Books About Character Traits · 1,611 titles considered

The Best Character Traits Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about character traits? 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.

New Kid
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Character Traits

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2017

A Boy Called Bat

By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Bat series

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk after its mother is killed by a car

160 pages· 21,164 words· Est. 4 hour read
6.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,333 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Meet Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, whose life is full of surprises. When his mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk, Bat is determined to keep it. With just one month to convince his mom, Bat navigates school challenges and family dynamics, all while forming an unexpected bond with the skunk. Can Bat show that this little creature is more than just a wild animal? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and the unexpected joys of life.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1941

The Moffats

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Moffats series

A family navigates the challenges of everyday life in a small town.

212 pages· 40,253 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,291 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Join the Moffat siblings—Sylvie, Joey, Janey, and Rufus—as they transform everyday mishaps into unforgettable adventures. From getting locked in a bread box to dancing with a dog, their antics promise laughter and surprises. How will they navigate their whimsical world where even the smallest mistake leads to the biggest fun? Discover the charm and chaos of a family where mischief is just the beginning.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,565 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.
Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 1868

Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott, Anna Bond (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little Women series

Four sisters navigate life's challenges while awaiting their father's return from war.

816 pages· 184,747 words· Est. 17 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,524,688 ratings
$20.00Save 5%
Summary: In a world where their father is away at war, the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—must rely on each other to face life's trials. As they grow from childhood to womanhood, they grapple with dreams, ambitions, and the hope of their father's safe return. Will their bond withstand the pressures of society and personal aspirations? Discover the heartwarming journey of sisterhood, resilience, and the quest for identity in a time of uncertainty.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)Cybils Award (2019)
249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,507 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1991

Shiloh

A boy risks everything to protect a runaway dog from its abusive owner.

144 pages· 29,820 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 90,804 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Marty Preston discovers a beagle in the hills and names him Shiloh. But Shiloh belongs to Judd Travers, a man known for his cruelty. When Shiloh escapes to Marty, the boy faces a moral dilemma: hide the dog and risk his family's safety or return him to Judd. As secrets unravel, Marty must decide how far he's willing to go to save his new friend. Can he outsmart Judd and keep Shiloh safe, or will his actions bring danger to his doorstep? The stakes are high in this tale of friendship and courage.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1970

Old Hat New Hat

A bear searches for the perfect hat.

36 pages· 95 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,615 ratings
$7.89Save 5%
Summary: In a world of rhythm and rhyme, a simple yet profound question arises: can a beloved old hat truly be replaced by a new one? As young readers explore this playful tale, they will discover the joy of words and pictures working together to unravel the mystery. With each turn of the page, the story invites children to ponder the value of the familiar versus the allure of the new. Will the old hat's charm win out, or will the new hat take its place? Dive into this delightful journey and find out.
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1996

The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat

A witch's pets and belongings get into chaos when she is out of the house.

32 pages· 561 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,959 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: A big orange tabby cat refuses to budge from a mat, much to the rat's dismay. In this playful rhyming tale, the rat tries everything to move the cat. Will cleverness or persistence win the day? Perfect for young readers, this story combines humor with phonetic fun, encouraging kids to sound out words while enjoying the cat and rat's amusing antics. Dive into this delightful squabble and discover if the rat can finally get the cat off the mat!
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2010

Mac and Cheese

By Sarah Weeks, Jane Manning (Illustrator)

A playful cat loses his hat. Will his lazy friend help retrieve it?

32 pages· 370 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,597 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Macaroni loves to jump and sing, while Cheese prefers lounging in silence. Despite their differences, these feline friends face a challenge when a gust of wind steals Mac's beloved hat. Will Cheese overcome his grumpy nature to help his friend? Dive into this delightful tale of friendship and unexpected heroics, perfect for young readers eager to explore the joys of reading.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2015

Six of Crows

By Leigh Bardugo · Book #1 in the Six of Crows series

Six outcasts. One impossible heist. Can they survive each other and save the world?

465 pages· 134,876 words· Est. 12.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,200,707 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: In the bustling city of Ketterdam, criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker assembles a crew for a heist that promises untold riches. Joined by a vengeful convict, a gambling sharpshooter, a runaway, a stealthy spy, a magical Heartrender, and a cunning thief, Kaz faces a mission fraught with danger. As tensions rise, can these six outcasts pull off the impossible without tearing each other apart? Dive into a world where the stakes are high, and the line between survival and destruction is razor-thin. Will they succeed, or will their differences lead to their downfall?
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Character Traits Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about character traits for the youngest readers and listeners.

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear

Ages 2–6 · 1984

Can Little Mouse outsmart the bear to save his strawberry?

I Love All of Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Celebrate self-love from head to toe in this joyful storybook.

Kindness Rules!

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the magic of manners with an elephant's fun guide.

Tacky the Penguin

Ages 3–6 · 1988

An odd penguin's quirks might save his colony from danger.

The Nice Book

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Discover playful animals teaching kindness and manners in delightful ways.

I Am So Brave!

Ages 1–3 · 2014

A toddler conquers fears, embracing new experiences with courage.

Giraffes Can't Dance

Ages 3–5 · 2012

A giraffe finds his rhythm and learns to dance.

The Hair Book

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Celebrate every kind of hair and embrace your unique beauty.

Masha and Her Sisters

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Discover how different sisters fit perfectly together.

Too Many Carrots

Ages 2–6 · 2016

Rabbit's carrot obsession leads to chaos. Can friends help him find space?

The Family Book

Ages 2–5 · 2003

Discover the beauty in every family's unique form and strength.

Sale price
$999

The Best Mouse Cookie

Ages 0–4 · 1999

A mouse bakes cookies in his tiny house.

View all character traits board books
Browse by age

Character Traits Picture Books

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

My Book about Me

Ages 4–8 · 1969

Create your own story with Dr. Seuss in this interactive activity book about you!

The Thank You Book

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Piggie wants to thank everyone, but Gerald fears someone important will be forgotten.

Pete's Big Lunch

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A boy named Pete prepares a large sandwich to eat for lunch.

Fancy Nancy: Pajama Day

Ages 4–6 · 2009

A young girl navigates a school event where everyone is encouraged to wear pajamas to class, while she wants to wear a fancy nightgown.

The Cookie Fiasco

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Four friends, three cookies. Can they share without crumbling under pressure?

Ten Apples Up On Top!

Ages 4–7 · 1961

Three friends balance apples on their heads. Can they keep them up?

The Nose Book

Ages 3–6 · 1970

Discover the surprising secrets and quirks of noses.

The Best Chef in Second Grade
Sale price
$599

The Best Chef in Second Grade

Ages 5–7 · 2011

A young boy tries to find a dish that his whole family will enjoy in time for a visit from a famous chef.

Young Cam Jansen and the Dinosaur Game

Ages 6–8 · 1996

Can a photographic memory solve a birthday party mystery?

Fred and Ted Go Camping

Ages 4–7 · 2005

Two friends go on a camping trip in the woods.

Flat Stanley at Bat

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A boy who has been flat since a bulletin board fell on him tries out for a baseball team.

Duck, Duck, Porcupine!
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$699

Duck, Duck, Porcupine!

Ages 5–7 · 2016

A group of animal friends have various outdoor adventures together.

Browse by age

Character Traits Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about character traits for developing and independent readers.

An Ember in the Ashes

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A slave and a soldier defy an empire, risking everything for freedom.

Quinny & Hopper

Ages 8–11 · 2014

Can two opposites defy school rules and stay friends amidst bullies and chaos?

Smile

Ages 9–12 · 2009

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

Nimona (Graphic Novel)

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A shapeshifter and villain challenge the kingdom's heroes, but hidden powers threaten chaos.

Sale price
$1999

The Giver

Ages 10–15 · 1993

A boy uncovers dark secrets in his perfect world.

The Wide-Awake Princess

Ages 10–14 · 2010

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

Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot

Ages 6–10 · 2010

A clever girl devises an unusual plan to obtain a tiny treasure.

The Wednesday Wars

Ages 10–12 · 2007

A boy navigates Shakespeare, a stern teacher, and family turmoil during a tumultuous school year.

Sale price
$699

Lunch Walks Among Us

Ages 7–10 · 2003

A young girl tries to fit in with her classmates by changing her behavior and appearance, but ultimately saves the day with her unique skills and personality

Emily of New Moon

Ages 10–13 · 1923

Orphaned Emily faces a new life with stern relatives and hostile classmates.

Sale price
$599

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and staying true to herself.

Fox & Rabbit
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Fox & Rabbit

Ages 6–9 · 2020

Two friends go on a series of adventures together, starting with a trip to the fair and ending with a successful lemonade stand.

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