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

Are you on a magical quest to find the perfect unicorn books for 6-year-olds? You're in luck! Unicorns spark the imagination like nothing else, and we've rounded up a collection of enchanting reads that are perfect for your little one. From whimsical adventures to tales of friendship and discovery, these books are sure to delight any young reader. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks in the world of unicorn books for 6-year-olds!

Fun Unicorn Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Brigette Barrager
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This charming story revolves around Uni, a unicorn who believes that little girls are real, even though her friends say they aren't.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and belief in the magical, fostering creativity and a love for reading through its whimsical illustrations and heartwarming narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and believers in magic.

• Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young girl, Phoebe, skips a rock across a pond and accidentally hits a unicorn in the face, leading to a magical friendship with the unicorn she names Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with lessons about friendship and self-esteem, presented in a comic strip format that is easy to read and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy comics and stories about friendships.

• The Unicorn Rescue Society: The Creature of the Pines by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Elliot and Uchenna, two classmates, stumble upon a secret group called The Unicorn Rescue Society, which protects mythical creatures. In their first adventure, they encounter a Jersey Devil in the Pine Barrens.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fast-paced, adventure-packed story that introduces children to mythical creatures in a fun and educational way.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone curious about mythical creatures.

• Lily the Unicorn by Dallas Clayton
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Lily the Unicorn loves making new friends and trying new things. When she meets Roger the penguin, who is afraid of change, she shows him how wonderful new experiences can be.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of positivity, openness, and friendship through vibrant illustrations and engaging text.
  • Perfect for: Children who are hesitant to try new things and need a little encouragement.

• Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Thelma is an ordinary pony who dreams of being a unicorn. After a lucky series of events gives her the chance to make her dream come true, she learns that fame might not be all it's cracked up to be.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous yet touching take on self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Kids struggling with self-image or those who dream big.

Educational Unicorn Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Today I'll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young girl decides to spend her day pretending to be a unicorn, discovering the joys and challenges of unicorn life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, role-playing, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to use their imagination and explore different perspectives through play.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dressing up and imaginative play.

• You Don't Want a Unicorn! by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Liz Climo
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: When a little boy wishes for a unicorn, he soon learns that they can be quite a handful in real life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny, cautionary tale that teaches children to think carefully about their wishes and expectations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and a touch of mischief.

• Never Let a Unicorn Meet a Reindeer! by Diane Alber
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A girl learns what happens when her pet unicorn meets a reindeer, leading to unexpected and humorous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, conflict resolution, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with lessons on friendship and dealing with unexpected situations.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and magical adventures.

• Unicorn (and Horse) by David Miles, illustrated by Hollie Mengert
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: Unicorn and Horse are barnyard companions who couldn't be more different. This story explores their unique friendship and the jealousy that arises.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, friendship dynamics, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a delightful narrative on appreciating one's own strengths while valuing others' differences.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning about friendship and self-acceptance.

• Unicorn Day by Diana Murray, illustrated by Luke Flowers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A celebration of all things unicorn, this book showcases how unicorns and their friends declare a festival of fun and happiness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, celebration of diversity, joy in life
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a vibrant, joyful read that promotes themes of acceptance and happiness.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy festive stories and celebrating uniqueness.

Challenging Unicorn Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Unicorn Quest by Kamilla Benko
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claire Martinson and her sister Sophie discover a ladder in the fireplace that leads them to the magical land of Arden, where they become embroiled in a dangerous quest to find the last unicorn herd.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, incorporating a richly detailed fantasy world and a plot with multiple layers and characters, requiring advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure and a deep dive into a well-crafted fantasy world, encouraging readers to expand their imagination and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and magical creatures.

• The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Classic
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale follows a unicorn who believes she is the last of her kind and embarks on a quest to find out what has happened to the others, facing numerous challenges along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features poetic language and themes of loss and identity that are more complex than typical children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written classic that combines a sense of wonder with deep philosophical questions, ideal for young readers ready to explore more profound themes.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers and fans of classic fantasy tales.

• The Unicorn Chronicles by Bruce Coville
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Series
  • Synopsis: Cara Hunter is swept into the land of Luster, the world of unicorns, where she must gather allies to help save the unicorn world from an ancient enemy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features an intricate plot with an extensive cast of characters and a detailed fantasy world, requiring sustained attention and higher-level reading abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a rich and immersive experience with layers of storytelling that are both engaging and educational, fostering a love for sustained reading and complex narratives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed world-building and long-term story arcs.

• A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Lucy orders a unicorn, but when it arrives, it's not quite what she expected. Despite this, Lucy and her pet unicorn, Sparkle, start to develop a unique friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: While it is a picture book, the text explores themes of acceptance and the reality versus expectations, which are more nuanced concepts for six-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about love and acceptance, regardless of initial expectations, in an engaging and humorous way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to understand deeper social concepts and relationships.

• The Secret of the Unicorn Queen by Josepha Sherman and Gwen Hansen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Sheila is magically transported to a land where unicorns are real, she joins a group of rebel warriors to fight against an evil sorceress threatening the unicorn kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: This series involves complex themes of war, loyalty, and leadership, paired with an advanced vocabulary not typically found in children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed series that also deals with complex emotional and moral dilemmas, encouraging readers to think critically about leadership and ethics.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories that involve battles, strategy, and mythical creatures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of unicorn books with your 6-year-old, you're in for a treat. Not only are these stories enchanting, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to develop strong reading habits early on. Here are some fun and effective exercises to enhance your child's reading experience:

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading time an enjoyable, anticipated event.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the space with their favorite colors or themes.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Before reading, ask your child what they think will happen in the story based on the cover and title.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Keep the predictions fun and light; every guess is a good guess!

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Discuss the characters' feelings and decisions in the story.
  • How it helps: Builds empathy and deeper understanding of narratives.
  • Tips: Relate the characters' experiences to your child's own life.

• Illustration Interpretation
  • What it is: Look at the book's illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see.
  • How it helps: Enhances visual literacy and attention to detail.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to tell their own story from the pictures.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or sentences with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves reading fluency and confidence.
  • Tips: Use funny voices and expressions to make it more engaging.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books or pages read.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more through a visual progress display.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching milestones, like a new book or extra storytime.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you'll help your little one develop a love for reading that could last a lifetime. Enjoy your journey through the enchanting realms of unicorn tales and beyond!