Best Books for 6-Year-Olds
Looking for the best books for 6-year-olds? I’ve got the perfect list for you!
Having raised 5 kids through this particular age, Jackie and I are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. I’ve got suggestions for Harry Potter-loving fantasy fans and picture book suggestions for reluctant readers.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for a 6-year-old have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
The Best Books for 6-year-olds
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fantasy Book for 6-year-olds
Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West – Jump to Section
The Best Mystery Book for 6-year-olds
Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick and David Serlin – Jump to Section
The Best Realistic Fiction Book for 6-year-olds
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park – Jump to Section
The Best Audiobook for 6-year-olds
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald – Jump to Section
The Best Book for 6-year-olds Set in School
Miss Daisy is Crazy by Dan Gutman – Jump to Section
The Best Spy Book for 6-year-olds
Olivia the Spy by Ian Falconer – Jump to Section
The Best Royal Book for 6-year-olds
Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz – Jump to Section
The Best Picture Book for 6-year-olds
Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal – Jump to Section
The Best Animal Book for 6-year-olds
I Lost My Tooth by Mo Willems – Jump to Section
The Best Classic Book for 6-year-olds
Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osbourne – Jump to Section
The Best Sports Book for 6-year-olds
Little Shaq by Shaquille O’Neal – Jump to Section
Best Graphic Novel for a 6-Year-Old
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt – Jump to Section
Best Nonfiction Book for 6-Year-Olds
Manfish by Jennider Berne – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Fantasy Books for a 6-Year-Old
Sink or Swim: Exploring Schools of Fish
Author: Judy Katschke
Year: 2017
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Magic School Bus Rides Again #1
Plot
The Magic Schoolbus is back with Miss Frizzle and the kids. This early reader looks at an underwater ecosystem and endangered fish in Hawaii.
Why Jackie loves it
There is sure to be an adventure with Miss Frizzle around. This is the first book in the series that reminds me of one of my favorite childhood shows!
Find this book in: Back to School Books / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret
Author: Wanda Coven
Illustrator: Priscilla Burris
Year: 2012
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Heidi Heckelbeck #1
Plot
Heidi seems like a regular eight-year-old girl, but she is a witch. Heidi needs to hide her powers so she can blend in with other kids. She’s always been homeschooled, but now she needs to go to real school. Can she keep her secret?
Why Jackie loves it
These early readers have large type and cute pictures, but they are definitely not short on fun.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Early Readers
Rise of the Earth Dragon
Author: Tracey West
Illustrator: Graham Howells
Year: 2014
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Dragon Masters #1
Plot
Drake has been taken by King Roland’s soldiers so that he can be trained as a dragon master. At the castle, Drake and his new friends, Ana, Rori, and Bo, have to learn to connect and train their dragons.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a wonderful series for the early reader. High-frequency words, great stories, and bright, colorful pictures fill these stories.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Early Readers Books / Dragon Books for Kids / Chapter Books to Read Aloud
Mystery Books for 6-Year-Olds
The Absent Author
Author: Ron Roy
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Year: 1997
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 8
More info: A to Z Mysteries #1
Plot
The first in a kids’ mystery book series, each book in the A to Z mysteries series solves a mystery starting with a different letter. This first one is about an absent author who never turned up to his event, and the three kid detectives looking for him.
Why Kirsten loves it
Despite being a series, each of the books is a standalone that can be read out of order. This was one of the first book series my son read alone.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids / Early Reader Books
The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds
Author: David Adler
Illustrator: Susanna Natti
Year: 1980
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Cam Jansen #1
Plot
The first in the Cam Jansen series introduces readers to Cam, a young girl with a photographic memory and an uncanny ability to solve crimes. This particular story finds Cam and her friend Erin at the mall when the jewelry store is robbed. Can she solve the case?
Why Kirsten loves it
Cam Jansen is one of the first series my children ever read aloud, and it happens to be a great set of children’s mystery books! Each chapter is concise and ideal for developing readers, while the mysteries within keep the kids engaged. Since each book is a stand-alone, you can read them in whatever order you choose.
Find this book in: Mystery Books for Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds / Early Reader Books
Baby Monkey, Private Eye
Author: Brian Selznick, David Serlin
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Year: 2018
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
This book is the perfect mystery book for a VERY beginning reader who is looking for a chapter book that looks like it’s made for older kids. Baby Monkey is a detective who is ready to solve mysteries.
Why Jackie loves it
With Selznick’s signature illustrations, easy language, and repetitive sentences, this book is hysterical and a great way to learn to read. Baby monkey putting his pants on gets me every time!
Find this book in: Books for a 6-Year-Old / Mystery Books for Kids / Animal Books for Kids
Best Family Books for a 6-Year-Old
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Author: Beverly Cleary
Year: 1981
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Newbery Honor Winner
Plot
Ramona is another adorable character who is perfectly imperfect. She is sweet and lovable and gets into her share of trouble. Whether reading to boys or girls, every child can relate to Ramona.
Why Kirsten loves it
When it comes to first chapter books Ramona can’t be beaten! Cleary’s classic has stood the test of time.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Books for 6-year-olds / Kids Audiobooks / Newbery Award Winners / Back to School Books
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Author: Barbara Park
Illustrator: Denise Brunkus
Year: 1992
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Junie B. Jones #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Junie B. Jones is the Ramona Quimby of the next generation. Junie is going into Kindergarten and definitely has a knack for getting into some trouble.
Why Kirsten loves it
This realistic fiction series is perfect for new readers and will keep your little reader laughing.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Best Realistic Fiction Books / Back to School Books / Books for Emergent Readers
Papa’s Coming Home
Author: Chasten Buttigieg
Illustrator: Dan Taylor
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
Jojo and Rosie are ready to welcome their Papa home from his long business trip. With their Daddy’s help, they bake a cake, load the car with goodies, and head to the airport to pick up their Papa.
Why Kirsten Loves It
With sweet illustrations, this lovely book shows the joy of a family reuniting!
Best Audiobooks for a 6-Year-Old
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
Author: Chris Colfer
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Land of Stories #1
Plot
Alex and Connor’s grandmother gives them the family book of fairy tales. Before they understand what is happening, they find themselves transported into the book. They set off on an adventure to get back home.
Why Kirsten loves it
While this story is about the land of fairy tales, think Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, it has the element of magic and wonder that KOTLC fans will love. I loved reading this aloud to my boys when they were little.
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Best Books for 6-year-olds
The Christmas Pig
Author: J. K. Rowling
Illustrator: Jim Field
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8+
Plot
This is the story of Jack, his lost toy, and the new toy he got as a replacement is wonderfully magical. The Christmas Pig decides to help his new owner, Jack, find his old pig by taking him to the land of the lost.
Why Kirsten loves it
This chapter book also covers hard-hitting topics like divorce and remarriage, which Jack is experiencing in his home when he loses his beloved pig. The illustrations are magical and add a great element to this Christmas tale.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Christmas Chapter Books
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Author: Betty MacDonald
Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
Year: 1947
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle #1
Plot
If your family loves Mary Poppins or Amelia Bedelia, they will love Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle too! This cheery old lady has the craziest fixes to any childhood issues, but they work every time!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that each chapter is its own short story. It makes it easier to digest for younger kids.
Find this book in: Family Audiobooks / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Books for 6-Year-Olds Set at a School
If I Built a School
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Part of the If I Built series
Plot
Chris Van Dusen has done it again with this outrageous book. Jack is imagining how he would like his school to be, from the cafeteria and classrooms to the gymnasium and playground.
Why Jackie loves it
Written in his signature rhyme, this book with amaze everyone and should lead to a fun discussion about your child’s ideal school! This is an amazing book for preschool or kindergarten. Language activity: Ask your child what they would like to see in a school they designed.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Back to School Books
Miss Daisy is Crazy
Author: Dan Gutman
Illustrator: Jim Paillot
Year: 2004
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 9
More info: My Weird School #1
Plot
Ella Mentary School has the funniest and weirdest group of teachers. Take 2nd Grade teacher Miss Daisy; she can’t even do basic math! But AJ and his friends have other things to worry about – like reading a million pages to win the prize promised to them by the principal!
Why Jackie loves it
This series is funny and engaging and perfect for early readers! If you are looking for back-to-school books, this entire series is completely hilarious.
Find this book in: Back to School Books / Best Books for 6-year-olds
I Got The School Spirit
Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
I loved this story about a little girl who finds school spirit in all her actions of arriving at and being at school. The use of onomatopoeias to describe the noises of her day and how the spirit sounds is truly wonderful for beginning students looking to expand their vocabulary.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a sweet pick from back-to-school books that you can use to increase your child’s language development. Here is a language activity – ask your child to name some onomatopoeias they use every day!
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Back to School Books
Best Detective and Spy Books for a 6-Year-Old
Spy Guy: The Not-so-Secret Agent
Author: Jessica Young
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
This funny picture book is all about a young kid who is a spy. Except he’s not a very good spy! He’s not sneaky; he’s very clumsy and he has a lot to learn.
Why Jackie loves it
This story is perfect for future Harriet the Spy fans. It’s funny, silly and the illustrations are so cute.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Spy Books for Kids
Olivia The Spy
Author: Ian Falconer
Illustrator: Ian Falconer
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the Olivia series
Plot
Olivia the pig is back and being as silly as ever. It’s almost her birthday, and she can’t stop eavesdropping and trying to figure out what presents she is getting! But soon she thinks something else is afoot.
Why Kirsten loves it
My kids were giggling when Olivia started thinking she was being sent to military school! What a silly pig.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Spy Books for Kids
Nate the Great and the Crunchy Christmas
Author: Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Craig Sharmat
Illustrator: Marc Simont
Year: 1997
Genre: Emergent Reader
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Part of the Nate the Great series
Plot
Annie’s dog, Fang, is unhappily missing his mail so Nate agrees to help find it. He’s determined to solve the case by Christmas.
Why Kirsten loves it
This early reader Christmas chapter book is a wonderful way to get the kids in your life ready for the holiday season while improving their reading skills.
Find this book in: Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Royal Books for 6-Year-Olds
The Paper Bag Princess
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Year: 1980
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
This is a hilarious story about the princess who outwits a dragon, rescues the prince, and realizes she doesn’t need him to be happy!!! It is a classic, wonderful story. Like most of Robert Munsch’s books, it is funny and silly and the perfect read-aloud.
Why Jackie loves it
Robert Munsch and his collection of smart and mostly hilarious children’s books are a household name in Canada. I have the entire collection of books, which was given to me when my oldest was born. While I Love You Forever may be Munsch’s most famous book, this one is my favorite.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Best Canadian Authors / Dragon Books for Kids
Princess Cora and the Crocodile
Author: Laura Amy Schlitz
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
When a Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Medalist join forces, this book is the result. Can this overscheduled princess get a day off? The princess makes her misbehaving pet crocodile take her place so she can relax. Will this silly plan work?
Why Jackie loves it
The illustrations are fantastic, as well as the story. It is funny because it is so ridiculous, and everyone loves a good laugh.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?
Author: Carmela LaVigna Coyle
Illustrator: Mike Gordon, Carl Gordon
Year: 2003
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
In this fun story, a little girl is wondering what it’s like to be a real life princess by asking questions like “Do princesses wear hiking boots?” I love that not only does this book ask questions, but it also looks at gender norms and questions them as well.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a more advanced question book to read to kids. The idea that your child can grow up to be anything they choose is a more advanced concept but, the story itself has engaging illustrations that open the door to asking so many more questions.
Find this book in: Books to Encourage Children to Be Unique / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Picture Books for 6-year-olds
The Adventures of Beekle the Unimaginary Friend
Author: Dan Santat
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Caldecott Winner
Plot
Beekle lives on the island of imaginary friends, but when he gives up patiently waiting for a child to pick him, he sets off on an adventure to find a child in the big city!
Why Kirsten loves it
Both the story and the stunning photos captured the imagination of my entire family. I can see why it’s a Caldecott Winner. It’s truly a must-read!
Uni the Unicorn
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Brigette Barrager
Year: 2014
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Uni the Unicorn #1
Plot
This story about believing has beautifully illustrated pages saturated with color. Uni believes that girls are real despite what everyone else thinks, and somewhere, a little girl believes in her too.
Why Jackie loves it
This charming story is perfect for filling heads with imagination and magic. It is perfect for a list of baby books for girls.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Best Books for Baby Girls
Way Past Jealous
Author: Hallee Adelman
Illustrator: Karen Wall
Year: 2023
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Part of the Great Big Feelings Series
Plot
For social-emotional learning, I love the Great Big Feelings series of books by Hallee Adelman. Each book is focused on a different big feeling, how it makes kids feel, and how they can help manage it. This particular one focuses on Yaz being jealous of her friend’s ability to draw.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the cute pictures and easy way of explaining the emotions that Adelman uses in the book. The story names both the emotion, how it makes kids react, AND how it feels in little bodies.
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Feelings / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Animal Books for 6-Year-Olds
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea
Author: Ben Clanton
Illustrator: Dav Pilkey
Year: 2016
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Narwhal and Jelly #1, Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards
Plot
This early reader graphic novel is adorable and the first in the Narwhal and Jelly book series. This book is three short stories in one featuring these ocean besties making new friends.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best books for beginner readers to gain confidence. The whole series is a total delight. As a bonus, books 1-5 are combined into a single audiobook with a full cast of narrators!
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Early Reader Books / Full Cast Audiobooks for Kids
I Lost My Tooth
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2018
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Unlimited Squirrels #1
Plot
A new cast of characters has been introduced in the first book of Mo Willems’ beginning reader series. Zoom has lost his tooth, and the other squirrels are looking to help him fix it, until they learn what a baby tooth is. Funny and cute, the story has jokes and tooth facts scattered throughout!
Why Kirsten loves it
When my kids graduated from Elephant & Piggie books, they went right into these as their next step. My oldest even read this to my youngest’s pre-k class when he was in first grade and was the mystery reader!
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Early Reader Books
Poppleton
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Year: 2019
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Poppleton #1
Plot
Poppleton is the new neighbor in town, and he’s looking to make friends. He meets Cherry Sue and Fillmore and treats readers to his weekly antics around the neighborhood.
Why Jackie loves it
Poppleton is the opposite of my other favorite early reader pig, Mercy Watson. His posh style just cracks me up.
Find this book in: Early Reader Books / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Classic Books for a 6-Year-Old
Miss Nelson is Missing
Author: Harry G. Allard Jr.
Illustrator: James Marshall
Year: 1985
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
A clever and funny tale about an underappreciated teacher who needs a break and a substitute teacher who is sent in to straighten the class out!
Why Kirsten loves it
I remember reading this as a kid and loving it! I still think about the end of this book all the time!
Find this book in: Back to School Books / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Dinosaurs Before Dark
Author: Mary Pope Osbourne
Illustrator: Sal Murdocca
Year: 1992
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Magic Treehouse #1
Plot
The book that launched the bestselling series! Jack and Annie are walking home from school when a treehouse appears out of nowhere. Eager to explore, they climb in and are whisked back to the time of the dinosaurs and now they need to figure out how to get home!
Why Jackie loves it
I love that there are so many adventures to choose from. I know your picky reader can find a few that appeal to their likes!
Find this book in: 40+ Early Reader Books / Read Aloud Books / Best Books for 6-year-olds
The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh
Author: A. A. Milne
Illustrator: Ernest H. Shepard
Year: 1926
Genre: Classic Kid’s Book
Age: 0 – 6
More info:
Plot
Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and Christopher Robin have lived in the hearts of children for generations. This edition features the complete works of A. A. Milne’s stories and is essential for any home library.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a heartwarming classic book for kids. We dare you to read it without crying.
Find this book in: Rabbit Books / Best Audiobooks for Kids / Best Animal Books for Kids / Family Halloween Movies Based on Books /Audiobooks for Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Sports Books for 6-Year-Olds
Little Shaq
Author: Shaquille O’Neal
Illustrator: Theodore Taylor III
Year: 2016
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Little Shaq #1
Plot
After breaking their video game, Shaq and Barry decide to start a gardening business to raise money to replace the game.
Why Kirsten loves it
If your child likes basketball, they would love this story written by Shaq. It’s a perfect early reader story for kids that love sports and regular kid stuff.
The Berenstain Bears Play Football
Author: Mike Berenstain
Illustrator: Mike Berenstain
Year: 2017
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
This is one of the kids’ books about football that is perfect for early readers. It’s all about the Grizzly Bowl! As they wait for the big game to start, Brother and Sister bear and their friends play some football of their own.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you have a sports lover who is learning to read, this is the perfect story for you!
Find this book in: Football Books for Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Jesse Owens
Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrator: Anna Katharina Jansen
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 4-7
More info: Part of the Little People, Big Dreams series
Plot
The biography of famed athlete Jesse Owens and his journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics is explored in this book. It tells his story starting in his childhood and also addresses the hardships and racism he encountered in a way children can understand.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s important to note that the Olympics are not always a perfect experience for every athlete. Racism and sexism has always existed in sports and this book addresses that in an age-appropriate way.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Olympics Books for Kids
Graphic Novels for a 6-Year-Old
Dog Man
Author: Dav Pilkey
Illustrator: Dav Pilkey
Year: 2016
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Dog Man #1
Plot
Dav Pilkey is THE author of books for reluctant readers. His graphic novels never disappoint. From Dog Man to Captain Underwear, these books will keep your kids laughing AND reading. This particular story is about a half-man, half-dog hero.
Why Jackie loves it
Dog Man is a funny character that kids love to read. The more your child reads, the better they get at reading! It’s a great cycle.
Find this book in: Animal Books / Books for a 6-Year-Old
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2013
Genre: Early Reader Books
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Mercy Watson #4
Plot
Everyone’s favorite pig is back for some Halloween antics in this continuation of the Mercy Watson series. Mercy is ready for the treating part of the night with visions of her beloved buttered toast.
But Eugenie Lincoln, next door, isn’t quite in the Halloween spirit… especially when she sees Mercy show up in a princess costume!
Why Kirsten loves it
Mercy Watson is my favorite early reader series. Not only will your kids feel confident while reading this book, but the illustrations are by Chris Van Dusen who is my absolute favorite!
Find similar books in: Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Scaredy Squirrel
Author: Mélanie Watt
Illustrator: Mélanie Watt
Year: 2006
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Age: 3-7
More info: First in a series
Plot
The first book in a series of delightful tales of a neurotic squirrel, this is a laugh-out-loud funny story. After reading it, my boys became obsessed with squirrels.
Now the series is 9 books long, so your kids will have lots of Scaredy Squirrel to read in the future!
Why Kirsten loves it
Scaredy Squirrel is completely neurotic and hilarious. But he also makes some teachable moments that kids can relate to.
Find this book in: Animal Books For Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Nonfiction Books for 6-Year-Olds
The History of Pearl Harbor
Author: Susan Katz
Year: 2021
Genre: Nonfiction Children’s Book
Age: 6 – 10
Plot
Similar to the Who Is series, “The History of” series focuses on key moments in history told in a way that 6-10-year-olds can comprehend. Books in the series include subjects like Pearl Harbor, the Titanic, The American Revolution, and The Civil War.
Why Jackie loves it
My history-loving kids devoured this series. It kept them entertained and informed without being too scary.
Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau
Author: Jennider Berne
Illustrator: Éric Puybaret
Year: 2015
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
Jacques Cousteau is one of the most famous oceanographers in the world. With gorgeous paintings and poetic text, this is the biography of the man who would forever change how we view the ocean.
Why Kirsten loves it
I remember being enamored by Jacques Cousteau in elementary school, so this particular picture book sings to my inner child.
Find this book in: Ocean Books for Kids / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Taylor Swift: Superstar!
Author: Shana Corey
Illustrator: Chloe Quinn
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4 – 6
More info: Part of the Step into Reading Series
Plot
In this fun early reader story, Swifties can learn to read with their favorite star as inspiration! With short sentences, easy-to-sound-out words, and fun illustrations, the book is a great way to encourage fans to read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love anything that gets kids interested in reading. Tapping into Taylor fever might be the perfect way to get a young music lover to read!
Helpful Tip
- Don’t force your child to read a genre or book they don’t like – it will discourage them from reading
- At this age, kids will be learning to read, but they will also still love being read to. Make sure you encourage both! Picture books are for everyone!
- Each of the books on this list appears on other book lists across the website. Find a book you (or your child) enjoy and explore other book lists that book is on!
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre should a 6-year-old read?
Like all readers, 6-year-olds should read the genre they find most interesting. The hard part is finding books at their reading level that make them eager to read. Have them read the first page of any book. If they struggle with more than three words, try a different one.
What are the best books for 6-year-olds?
A hard question to answer, but some of my favorites from each genre include Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick, I Lost a Tooth by Mo Willems, and The Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary.
Related Content
Epilogue
Finding age-appropriate books for 6-year-olds comes down to finding the right book at their reading level! Did you find any books for a 6-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
