Books About Short Stories · 65 titles considered

The Best Short Stories Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about short stories? 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 Short Stories

Dandelion Wine
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1957

Dandelion Wine

By Ray Bradbury · Book #1 in the Greentown series

A boy's summer of wonder and discovery in a small town hides timeless secrets and marvels.

239 pages· 64,709 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 82,830 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: In the summer of '28, twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding experiences a season of enchantment and discovery in Green Town, Illinois. Amidst apple trees and dandelions, he encounters the extraordinary John Huff, a boy who seems to defy the ordinary. As Douglas navigates this magical summer, he faces moments of joy and sorrow, uncovering the mysteries of childhood and the fleeting nature of time. What secrets does this summer hold, and how will it shape Douglas's life forever? Dive into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered.
The Classic Treasury of Hans Christian Andersen
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2002

The Classic Treasury of Hans Christian Andersen

By Hans Christian Andersen, Christian Birmingham (Illustrator)

Eight beloved fairy tales of transformation, courage and wonder, richly illustrated.

56 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 153 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: A collection of eight of Hans Christian Andersen's best-known fairy tales, illustrated in full colour by Christian Birmingham: The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Little Match Girl, The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale and The Princess and the Pea.
On the Block
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

On the Block

By Ellen Oh (Editor)

Twelve families from around the world share one apartment building and its stories.

208 pages· 44,720 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 172 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Welcome to the Entrada, an apartment building where twelve immigrant families from twelve cultures live side by side. In loosely linked stories by different authors, its young residents include a homesick new kid, a Popsicle-stick bridge builder, a ghost hunter and a lion dancer, each finding what makes a place feel like home. Edited by Ellen Oh for We Need Diverse Books.
Precious Moments Bedtime Stories
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 3–7 · 1989

Precious Moments Bedtime Stories

By Samuel Butcher, Jon David Butcher, Debbie Ann Wiersma, Steven Craig Wiersma · Precious Moments series

Gentle bedtime tales and prayers help children talk about honesty, sharing and giving.

241 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 112 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: This treasury of 23 bedtime stories and four prayers features more than 100 Precious Moments illustrations. Each gentle story is a springboard for parents and children to talk together about honesty, sharing, giving and God's love before sleep.
Very Short Stories to Read Together
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2001

Very Short Stories to Read Together

By Mary Ann Hoberman, Michael Emberley (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the You Read to Me, I'll Read to You series

Two readers take turns with the lines of a dozen rhyming mini-stories.

32 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 894 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: The first You Read to Me, I'll Read to You book is written for two voices, usually a child and an adult, who take turns reading lines set in color-coded type. Each of the twelve short rhyming stories fits on one spread and visits everyday themes like family, friendship, pets and the seasons. Alliteration, repetition and short sentences help new readers join in.
Ancestor Approved
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Ancestor Approved

By Cynthia Leitich Smith

At a vibrant powwow, young heroes discover family, mystery, and their own stories.

320 pages· 63,391 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,506 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow, young Native protagonists from diverse Nations converge in a high school gym alive with color and song. Amidst dancing, beadwork, and books, they encounter distant relatives, enigmatic strangers, and each other. As they navigate this tapestry of heritage and community, each becomes the hero of their own story, uncovering connections and secrets that bind them. What mysteries will unfold in this celebration of resilience and pride?
In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1984

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories

By Alvin Schwartz, Victor Rivas (Illustrator), Dirk Zimmer (Illustrator)

Discover spooky tales that will send shivers down your spine.

64 pages· 871 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 5,895 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Step into a world of eerie tales with 'In a Dark, Dark Room.' Perfect for young readers, this collection of spooky stories, including 'The Green Ribbon' and 'The Ghost of John,' offers a delightful scare. With Victor Rivas's whimsical illustrations, each story unfolds with a mix of suspense and humor. Will you dare to explore the mysteries hidden in the dark? These folktale-inspired stories promise to captivate and thrill, making reading an adventure for those who love a good fright. Ideal for kids ready to read on their own, but who still enjoy a little help.
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–13 · 2021

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

By Jeff Kinney · Book #3 in the Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid series

Laugh and shiver with Rowley's spooky tales of zombies, vampires, and ghosts.

224 pages· 14,386 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 7,607 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Rowley Jefferson as he spins hilariously spooky tales filled with zombies, vampires, and ghosts. Each story promises laughter and chills, leaving you wondering if you'll need to sleep with the lights on. Dive into Rowley's imaginative world where the unexpected lurks around every corner. Will you brave the night with a smile or a shiver?
Camp Half-Blood Confidential
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Camp Half-Blood Confidential

By Rick Riordan

Discover the secrets and chaos of Camp Half-Blood beyond the orientation video.

192 pages· 19,568 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 24,295 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: At Camp Half-Blood, Percy Jackson and fellow demigods reveal the camp's hidden truths beyond its chaotic orientation video. Explore divine cabins, magical landmarks, and training arenas, while uncovering tales of heroism and discord. With insights from Chiron and divine wisdom from Apollo, this guide offers a glimpse into the unpredictable life of a demigod. Will you survive the camp's challenges and uncover its mysteries?
The English Understand Wool
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · 2022

The English Understand Wool

By Helen DeWitt · Storybook ND series

A 17-year-old faces high society's challenges and deceit in New York.

69 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 17,062 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Raised in Marrakech, a 17-year-old girl, trained in the art of impeccable taste by her demanding mother, faces a new world in New York. With two million dollars at stake, she must navigate the treacherous waters of high society alone. Can her refined upbringing protect her from the false friends and hidden dangers that lurk in the city? As her assumptions are challenged, she must decide if her cultivated elegance is enough to survive the sharks of New York. Will her upbringing be her salvation or her downfall?
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

Short Stories Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about short stories for preschool and elementary-age readers.

A First Book of Myths
Sale price
$1499

A First Book of Myths

Ages 5–7 · 2024

Fourteen famous myths from around the world, full of gods, monsters and magic.

Pablo & His Chair
Sale price
$1795

Pablo & His Chair

Ages 3–8 · 2016

A boy's unwanted birthday chair becomes his ticket to adventure.

View all short stories picture books
Browse by age

Short Stories Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about short stories for developing and independent readers.

Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Sale price
$899

Flying Lessons & Other Stories

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Discover stories of dreams, friendship, and magic in a diverse collection celebrating what makes us unique.

Every Living Thing
Sale price
$599

Every Living Thing

Ages 10–14 · 1985

Animals transform lives, revealing new perspectives and unexpected changes.

Explorer
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Explorer

Ages 8–12 · 2012

Discover the secrets hidden in mysterious boxes—each story a new surprise.

Look Both Ways
Sale price
$1799

Look Both Ways

Ages 10–14 · 2019

Ten blocks, ten stories. What happens when the school bell rings and life takes unexpected turns?

View all short stories chapter books
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