Books About Chaos

The Best Chaos Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about chaos? 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 Chaos

Bunnies on the Bus
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Bunnies on the Bus

By Philip Ardagh, Ben Mantle (Illustrator) · Sunny Town Bunnies series

A group of bunnies cause chaos on a bus and then a train.

32 pages· 279 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 661 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Sunny Town, bunnies have taken over a bus, causing delightful chaos as they zoom past stops and swings. Their wild ride leaves everyone wondering where they'll hop off next. Will they ever stop, or is this just the beginning of their mischievous adventure? With vibrant illustrations and a catchy refrain, this tale promises endless fun and surprises.
Bunny vs. Monkey
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

Bunny vs. Monkey

By Jamie Smart · Book #1 in the Bunny vs. Monkey series

A mischievous monkey wreaks havoc in the woods, causing chaos and destruction wherever he goes.

256 pages· 16,092 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,560 ratings
Paperback
Summary: When a mischievous monkey's space mission goes awry, he crash-lands in a serene forest and declares himself king. His outrageous decree to banish all other animals leads to a series of comical confrontations. Can the forest inhabitants outwit this self-proclaimed ruler, or will chaos reign supreme? Dive into a wild adventure where the battle of wits and wills unfolds in the most unexpected ways.
Mr. Marty Loves a Party!
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2020

Mr. Marty Loves a Party!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the My Weirder-est School series

A young boy's birthday party descends into chaos when a series of unexpected events unfold, including the arrival of multiple party entertainers and a surprise appearance by Darth Vader.

112 pages· 8,084 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 335 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: A.J. is turning nine, and his backyard birthday bash promises to be unforgettable. With a party planner gone awry, rival clowns, a bubble blower, and a singing cowboy crash the celebration. As chaos unfolds, A.J. must navigate the hilarity and unexpected twists. Will this be the best birthday ever or a total disaster? Join A.J. and his friends for a wild ride in this laugh-out-loud adventure that will keep young readers hooked from start to finish.
Dr. Snow Has Got to Go!
Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019

Dr. Snow Has Got to Go!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the My Weirder-est School series

A student at Ella Mentry School participates in a science fair that quickly spirals out of control

112 pages· 8,059 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 542 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At Ella Mentry School's science fair, A.J. and friends are excited to experiment with guest scientist Dr. Snow. But as they dive into the world of S.T.E.M., they begin to wonder about the Snowman's real agenda. Is there more to his visit than meets the eye? Join A.J. in this hilarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and scientific surprises. Will they uncover the truth behind Dr. Snow's plans, or will the science fair turn into chaos?
Stuck
Sale price
$1994
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2011

Stuck

By Oliver Jeffers

A boy's kite gets stuck in a tree, leading to a series of absurd events.

32 pages· 500 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 11,647 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Floyd's kite is stuck in a tree, and his attempts to free it spiral into chaos. From shoes to an orangutan, nothing is off-limits in his quest. Will Floyd's determination lead to success or more hilarity? Discover the absurd lengths he'll go to in this vibrantly illustrated tale of persistence and creativity.
Dr. Carbles Is Losing His Marbles!
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2007

Dr. Carbles Is Losing His Marbles!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #19 in the My Weird School series

A student tries to navigate a chaotic school year with a new principal who is determined to impose strict discipline and order.

112 pages· 7,544 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,431 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Thanksgiving break turns chaotic when A.J. discovers Dr. Carbles has fired their beloved principal, Mr. Klutz. With the clock ticking, A.J. and his friends hatch a plan to save Mr. Klutz's job. Can they outsmart the grumpy Dr. Carbles and restore order before it's too late? Join A.J. in this hilarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and schoolyard antics. Will friendship and cleverness prevail, or will the holiday be ruined? Dive into the fun and find out!
Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1997

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!

By Marilyn Burns, Debbie Tilley (Illustrator)

A family reunion's seating plan spirals into chaos.

40 pages· 1,229 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 951 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: At a family reunion, Mrs. Comfort's meticulously planned seating arrangement for 32 guests is thrown into disarray as attendees rearrange tables and chairs. As chaos ensues, the concepts of area and perimeter come to life. Can the family find a way to accommodate everyone without losing their seats? Discover the playful challenges of fitting everyone in while keeping the peace.
The Great Puppy Invasion
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

The Great Puppy Invasion

By Alastair Heim, Kim Smith (Illustrator)

A town is invaded by hundreds of puppies, causing chaos and panic among the residents.

40 pages· 438 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 409 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Strictville, where cuteness is a crime, chaos erupts when hundreds of puppies invade. The town is in turmoil, but young Teddy dares to defy the rules. As he reaches out to the tiniest puppy, will his courage be enough to transform the town's rigid ways? Discover how one boy's bravery might just bring joy to a place that has forgotten how to smile. Can Teddy's simple act of kindness turn the tide against Strictville's harsh laws?
Mr. Gumpy's Outing
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1970

Mr. Gumpy's Outing

By John Burningham · Mr Gumpy series

A boat ride with unexpected guests leads to a delightful mishap.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1971)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1972)Kate Greenaway Medal (1970)
32 pages· 281 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 4,632 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mr. Gumpy plans a peaceful boat ride on a sunny day, but as children and animals join him, the boat becomes crowded. What happens when the boat can't hold them all? Discover the charming chaos and the heartwarming conclusion that invites readers to return to this delightful tale of friendship and adventure.
The Pencil
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

The Pencil

By Allan Ahlberg, Bruce Ingman (Illustrator)

A pencil's drawings come to life, leading to unexpected chaos.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2009)
48 pages· 844 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 1,226 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A lonely pencil draws Banjo, a boy, and his world springs to life. As his creations demand changes, chaos ensues when he sketches an eraser. Can the pencil restore order, or will hilarity reign?
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Chaos Picture Books

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

Moira's Birthday
Series
Sale price
$1995

Moira's Birthday

Ages 4–7 · 1989

A secret birthday party spirals into chaos when the whole school shows up.

Red Sled
Sale price
$1899

Red Sled

Ages 2–5 · 2011

Woodland creatures embark on a nighttime sled adventure.

Alphabet Mystery
Sale price
$1899

Alphabet Mystery

Ages 0–3 · 2003

A boy builds a machine in his shed that creates multiple versions of himself, leading to chaos in the town until a dog's lick saves everyone.

Barn Storm
Sale price
$499

Barn Storm

Ages 4–6 · 2010

A twister turns a farm upside down, leading to unexpected chaos.

Poof! A Bot!
Series
Sale price
$1799

Poof! A Bot!

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A magician's bot goes rogue, leading to chaos and a pie in the face.

The Bot That Scott Built
Sale price
$1495

The Bot That Scott Built

Ages 3–7 · 2016

A bot sparks chaos in a classroom. Can it fix the mess it made?

Bears
Sale price
$2199

Bears

Ages 4–8 · 1948

A boy in a wolf suit joins bears in a slapstick comedy adventure.

View all chaos picture books
Browse by age

Chaos Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about chaos for developing and independent readers.

The Twits
Series
Sale price
$799

The Twits

Ages 8–12 · 1980

A couple's nasty tricks and pranks on each other escalate into chaos and destruction

The Dragonsitter
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1500

The Dragonsitter

Ages 6–10 · 2012

A young boy's uncle leaves him to take care of a pet dragon while he is on vacation, but the dragon's antics cause chaos and destruction in the neighborhood.

Sci-Fu
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Sci-Fu

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A DJ's beat summons a UFO, leading to a battle on a robot planet.

Time Trout
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$3999

Time Trout

Ages 7–11 · 2019

A fish travels through time and causes chaos in different eras

Good Dogs on a Bad Day
Series
Sale price
$1399

Good Dogs on a Bad Day

Ages 7–10 · 2021

Four dogs escape from their homes and embark on a wild adventure together, causing chaos and destruction wherever they go, but ultimately learning valuable lessons about friendship and loyalty.

Butler for Hire!
Series
Sale price
$1499

Butler for Hire!

Ages 6–9 · 2021

A butler is hired by a stressed-out couple to take care of their adorable baby shrub, but things quickly spiral out of control as the shrub's demands and antics cause chaos throughout the city.

View all chaos chapter books