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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect story books for 6-7-year-olds that will captivate their imagination and enhance their reading skills? You've landed in the right place! Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, finding age-appropriate and engaging books can be a game-changer in a child's reading journey. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of story books for 6-7-year-olds that are sure to spark joy and curiosity in your young reader.

Fun Story 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 appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing kids that they can explore vast, new worlds within their own rooms.
  • Perfect for: Children with a wild imagination and a love for adventures.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are tired of how they're being used and go on strike, each crayon leaving a letter explaining their grievances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that introduces the concept of perspective and negotiation, all through colorful characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy laughter and learning about resolving conflicts.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a gentle and thoughtful way.
  • Perfect for: Children who are animal lovers and those dealing with themes of loss and friendship.

• 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. To scare them away, he invents a monster called the Gruffalo... only to meet the real Gruffalo later on.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever tale that promotes quick thinking and problem-solving, all while being incredibly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good plot twist and engaging storytelling.

• Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Humor, Beginner Reader
  • Synopsis: Sam-I-Am persistently tries to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham in various locations and with various dining partners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to try new things and not to judge prematurely, all wrapped up in playful rhymes and illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting out and anyone who's a bit resistant to trying new things.

Educational Story Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Picture Book
  • 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, problem-solving, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates curiosity and perseverance, especially encouraging girls in science.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child who loves to ask "why?"

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing, but find that creating something new isn't as easy as it looks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, perseverance, engineering
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of iterative attempts in the creative process.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who need encouragement to keep trying.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Alone in her room at night, she constructs great inventions from odds and ends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering, creativity, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires kids to invent, create, and not fear failure, as each flop is one step closer to success.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and creative minds.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: After Unhei moves from Korea to the US, she worries that her new classmates won’t be able to pronounce her name. So she decides to choose a new one from a "name jar" her classmates fill with suggestions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, self-acceptance, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages appreciation of one's own and others' cultural identities.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing or learning about cultural diversity and the importance of being oneself.

• Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Nature
  • Synopsis: A child and their father go owling on a cold winter night and experience the wonder of nature together.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Appreciation for nature, patience, father-child bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the quiet beauty of a winter night and the special bond between parent and child.
  • Perfect for: Young nature lovers and families who enjoy quiet, contemplative activities together.

Challenging Story Books for 6-7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Despereaux is banished from his mouse colony because of his unusual behaviors but he sets out on a noble quest to rescue Princess Pea.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex vocabulary and a narrative structure that includes stories within the story, which can be intricate for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating fairy tale that encourages bravery and compassion. The book also illustrates the power of forgiveness and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and are ready for a more sophisticated story.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the tale of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit who is loved by a little girl but must go on a transformative journey through many hands and experiences, learning about love and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of love, loss, and redemption, which are profound and thought-provoking for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of caring for others, conveyed through the adventures of Edward.
  • Perfect for: Children who are sensitive and those who appreciate stories that evoke deep emotions.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is told from Ivan’s perspective, using a unique and poetic voice that requires readers to think introspectively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights themes of friendship, hope, and the right to a suitable living environment. The story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are ready to explore stories told from unusual perspectives.

• The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron, illustrated by Ann Strugnell
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: Julian, a young boy with a vivid imagination, tells stories about his life, his family, and his adventures. The stories explore his relationship with his younger brother, Huey, and the lessons they learn together.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses imaginative storytelling that blurs the line between fantasy and reality, challenging young readers to differentiate and think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and imagination while teaching important life lessons through relatable family dynamics.
  • Perfect for: Children who love to tell stories and those who enjoy reading about sibling relationships.

• Stuart Little by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, embarks on a series of adventures, from sailing a boat in Central Park to searching for his lost friend, a bird named Margalo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blending of a fantasy character in a realistic world along with rich language and themes of identity and adventure can be complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic tale of adventure and self-discovery, filled with humor and warmth.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who enjoys stories where the characters embark on quests of discovery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-7-year-old develop good reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises that you can try. These activities are designed to make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read a story aloud to your child, or take turns reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and helps kids understand the flow of language.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the reading session more entertaining.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special event and something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause during reading to guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to explain why they think their prediction could happen.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child, taking on the roles of different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of the story and characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more fun and engaging.

• Book-Based Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts related to the theme or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the story’s elements and sparks creativity.
  • Tips: Use recyclable materials to make the crafts eco-friendly and budget-friendly.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set a challenge with a certain number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and goal setting.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward for each completed challenge, like choosing the next book to read together.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, you’re not just helping them develop a love for reading; you’re also boosting their cognitive and emotional development. So, pick a few exercises to start with, and watch your little one grow into a young bookworm! Happy reading!