10+ Best Popular Books for 6-7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your little one? Discovering the right books can spark a lifelong love of reading, and we’ve got you covered with our roundup of popular books for 6-7-year-olds. Whether your child is a budding reader or already devouring every book in sight, our curated lists cater to all interests and reading levels. Keep reading to explore the exciting world of stories that await in our collection of popular books for 6-7-year-olds!

Fun Popular Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea grow out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventures and emotions, encouraging imagination and dealing with feelings.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love letting their imaginations run wild and those who enjoy stories of adventure and fantasy.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story follows the adventures of a brother and sister, home alone on a rainy day, when the mischievous Cat in the Hat arrives, turning their dull day into a magical and chaotic one.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to rhymes and beginner words, making reading a fun and engaging activity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful stories and those beginning to read on their own.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale 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 we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death in a gentle manner.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Humor, Beginner Reader
  • 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: It encourages children to try new things and demonstrates the power of persistence in a fun, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Picky eaters and young readers who are just starting to read independently.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit, who disobeys his mother's orders and sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden, eating as many vegetables as he can before Mr. McGregor chases him away.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to natural consequences and the importance of listening to guidance.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy stories with animals and playful mischief.

Educational Popular Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the woods and encounters several dangerous animals (a fox, an owl, and a snake). To scare them away, the mouse invents a monster called the Gruffalo. Surprisingly, the Gruffalo actually exists, and the mouse has to outsmart him too.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating story that encourages strategic thinking and shows how wit can overcome brawn.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories with clever protagonists and mythical creatures.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is told through letters from Duncan's crayons, each expressing their feelings about how they are used.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, perspective-taking, color recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique look at expressing feelings and resolving conflicts, all while being incredibly funny and creative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy drawing and coloring, as well as those learning about emotions and communication.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Afraid of failure, she hides her inventions until she learns from her great-great-aunt that the first step towards success is trying.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, perseverance, engineering basics
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires kids, especially girls, to explore engineering and learn from their failures.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young inventors and creators, and anyone who needs encouragement to pursue their dreams.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • 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, critical thinking, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes science and inquiry, encouraging children to ask questions and think like scientists.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to ask "why?" and enjoy conducting experiments.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Art
  • Synopsis: Vashti thinks she can't draw, but her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her. Starting with a simple dot on a page, Vashti discovers her artistic talent.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, self-expression, confidence in art
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to explore their creativity and believe in their abilities, even from a simple beginning.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who needs a boost in confidence to express themselves creatively.

Challenging Popular Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger in the English countryside.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features rich, descriptive language and complex vocabulary that can stretch the abilities of young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that combines excitement with lessons about friendship and morality.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about animals and adventures, and those ready to tackle more sophisticated language.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, embarks on a series of adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure and the mix of fantasy and everyday events provide a complex reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and resilience, as Stuart faces various challenges with courage and wit.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventure tales and stories featuring animal characters in human-like roles.

• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Pippi Longstocking is an unconventional, super-strong girl who lives alone with her horse and monkey, having whimsical adventures and challenging societal norms.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pippi's adventures and the book’s playful language involve subtle humor and themes that can provoke thought about independence and societal expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes independence and creativity, showing that being different is something to be celebrated.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and stories of independence and strength.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden and learns to care for it and the people around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of loss, rejuvenation, and transformation are explored with sophisticated language and a detailed narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of healing and the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children who are introspective and those interested in stories about personal growth and nature.

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy, James, embarks on a journey inside a giant peach with a group of friendly insects, experiencing various adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The imaginative plot and rich vocabulary provide a unique reading experience that can challenge young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and provides a thrilling adventure that demonstrates bravery and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantastical tales and learning about teamwork and courage.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-7-year-olds develop good reading habits while enjoying some popular books, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and engaging exercises that not only make reading enjoyable but also boost their skills and love for books. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages a regular reading routine by associating the space with comfort and enjoyment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book-Based Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the books they are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and brings the story to life, making it more memorable.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more immersive play and encourage them to express different characters' emotions.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and sets a context, which makes the reading process smoother.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to predict what the story might be about.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up your child with a friend, sibling, or a parent as reading partners.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity, which can be more appealing to young children.
  • Tips: Choose books that both reading buddies will enjoy and can discuss.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story’s main events.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the structure of stories and aids in retention.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark different parts of the story, like the climax, characters, or setting.

• Read and Reward
  • What it is: Implement a small rewards system for finishing books or reading daily.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read regularly and view reading as a rewarding activity.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and reading-related, like bookmarks or a choice of the next book.

These exercises are designed to make reading a fun, regular part of your child’s life, enhancing their skills and love for books in the process. Remember, the goal is to foster a lifelong reading habit, so keep the activities light, enjoyable, and pressure-free. Happy reading!