Books About Reference Books · 212 titles considered

The Best Reference Books Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about reference books? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Reference Books

Guide to the Nether & the End
Sale price
$1330
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Guide to the Nether & the End

By Mojang AB, The Official Minecraft Team · Minecraft series

Survive two hostile dimensions, from fire-proof mobs to a dragon boss.

80 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 466 ratings
$14.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: An official guide to the two most dangerous places in the game. Players learn how to travel to the Nether and the End, what hostile mobs live there and how to fight them, which rare blocks and items to collect, and how to make it back to the Overworld in one piece, with tips straight from the game makers.
The Once Upon a Time Map Book
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1998

The Once Upon a Time Map Book

By B.G. Hennessy, Peter Joyce (Illustrator)

A guided tour of six storybook lands teaches young readers how to read a map.

18 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 194 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Six fold-out maps take readers on a tour of the Enchanted Forest, the Giant's Kingdom, Neverland, the Land of Oz, Aladdin's Kingdom and Wonderland. Each map has a compass, a lettered grid and a key, with directions to follow from place to place, and a pop-up royal castle ends the journey.
Drake's Comprehensive Compendium of Dragonology
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Drake's Comprehensive Compendium of Dragonology

By Ernest Drake, D Carrel (Illustrator), Tomislav Tomic (Illustrator), N Harris (Illustrator), Dugald A. Steer (Editor) · Ologies series

A dragon expert gathers a lifetime of knowledge about every kind of dragon into one volume.

182 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 295 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dr. Ernest Drake collects everything he knows about dragons into one illustrated encyclopedia: a guide to dragon species, from the European dragon to the hydra and pseudo-dragons like the phoenix, along with dragon biology, behaviour and history. A companion volume to Dragonology in the Ologies series.
Monsterology
Sale price
$2849
Picture Book · Ages 11–14 · 2008

Monsterology

By Ernest Drake, Various (Illustrator), Dugald A. Steer (Editor) · Book #6 in the Ologies series

A famous dragon expert turns to other legendary beasts. Do they really exist?

32 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 1,180 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dr. Ernest Drake, the dragonologist, turns his attention to other so-called mythical creatures, from krakens and sea serpents to griffins, yetis and unicorns. His notes come with foldouts, flaps, pull-outs, textured samples and a cabinet of curiosities, plus riddles to tell a sphinx. A follow-up to Dragonology in the Ologies series.
Weird But True! 1
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Weird But True! 1

By National Geographic Kids · Book #1 in the Weird But True series

Discover 350 mind-bending facts that reveal the world's wackiest truths.

216 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 104 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into a world where peanut butter becomes diamonds and goldfish live for decades. This book uncovers 350 astonishing facts across science, space, and more, making learning an unexpected adventure. What other surprises await?
The Ever Never Handbook
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Ever Never Handbook

By Soman Chainani, Michael Blank (Illustrator)

Navigate a school where heroes and villains learn to master their destinies.

304 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 5,240 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Step into a world where fairy tales come to life at the School for Good and Evil. Join Sophie, Agatha, and Tedros as they navigate a school filled with magical challenges and moral dilemmas. Will they emerge as heroes or villains? The Ever Never Handbook is your guide to surviving this enchanting yet perilous academy. With maps, quizzes, and portraits, discover what it takes to succeed in a place where the line between good and evil blurs. Are you ready to face the trials and shape your own story?
Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1980

Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary

By Merriam-Webster

Unlock the world of words with a treasure trove of language insights.

824 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 213 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a vibrant world of words with over 36,000 entries designed for young minds. Discover expanded examples, intriguing word histories, and vivid illustrations that bring language to life. Perfect for curious explorers aged eight to eleven, this dictionary is a gateway to understanding and creativity. What new adventures will each word inspire?
Economics for Beginners
Chapter Book · 2020

Economics for Beginners

By Andrew Prentice · For Beginners series

Discover how choices shape our world through economics.

128 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 194 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the fascinating world of economics, where every choice impacts our lives. Uncover why markets matter, how businesses decide what to sell, and the government's role in shaping a nation. Dive into a world of infographics and insights, revealing the hidden forces behind everyday decisions. What choices will you make?
100 Things to Know About the Human Body
Chapter Book · 2015

100 Things to Know About the Human Body

By Alex Frith, Minna Lacey, Matthew Oldham, Jonathan Melmoth · 100 Things to Know series

Discover 100 surprising facts about the human body through vibrant infographics.

128 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 212 ratings
Flexibound
Summary: Explore the wonders of the human body with 100 fascinating facts. From the types of tears we cry to the trillions of red blood cells coursing through our hearts, this book offers a fresh, visual approach to anatomy. Dive into colorful infographics that make complex science accessible and engaging. Perfect for curious minds and knowledge seekers, it’s a treasure trove of information for home, school, or quiz nights. What secrets will you uncover about your own body?
First Human Body Encyclopedia
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2005

First Human Body Encyclopedia

By DK · DK First Reference series

Explore the mysteries of the human body and discover how it all works together.

128 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 163 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the wonders of the human body, where young explorers uncover the secrets of bones, muscles, and more. Interactive quizzes and activities make learning fun, while vibrant photos bring anatomy to life. From understanding blood flow to decoding body language, this journey reveals how our insides operate. Perfect for curious minds eager to become body experts!
Ages 7–10Junior Chapter Book Club

Great books for ages 7–10, every month.

Two hardcover chapter books a month for readers ready for longer stories, with coordinated spines for a beautiful shelf.

See the Junior Chapter Book ClubFrom $21.95 a box
Books from the Junior Chapter Book Club in a Bookroo box
Browse by age

Reference Books Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about reference books for the youngest readers and listeners.

See Under the Sea
Sale price
$1599

See Under the Sea

Ages 6–9 · 2008

Flaps and fold-outs reveal life from sunny coral reefs to the deepest ocean trenches.

View all reference books board books
Browse by age

Reference Books Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about reference books for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Meet the Cars
Sale price
$1499

Meet the Cars

Ages 3–5 · 2008

Discover new and familiar vehicles from the Cars universe.

Dragonology
#1 in Series
Sale price
$2999

Dragonology

Ages 7–12 · 2003

Unlock secrets of dragons with a lost dragonologist's guide. Beware who holds it.

Alienology
#10 in Series
Sale price
$2199

Alienology

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A field guide to creatures from other worlds hides a test only sharp readers can pass.

Wizardology
#3 in Series
Sale price
$2999

Wizardology

Ages 8–12 · 2005

A long-lost guide promises to teach the arcane arts, and hides a secret code.

The Egyptian News
Sale price
$699

The Egyptian News

Ages 9–13 · 1997

Ancient Egypt reported as a daily newspaper, with headlines, features and ads.

Eloise's Guide to Life
Series
Sale price
$1299

Eloise's Guide to Life

Ages 4–10 · 2000

A famously mischievous six-year-old shares her rules for living in a grand hotel.

Guide to the Dragons, Volume 1
Sale price
$899

Guide to the Dragons, Volume 1

Ages 3–10 · 2014

Which dragon is fastest, and which is biggest? A guide to the dragons of a Viking island.

Flanimals Pop-Up
Sale price
$1999

Flanimals Pop-Up

Ages 5–9 · 2009

Ridiculous, revolting creatures from a faraway planet pop off the page.

View all reference books picture books
Browse by age

Reference Books Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about reference books for developing and independent readers.

Guinness World Records 2025
Sale price
$2995

Guinness World Records 2025

2024

Explore 70 years of record-breaking feats and discover how you can join the ranks of legends.

Space
Sale price
$2499

Space

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Embark on a cosmic journey through the wonders of the universe.

Ultimate Weird But True
Series
Sale price
$1995

Ultimate Weird But True

Ages 8–12 · 2011

Discover mind-bending facts where truth outstrips fiction, from underwater cars to fire tornadoes.

Atlas of the World
Sale price
$22500

Atlas of the World

1975

Explore the world with detailed maps and global insights in this comprehensive atlas.

Snake
Sale price
$1699

Snake

Ages 8–12 · 1999

Explore the captivating world of snakes with stunning visuals and intriguing facts.

View all reference books chapter books