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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to delight the young horse enthusiast in your life? Look no further! Our roundup of horse books for 6-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that are sure to spark their imagination and love for these majestic animals. Whether your little one is a budding equestrian or just loves animal tales, we've got something that will gallop right into their heart. Keep reading to discover our various lists of horse books for 6-year-olds, each book promising adventure and joy!

Fun Horse Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Little Blue Truck navigates the challenges of the big city as he encounters bustling city vehicles and busy streets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about teamwork and handling busy, overwhelming situations, all through an engaging, rhythmic story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love trucks and adventure, and those learning about kindness and cooperation.

• Pony Brushes His Teeth by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Oriol Vidal
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This fun story follows Pony as he learns the importance of brushing his teeth, mimicking his dad’s every move.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for teaching children about daily routines and hygiene in a fun and relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning about personal care routines, and those who enjoy stories with animal characters.

• If I Ran the Horse Show by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Part of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, this book takes young readers on a fascinating ride through the world of horses, exploring different breeds and what makes horses unique.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun rhymes and educational content, making learning about horses an enjoyable experience.
  • Perfect for: Curious youngsters who have an interest in animals and science, and fans of Dr. Seuss's style.

• Noni the Pony by Alison Lester
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyming Story
  • Synopsis: Noni the Pony is friendly and funny. Her days are filled with fun and adventures with her friends on the farm.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, soothing text and charming illustrations make this a perfect bedtime story.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy gentle stories with rhythmic texts and those who love stories about friendship.

• Are You a Horse? by Andy Rash
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A hilarious tale of a birthday gift mix-up that leads Roy, a cowboy, on a quest to discover if his new gift, which is supposed to be a horse, really is one.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and engaging story that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter-filled stories and those learning to identify different animals.

Educational Horse Books for 6-Year-Olds

• A Horse Named Bob by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Claudia Wolf
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a girl named Jen who desperately wants a horse. She finds a scruffy horse named Bob and learns about responsibility and care.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Responsibility, animal care, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons through a heartwarming story about friendship and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of having a horse and those interested in stories about caring for animals.

• The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Folklore
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a Native American girl who has a deep affinity for wild horses and eventually becomes one with them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, nature appreciation, folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that celebrates cultural heritage and the spiritual connection between humans and nature.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in folklore and stories featuring strong bonds between humans and animals.

• Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Fritz, a plain but sure-footed pony, proves that being reliable and steady is more important than outward appearance when he saves the day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, understanding of inner value, compassion
  • Why we recommend this book: It emphasizes the importance of inner qualities over appearance through an engaging and beautifully illustrated narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love horses and tales that impart moral lessons.

• Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse by Rebecca Janni, illustrated by Lynne Avril
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this story, Nellie Sue does everything with a cowgirl flair, but what she really needs is a horse. On her birthday, she receives a bike instead and imagines it's her horse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, creativity, adaptability
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to use their imagination to turn everyday situations into extraordinary adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and aspiring cowgirls and cowboys who love creative play.

• My Pony by Susan Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: A young girl dreams of having a pony and experiences a magical adventure with a pony she draws herself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, art, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of imagination and art in achieving one's dreams, all wrapped in beautiful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who dreams of horses and magical adventures.

Challenging Horse Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by the horse Black Beauty, who experiences both cruelty and kindness from the humans he meets throughout his life. The story is a detailed account of the mistreatment of animals and the importance of humane treatment.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative employs Victorian English, which can be complex for young readers, and it deals with serious themes of animal welfare and ethics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that teaches empathy and the importance of kind treatment toward all creatures. The story also provides historical insights into human-animal relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young advanced readers who are passionate about animals and those interested in classic literature.

• The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: After being shipwrecked with a wild Arabian stallion, a young boy named Alec becomes bonded with the horse. Together, they survive on a deserted island and later return to America, where they work towards winning a race against the fastest horses in the nation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book includes complex themes of survival, bonding, and competition, along with some detailed descriptions of horse training and care.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exhilarating adventure story that also explores the deep bond between a boy and his horse, showcasing themes of perseverance and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling stories and those interested in stories about overcoming challenges.

• King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of the Godolphin Arabian, one of the founding sires of the modern Thoroughbred racehorse. The story is set in Morocco and follows the stallion and his mute stable boy, Agba, from Morocco to France and finally England.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features historical contexts and equestrian terminology that are advanced for young readers, along with themes of loyalty and determination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a captivating historical perspective on horse racing and breeding, wrapped in a tale of devotion and survival.
  • Perfect for: Young horse lovers who are interested in the history of horses and those who appreciate stories of loyalty and perseverance.

• Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Animal Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: This book follows the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe, siblings who aim to tame a wild horse on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. The horse, Misty, becomes a central part of their lives as they learn about the challenges and rewards of horse ownership.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes elements of rural life and animal care that are detailed and specific, providing a learning curve for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that captures the joys and hardships of living closely with nature and animals.
  • Perfect for: Children who dream of having their own horse and those who enjoy family-centric stories.

• Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This book is based on the true story of Justin Morgan, a teacher and horseman who develops a distinctive breed of horse, which would later become known as the Morgan horse. The story focuses on the relationship between Justin and his runt of a colt, which grows into a remarkable horse.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines historical facts with the narrative, introducing young readers to early American history and the specifics of horse breeding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of history and animal story, teaching about perseverance and the impact of humane treatment towards animals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history and those who love stories about underdogs.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your little one into a budding bookworm with a love for horse stories, here are some fun reading exercises tailored for 6-year-olds. These activities are designed to enhance their reading experience and develop good habits early on. Let's saddle up and dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child help in decorating the nook with their favorite cushions or horse-themed decorations.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Before reading, ask your child what they think will happen in the book based on the cover and title.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions after reading to see how the story matched their guesses.

• Character 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: Improves comprehension and makes the reading experience more engaging.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and immersive role-play.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the pages and discuss the pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and context before the actual reading begins.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to tell a story based on what they see in the pictures.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Share the task of reading aloud, with you and your child taking turns.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and fluency, and it's a great bonding activity.
  • Tips: Praise their efforts to boost confidence, regardless of mistakes.

• Book-Based Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts related to the theme or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Extends the reading experience and helps in retaining what they've read.
  • Tips: Use simple materials and guide them through the process, relating back to the story.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Pose questions about the plot, characters, and setting during and after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Keep questions simple and open-ended to encourage more thought and discussion.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's daily routine. With these activities, your little one will not only improve their reading skills but will also develop a love for stories, especially those enchanting horse tales. So, grab your favorite horse books and get started on this exciting reading adventure together! Happy reading!