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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect set of books for 6-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark their imagination or strengthen their reading skills, choosing the right books can be a game changer. In this blog, we'll dive into various lists of engaging and age-appropriate sets of books for 6-year-olds that are sure to capture their interest and keep them turning the pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be a hit with your little readers!

Fun Set Of 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 suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. His room transforms into a magical forest, leading him to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates imagination and the emotional ups and downs of childhood, showing kids it's okay to feel different emotions.
  • Perfect for: Children with a wild imagination and a love for adventures.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • 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 uses simple words and rhymes, making it perfect for early readers to practice their skills while enjoying the playful language.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to read on their own and enjoy fun, rhythmic stories.

• 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 transforming into a butterfly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly, all wrapped up in colorful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy learning about nature and animals through stories.

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Cause and effect
  • Synopsis: The story explores the chain of events that unfolds when a boy offers a cookie to a demanding mouse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the concept of cause and effect in a humorous and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories that involve a series of silly events and consequences.

• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
  • Genre(s): Bedtime story, Poetry
  • Synopsis: In this calming bedtime story, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the things in the room.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, gentle words make it a perfect bedtime read, helping children wind down for sleep.
  • Perfect for: Young children who need a soothing story before bedtime.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Pattern book, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: A repetitive text structure guides young readers through a colorful array of animals and their actions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for teaching animal names and colors, plus the repetitive phrases support early reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to identify animals and colors.

Educational Set Of Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Alphabet, Rhythm and Rhyme
  • Synopsis: A lively alphabet rhyme where the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree and tumble down.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, rhythm and phonemic awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines playful text and vibrant illustrations to make learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to learn the alphabet.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book captures the adventures of a little boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, understanding of seasons (winter)
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the wonder and excitement of snow through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about exploration and everyday adventures.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: When the bus driver takes a break, a pigeon makes several humorous and persistent attempts to get behind the wheel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Persuasive skills, understanding of rules and responsibilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and funny, encouraging children to participate in the story by saying "no" to the pigeon.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive and humorous stories.

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
  • Genre(s): Animal fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor's garden and faces the consequences of his actions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral lessons, cautionary tales, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about obedience and the repercussions of misbehavior.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with animals and those learning about right and wrong.

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
  • Genre(s): Family, Emotions
  • Synopsis: Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other, trying to measure how much they love one another.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional expression, understanding of relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that beautifully illustrates the boundless nature of love.
  • Perfect for: Young children and their parents or caregivers, especially as a bedtime story.

Challenging Set Of Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • 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 let him live.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of friendship, loss, and mortality, which are profound and complex topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written tale that not only entertains but also offers important life lessons about compassion and the value of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore deeper themes and enjoy animal characters.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel school headmistress. Her life changes when she discovers her telekinetic powers and uses them to defend her friends and punish the wicked.
  • Why this book is challenging: The vocabulary and themes of rebellion and justice are more complex, and the character dynamics are intricate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to stand up against unfair treatment and to cherish reading and learning.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity and magical adventures.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms into a kind-hearted girl as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and brings it back to life with the help of her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is descriptive and uses a rich, older form of English, which can be more demanding for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of rejuvenation and the healing power of nature, promoting themes of friendship and self-growth.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about exploration and personal transformation.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, on his adventures in New York City as he searches for his best friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blending of fantasy elements with real-world settings invites readers to expand their imagination and grasp complex concepts of identity and existence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a tale of adventure and courage, showcasing the importance of loyalty and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure stories with quirky characters and unexpected twists.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Classic, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: This classic story explores the adventures and misadventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad who live along a river in the English countryside. Toad’s wild antics lead his friends into a series of escapades.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language is rich and occasionally archaic, requiring a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, adventure, and moral lessons, beautifully illustrating the importance of friendship and the joys of a simple life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in stories that blend whimsical plots with lessons about personal responsibility and friendship.

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, I've outlined some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a delightful habit for young readers. Each exercise is designed to be engaging and beneficial for developing strong reading skills. Let’s dive in!

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Preview a book by discussing the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to tell a story based on the pictures they see.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and listening skills.
  • Tips: Change your tone and voice to match different characters or emotions.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story’s main events.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and recall of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple symbols or drawings to represent different parts of the story.

• Reading Timer Challenge
  • What it is: Set a timer and challenge your child to read until it goes off.
  • How it helps: Builds stamina and focus for reading.
  • Tips: Start with short periods and gradually increase the time.

• Book Choice Freedom
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose what they want to read.
  • How it helps: Increases motivation and enjoyment in reading.
  • Tips: Take them to the library or bookstore to explore a variety of options.

• Question Jar
  • What it is: Create a jar filled with questions about books or the story they are reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Use a mix of fun and thoughtful questions to keep it interesting.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a character.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character actions and emotions.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting.

In conclusion, incorporating these simple yet effective exercises into your 6-year-old's reading routine can significantly enhance their reading skills and make the process a lot more enjoyable. Each exercise not only supports literacy development but also adds an element of fun to their daily reading practice. Give them a try and watch your little reader flourish!