake) escapes from an old woman's oven and rolls through the countryside, encountering various animals along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sequence of events, animal vocabulary, cultural knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that introduces children to repetitive narrative structure, making it easier for them to predict text and engage with the story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with rhythm and repetition.

• Je suis en CP series by Magdalena, illustrated by Emmanuel Ristord
  • Genre(s): Educational, Early Reader
  • Synopsis: This series follows the adventures of first graders as they navigate school life and learn new concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, social skills, understanding school routines
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book is tailored to help beginning readers grow confident in their reading abilities while learning about everyday school experiences.
  • Perfect for: Beginning readers and children about to start or currently in primary school.

• Monsieur Madame series by Roger Hargreaves
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Each book in this series introduces a character with a distinct personality trait, leading to whimsical and often humorous scenarios.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Character traits, emotional intelligence, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: The series is great for discussing emotions and behaviors, encouraging children to reflect on their own actions and feelings.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy creative stories and exploring different characters.

• Le Loup qui voulait faire le tour du monde by Orianne Lallemand, illustrated by Éléonore Thuillier
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story follows a wolf with a wanderlust as he travels around the world, experiencing different cultures and meeting new friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, geography, friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging adventure that broadens horizons and teaches about diversity and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about the world and different cultures.

Challenging French Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Zélie et Compagnie: La Rentrée des Classes by Dominique de Saint Mars, illustrated by Serge Bloch
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Educational
  • Synopsis: Zélie dreads the start of a new school year, but soon discovers it's filled with new friends and exciting opportunities.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces complex social situations and emotional dynamics that challenge young readers to think critically about relationships and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children navigate their feelings about school and social interactions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are apprehensive about school or social changes.

• Les Contes de la rue Broca by Pierre Gripari, illustrated by Puig Rosado
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore
  • Synopsis: This collection of whimsical and enchanting tales includes stories of witches, talking objects, and magical happenings in the streets of Paris.
  • Why this is challenging: The narrative structure and rich language provide a more complex reading experience that requires advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination with its creative and unpredictable stories, while enhancing vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and mystery, and those looking to improve their narrative comprehension skills.

• Le Jardin Secret by Frances Hodgson Burnett, adapted by Sophie Koechlin, illustrated by Charlotte Gastaut
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this adapted version of the classic, a young girl discovers a hidden garden and, through nurturing it, she heals herself and others around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The adaptation retains the sophisticated themes and rich descriptions of the original, providing a dense narrative that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages perseverance and empathy, and the beautiful illustrations help bring the detailed setting to life.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy detailed descriptions and complex narratives.

• Le Mystérieux Cercle Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart, adapted by Madeleine L'Engle, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited for a secret mission that involves going undercover at a mysterious institute.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thrilling and intellectually stimulating, perfect for nurturing a child's analytical and deductive reasoning skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains to solve complex problems.

• L'Étrange Histoire de l'Île Panorama by Edogawa Ranpo, adapted by Marianne Kretz, illustrated by Mitsuaki Iwago
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Horror
  • Synopsis: Adapted from a Japanese classic, this story follows a man who visits a mysterious island only to uncover its horrifying secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces elements of psychological horror and complex themes that are typically not explored in children's literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique cultural perspective and challenges young readers to step outside their comfort zone, enhancing critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in suspenseful stories and exploring different cultural narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying French books, here are some fun and effective exercises you can try. These activities are designed to make reading a regular and enjoyable part of your child's daily routine.

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day when you read a French book together.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Let your child pick the book sometimes to boost their engagement.

• 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 items around the house for costumes to make it simple and fun.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Ask questions to guide them if they get stuck.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and recall of the story.
  • Tips: Display their artwork to celebrate their efforts and boost confidence.

• Book-Based Puzzles
  • What it is: Create puzzles based on the story, like word searches or matching games.
  • How it helps: Makes learning new words fun and interactive.
  • Tips: Use bright colors and big pieces to keep it engaging and age-appropriate.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading time can make learning French fun and effective for your child. They'll not only improve their language skills but also look forward to each reading session. Enjoy the journey of exploring new stories together!