The Best Being Late Books for Kids

Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2022

Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!

By Carrie Finison, Erin Kraan (Illustrator)

Can Little Tortoise reach school on time despite unexpected delays?

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 376 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: On her first school day, Little Tortoise is determined not to be last. As Cheetah, Llama, and even a snail on a scooter zoom past, her journey becomes a race against time. Stuck in a book gutter, she fears she'll be late. But when Mr. Sloth, her new teacher, arrives, everything changes. Will Little Tortoise make it on time, or will her slow pace teach her something unexpected? Discover a heartwarming tale of perseverance and unexpected friendships in this delightful school adventure.

Sale price

$674

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1996

The Secret Shortcut

By Mark Teague

A secret shortcut to school leads to a wild jungle adventure.

32 pages· 733 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 375 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Wendell and Floyd struggle to arrive at school on time, so Wendell suggests a secret shortcut. What starts as a simple detour turns into a wild adventure through a jungle teeming with quicksand, monkeys, and crocodiles. Can they find their way back, or will the jungle keep them forever? Discover the unexpected twists that make getting to school an unforgettable journey.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Fox Is Late

By Corey R. Tabor · Fox series

A fox rushes to get home in time for lunch.

32 pages· 97 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 398 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Fox is in a rush, zipping through town on his skateboard, trying to make it home for lunch. His curious animal friends trail behind, eager to discover what he's up to. As Fox zooms over and under obstacles, the anticipation builds. What surprise awaits them at the end of this wild ride? Join Fox and his friends in this delightful adventure, perfect for young readers eager to explore the unexpected.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Totally Tardy Marty

By Erica S Perl, Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Illustrator)

A tardy inventor and a punctual rival form an unexpected friendship that changes everything.

32 pages· 418 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 114 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: Marty's mornings are filled with wild adventures, from inventing gadgets to battling imaginary creatures, making him perpetually late. Never-Late Kate, his punctual classmate, takes pride in her timeliness. But when Marty finds himself stuck in a tree, Kate lends a hand, sparking an unexpected friendship. As they bond over shared adventures, Marty learns the art of punctuality, while Kate discovers the joy of spontaneity. Can their newfound alliance transform their reputations and teach them both valuable lessons? Dive into this playful tale of opposites attracting and the surprising benefits of embracing each other's differences.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2008

Late for School!

By Stephanie Calmenson, Sachiko Yoshikawa (Illustrator)

A teacher's chaotic morning commute to school.

32 pages· 261 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.7/5 Goodreads · 255 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: Mr. Bungles, a teacher who oversleeps, embarks on a frantic journey, trying every mode of transportation imaginable to make it to school on time. Will he succeed, or will chaos ensue? Join his hilarious adventure and find out if he can beat the clock and save the day.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 1942

The Poky Little Puppy

By Janette Sebring Lowrey, Gustaf Tenggren (Illustrator) · The Poky Little Puppy series

Five little puppies go on adventures and get into mischief

23 pages· 1,139 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 84,192 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Join a curious puppy and his siblings as they dig under the fence to explore the world beyond. But when the poky little puppy lags behind, he faces a bedtime without strawberry shortcake. Will his curiosity lead to more trouble or a new discovery? This timeless tale of adventure and consequence has charmed generations, inviting young readers to explore the world with wonder and caution.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2015

Dilly Dally Daisy

By Mark Fearing

Can Daisy stop dawdling in time to save her mermaid swim class?

32 pages· 575 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 100 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Daisy Marsha Martin is always late, caught up in her whimsical adventures like saving the world or teaching stuffed animals to dance. But her chronic dawdling threatens her beloved mermaid swim class. If she can't make it on time, she'll lose her chance to continue her 'mermaid training.' Can Daisy find a way to balance her imaginative escapades with punctuality, or will her dreams of swimming like a mermaid slip away? Dive into Daisy's world of everyday silliness and discover if she can finally get it together.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School...

Sale price

$1348

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School...

By Davide Cali, Benjamin Chaud · I Didn't Do My Homework Because... series

Late to school due to bizarre obstacles or an even wilder truth?

44 pages· 444 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,021 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Summary: A student's journey to school is thwarted by giant ants, ninjas, and mole people. Are these wild tales the real reason for tardiness, or is there an even more outrageous truth? As each bizarre encounter unfolds, the line between reality and imagination blurs, leaving everyone guessing. Will the student ever make it to class, or is the adventure just beginning? Dive into a whirlwind of chaos and humor where the unexpected is the norm, and the truth is stranger than fiction.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2023

Hurry, Kate, or You'll Be Late!

By Janice N. Harrington, Tiffany Rose (Illustrator)

A preschooler is late due to an unexpected, heartfelt goodbye hug.

32 pages

3.6/5 Goodreads · 95 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Kate's morning journey to preschool is filled with stops to greet neighbors and wave at vehicles. Yet, it's not these distractions that make her late. Just as she arrives, her dad's unexpected, lingering goodbye hug delays her. This charming tale explores the warmth of a father's love and a child's fascination with the world around her. Will Kate make it to school on time, or will her dad's affection keep her longer? Discover the delightful dynamics of a vehicle-obsessed girl and her patient father in this heartwarming picture book.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

The Berenstain Bears Bears on Time

By Mike Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears Living Lights: A Faith Story series

Can the Bear family overcome their lateness with a new plan inspired by a biblical lesson?

24 pages· 969 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

3.6/5 Goodreads · 96 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: The Bear family is always running late, juggling school, sports, and appointments. When they gather around the Storybook Bible, they learn a lesson from Jonah that inspires Papa Bear to devise a plan to tackle their tardiness. But will the family embrace this new approach and finally be on time? Discover how a simple story can transform their chaotic routine into a timely adventure.

The Best Being Late Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Being Late

Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!

The Secret Shortcut

Fox Is Late

Totally Tardy Marty

Late for School!

The Poky Little Puppy

Dilly Dally Daisy

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School...

Hurry, Kate, or You'll Be Late!

The Berenstain Bears Bears on Time

Great books, picked for their age.

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