Books About Creative Writing

The Best Creative Writing Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about creative writing? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Creative Writing

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book?

By Ally Carter

Struggling to write a book? Discover the secrets to crafting your novel from start to finish.

336 pages· 80,542 words· Est. 11 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 729 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Aspiring writers, unlock the secrets of novel writing with Ally Carter's guide. Whether you're stuck at the beginning, struggling to finish, or unsure of the next steps, this book offers practical advice and insights from top YA authors. Dive into the world of writing with tips on crafting conflict, developing your story, and navigating the publishing industry. With contributions from literary stars, 'Dear Ally' is your essential companion on the journey from idea to publication. Will you finally write the book you've always dreamed of?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2012

Ralph Tells a Story

By Abby Hanlon

Ralph struggles to find stories until he discovers inspiration in the smallest things.

34 pages· 747 words· Est. 9 min read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,312 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Ralph faces a blank page every day, convinced he has no stories to tell. Despite his teacher's encouragement, inspiration eludes him. But with a little help from his classmates, Ralph learns that even the smallest moments can spark a great story. Will he finally find his voice and fill his pages with tales? Discover how Ralph's journey transforms his view of storytelling and creativity.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Abdul's Story

By Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Tiffany Rose (Illustrator)

A boy struggles with writing until a visitor shows him mistakes are part of the journey.

40 pages· 773 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 726 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Abdul loves spinning tales but finds writing them down a daunting task. His letters twist and turn, leaving more eraser marks than words. Convinced his stories aren't meant for paper, Abdul is ready to give up. But when a special visitor arrives in class, Abdul learns that even the greatest writers—and superheroes—make mistakes. Can this newfound perspective help him embrace his imperfections and unleash his storytelling potential? Discover how a little encouragement can transform doubt into creativity in this heartwarming tale.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Imagination According to Humphrey

By Betty G. Birney · Humphrey series

A hamster named Humphrey writes about his adventures in his notebook.

144 pages· 22,892 words· Est. 3 hour read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 739 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In Room 26, Humphrey the hamster faces a puzzling challenge: his imagination vanishes when he tries to write. While his classmates dream of flying adventures, Humphrey is content in his cozy world. Yet, his mind races with tales of dragons and knights, and he even suspects a ghostly presence. Can Mrs. Brisbane's writing tips help Humphrey unlock his creative potential? Join Humphrey as he navigates the whimsical world of imagination, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs, and discover if he can conquer his writer's block.

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Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2019

Lucky Stars

By Aron Nels Steinke · Book #3 in the Mr. Wolf's Class series

A boy's bike ride with his friend takes an unexpected turn after he loses control and crashes.

176 pages· 5,554 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 891 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In Mr. Wolf's class, every day is an adventure. Sampson struggles to find a story worth telling until a bike ride with Margot ends in an accident, offering him a fresh perspective. Meanwhile, Penny's peculiar friendship with school rats and Stewart and Oliver's recess rivalry add to the classroom chaos. Can these students turn their everyday mishaps into compelling narratives?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Out of Wonder

By Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, Marjory Wentworth, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)

Discover poems that celebrate the magic and wonder of legendary poets.

Coretta Scott King Award (2018)

56 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,898 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Dive into a vibrant collection where original poems pay tribute to twenty iconic poets who inspire awe and creativity. With stunning mixed-media art, this book invites readers to explore the beauty of poetry and perhaps find their own voice. Will you be moved to pick up a pen and join the poetic journey?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Writing Radar

By Jack Gantos

Unlock your writing potential with a guide to finding stories in everyday life.

224 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 497 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Aspiring young writers, discover your 'writing radar' with Jack Gantos. Dive into a world where everyday life becomes a treasure trove of story ideas. Through humorous anecdotes and practical tips, Gantos shares his journey from a budding writer to an award-winning author. Learn to craft, revise, and perfect your tales while building confidence and honing your skills. With engaging illustrations and snippets from his childhood journals, this guide is more than a manual—it's a celebration of storytelling's magic. Will you uncover the stories waiting in your own life?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2008

The Best Story

By Eileen Spinelli, Anne Wilsdorf (Illustrator)

A girl must find her own voice to win a story contest at the library.

32 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 579 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: A young girl is determined to win a library contest for the best story, with a thrilling prize of a rollercoaster ride with her favorite author. Her family offers conflicting advice: action, humor, and tears. But none of these feel right. As she struggles to blend their ideas, she discovers the true challenge is to listen to her heart and create a story that's uniquely her own. Will she find her voice in time to win the contest and the ride of her dreams? Dive into this tale of creativity and self-discovery.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Lety Out Loud

By Angela Cervantes · Wish series

Lety must win a secret contest to adopt her favorite shelter dog before it's too late.

208 pages· 33,942 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 793 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Lety Muñoz, a thoughtful Spanish-speaking volunteer, faces a challenge at the animal shelter. To become the official scribe, she must outpace her classmate Hunter in getting animals adopted. But if the shelter discovers their secret contest, Lety risks losing her chance to adopt Spike, her beloved dog. Can Lety find her voice and win the competition without losing everything she loves?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2010

Once Upon a Baby Brother

By Sarah Sullivan

A young storyteller loses her muse. Can she find inspiration again?

32 pages· 1,161 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 114 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Lizzie, a budding storyteller, feels overshadowed by her baby brother Marvin. When Marvin goes away, Lizzie's creative spark dims, leaving her in a storytelling slump. Can she rediscover her muse and reignite her imagination? This delightful tale explores the unexpected sources of inspiration and the bonds of siblinghood, with vibrant illustrations bringing Lizzie's world to life.

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