Books About Beauty

The Best Beauty Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about beauty? 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.

Smile
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Plain Jane and the Mermaid
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Beauty

Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Smile

By Raina Telgemeier · Book #1 in the Smile series

A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2010)
224 pages· 8,270 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 317,682 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Raina's sixth-grade year takes a dramatic turn after a fall leaves her with dental woes. Navigating braces, surgery, and awkward headgear, she also faces a major earthquake, boy troubles, and unreliable friends. Can Raina find her way through the chaos and discover what truly matters? Dive into her journey of resilience and self-discovery.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

The Wide-Awake Princess

Annie must find her sister's true love to break a sleeping curse on the castle.

261 pages· 61,067 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 14,264 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Princess Annie, immune to magic, is the only one awake after a curse puts her castle to sleep. To save her sister, Sleeping Beauty, she must find true love's kiss. With the help of a guard named Liam, Annie navigates a land of familiar and new fairy tale characters. Is true love the irritating Digby, the charming Prince Andreas, or the scheming Clarence? As Annie races against time, she might just discover her own heart's desire. Can she unravel the mystery and awaken her family before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Uglies

By Scott Westerfeld · Book #1 in the Uglies series

Tally must choose: betray a friend or remain an 'Ugly' forever.

426 pages· 87,152 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 714,769 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where turning sixteen means a transformation into beauty, Tally eagerly awaits her new life as a 'Pretty.' But when her friend Shay questions the system and disappears, Tally faces a dilemma. The authorities demand she betray Shay to secure her own future. As Tally uncovers the dark truths behind the facade of perfection, she must decide between loyalty and her dream. Will she risk everything for friendship, or conform to a society that values appearance above all? Tally's choice will redefine her world and her identity.
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2017

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

A barber shop is a place of transformation where people go to feel seen and valued.

32 pages· 688 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,965 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the barbershop, boys enter as clay and emerge as royalty, crowned with confidence. Each fresh cut sharpens their presence, turning heads and lifting spirits. This rhythmic tale celebrates the transformative power of a haircut, where self-esteem and swagger soar. Witness the magic as boys embrace their reflections, stepping boldly into the world with newfound pride. Discover how a simple trim can change everything, making grades rise, hearts flutter, and hugs tighter. 'Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut' is a vibrant tribute to the beauty and humanity of black boys, celebrating their brilliance and worth.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Randy, the Beautiful Horse

By T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator), T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator)

A horse believes he's beautiful, but reality might surprise him.

40 pages
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Randy, a horse who thinks he's the epitome of beauty, despite being a child's quirky drawing. Journey through a whimsical world of construction-paper mountains and popsicle-stick forests as Randy's self-perception faces unexpected challenges. Will his confidence endure when he finally sees himself? This delightful tale explores imagination and self-discovery, leaving readers charmed by Randy's endearing spirit.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Plain Jane and the Mermaid

Plain Jane's quest for independence leads her underwater to rescue a kidnapped prince from mermaids.

368 pages· 7,622 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,285 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Jane, deemed plain by all, seeks independence by proposing to Prince Peter. But when a mermaid kidnaps him, her plans sink. Venturing into the ocean's depths, Jane faces enchanting mysteries and perilous creatures. Can she rescue her maybe-fiancé and find her own path to freedom? Dive into a tale where fairy-tale norms are turned upside down, and discover if Jane's courage can outshine her plainness.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

School. Hasn't This Gone on Long Enough?

Middle school gets dumber as Jamie's diary reveals her hilarious take on life's big questions.

160 pages· 15,070 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,568 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jamie Kelly returns with a fresh diary, navigating another year of middle school chaos. As she hilariously tackles grades and life's big questions, her secret musings offer wisdom and wit. But remember, Jamie has no idea you're reading her diary. Will her insights on intelligence and appearances make you laugh or think twice? Dive into her world where everything is another year dumber, and discover what makes her diary a must-read. Just don't let her find out!
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

A young girl reflects on the beauty of her eyes and the women in her family who share the same feature.

34 pages· 399 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 9,306 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young Asian girl feels different due to her unique eyes. Inspired by her mother, grandmother, and sister, she learns to see her eyes as a source of beauty and strength. Her journey of self-love and empowerment unfolds, celebrating her heritage and the stories her eyes hold. Will she embrace her uniqueness and find her place in the world?
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2020

Magnificent Homespun Brown

Young voices celebrate the joy of embracing one's own skin.

32 pages· 527 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,121 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a vibrant tapestry of voices, young narrators share their journey of embracing the beauty of their own skin. 'Magnificent Homespun Brown' is a lyrical celebration of identity and self-love. As each narrator finds joy in their unique hue, they invite readers to join in a heartfelt song of acceptance and pride. What does it mean to truly feel at home in your own skin? Discover the answer in this uplifting tale that radiates confidence and joy, encouraging everyone to cherish the skin they are in.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Aphrodite the Beauty

Aphrodite faces jealousy and unexpected love challenges in a world of gods and goddesses.

176 pages· 18,376 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,116 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Aphrodite, the goddess of love, grapples with jealousy when her makeover for Athena draws unexpected attention. As godboys flock to her friend, Aphrodite questions her own allure. Meanwhile, a surprising crush from the unassuming Hephaestus, the god of the smith, complicates her feelings. In this mythological tale, Aphrodite discovers that love isn't always what it seems and can appear in the most unexpected forms. Will she embrace these new emotions or let jealousy cloud her path? Dive into a world where ancient myths meet modern dilemmas, and love takes on many surprising shapes.
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Beauty Picture Books

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

Last Stop on Market Street

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A young boy spends the day with his grandmother, exploring their neighborhood and learning about the beauty in unexpected places.

Snow White

Ages 4–8 · 1812

A queen's jealousy threatens a young girl's life. Can she escape her fate?

Strega Nona's Magic Ring

Ages 4–8 · 1979

A magic ring transforms Anthony, but will it solve his loneliness or create chaos?

Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day

Ages 4–8 · 2010

A backyard beauty day for Mom spirals out of control. Can it be saved?

How Beautiful

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A caterpillar's quest to define beauty reveals diverse perspectives in the forest.

The Rainbow Fish

Ages 3–6 · 1992

A beautiful fish learns to share his most prized possessions with others.

Rot

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A mutant potato enters a cuteness contest, facing adorable rivals.

Addie's Bad Day

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Addie hides under her hat. Can Max uncover the reason and save his birthday party?

Ms. Rubinstein's Beauty

Ages 5–+ · 2006

A unique woman finds love in unexpected eyes.

View all beauty picture books
Browse by age

Beauty Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about beauty for developing and independent readers.

Don't Judge Me

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must confront a list ranking classmates by looks, risking everything to speak up.

Stepsister
Sale price
$1799

Stepsister

Ages 12–17 · 2019

An ugly stepsister defies fate to redefine beauty and find redemption.

Miranda the Beauty Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2012

Magic stolen, fashion in chaos. Can two friends save the day?

Beauty and the Beast

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A misfit girl and a cursed prince defy expectations in a tale of unlikely friendship and transformation.

The Beast and the Bethany

Ages 9–13 · 2020

An immortal man must choose between beauty and a child's life when a beast demands a new meal.

Sale price
$999

Fairest

Ages 8–12 · 2006

A girl with a magical voice faces palace intrigue and a queen's dangerous demand to save her kingdom.

Sale price
$1399

Pretties

Ages 12–17 · 2005

Tally's perfect life hides a dangerous secret that could cost her everything.

Ugly

Ages 7–10 · 2005

An outcast duckling embarks on a journey to find his true identity.

Sale price
$1399

Specials

Ages 12–17 · 2006

A super soldier must choose between duty and a forgotten past.

The Beauty and the Beast

1740

A young girl is trapped in a magical castle with a beast. Can love break the curse?

Belle

Ages 12–18 · 2008

A hidden tree, a fearsome Beast, and a carving that reveals true love's face.

Basketball Blues

Ages 7–9 · 2005

A girl must choose between fitting in and her love for basketball.

Keep exploring
Books about appearanceBooks about braces (orthodontic appliances)Books about falling in loveBooks about health and daily livingBooks about horsesBooks about individualityBooks about making decisionsBooks about self-esteem

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