Books About Cousins · 295 titles considered

The Best Cousins Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about cousins? 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 Dragon in the Library
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Cousins

Sale price
$1699
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings
Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1984

The Very Bad Bunny

By Marilyn Sadler, Roger Bollen (Illustrator) · P.J. Funnybunny series

P.J. Funnybunny's family discovers true mischief when cousin Binky visits.

41 pages· 373 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 557 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: P.J. Funnybunny is known for his clumsiness, but when his cousin Binky arrives, the family learns what real mischief looks like. As Binky's antics unfold, P.J.'s reputation is put to the test. Will P.J. finally be seen in a new light, or will Binky's chaos reign supreme? This humorous tale invites young readers to explore the dynamics of family and the unexpected surprises that come with it. With engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations, children will delight in the playful rivalry and the lessons learned along the way.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

Patron Saints of Nothing

A teen seeks the truth behind his cousin's murder in a war-torn land.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2019)
352 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,981 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Jay Reguero's plans for a carefree senior year shatter when he learns of his cousin Jun's murder in the Philippines. Determined to uncover the truth, Jay embarks on a journey that forces him to confront family secrets and his own role in the tragedy. As he delves deeper, Jay must navigate the dangerous waters of a country embroiled in a brutal war on drugs, all while grappling with his identity and the bonds of faith and family. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the truth prove too devastating?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

Anna Hibiscus

By Atinuke, Lauren Tobia (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Anna Hibiscus series

A young girl in Africa dreams of seeing snow amidst her vibrant family life.

112 pages· 7,589 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,529 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Anna Hibiscus lives in bustling West Africa with her lively family. Amidst seaside adventures and family gatherings, Anna dreams of experiencing snow. As she navigates her colorful world, will her wish come true? Join Anna on her heartwarming journey filled with laughter, love, and the longing for something extraordinary.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1957

Gone-Away Lake

By Elizabeth Enright, Joe & Beth Krush (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Gone-Away Lake series

Two children uncover secrets at a ghostly lakeside resort.

256 pages· 48,463 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 8,979 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: In a summer filled with enchantment, two children stumble upon a mysterious, ghostly resort by the lake. As they explore its secrets, they face unexpected challenges and uncover hidden truths. What mysteries lie within the shadows of this forgotten place, and how will their discoveries change them forever? Dive into a tale where the past and present intertwine, and adventure awaits at every turn.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2011

Voyage with the Vikings

Two cousins travel back in time to the Viking era and meet Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson.

128 pages· 9,915 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,503 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Cousins Beth and Patrick discover a mysterious letter in Whit’s Soda Shoppe, launching them on a time-travel adventure to 1000 A.D. Greenland. Tasked with finding a Viking sunstone to save someone named Albert, they encounter legendary figures Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson. As they join Leif on his historic voyage to North America, the stakes rise. Upon returning, another cryptic note awaits, demanding a silver goblet. What other secrets will the Imagination Station reveal? Embark on a thrilling journey through time and history with Beth and Patrick.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2010

The Dragon in the Library

By Kate Klimo, John Shroades (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Dragon Keepers series

A dragon's mysterious need leads to a daring rescue mission against a wicked foe.

240 pages· 41,865 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 691 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Jesse and Daisy's dragon, Emmy, is restless, claiming she's missing something. When their dragon expert, Professor Andersson, is kidnapped by the sinister Sadie Huffington, the cousins must act. Sadie's plan threatens Emmy and seeks to capture the legendary St. George. To save the professor and protect their dragon, Jesse and Daisy must brave Sadie's castle, facing magical dangers and vicious dog-men. Can they unravel the mystery of Emmy's longing and thwart Sadie's scheme? Dive into a world of magic, adventure, and friendship in this thrilling Dragon Keepers tale.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1962

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

By Joan Aiken, Pat Marriott (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Wolves Chronicles series

Two girls must escape a cruel governess to save their home.

181 pages· 42,609 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 22,689 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Summary: Bonnie and Sylvia's world turns upside down when their parents leave, and the sinister Miss Slighcarp takes over Willoughby Chase. Stripped of comfort and sent to a harsh orphan school, the girls face endless toil. With Simon the gooseboy's help, they escape, but can they reclaim their home from Miss Slighcarp's grasp? Adventure and danger await as they fight to restore their once joyful life.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2011

The Fenway Foul-Up

By David A. Kelly, Mark Meyers (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Ballpark Mysteries series

A baseball bat is stolen from a famous player and two kids try to solve the mystery.

112 pages· 9,681 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 956 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Cousins Mike and Kate are thrilled to be at Fenway Park, thanks to Kate's mom's connections. But excitement turns to mystery when the Red Sox's star hitter loses his lucky bat, stolen in plain sight. Without it, his performance falters, risking the team's success. Can Mike and Kate unravel the mystery and save the game before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling whodunnit set in the iconic Boston ballpark, where every clue counts and the stakes are high for the home team.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2009

January Joker

By Ron Roy, John Steven Gurney (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Calendar Mysteries series

A group of kids try to figure out what is happening when their friends and pets start disappearing.

96 pages· 6,871 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,338 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Bradley Pinto is convinced aliens have invaded Green Lawn after spotting strange lights and three-toed tracks. His twin, Brian, and friends Lucy and Nate are skeptical until their siblings mysteriously vanish. Are extraterrestrial forces at play, or is there another explanation? As the kids race to uncover the truth, they must solve the mystery before more disappearances occur. Can they find their missing friends and unravel the secrets hidden in their town?
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Cousins Picture Books

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

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. the Unpleasant Penguins from Pluto

Ages 6–8 · 2016

A penguin from Pluto plots Earth's takeover. Can Ricky and his robot stop him?

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. The Naughty Nightcrawlers From Neptune
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$599

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. The Naughty Nightcrawlers From Neptune

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A boy and his robot must stop an alien invasion from Neptune

Forever Cousins

Ages 4–7 · 2022

Can friendship endure when distance separates best-friend cousins?

Loretta's Gift

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl seeks the perfect gift for her new baby cousin.

A Very Crazy Christmas
Sale price
$599

A Very Crazy Christmas

Ages 5–7 · 2011

Freddy's holiday turns wild with his mischievous twin cousins.

Merry Christmas, Squirrels!

Ages 3–6 · 2015

Wild squirrels celebrate Christmas in whimsical miniature worlds.

Angelina's Christmas

Ages 3–5 · 1986

A lonely Christmas leads to a surprising discovery of Santa in town.

Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet

Ages 5–7 · 2000

Annie seeks the perfect pet—soft, dry, and quiet. What will she choose?

When My Cousins Come to Town

Ages 6–9 · 2021

A girl seeks her own nickname among her unique cousins during a summer of self-discovery.

Dear Primo

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Two cousins discover their lives are more alike than different across borders.

Dirt on My Shirt

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Explore a lively neighborhood through fun poems and vibrant art.

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters

Ages 6–9 · 2012

Lester battles a relentless onslaught of hideous sweaters from Cousin Clara. Can he escape this woolly nightmare?

View all cousins picture books
Browse by age

Cousins Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about cousins for developing and independent readers.

Turtle in Paradise

Ages 9–12 · 2010

In 1935, Turtle discovers family secrets and buried treasure in Florida.

We Were Liars
Sale price
$1499

We Were Liars

Ages 12–18 · 2014

A private island, a secretive family, and a friendship that turns destructive. What truth lies beneath the lies?

How I Live Now

Ages 14–18 · 2004

A girl and her cousins navigate a war-torn world, forging bonds amidst chaos and isolation.

Captured on the High Seas

Ages 7–+ · 2014

Captured by British forces, two cousins plan a daring escape during the Revolutionary War.

Trouble on the Orphan Train
Sale price
$599

Trouble on the Orphan Train

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Time-traveling kids must clear an orphan's name and find a missing friend.

Showdown with the Shepherd

Ages 7–+ · 2011

Cousins face ancient dangers to retrieve a stolen ring.

Secret of the Prince's Tomb
Sale price
$799

Secret of the Prince's Tomb

Ages 7–+ · 2011

Cousins face a maze of traps in ancient Egypt to uncover a secret that could change the future.

Revenge of the Horned Bunnies

Ages 8–12 · 2012

Danny's summer camp turns wild with a jackalope-napping mystery.

Double Trouble
Sale price
$699

Double Trouble

Ages 6–8 · 2006

A silver kitten brings unexpected magic to Kim's troubled week.

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching
Sale price
$1799

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Tristan Strong must confront King Cotton in a final showdown along the Mississippi.

The Firefly Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl uncovers family secrets and hunts for treasure during a chaotic summer at a mysterious camp.

Baseball World Series
Sale price
$799

Baseball World Series

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Two cousins face off in the Little League World Series. Only one can win.

Keep exploring
Books about secretsBooks about baseballBooks about books and librariesBooks about BostonBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuseBooks about escapesBooks about governesses

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