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

Are you on the hunt for interesting books for 6-year-olds that will capture their imagination and nurture their love for reading? You're in the right place! Whether you're looking to stock up on bedtime stories or find new favorites for quiet time, we've curated a variety of captivating reads perfect for young readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks of interesting books for 6-year-olds that are sure to engage and entertain!

Fun Interesting Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf costume, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a magical forest, leading him to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It unleashes the power of imagination and creativity, showing children the importance of adventure and the comfort of home.
  • Perfect for: Children with wild imaginations and a love for adventures.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book follows a caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before finally becoming a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches numbers, days of the week, food items, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about nature.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently tries to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with a variety of dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to try new things and teaches persistence and the benefits of keeping an open mind.
  • Perfect for: Picky eaters and young readers who enjoy rhymes and repetitive patterns.

• Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, illustrated by E.H. Shepard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: The adventures of a teddy bear called Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, filled with warmth and humor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship and innocence in a way that resonates with young children.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendship.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Cause and Effect
  • Synopsis: A boy gives a cookie to a mouse, setting off a chain of events where the mouse keeps asking for more things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to the concept of cause and effect in a humorous and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories that involve a sequence of actions and playful scenarios.

Educational Interesting Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, curiosity about how things work
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in science, which is crucial for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds who ask "why," "how," and "what if?"

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: A boy named Duncan finds out that his crayons have feelings and problems of their own, as each crayon writes him a letter expressing their concerns.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, problem-solving, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and imaginative story that encourages empathy and creative solutions to problems.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love to draw and color, and those who enjoy unique perspectives.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. In her quest to build amazing gadgets, she learns about the importance of perseverance and the value of failure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering principles, creativity, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kids that failure is a necessary step towards success and boosts their confidence in solving problems.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and inventors, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • 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, experiential learning, appreciation for nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love exploring and experiencing the wonders of nature.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, a pigeon makes several humorous attempts to get permission to drive the bus, despite being told not to.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, understanding rules, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s interactive and funny, encouraging children to participate in the story by saying "no" to the pigeon’s silly requests.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy interactive reading and those who love laughter and silliness.

Challenging Interesting Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • 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 Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of friendship, loss, and mortality, woven through sophisticated language and a rich narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about compassion, the value of friendship, and the impact of selflessness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore deeper themes and appreciate a classic tale of friendship.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures in a castle full of characters with their own tales, including a servant girl who wishes to be a princess and a devious rat bent on revenge.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative's intricate plot and eloquent language, along with its philosophical underpinnings, make it a stimulating read for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to be brave and to follow their dreams, all while engaging them with its beautiful storytelling and complex characters.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and those who are not afraid of a bit of darkness mixed with their adventure.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and spoiled young girl, transforms into a kind-hearted character after discovering a neglected garden on her uncle's estate. As she brings the garden back to life, she also heals herself and her ailing cousin, Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of descriptive language and themes of loss, rejuvenation, and healing are woven throughout this complex narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the therapeutic power of nature and shows how nurturing something can help heal one's own heart and body.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in stories of transformation and the magic of nature.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel school headmistress. She discovers she has the power of telekinesis and uses it to stand up to the adults who do her wrong.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich language and a complex protagonist who faces serious challenges, including family neglect and bullying.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's resilience and cleverness make her a fantastic role model for young readers. The story is also filled with humor and a sense of justice.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who appreciate a mix of humor and justice, and those who enjoy seeing the underdog triumph.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, navigates the challenges of being small in a big world as he embarks on an adventure in search of his lost friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of fantasy and reality, along with themes of identity and belonging, challenge young readers to think critically about the world around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of adventure and courage that encourages readers to be confident in who they are and to always be kind-hearted.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and thinkers who love stories where the small and mighty prevail.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to spark a love for reading in your 6-year-old, you've come to the right place. Incorporating fun reading exercises can not only enhance their skills but also make the process enjoyable. Here are some engaging exercises tailored for young readers:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flipping through the book and talking about the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to stimulate curiosity and imagination.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Finding items around the house that start with the same letter or sound as words in the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces phonics and sound recognition.
  • Tips: Keep this playful and use items your child is already familiar with.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Drawing a map or timeline of the events in the story.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and ability to sequence events.
  • Tips: Use large paper and colorful markers to make it more engaging.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Acting out scenes from the book with costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of characters and plot.
  • Tips: Let your child take the lead in choosing scenes and characters to act out.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Taking turns reading pages or sentences with your child.
  • How it helps: Builds fluency and confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Show enthusiasm and use expressive voices to make it more fun.

• Word Hunt
  • What it is: Looking for specific words in the book and tallying how often they appear.
  • How it helps: Enhances word recognition and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Start with simple words that are repeated throughout the book.

• Create a Book Corner
  • What it is: Designating a special place in the house just for reading books.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special activity to look forward to.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or toys.

Incorporating these simple yet effective exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your child's reading skills but also foster a lifelong love for books. Remember, the key is to keep it fun and engaging, so your little one always looks forward to reading time! Happy reading!