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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime story or a magical tale to captivate the imagination of a special little one? Look no further than our curated selection of princess books for 6-year-olds! These enchanting reads are just the ticket to whisk your child away to lands of adventure, mystery, and royal intrigue. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to become treasured additions to any young reader's library.

Fun Princess Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Feminism
  • Synopsis: This story subverts traditional princess tales by featuring Princess Elizabeth who, after her castle and clothes are destroyed by a dragon, dons a paper bag to rescue her fiancé, Prince Ronald.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips the classic damsel-in-distress trope on its head and promotes independence and self-reliance, which are great lessons for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy twists on classic tales and strong female protagonists.

• Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Miri, a fourteen-year-old girl living on a mountain, attends an academy to learn how to be a princess after the king's priests divine that the prince's bride will come from her village.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of friendship, self-discovery, and empowerment amidst magical and adventurous settings, which can captivate young minds and encourage a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about personal growth and magical adventures.

• The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Princess Pinecone wants to be taken seriously as a warrior, but her parents give her a cute, chubby pony instead of a warhorse for her birthday.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and heart, perfect for engaging young readers and teaching them the importance of accepting others for who they are.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate humor and learning valuable life lessons through delightful stories.

• Part-Time Princess by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cambria Evans
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl imagines what it would be like to be a princess by day and returns to her normal life at night, balancing two worlds with charm and wit.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and imagination, showing kids they can be anything they want to be, even if it's just in their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and dreamers who love engaging in worlds of make-believe.

• Zog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Zog, a keen but clumsy dragon, learns dragon school lessons every year, and a mysterious girl keeps helping him, leading to a surprising and delightful conclusion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fun and rhythmic reading experience with a twist on traditional roles, which helps keep young readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with rhythmic texts and playful illustrations, ideal for reading aloud.

Educational Princess Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Geraldine, who believes she is a fairy princess, shows that being a princess is more about sparkle from within than crowns and gowns.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-expression, confidence building, understanding of emotions
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about self-identity and the importance of believing in oneself through engaging storytelling and delightful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love imaginative play and exploring their own identity.

• Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Smartypants enjoys being an independent and unconventional princess, and she uses her wit to fend off unwanted suitors who wish to marry her for her royal status.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, independence, gender roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on traditional fairy tales with a strong female lead who challenges societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with a twist and parents who wish to introduce themes of independence and empowerment.

• Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle, illustrated by Mike Gordon
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young girl asks her mother questions about what princesses can or cannot do, exploring the idea that princesses are diverse and multi-dimensional.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Questioning and exploration, self-discovery
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages young readers to think critically about stereotypes and to embrace activities they love, regardless of traditional roles.
  • Perfect for: Children who question norms and enjoy active, outdoor adventures.

• The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke, illustrated by Kerstin Meyer
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Violetta becomes a knight in secret to avoid the traditional path expected of princesses, proving her strength and intelligence in a tournament.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Gender equality, self-reliance, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a story of empowerment and courage, challenging gender stereotypes and promoting independence.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love tales of adventure and breaking barriers.

• The Apple-Pip Princess by Jane Ray
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Environmental
  • Synopsis: In a kingdom that has fallen on hard times, the youngest princess, Serenity, uses a precious apple pip, a gift from her mother, to bring nature back to her barren land.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, creativity, responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines storytelling with lessons on environmental care and the importance of nurturing nature.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and fans of magical, meaningful stories.

Challenging Princess Books for 6-Year-Olds

• 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 and saves her kingdom from danger.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces young readers to dual identities and moral dilemmas, enhancing their understanding of complex narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines action, humor, and bravery, making it an exciting read that promotes empowerment and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love superheroes and adventures.

• The Secret Lives of Princesses by Philippe Lechermeier, illustrated by Rébecca Dautremer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This book uncovers the lesser-known details about princesses, offering a whimsical exploration of their secret worlds and personalities.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's rich vocabulary and intricate illustrations require higher comprehension skills and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical and imaginative journey that encourages curiosity and a deeper appreciation for storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy uncovering hidden stories and detailed artwork.

• The Princess and the Pea by Lauren Child, illustrated by Polly Borland
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Classic
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the classic tale features a prince searching for a true princess but finds her in an unexpected way through a test involving a pea.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated text and unique photographic collage illustrations offer a novel narrative experience that challenges conventional reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh take on a classic story, encouraging readers to think critically about what makes someone special.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic tales with a modern twist and visually engaging artwork.

• Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Frustrated by her strict royal schedule, Princess Cora asks for a pet, but gets more than she bargained for when a crocodile shows up to shake things up.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features themes of independence and self-discovery, intertwined with rich language and complex emotional undercurrents.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story is not only fun but also touches on the importance of balance in life and learning to speak up for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel over-scheduled and crave adventure.

• The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Humor
  • Synopsis: Princess Sue dreams of being rescued by a prince, but when her prince finally arrives, she realizes she wants more than the traditional princess life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful, rhyming text and its break from traditional princess narratives engage critical thinking and literacy skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous, empowering read that challenges stereotypes and promotes independence and self-determination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy laughing while they learn and those questioning traditional roles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of princess books with your 6-year-old, you’re in for a treat! Not only are these stories filled with magic and adventure, but they also offer great opportunities to develop strong reading habits. Here are some fun exercises to enhance your little one's reading experience:

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story's main events and settings.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand the structure of stories and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or crayons to make it interactive and engaging.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper connection with the characters and enhances imaginative play.
  • Tips: Let your child help pick out or create the costume for added fun.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or chapters aloud to each other.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more entertaining.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause at key points in the story and predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to explain why they think their prediction might happen.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw illustrations based on the story or specific scenes.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps with visual memory of the story.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies to make the activity more exciting.

• Role-Play Scenarios
  • What it is: Act out different parts of the book or create new scenarios for the characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character actions and emotions.
  • Tips: Use props around the house to make the role-play more realistic.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Discuss the book with friends or family members who have read it too.
  • How it helps: Encourages expression of thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Prepare some simple questions in advance to guide the discussion.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, engaging, and integral part of your child’s daily routine. So, grab those princess books and let the magical journey into reading begin! Happy reading!