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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect graphic books for 6-year-olds that will keep your little one engaged and excited about reading? You've come to the right place! Whether your child is a budding reader or a mini artist, graphic books can wonderfully blend captivating images with fun stories, making reading a delight. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections of graphic books tailored just for 6-year-olds, and find the perfect addition to your child's bookshelf!

Fun Graphic Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series features a canine superhero who is part dog, part man, and all hero. With his friends, Dog Man fights against various villains and faces many funny adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and action which makes reading enjoyable and engaging for kids, encouraging them to love reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love superheroes and laughter.

• Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A happy-go-lucky Narwhal and a no-nonsense Jellyfish are the best of friends. The book follows their adventures in the ocean, filled with silliness and fun.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple text and charming illustrations are ideal for early readers, making reading a fun activity rather than a chore.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about friendship and fantastical creatures.

• The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Magnolia has a secret—she’s also the Princess in Black, a superhero who fights monsters. This series blends princess and superhero themes, showcasing adventures that keep young readers hooked.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks stereotypes and promotes a message of empowerment and bravery, perfect for encouraging young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like stories about princesses and superheroes.

• Owly by Andy Runton
  • Genre(s): Silent (Wordless), Adventure, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Owly is a kind-hearted owl who goes on adventures and helps other creatures with his best friend, Wormy. The stories are told through expressive, wordless comics.
  • Why we recommend this book: The lack of text helps develop interpretation skills and imagination, making it a great tool for pre-readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just starting to read and enjoy visual storytelling.

• Hello, Crabby! by Jonathan Fenske
  • Genre(s): Humor, Early Reader
  • Synopsis: Follow the grumpy crab, Crabby, as he encounters everyday problems which are solved in humorous and surprising ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple dialogue and funny illustrations make reading enjoyable and accessible for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny characters and are beginning to read independently.

Educational Graphic Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Little Robot by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl befriends a lost robot in this charming graphic novel. Together, they explore friendship and face challenges that test their bond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, friendship dynamics, basic robotics and engineering concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful artwork with a heartwarming story, making complex subjects like robotics accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and technology, as well as stories about friendship.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she's transported to a distant world besieged by aliens and needs to save her abducted friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage, leadership, and space exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an action-packed adventure that also teaches important values like bravery and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of space and enjoy thrilling adventures.

• Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Humor, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Binky, a house cat, believes he's a space cat. The graphic novel follows his hilarious attempts to protect his human family from alien threats, which are really just bugs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, humor, understanding of household pets and their behaviors
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous take on a cat’s perspective of the world, encouraging laughter and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers with a good sense of humor.

• The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Polo the dog has exciting adventures in this wordless graphic novel, traveling in his magical boat and meeting new friends along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual literacy, imagination, storytelling without words
  • Why we recommend this book: Its wordless narrative encourages children to construct their own stories, enhancing creativity and comprehension.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young adventurers who enjoy creating their own narratives.

• Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Hilda, a fearless blue-haired girl, lives in a world where she meets mysterious creatures like trolls and giants. The story follows her adventures and the magical encounters she experiences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mythology, bravery, exploration of nature and the supernatural
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends whimsical storytelling with enchanting art, captivating young readers while introducing them to mythical creatures.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and magical adventures.

Challenging Graphic Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Only Living Girl by David Gallaher, illustrated by Steve Ellis
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: On a mysterious patchwork planet, Zandra 'Zee' Parfitt is one of the last human survivors and must use her scientific background to unravel the secrets of the planet and find a way to survive.
  • Why this book is challenging: This graphic novel introduces complex scientific concepts and a sophisticated plot that challenges young readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters a love for science and exploration while developing problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and adventurers who crave a challenge.

• Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Jack might be the only kid in the world who's dreading summer. But he's got a good reason: summer is when his single mom takes a second job and leaves him at home to watch his autistic sister, Maddy. Maddy doesn't talk much, but she does love to read her picture books. One day at the flea market, she tells Jack to trade their mom's car for a box of mysterious seeds. It's the best mistake Jack has ever made.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story deals with themes of responsibility and sacrifice, presented through a magical, yet complex narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an engaging, magical adventure with real-life challenges that resonate with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy magical tales and are learning about responsibility.

• Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre, illustrated by Rafael Rosado
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudette wants nothing more than to slay a giant but she'll face more than just giants on her quest. Alongside her brother Gaston and her best friend Marie, Claudette tackles the real challenges she faces on her adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features nuanced characters and a plot that encourages deep thinking about bravery and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers action-packed scenes and a strong female lead who challenges traditional roles and expectations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and strong heroines.

• The Secret of the Stone Frog by David Nytra
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Leah and Alan awaken in an enchanted forest, they encounter strange creatures and must navigate their way home by following the path of the stone frogs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate black-and-white illustrations and surreal, dream-like narrative offer a unique reading experience that requires interpretation and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances visual literacy and encourages creativity through its detailed artwork and imaginative plot.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visually driven stories and exploring fantastical worlds.

• The Wormworld Saga by Daniel Lieske
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Jonas is a young boy who discovers a portal to another world in his grandmother's attic, leading him on an epic adventure in a land of danger and wonder.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features a complex world with a detailed backstory and a wide array of characters, each adding depth to the plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly illustrated and captivating narrative that stimulates the imagination and encourages exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and fans of detailed fantasy worlds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to spice up reading time for your 6-year-old, graphic books are a fantastic choice! They combine vibrant illustrations with engaging stories, making reading a fun-filled adventure. To make the most out of these colorful reads, here are some exercises that can help develop good reading habits in young readers.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you flip through the book, looking at pictures to predict the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and sets the stage for understanding the story.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what might happen in the story based on the pictures.

• Character Match
  • What it is: Create cards with character names and another set with pictures; mix them up for matching.
  • How it helps: Helps with character recognition and improves memory.
  • Tips: Turn it into a fun game by timing how fast they can match all the cards.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map or a timeline based on the sequence of events in the book.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the plot and helps in sequencing events.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or stickers to make the activity more engaging.

• Comic Strip Summary
  • What it is: After reading, the child creates a mini-comic strip summarizing the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with summarization skills.
  • Tips: Provide them with blank panels and let their imagination fill them in.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading interactive.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your child's life. By integrating these fun activities, you're setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading. So, grab a graphic book and let these exercises turn those pages into a playground of imagination for your little one! Happy reading!