A child who will not sit still for a lecture about reading may happily sit still for a book that makes the grown-up say ridiculous words, lets a pig sneak into story hour, or turns the library into an overnight puzzle box. Books about books work because they do not have to announce that reading is good for you. They can show what it feels like when a story becomes a private joke, a hiding place, a door into another world, or simply the right thing to do on a Tuesday.
Drawing from Bookroo’s collection of 1,014 books about books and reading, our editors chose twelve that make the subject part of the action: first library trips, reluctant readers finding the one story that fits, books that know they are being read, and novels where the shelves hold real danger. Start with the shortlist, then browse by age — sturdy books for lap readers, picture books for story time and school, and chapter books for children ready to disappear into a library on their own.
Gerald and Piggie discover that somebody is reading them, then realize with horror that the book has an ending.
Bedtime stories are vanishing all over Burrow Down, and one wakeful rabbit intends to catch the thief.
There are no pictures to look at, but the grown-up is required to say every ridiculous word printed on the page.
A pig loves the look, feel, and smell of books, but has been hiding the fact that he cannot read them.
Missy dislikes every book her librarian recommends, right up until she meets one unusually warty ogre.
After a storm blows his words away, Morris Lessmore follows a flying book to a library whose volumes need looking after.
Tuesday means packing the bag, walking to the library, singing with the other children, and choosing books for home.
A librarian hands a migrant worker’s son two books, and the pictures carry him far beyond the Iowa fields.
Elizabeth Brown reads through childhood, school, and adulthood until her books quite literally crowd her out of the house.
Meggie’s father can read characters out of books, which is wonderful until a villain steps off the page and refuses to go back.
Twelve children win a night inside a spectacular new library, then learn that getting out is the real contest.
A sixth grader starts a deliberately unappealing club so he can read alone, and is annoyed when everybody joins.
Library trips, family story time, and the simple pleasure of turning pages together, in sturdy books for babies and toddlers ages 0–3.
Discover hidden fairy tale characters in a playful 'I spy' adventure.
Discover the magic of books beyond their pages.
Discover the joy of reading and bonding with your child through interactive prompts and loving rhymes.
Five little monkeys resist bedtime, leading to a surprising discovery about Mama.
A baby dragon hatches in your book. Can you stop its fiery sneezes?
Don't push the button. What happens if you do?
A young girl transforms stories into magical adventures. What will she become next?
Is a book for chewing or wearing? Discover its true purpose.
A young girl transforms her library stories into magical adventures. What will she become next?
Join Maisy and friends as they turn bedtime into an adventure.
A gorilla's antics aim to divert a boy from his TV to the joy of books.
Discover what makes you feel truly snug and safe.
Funny read-alouds, determined librarians, runaway books, and children discovering the story that finally belongs to them. Ages 3–8.
A brave tiger's only fear: worms. Can he overcome it?
A young reader celebrates the joy of reading and the many things they can learn from books.
A new pig in town finds friendship and adventure in unexpected places.
A man and his cat participate in a library's story time event with his neighbor and her dog.
A child's nighttime adventures begin when the lights go out.
A young girl named Yasmin visits a free library on the corner and returns a book about doves and their king, who gets stuck in a hunter's net.
The library is closing. Can friends save it and find a new librarian?
A young pirate uses her book smarts to save the crew and find treasure.
A boy's quest for a mythical book leads to unexpected discoveries about curiosity and life's true riches.
Discover how a quiet girl transformed into a literary legend, crafting a new kind of novel.
A boy's love for books shapes his destiny and changes the world.
A mouse writes books and shares them with the library community.
Secret libraries, stories that come alive, reading clubs, literary puzzles, and other longer adventures for independent readers ages 8–12.
Three siblings seek a forever home amidst wartime chaos and secrets.
A library prank spirals into a quest to uncover a ghost and a missing stamp collection.
Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.
A young girl becomes a knight to prove herself and rescue those in need.
In Nazi Germany, a girl steals books to survive and share hope amidst war.
A fourth grader battles censorship to save her favorite book from being banned.
A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.
A dragon's mysterious need leads to a daring rescue mission against a wicked foe.
A student rebels against a school book ban, risking everything for the stories she loves.
A ghost story becomes real as Ollie races against time to escape a sinister specter.
A boy and his dad redefine 'home' through weekend adventures post-divorce.
A boy must save his dragon friend from a village's deadly misunderstanding.
