23 Best Books for Six Year Olds Starting Their Reading Adventure

Discover our guide with the best books for six year olds to find an entertaining and delightful read you can share with your little one.

Kids are ready to start their exciting literary adventures at six years old. This is usually around first grade when teachers start reading more complex and entertaining stories and teaching basic phonetics and spelling. It’s also a perfect time to teach a love of reading and eventually give children their books to tackle with their growing skills. Reading books together or teaching the best metaphor examples for kids is a great way to engage them in learning.

1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The ultimate classic Where the Wild Things Are remains a favorite for starting readers everywhere, and it’s likely to hold a special place on your bookshelf for years to come. The story itself is renowned for tackling childhood tantrums, love, jealousy, pain, escapism, and more – all in a fantastical, dream-like way supported by equally excellent artwork. Additionally, the wording is basic enough for young readers to piece together over time, making it a great way to teach reading and important concepts like dialogue. 

“Oh, please don’t go—we’ll eat you up—we love you so!”

Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are

2. 365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes by Cottage Door Press

Why not go big? If your six-year-old is always looking for new things to explore and likes to hear many different stories, the compendium 364 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes is a great way to find new favorites together. The content varies between classic fairy tales and traditional nursery rhymes, with artwork from various artists complementing it. It’s a great pick for children that sometimes want to read along and sometimes want to hear a bedtime story: No matter what, you’ll be ready.

“Once upon a time there was a little girl named Goldilocks who had beautiful golden hair. She lived in a little cottage at the edge of the forest.”

Cottage Door Press, 365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes

3. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

This outstanding little book is part of the Penelope Rex series, which helps growing young kids learn about themselves and the world through the eyes of a gregarious little T-Rex. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates is especially applicable because it’s Penelope’s first day of school, a situation with which six-year-olds can quickly identify. Of course, a T-Rex has a big appetite, and all her classmates seem so…delicious. But Penelope learns that school’s a bit more complicated than a buffet and that following the rules is important for everyone, even a king of the dinosaurs. For younger tots, check out our list of the best books for two year olds.

“You see, Penelope, children are the same as us on the inside, just tastier.”

Ryan T. Higgins, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates

4. Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krowse Rosenthal

The exceptionally cute Uni the Unicorn reverses the old story: The unicorns say that little girls are just a legend and that none exist. But Uni wants to believe that isn’t true, so she finds a little girl to be her best friend, no matter what. Of course, she succeeds because on the other side of the story is a little girl who wants nothing more than a unicorn. It’s an obvious pick for little ones going through a unicorn phase (plus there’s a sequel), but this little fantasy tale can entertain all kinds of young readers. 

“Like the other unicorns, had a special swirly horn with the power to heal and mend.”

Amy Krowse Rosenthal, Uni the Unicorn

5. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

At six, kids are starting school and ready to think about what it means to learn – and along with that comes the idea of jobs, work, and what people do for a living. Ada Twist, Scientist, is part of a series called The Questioneers, each of which explores a potential job cleverly. These books have many purposes: They encourage kids to see learning as fun, help them explore different jobs, show that little girls can excel in the sciences, and encourage readers to exercise their creativity. If it’s too advanced for your little reader, wait until second or third grade for a closer look: The series is well worth it.

“She asks lots of questions. How could she resist? It’s all in the heart of a great scientist.”

Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, Ada Twist, Scientist

6. Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton and Cristina Balit

Do you remember the first time you learned about constellations? Maybe not, but it was somewhere around this age, and Zoo in the Sky is ready to help your child learn about them, too, now with beautiful, striking illustrations. The book goes through popular constellations like the Little and Great Bear (saving Latin names for much later), the Great Dog, and many other star-based animals. Along the way, it teaches a little about the legends surrounding some constellations and basic astronomy facts, rounding off a unique and wonderful reading experience.

7. Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Pick nearly any Dr. Seuss book for your child; it will be a great reading choice. Six-year-olds are just reaching the age where they can start fully appreciating Dr. Seuss, and even if you started them earlier, there are still likely some gems in the full catalog left to be discovered. But for this list, we’re choosing Oh, the Places You’ll Go: It’s a timeless message on everything that life brings and the big adventures that are waiting ahead, helping encourage kids and prepare them for new things. 

“Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!”

Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You’ll Go!

8. When a Dragon Moves In by Jodi Moore and Howard McWilliam

Building sandcastles is awesome fun, but be careful: If your sandcastle is too good or too big, a dragon might move in! When a Dragon Moves In explores what happens next, as a young child’s day at the beach is filled with dragonesque thrills and escapades. This book hits the sweet spot for this age group, packaging adventure and a creative premise into a digestible package that’s easy for a young child to appreciate without talking down to them. If you’re looking for something new (and filled with brilliant pictures), try this title.

“Of course, there are rules on the beach, so you’ll have to hide his smoke from the lifeguard…”

Jodi Moore and Howard McWilliam, When a Dragon Moves In

9. Dog Man Volume 1 by Dav Pilkey

You may recognize Pilkey from his Captain Underpants series, but Dog Man is another venture altogether. These books follow a half dog, half man in pursuit of justice – but also ready to learn valuable lessons. While catching robbers, evil masterminds, mischievous squirrels, and other troublemakers is on Dog Man’s list, he finds important truths about kindness, empathy, and being a good person. Looking for more children’s books? You might also enjoy our list of the best Norma Bridwell books.

“ENOUGH with the firecrackers! This is WAY COOLER!!! And once I turn it on… it will chase Dog Man… and it won’t stop until he gets sucked up!!!”

Dav Pilkey, Dog Man Volume 1

10. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barret and Ronald Barret

Your child may have already seen the animated movie this book was based on, but reading the original story is a different, charming experience. The book Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs follows the town of Chewandswallow, where the weather is magical — when rain, snow, and wind occur, they are delicious foods for the locals. That was fun for a long time, but the weather has started to change, growing dark and fearsome. Torrents of food started to threaten the entire town, and the people needed a solution as fast as they could get it.Ronan the Librarian by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie

“By the time they woke up in the morning, breakfast was coming down. After a brief shower of orange juice, low clouds of sunny-side eggs moved in followed by pieces of toast. Butter and jelly sprinkled down for the toast. And most of the time it rained milk afterwards.”

Judi Barret and Ronald Barret, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

11. Ronan the Librarian by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie

What happens when a barbarian stumbles into the life of a librarian? Ronan the Librarian happens, and it’s wonderful. This book teaches that even tough, strong Vikings armed with axes can still love books and reading and bring the wonder of books to other people around them, too. The illustrations are stunning for this book, and the cadence is comforting for six-year-olds with a taste for adventure. 

“Ronan was a mighty barbarian. He invaded. He raided. And back home, he traded. He always found the greatest treasures. Until one day, Ronan found something no barbarian wants: A BOOK.”

Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie, Ronan the Librarian

12. How Martha Saved Her Parents From Green Beans by David LoRochelle and Mark Fearing

If you have a six-year-old, chances are good that they have formed some serious opinions about food – and what they don’t like. How Martha Saved Her Parents From Green Beans is an immensely entertaining way to view this through the lens of a fantasy adventure. Here, Martha’s town is invaded by an evil horde of green beans with eyes on getting vengeance on anyone who has enjoyed their green vegetables a little too much. Martha can stop them – but she may have to sacrifice some taste buds along the way. 

“Anyone who had ever said, ‘Eat your green beans,’ was in big, BIG trouble.”

David LoRochelle and Mark Fearing, How Martha Saved Her Parents From Green Beans

13. Peter and Ernesto: Sloths in the Night by Graham Annable

Normally, this list wouldn’t start with the third book in the series, but Peter and Ernesto volume 3 deserves an exception. It takes the concept of the earlier books (two sloths are friends) and expands it to a real adventure as they explore the jungle around them to see if the many myths about it are true. One of their friends goes missing, and they must organize a search party and see what secrets the jungle is hiding. It’s a more upbeat part of the series with plenty to hold interest: If kids like it, it’s easy to go back and explore the first books as well!

14. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr

Likely the most beautiful reading experience on the list, the gorgeous Owl Moon backs up its detailed, almost-haunting illustrations with a captivating tale of a young child whose father promised her they would finally go out owling at night. The minimalistic story follows as they seek the owl, drawing in readers with watercolored wonder. It’s a wonderful choice for a bedtime story and a tale that young readers can start to piece together on their own after being captivated by the imagery. 

“We reached the line of pine trees, black and pointy against the sky, and Pa held up his hand. I I stopped right where I was and waited. He looked up, as if searching the stars…”

Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr, Owl Moon

15. Paolo, Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett and Claire Keane

Let’s be clear: Paolo isn’t emperor of Rome. But he is a very rambunctious dachshund who lives in a Roman salon and dreams of touring the city on his own someday. The day finally comes when he escapes and begins his tour of the city, experiencing all the famous destination has to offer. Ultimately a story of travel and triumph, this will teach young readers about stepping outside their comfort zones to enjoy new things and how fascinating other locations across the world can be. 

“And high on a hill, topping a column, a statue of a proud she-wolf. ‘How like this wolf I am,’ said Paolo.”

Mac Barnett and Claire Keane, Paolo, Emperor of Rome 

16. What Do You Do With an Idea? by Koni Yamada and Mae Besom

Children have learned a distinct concept of themselves at this age and are starting to have ideas about the world around them. But how do ideas work? What happens when your mind pops up with a unique idea? Well, in What Do You Do With an Idea?, a child has a very special idea that deserves attention and room to grow. It’s not an easy idea, and it’s not an idea that everyone can understand, but when treated well, one promising idea like this can help change the world. It’s no surprise this bestseller is used in classrooms around the country.

“But then I realized, what do they really know? This is MY idea, I thought. No one knows it like I do. And it’s okay if it’s difference, and weird, and maybe a little crazy.”

Koni Yamada and Mae Besom, What Do You Do With an Idea?

17. InvestiGators Volume 1 by John Patrick Green

A romp of a series, InvestiGators follows Mango and Brash, investigator partners who are, of course, literal alligators. They use their spy gadgets to investigate the most important cases in their sewer home world, solving mysteries and defeating dangers. It’s a good pick for precocious six-year-olds that have devoured stories like Dog Man and are ready for more clever adventures. Looking for more children’s books? You might also enjoy our list of the best Stan and Jan Berenstain books.

“Investigators are on the case! ‘Mango! Get offa my case!’ ‘Oh. Sorry, Brash.’”

John Patrick Green, InvestiGators Volume 1

18. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz

You may have wondered when this classic would appear on our list. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is about a kid who wakes up to a day where absolutely everything is wrong. We all have days like this, and it’s important to acknowledge they happen, understand our feelings, and occasionally dream about running off to Australia, where surely everything must be much better. It’s a favorite read for children this age, and nothing else needs to be said. 

“At singing time she said I sang too loud. At counting time she said I left out sixteen. Who needs sixteen?”

Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

19. Saving Sweetness by Diane Stanley

Saving Sweetness is a hidden gem of a book and a perfect option if you are looking for a heartfelt story to share with your child. With a western twang and fun artwork, it follows an orphan named Sweetness and her improvised, creative attempts to help the local sheriff after she goes missing, and he follows to find her. It’s a story about how adults and children sometimes need each other and how we can bond when everyone is open and helpful. 

“Mrs. Sump is as mean as an acre of rattlesnakes. Too bad she’s runnin’ the orphanage out there in Possum Trot! One day the littlest orphan, Sweetness, decides she’s had just about enough of scrubbin’ floors with a toothbrush.”

Diane Stanley, Saving Sweetness

20. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields

Any kids interested in nature, science, animals, the outdoors, or related topics should have the First Big Book of Why on their shelf. Written with little readers in mind, it’s a cornucopia of answers to common questions “How does bread bake?” and “How does a car engine work?”

This book includes fun little games and crafts and even recipes to try out. Inquisitive children will devour it from end to end and ask for more, and National Geographic has many more like it to tailor to kids’ interests. Its only flaw is that it may be a little young for more advanced six-year-olds, so you might want to try it a year or two early for the especially curious.

21. Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller

Arnie lives in the doughnut, where he watches other doughnuts bought and taken away – on glorious adventures, he assumes. Finally, his own time comes, and Arnie can’t wait. However, he realizes that something horrible may wait for the purchased doughnuts. Can he change that, not only for himself but for all doughnut-kind? Arnie the Doughnut shows an incredibly unique story, complemented with equally unique artwork.

“One by one, doughnuts were chosen, placed in paper bags, and whisked away with their new owners. Some went by the dozen in giant boxes. ‘Good-bye!’ Arnie yelled to each doughnut. ‘Have a good trip!’ ‘This is so exciting!’ Arnie beamed. “‘ wonder who will choose ME?’ ”

Lauri Keller, Arnie the Doughnut

22. My Weird School Volume 1: Miss Daisy is Crazy! by Dan Gutman

For eager readers, this second-grade romp turns school upside down with a fun exploration of friends, teachers, and hijinks. Can AJ and his friends meet the impossible goal of reading a million pages and win the ultimate school party prize? My Weird School has enough volumes to last for years as children develop independent reading skills. However, it can be a big upgrade from picture books to text-based stories, so parents should use their judgment here.

“My name is A.J. I like football and video games, and I hate school.’ Our teacher, Miss Daisy, was taking attendance. It was the first day of second grade.”

Dan Gutman, My Weird School Volume 1: Miss Daisy is Crazy!

23. The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble

An instant classic, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash, shows what happens when Jimmy’s pet boa constrictor swallows various things found on a farm visit, getting into increasingly more trouble as it devours more and more clothes. How will Jimmy deal with all this mischief? It’s pure fun from beginning to end, with detailed illustrations and an easy reading pace for children. Looking for more? Check out the best Roger Hargreaves books for kids!

“’How was your class trip to the farm?’ ‘Oh…boring…kind of dull…until the cow started crying.’”

Trinka Hakes Noble, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash

FAQs About Best Books for Six-Year-Olds

Looking for more? Check out our guide with metaphor examples for kids!