21 Perfect Chapter Books For Year Two Kids | Kidadl
How to help families in Ukraine

Lockdown at home is a great time for kids aged 6 -7 to practice their reading skills, and there are plenty of amazing stories and delightful tales for them to enjoy.

We have gathered together a big list of book recommendations for children aged between 6 and 7, including plenty of old classics by Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl, as well as a selection of the best new books for your little ones. The list focuses on books that have short, accessible chapters which are most suited to readers of this age - making reading a fun learning activity rather than a dull or stressful task.

The books included on this list have been selected as they are appropriate for most year two students, aged 6-7. Covering a range of subjects, themes and topics, all of these books will help to build young readers' confidence, giving children a love of reading that will bring them hours of joy.

Reading list

Mr Big, by Ed Vere

This bold, colourful book is filled with amazing illustrations - and the story follows the main character, Mr Big, as he tries to find a true friend...

I Was a Rat - or The Scarlet Slippers, by Philip Pullman

A fun and imaginative story with a very clever twist, this book is by the same author as the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. A brilliant book to discuss with 6 -7-year-olds, who are sure to be enthralled by the plot and illustrations.

There's Room for Everyone, by Anahita Teymorian

A beautiful and touching book - 'There's Room for Everyone' shares a message of peace and tolerance, focusing on  and sharing rather than fighting and winning.

The Day the Crayons Quit, by Oliver Jeffers

A really funny story that follows Duncan - a child whose crayons who refuse to come to work. The pictures and story will appeal to kids aged 6 - 7, and it is suitable for all reading abilities in KS1.

Quentin Blake illustration

George's Marvellous Medicine, by Roald Dahl

One of Roald Dahl's most-loved and best ever books, follow George as he makes a magic potion to cure his grandma, stopping her being such a mean and witchy woman!

A Royal Lullabyhullaballoo, by Mick Inkpen

An easy read for year two students, this picture book follows a Little Princes who can't get to sleep. Complete with fold-out pages and charming illustrations, 'A Royal Lullabyhullaballoo' is written by the same author as the 'Kipper' books.

A Planet Full of Plastic: And How You Can Help, by Neal Layton

The perfect book for the environmentally-minded, this beautifully illustrated story by award-winning author Neal Layton explains what plastic is and why it's a problem. Full of great ideas for how to reduce and reuse plastics, this is a great book to inspire children to think about their impact on the environment.

Triangle, by Mac Barnett

A great choice for reluctant readers, Barnett's 'Triangle' is filled with unique and engaging illustrations - and the story follows Triangle as he tries to play tricks on his friend, Square.

Big book reading

The Enchanted Wood, by Enid Blyton

A childhood classic, this books is part of Blyton's brilliant Magic Faraway Tree series. Follow Joe, Beth and Frannie on their adventures as they discover new lands and meet fantastical characters.

The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, by Roald Dahl

Another of Dahl's brilliant children's books, this crazy story is one of the best for children who want to improve their reading skills. Follow Billy as he tries to open a sweet shop, and read all about the window cleaning company run by a giraffe, a pelican and a monkey.  

Press Here, by Herve Tullet

Children who don't love reading are sure to like this interactive book, which changes every time you read it. One of the best books for easily bored kids, kids follow the instructions and complete different tasks throughout the book, which is sure to keep their attention right through to the end.

The Story of Babar, by Jean De Brunhoff

Join Babar on his adventures through the city, as he escapes from hunters and eventually returns to the forest. This easy-reading book is sure to please all year two kids.

Henry Hikes to Fitchburg, by D.B. Johnson

This simple, illustrated storybook is an easy reader - and a great choice for the current lockdown situation - the book demonstrates the joys of taking life slowly, enjoying more simple pleasures. A lovely story that will plant a seed of awareness about the different choices that we make.

Fungus the Bogeyman, by Raymond Briggs

Reluctant readers won't be able to resist this book, which is packed with revolting smells, lots of snot and other slimy substances that appeal to children at this age.

Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems and Drawings of Shel Silverstein, by Shel Silverstein

Not technically a chapter book, this beautiful book of poems and drawings is both funny and profound. Silverstein's poems are full of delightful characters, like the boy who turns into a television, a girl who eats a whale and a world where you have to wash your shadow.

Dinosaurs Before Dark, by Mary Pope Osborne

A great book for year two students who love dinosaurs, this story follows Jack and Annie as they travel back in time to when dinosaurs walked the earth. From the scary T-Rex to the friendly Triceratops, children will love meeting all the different dinosaurs on this wonderful adventure.

Child reading outside in a hammock

A is for Elizabeth, by Rachel Vail

This fast-paced book is perfect for more confident readers, as it has much more written content that a typical book for year two students. The story is about Elizabeth, a nice but naughty little girl that children will love - and the structure of the book also teaches readers the alphabetic order.

Beavers - The Superpower Field Guide, by Rachel Poliquin

A fun, non-fiction book that is a great read for 6-7-year-olds. Filled with lots and lots of facts as well as great illustrations, this book is humorous and lighthearted - explaining the natural world, science and animals in a way that is fun and friendly, rather than preachy.

Say Something!, by Peter Reynolds

This short, illustrated book holds a simple but important lesson for children: your voice counts. Full of lovely illustrations by Reynolds, the book teaches little ones that their opinion is important and that they matter, inspiring them to create change and to help others.

The Lost Words, by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris

This magical book will surely become a family favourite: filled with beautiful illustrations of plants and animals - along with rhyming verses and magical spells. Read this oversized book one page at a time - taking in all of the information and imagining new worlds - and let it inspire you to get out into nature, discovering the wonderful world around us.

The Moomins and The Great Flood, by Tove Jansson

The first of all the Moomin books, this small book is a great choice for children that love going on imaginative adventures. The simple plot is illustrated with beautiful drawings - and the book is a great introduction to the Moomin characters, with plenty more books available in the series.

For more book recommendations for children, take a look at our articles on the Alphabet Books For Toddlers and the best Interactive Books For Under 5s.

Author
Written By
Rosanna Robertson

Godmother to two little girls, Rosanna enjoys finding ways to entertain her goddaughters with games, cooking and – best of all - arts and crafts. Having studied Fine Art, Rosanna uses her creativity to make colourful, fun and educational art and craft projects that are perfect for kids of all ages. Full of ideas for homemade cards and handcrafted gifts, toys and decorations – Rosanna also has a knack for finding child-friendly cultural activities and fun places for kids to blow off steam.

Read The Disclaimer

Was this article helpful?