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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the wonders of science to your little one? Look no further! Our curated selection of science books for 6-year-olds is designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds. From exploring the stars to understanding how things work, these books are perfect for inquisitive kids. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to captivate and educate your budding scientist!

Fun Science Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a wild ride with the Magic School Bus inside the Earth, exploring different geological formations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms complex earth science concepts into engaging adventures that are easy for young children to understand and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who love adventures and are curious about the earth beneath their feet.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book provides answers to common "why" questions asked by kids, covering a wide range of topics including simple science, animals, and everyday life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies the curiosity of young minds using simple, understandable explanations and vivid illustrations, fostering a love for learning.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who have lots of questions about how the world works.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers easy and exciting experiments that can be done with everyday materials, allowing kids to learn scientific concepts practically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science interactive and fun, encouraging hands-on learning and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who enjoy experimenting and learning by doing.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Science
  • 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity, perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why," which are essential traits for budding scientists.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about how things work and why things happen.

• Curious George Discovers the Stars by H. A. Rey
  • Genre(s): Science, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Curious George's adventure in space where he learns about the solar system, stars, and other celestial wonders.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the beloved character of Curious George with educational content that is engaging and easy to understand.
  • Perfect for: Little astronomers and fans of Curious George.

• My First Book About the Brain by Patricia J. Wynne and Donald M. Silver
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This coloring book explains the functions and parts of the brain in a simple and interactive way that is perfect for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex concepts in a manner that is both fun and educational, enhancing learning through art.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who are fascinated by science and learning how their bodies work.

Educational Science Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering! by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
  • Genre(s): Science, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This charming book introduces young readers to the basics of flight, from birds to planes to rockets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic engineering concepts, understanding of physics
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex engineering principles into digestible, kid-friendly explanations.
  • Perfect for: Little engineers and curious young minds fascinated by how things fly.

• The Robot Book by Heather Brown
  • Genre(s): Science, Interactive Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive board book uses simple mechanics to explain how robots work, with gears and cogs that children can manipulate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of mechanics, motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers hands-on interaction that not only teaches about robots but also engages fine motor skills.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and kids who love to tinker.

• Gravity by Jason Chin
  • Genre(s): Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explains the concept of gravity by showing what would happen if it suddenly stopped.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of fundamental physics
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents a complex scientific concept in a straightforward and visually engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are curious about the forces that shape our world.

• Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
  • Genre(s): Science, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Through beautiful peek-through pages, this book takes readers on a journey through the lunar cycle, exploring the changing shapes of the moon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of astronomy, understanding of lunar phases
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique peek-through design and lyrical text make learning about the moon captivating and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young astronomers and any child who looks up at the night sky with wonder.

• Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton
  • Genre(s): Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to the tiny organisms that live all around us and inside us, explaining their functions and importance in the ecosystem.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of biology and ecosystems
  • Why we recommend this book: It explains a complex scientific subject in a clear, engaging manner that is accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Budding biologists and kids interested in the unseen world of microbes.

Challenging Science Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This unique fold-out book takes young readers on a journey deep beneath the surface of the Earth, exploring layers from the city underground to the outer core.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed scientific information about geology and the structure of the Earth in a depth not usually explored in children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a visually engaging and detailed exploration of Earth's layers, encouraging a deeper understanding of our planet.
  • Perfect for: Young geologists and any child fascinated by what lies beneath their feet.

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: Professor Astro Cat guides young readers through the wonders of space, from our solar system to the far reaches of the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced topics in astronomy with rich details and scientific accuracy, challenging young minds to grasp complex space concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines detailed scientific facts with fun, engaging illustrations, making complex astronomy accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronauts and young space enthusiasts who are ready to dive deeper into the mysteries of the universe.

• Animalium by Jenny Broom, illustrated by Katie Scott
  • Genre(s): Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: Presented as a virtual museum with "galleries" of different animal kingdoms, this book offers a detailed look at the diversity of animal life on Earth.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a sophisticated museum-like format with comprehensive information on taxonomy and biological diversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an in-depth exploration of biology and encourages readers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young naturalists and any child with a deep curiosity about the animal kingdom.

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Science, Picture Book, Biography
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield, this book tells the story of a young boy who dreams of flying into space, overcoming his fear of the dark.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of fear, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams, intertwined with real space exploration history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a motivational story that combines personal growth with scientific achievement, inspiring children to chase their dreams and learn about space.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future leaders interested in space and overcoming personal challenges.

• Botanicum by Kathy Willis, illustrated by Katie Scott
  • Genre(s): Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: Like a botanical garden in book form, this beautifully illustrated volume explores the fascinating world of plants, from tiny ferns to giant trees.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides a detailed and scientific look at the plant kingdom, offering insights into complex botanical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a deeper appreciation and understanding of plant life, enhancing a child's knowledge of ecology and botany.
  • Perfect for: Young botanists and any child who loves exploring nature and learning about the environment.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to foster a love for science in your 6-year-old, integrating fun reading exercises can be a game-changer. Here are some engaging exercises tailored just for young science enthusiasts. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also deepen their understanding and curiosity about the world of science.

• Create a Science Word Wall
  • What it is: Build a dedicated space on a wall at home where you can stick new science words and their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and makes the connection between reading and understanding clearer.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to add a new word every time they read and discuss its meaning together.

• Science Story Time
  • What it is: Set aside a specific time each day for reading a science book.
  • How it helps: Builds a regular reading habit and helps in retaining interest in scientific topics.
  • Tips: Let your child choose the book to make it more exciting and personal for them.

• Draw and Describe
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to draw a picture related to what they learned and describe it to you.
  • How it helps: Reinforces comprehension and allows the child to express what they've learned creatively.
  • Tips: Keep the activity light and fun, focusing more on their understanding than artistic skills.

• Question Jars
  • What it is: Create a jar filled with questions that relate to the science topics in the book they are currently reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages curiosity and deeper thinking about the reading material.
  • Tips: Tailor the questions to be open-ended to spark more conversation and thought.

• Read, Repeat, Reward
  • What it is: Implement a system where after reading a book, your child can explain what they learned for a small reward.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to pay attention while reading and to recall information.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and educational, like a visit to a science museum or a new book.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can dramatically boost their engagement and comprehension of science materials. Not only will they develop a stronger reading habit, but they'll also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the scientific world around them. So, why not start today and see where their curiosity takes them? Happy reading!