Every 6 year old should read these books
By age six, kids are beginning to read more independently and enjoy engaging stories. Families have recommended these books as great options for early readers, featuring easy-to-follow text and exciting themes that make reading fun. From adventure stories to humorous tales, this list has something for every young reader.
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(By Nadine Bernard Westcott) A colorful, humorous version of the classic rhyme, featuring lively illustrations that add extra fun to the bizarre story of the old lady’s appetite.
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(By Nikki Smith) A playful, cumulative rhyme that follows the bizarre story of an old woman who swallows increasingly larger creatures. A humorous and engaging book with vibrant illustrations.
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(By William A.E. Ford) Timothy Mean builds a time machine and goes on wild adventures, from meeting dinosaurs to exploring the future. With exciting rhymes and imaginative storytelling, this book takes young readers on a thrilling ride through time.
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(By Janell Cannon) A beautifully illustrated story by Janell Cannon about a baby fruit bat who is separated from her mother and raised by a family of birds. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and friendship while celebrating differences between species.
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(By Dr. Seuss) The mischievous Cat in the Hat causes chaos and fun when he visits two bored children on a rainy day, introducing them to a world of fun and imagination, all while teaching valuable life lessons.
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(By Ludwig Bemelmans) In this classic tale, Madeline is saved from a near accident by a heroic dog, leading to a charming adventure as the girls in her boarding school all want to keep the pup.
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(By A.A. Milne) A collection of heartwarming stories about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Filled with gentle humor, life lessons, and endearing characters like Piglet, Eeyore, and Christopher Robin.
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(By Mo Willems) Pigeon is back with another hilarious tantrum when he sees Duckling get a cookie—without even asking! A delightful story filled with humor, expressive illustrations, and a lesson in kindness and manners.
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(By E.B. White) E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a touching story about friendship, love, and the cycle of life. It follows Wilbur, a runt pig who is saved from slaughter by a kind-hearted girl named Fern. However, Wilbur’s life remains at risk until he befriends Charlotte, a wise and compassionate spider who devises a plan to save him by spinning words like “Some Pig” into her web. As the story unfolds, Wilbur learns valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and loss. The novel is deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with humor and wisdom. Themes of mortality and change are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it a classic that resonates with both children and adults.
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(By Ludwig Bemelmans) Ludwig Bemelmans’ iconic book follows Madeline, a brave and adventurous girl who lives in a Parisian boarding school. With its rhyming text and charming illustrations, the story highlights courage, friendship, and the beauty of childhood exploration.
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(By Ruth Stiles Gannett) A whimsical trilogy following Elmer Elevator, a young boy who embarks on adventures to rescue a baby dragon. Filled with creativity, humor, and charming illustrations, it’s a classic for early readers.
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(By Dr. Seuss) One of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved books, Green Eggs and Ham follows Sam-I-Am as he persistently tries to convince another character to try an unusual meal. Through humorous rhymes and repetition, the book encourages children to be open to new experiences. Its simple vocabulary and engaging rhythm make it an excellent choice for early readers.
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(By Mo Willems) An Elephant & Piggie book by Mo Willems, this story follows Gerald and Piggie as they try to include a snake in their game of catch. However, since the snake has no arms, they must figure out a way to make the game work. With hilarious illustrations and a heartwarming message about inclusion and problem-solving, it’s a great early-reader book.
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(By Maurice Sendak) Maurice Sendak’s groundbreaking picture book follows Max, a mischievous boy who is sent to bed without supper and journeys to an island of wild creatures. Crowned their king, Max eventually realizes the importance of home and love. With its dreamlike illustrations and deep emotional themes, the book remains a masterpiece of children’s literature.
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(By Jon Stone) The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone is a playful and interactive story starring Grover from Sesame Street. Grover desperately tries to stop the reader from reaching the end of the book, fearing the monster. As the story unfolds, Grover's antics and humorous pleas keep children engaged, making this a fun and exciting read. It’s a lighthearted way to teach kids about overcoming fears with humor and bravery.
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(By Jennifer Carson) Dragons Don't Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson is an enchanting story about Esmerelda, a dragon who dreams of being a ballerina despite being told that dragons can’t dance. With determination and the support of a kind dance teacher, Esmerelda defies expectations and proves that anyone can follow their dreams. This beautifully illustrated book encourages perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of believing in oneself.
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(By Graeme Base) Animalia by Graeme Base is a beautifully illustrated alphabet book where each page introduces a new letter of the alphabet along with detailed, fantastical scenes and hidden objects to discover. The intricate illustrations and clever wordplay make it an engaging read for children of all ages. It’s a creative and visually stimulating way to learn the alphabet and explore the animal kingdom.
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(By Brett Axel) A beautifully illustrated and deeply moving story about identity and belonging. The book follows a young goblin who feels different from those around him and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. With poetic language and stunning artwork, Goblinheart explores themes of gender identity, self-acceptance, and finding one’s true self. This book is a powerful resource for discussions about diversity and personal identity, making it a valuable read for children, parents, and educators alike.
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(By Harry Allard) When the kindhearted Miss Nelson mysteriously disappears, the students must deal with the strict substitute, Viola Swamp. A humorous and engaging tale of mischievous students learning a lesson.
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(By Munro Leaf) This beloved classic by Munro Leaf tells the story of Ferdinand, a gentle bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights. The book promotes messages of nonviolence, self-acceptance, and staying true to oneself.
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(By George Selden) A story of friendship between Chester Cricket, Tucker Mouse, and Harry Cat in the heart of New York City. With magical elements and a love for music, this classic captures the wonder of unlikely friendships.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A powerful environmental fable by Dr. Seuss, The Lorax tells the story of the Once-ler, who destroys a lush forest to manufacture Thneeds, despite the warnings of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. The book highlights the consequences of unchecked industrialization and serves as an early lesson in conservation and sustainability.
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(By Watty Piper) The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper is a classic story about a small blue engine that faces a big challenge when asked to pull a heavy train over a mountain. Despite doubts from others, the Little Engine perseveres with determination, famously saying, “I think I can, I think I can.” This uplifting story teaches children about perseverance, self-belief, and the power of a positive attitude in overcoming obstacles.
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(By William Steig) A donkey named Sylvester finds a magic pebble that grants wishes but accidentally turns himself into a rock, leading to an emotional journey of hope and family love.
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(By Judith Viorst) Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst is a humorous story about a boy named Alexander who has a day where everything seems to go wrong. From bad hair days to problems at school, Alexander’s day spirals downward, and he wishes he could move to Australia. Through its relatable and entertaining story, the book teaches children about frustration, resilience, and the understanding that bad days are a part of life.
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(By Else Holmelund Minarik) A heartwarming collection of stories about a curious and loving little bear and his adventures with his mother. A perfect early-reader book with gentle themes of love and imagination.
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(By Amanda Beth Connolly) A fun, engaging story about a little boy named Jake who struggles with waking up in the morning. Filled with playful rhymes and delightful illustrations, this book is perfect for young readers who need encouragement to start their day with energy.
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(By DeAnna Kinney) A sweet tale about a young manatee named Sammy who embarks on an adventure and discovers the value of friendship, kindness, and courage. A gentle introduction to marine life for young readers.
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(By Rudyard Kipling) A thrilling tale from The Jungle Book about a brave mongoose who protects his human family from dangerous cobras. A classic adventure filled with suspense and heroism.
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(By Amy Ehrlich (Adaptation)) A beautifully illustrated retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s story about a tiny girl who embarks on a journey of wonder and self-discovery. A tale of resilience and magic.
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(By Mary Pope Osborne) A thrilling Magic Tree House adventure where Jack and Annie travel to the ocean and learn about dolphins, submarines, and underwater mysteries. A mix of excitement and educational fun.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A playful and silly Dr. Seuss book filled with rhymes, wordplay, and nonsense characters, designed to introduce young readers to language, counting, and opposites. Its fun, repetitive structure makes it perfect for early reading.
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(By Richard Atwater) A humorous classic about Mr. Popper, a house painter who unexpectedly receives a group of penguins. Chaos ensues as he turns his home into a winter wonderland for his feathered friends.
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(By Arnold Lobel) A delightful collection of short stories featuring Frog and Toad, two best friends who share everyday adventures. Simple yet profound, these tales celebrate friendship and kindness.
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(By Dr. Seuss) Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss is a story about Horton the elephant, who discovers a tiny world living on a speck of dust. Despite being ridiculed by others, Horton is determined to protect the Whos, proving that even the smallest voices matter. This classic Seuss tale delivers an important message about tolerance, empathy, and standing up for what is right. Its whimsical rhymes and vibrant illustrations make it an enduring favorite for children and adults alike.
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(By Mary Pope Osborne) The first book in the Magic Tree House series follows Jack and Annie as they travel back to the time of dinosaurs. This exciting adventure introduces young readers to time travel and historical exploration.
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(By Beatrix Potter) The classic tale of Peter Rabbit’s misadventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden, written by Beatrix Potter, is filled with charming illustrations and timeless lessons about curiosity, mischief, and responsibility.
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(By Joanna Cole) Ms. Frizzle takes her class on an exciting field trip through the water cycle, from clouds to water pipes. A fascinating blend of science and adventure.
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(By David Shannon) Camilla Cream loves lima beans but is too afraid to admit it. One day, she develops a wild case of stripes that changes with every suggestion. A playful and meaningful story about self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself.
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(By Gene Zion) A classic story about Harry, a mischievous dog who gets dirty and then tries to clean himself up, highlighting the joy of pets and the love between them and their owners.
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(By Marjorie Flack) A timeless tale about a little duck who gets separated from his family on the Yangtze River. With rich illustrations and a gentle lesson about obedience and finding one’s way home, this book has captivated generations of readers.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A collection of Dr. Seuss stories, including The Sneetches, which teaches a lesson about acceptance and prejudice. Other stories include The Zax, Too Many Daves, and What Was I Scared Of?, all with humorous yet meaningful messages.
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(By Don Freeman) Don Freeman’s Corduroy follows a small teddy bear in a department store who embarks on a nighttime adventure in search of his missing button, hoping it will help him find a home. The story captures themes of friendship, acceptance, and the love between a child and a cherished toy.
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(By Ellie B. Morris) A charming story about Dippy, a lovable dinosaur who experiences the beauty of spring and learns about patience, change, and nature. Perfect for young readers who enjoy gentle stories.
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(By Shel Silverstein) Shel Silverstein’s poignant story follows the lifelong relationship between a boy and a selfless tree that gives everything—its apples, branches, and trunk—to make the boy happy. The book explores themes of unconditional love, self-sacrifice, and human nature’s tendency to take more than it gives. Its bittersweet message has sparked discussions on generosity, relationships, and environmentalism.
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(By Phonics, Ages 4 and up) A structured, easy-to-read set of books designed to help young readers build confidence with simple, phonetic storytelling. Perfect for early literacy development.
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(By Eric Carle) This beloved classic follows a hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. The interactive die-cut pages and vibrant illustrations help teach counting, days of the week, and healthy eating habits.
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(By Astrid Lindgren) Astrid Lindgren’s classic story about Pippi, an unconventional, adventurous girl with superhuman strength who lives without parents, accompanied by her horse and pet monkey. Her wild imagination and free spirit make her an enduring literary icon.
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(By Laura Joffe Numeroff) A silly and entertaining tale where one request leads to another in a never-ending chain of fun chaos. This classic book from the If You Give... series teaches cause and effect in an engaging way.
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(By Mo Willems) Mo Willems gives a hilarious twist to the classic fairytale with Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. In this version, Goldilocks stumbles upon a house that belongs to three dinosaurs who may or may not have planned to eat an unsuspecting visitor. With witty humor and clever illustrations, this book is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy fractured fairytales.