{"id":50568,"date":"2025-01-06T08:21:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T12:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/?p=50568"},"modified":"2025-01-14T03:19:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T07:19:27","slug":"books-for-6-year-olds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/books-for-6-year-olds\/","title":{"rendered":"Sweet Chapter Books for 6 Year Olds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Book recommendations for 6-year-olds fall into two major categories: books you read aloud to them and books most 6-year-olds can read on their own. This list is mostly the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you read to kids or play audiobooks, they can often read and enjoy more advanced texts like those on this list for 7 year olds<\/a> and this list for 8 year olds<\/a>. Independent read-aloud books are a little more limited, and some of them can be super boring. For this list, I’ve included actually fun(ny) stories that your 6-year-old can read on their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find a few illustrated chapter books, easy readers, and several early graphic novels.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Join our Patreon community<\/a> to get the printable version of this li<\/b>st<\/strong>! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources and perks, like our seasonal guides, book tasting menus, and book discussion guides, to inspire you. You can also\u00a0buy the standalone printable<\/a>\u00a0from our shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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20 Awesome Books for 6-Year-Olds to Read By Themselves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are 20 great books for 6 year olds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Troop<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Troop Esme<\/h2><\/div>
By Lourdes Heuer (Author), Marissa Valdez (Illustrator)
Published: August 13, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This adorable chapter book stars bold Esme, who decides to start her own troop to start earning badges but ends up finding a friend instead. I love that this book takes readers on a ride — with new surprises at every turn as Esme determinedly finds opportunities to earn a badge of honor!<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Welcome<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Welcome to the Woofmore<\/h2><\/div>
By Donna Gephart (Author), Lori Haskins Houran (Author), Josh Cleland (Illustrator)
Published: May 21, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A delightful, humorous chapter book set at a hotel for dogs? Say no more! This charming series starter stars Rufus, a dog working at the Woofmore who\u2019s tasked with preparing for the arrival of a Very Important Pooch hounded by pupparazi<\/em>. Can Rufus keep their resident celebrity safe, rested, and away from disturbance? This chapter book is perfect for fans of funny, animal chapter books<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pedro<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Pedro Goes Buggy<\/h2><\/div>
By Fran Manushkin (Author), Tammie Lyon (Illustrator)
Published: August 1, 2016<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

New first-grader, Pedro explores his interests in this sweet and adventurous easy-to-read chapter book series. From a mission to find bugs for his classroom bug unit to navigating soccer challenges, Pedro is a relatable protagonist for young readers.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Sadiq<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Sadiq and the Desert Star<\/h2><\/div>
By Siman Nuurali (Author), Anjan Sarkar (Illustrator)
Published: August 1, 2019<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Before Sadiq’s Baba leaves town for work, he shares his hobby of star gazing with his son. Now Sadiq is eager to create an astronomy club at school, but will he find his tribe? This book also includes a glossary of Somalian words and astronomy vocabulary for the stars and space-obsessed readers.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Gigi<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Gigi and Ojiji<\/h2><\/div>
By Melissa Iwai (Author\/Illustrator)
Published: May 3, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this series opener, Gigi is so excited for her Ojiji to come visit from Japan. But when the two meet, she\u2019s disappointed. Ojiji won\u2019t give her a hug, laughs at her Japanese, and won\u2019t even open her gift to him. After a conversation with her mom, Gigi realizes that some people might have different reactions than we expect, but it doesn\u2019t mean they don\u2019t love us. This is a huge charmer with sparse text and full-color images. I adored it.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Sky<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Howdy Partner (Sky & Ty #1)<\/h2><\/div>
By Steve Breen (Author)
Published: April 2, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Every cowgirl dreams of her own horse but Sky’s different — she wants a pet dinosaur, but when she encounters a gentle dinosaur named Ty, she’s surprised to be won over even if he’s nowhere near as fierce as she hoped a pet dinosaur would be! I love when a chapter book packs surprise and delight into less than 100 pages like this one does.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Orris<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Orris and Timble: The Beginning<\/h2><\/div>
By Kate DiCamillo (Author), Carmen Mok (Illustrator)
Published: April 30, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this chapter book by Kate DiCamillo, Orris is a mouse who lives alone in an abandoned barn with his three favorite collectibles: a pair of red velvet slippers, one sardine can, and a bright yellow marble ball. Enter Timble. One night, Orris hears an owl\u2019s cry for help and rescues him. The two become hesitant friends in this first installment of the series (after all, owls eat mice). This book feels like a classic waiting to happen, and the illustrations are gorgeous, as is DiCamillo\u2019s spare prose and rich characterization.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Duck<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Duck and Moose: Duck Moves In<\/h2><\/div>
By Kirk Reedstrom
Published: March 5, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This hilarious young graphic novel series follows a grumpy moose and an overly friendly Duck (a commonly seen trope but very well done). Just as Moose exhales into the quiet of having scared all his neighbors away with his crankiness, there comes Duck, who is convinced she wants to live between his antlers. Moose tries unsuccessfully to convince her to live in some other different places with hilarious outcomes. With funny dialogue and highly complimentary graphics that clearly portray moose\u2019s discomfort with humor, kids will love this new series.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Worm<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends<\/h2><\/div>
By Kaz Windess
Published: January 31, 2023<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Worm and Caterpillar may look the same to the unskilled eye (and to Worm), but they’re different. Will they remain friends despite these differences? This early graphic novel is so sweet, surprising, and easy to read for 1st and 2nd graders alike. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pug<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Pug Blasts Off: A Branches Book (Diary of a Pug #1)<\/h2><\/div>
By Kyla May
Published: October 1, 2019<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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This Branches series follows Baron Von Bubbles, an adorable pug who loves his owner Bella, but hates the rain, the housecat, and the squirrel in the nearby woods. Bella has a new creative project on the horizon, but a collision with Nutzy the squirrel leads Bubbles to ruin Bella’s project inadvertently. Can he fix it in time? This cute series encourages newly independent readers with accessible words and brightly colored illustrations.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Twig<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Twig Friends<\/h2><\/div>
By Andrew McDonald (Author), Ben Wood (Illustrator)
Published: September 3, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A book featuring three twigs and a stump might seem odd, but this hilarious graphic novel is the perfect transition for young readers who are ready for early chapter books.  Children ages 6-8 will love the wacky adventures of Red, Noodle, Ziggy, and Stump as they explore the forest.  The illustrations are vibrant, playful, and full of energy, bringing to life the humor and charm of these fun, one-of-a-kind characters. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Eva’s Treetop Festival (Owl Diaries #1)<\/h2><\/div>
By Rebecca Elliott
Published: January 6, 2015<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this adorable chapter book series, kids meet a cute owl named Eva! One day when she\u2019s bored, she comes up with a grand idea to organize a spring festival. But she quickly realizes that she\u2019s in over her head and has to learn for help. I liked the diary format, bright illustrations, and handwriting font and I think it\u2019s a great way to introduce younger readers to the format. Ages 7+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Fox<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Fox Has a Problem<\/h2><\/div>
By Corey R. Tabor (Author, Illustrator)
Published: August 1, 2023<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This is probably the easiest book to read on this list, but the plot is far from simplistic as our protagonist, Fox, creates problems for himself and other forest friends while trying to solve a recurring problem of his. I loved this one!<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Scaredy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Scaredy Squirrel<\/h2><\/div>
By Melanie Watt
Published: February 1, 2006<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When a squirrel who’s afraid of everything falls out of his tree home without a parachute, he learns that adventure can be the spice of life, not just a threat to it. The audiobook of this one is so charming and high action. It’s on Amazon Kids+ but you’ll need a Fire tablet or iPad to read it digitally!<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Lost<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Lost and Found in the City (Ratnip #1)<\/h2><\/div>
By Cam Higgins (Author), Allison Steinfeld (Illustrator)
Published: February 4, 2025<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Put this delightful story about a rat who finds and returns a lost item in the big city with the help of its animal friends on your radar for February 2025. I adored this one! It’s short with illustrations and perfect for fans of animal stories, with humor and a touch of suspense and adventure.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"See<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog<\/h2><\/div>
By David LaRochelle (Author), Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator)
Published: September 8, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kids won’t be able to stop giggling as the dog in this story endures three stories about him. Or are they about him? I chucked many a time reading this one. It’s also so easy to read with short, simple words for your new reader.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Sydney<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World<\/h2><\/div>
By Jacqueline Davies (Author), Deborah Hocking (Illustrator)
Published: February 2, 2021<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Friends Sydney and Taylor decide to embark on a new adventure together: exploring the world outside their cozy burrow. But shortly into their adventure, they start to realize that there’s a whole lot of world to see. As the two defend themselves from dogs, speeding cars, and hunger, they realize the world is warmer with friends and adventure. I adored this story and the old-school design of the pages.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Fancy<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Fancy Friends (Bunbun and Bonbon #1) <\/h2><\/div>
By Jess Keating (Author, Illustrator)
Published: September 2, 2014<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A lonely bunny is delighted to find his first best friend in this charming, easy-to-read early graphic novel. This one is under 100 pages and good for beginning readers ages 6 and up<\/strong>.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Bear<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories<\/h2><\/div>
By Jess Keating (Author, Illustrator)
Published: May 9, 2023<\/strong><\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Follow Bear and Bird through life’s mishaps as they deal with a talking flower, a blanket named Suzie, a barely-saved picnic, and an emotional painting session. I truly love this duo. This series is so clever and sweet and is brilliant at depicting flawed characters making life better for each other through friendship. Truly charming and speaks greatly to the skill of its creator.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Owl<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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Owl and Penguin<\/h2><\/div>
By Vikram Madan<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

 Published: October 11, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These stories about unlikely besties are always such a hit for new readers. This one is super short but sweet \u2014 reminiscent of Bear and Bird\u2019s adventures but in graphic novel format as Owl and Penguin help each other through ice-cream spills, a flying disaster, and learning to play in the rain.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BUY ON AMAZON<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Join our Patreon community<\/a> to get the printable version of this li<\/b>st<\/strong>! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources and perks, like our seasonal guides, book tasting menus, and book discussion guides, to inspire you. You can also buy the standalone printable<\/a> from our shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More Books for 6 Year Olds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n