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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect learning books for 6-year-olds to spark curiosity and enhance their skills? You're in the right spot! Whether you're looking to boost their reading skills or expand their knowledge on new subjects, we've curated a variety of must-have books that are just right for their age. Keep reading to discover our top picks for learning books for 6-year-olds that are both educational and fun!

Fun Learning Books for 6-Year-Olds

• 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 a variety of foods before finally pupating and emerging as a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy colorful illustrations and learning about nature.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyme, Beginner Books
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently follows another character throughout the book, trying to convince him to try green eggs and ham.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhyming text helps develop early reading skills, and it teaches lessons about trying new things and making judgments.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy whimsical stories.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Matilda, a brilliant and kind-hearted girl who uses her extraordinary talents to overcome difficulties including her neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the love for reading and learning, and it empowers children to stand up against unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about justice and using one's intellect to solve problems.

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a field trip inside the human body aboard the magical school bus, exploring different systems and how they work.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about the human body exciting and accessible, packed with fun facts and adventures.
  • Perfect for: Curious children who have an interest in science and how things work.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides answers to common "why" questions asked by kids, covering a range of topics from animals to technology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies the curiosity of young minds and encourages them to ask more questions and seek answers.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who love to learn about the world around them through facts and engaging questions.

Educational Learning Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: A boy named Duncan finds a stack of letters from his crayons, each expressing their feelings about how they are used.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, emotional expression, color recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and creative story that encourages empathy and understanding of others' perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing and coloring, and those who appreciate a good laugh.

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: The letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree and then deal with the consequences of all trying to climb the tree at the same time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and rhyme, letter sounds
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines playful text and vibrant illustrations to make learning the alphabet exciting and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who are learning their letters.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Cause and Effect, Circular Story
  • Synopsis: The story explores the chain of events that unfolds when a boy gives a cookie to a demanding mouse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, prediction, sequencing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way to teach children about cause and effect through a humorous, circular tale.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with repetitive, predictable structures and silly scenarios.

• The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Classic, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Ferdinand is a bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights. He remains true to himself even when he is taken to a bullfight in Madrid.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, individuality, peace
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of being yourself and the importance of peaceful choices.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different from others and anyone who appreciates a gentle story with a strong message.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): STEM, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, the spirit of inquiry, and the importance of STEM education in a fun and inspiring way.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and any kid with a curious mind and a love for asking "why?"

Challenging Learning Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the myth of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to fend off predators, only to encounter the real Gruffalo in the woods.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces sophisticated vocabulary and metaphorical language that challenges young readers to think critically about the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches strategic thinking and the power of intellect over brute force through engaging storytelling and captivating illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy mythical creatures and clever, strategic protagonists.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Social Issues, Culture
  • Synopsis: A young Korean girl named Unhei moves to America and decides to choose a new name to fit in, but learns the importance of her own cultural identity through her classmates' acceptance.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of identity, assimilation, and acceptance, which are advanced topics for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing or learning about cultural diversity and the value of one's own unique identity.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Art, Inspiration
  • Synopsis: A story about a girl named Vashti who believes she cannot draw, but is encouraged by her teacher to make a mark and see where it takes her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative encourages self-expression and creativity in a subtle, metaphorical way that requires introspection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires confidence in personal abilities and encourages children to explore their own forms of creative expression.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who needs encouragement to explore and express their ideas.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Wordless, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a door on her bedroom wall and steps into another world on an epic journey, using her red marker to create paths and tools along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: Being a wordless picture book, it challenges readers to interpret the story and emotions through the illustrations alone.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters imagination and storytelling skills, as children narrate their own version of the events unfolding in the artwork.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and imaginative thinkers who enjoy creating and telling stories.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Growth Mindset, Problem Solving
  • Synopsis: A girl and her best friend, who happens to be a dog, decide to make the most magnificent thing, but the task proves more challenging than expected.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces concepts of perseverance, frustration, and eventual success in problem-solving, which are complex emotional and cognitive processes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of persistence when facing difficult tasks.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who might face challenges in bringing their ideas to life.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-year-old develop great reading habits, you're in the right place. Below are some fun and effective exercises designed just for young readers. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also enhance their skills in a playful manner. Let's dive in!

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading exercise where you look through the pictures of a book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Helps children predict the story and connect with the material visually.
  • Tips: Ask your child to narrate what they think is happening in each picture.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You and your child take turns reading a book aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps them learn new words.
  • Tips: Encourage them to express different characters' voices to make it more engaging.

• Match the Word
  • What it is: Create flashcards with words and corresponding pictures and have your child match them.
  • How it helps: Enhances word recognition and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Keep the session short and fun to maintain their interest.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: After reading, work with your child to draw a map or timeline of the story.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding sequence and important story elements.
  • Tips: Use colors and stickers to make the activity visually appealing.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out parts of the story with your child, using costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading a multi-sensory experience.
  • Tips: Let your child choose their favorite character to portray.

• Reading Buddy
  • What it is: Pair your child with an older reading buddy for shared reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Provides a model of fluent reading and motivates younger readers.
  • Tips: Ensure the reading buddy is patient and encouraging.

• Book Choice Freedom
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose what they want to read from a selection of appropriate books.
  • How it helps: Increases motivation and enjoyment in reading.
  • Tips: Occasionally guide them to different genres to broaden their exposure.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about creating a joyful and enriching experience that fosters a lifelong love for books. By incorporating these activities into your routine, you'll see your child's reading skills blossom. Happy reading!