Books About Excuses

The Best Excuses Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about excuses? 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 Brilliant World of Tom Gates
Series
I Didn't Do My Homework Because...
Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 4 Favorite Books About Excuses

Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

By L. Pichon · Tom Gates series

Tom juggles school chaos, sibling antics, and a quest for concert tickets.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2012)
256 pages· 15,776 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,840 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Tom Gates, a master of excuses and doodles, navigates school chaos, sibling antics, and the quest for Dude3 concert tickets. Can he impress Amy and outwit nosy Marcus while dodging trouble?
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School...

Late to school due to bizarre obstacles or an even wilder truth?

44 pages· 444 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.5/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,022 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: A student's journey to school is thwarted by giant ants, ninjas, and mole people. Are these wild tales the real reason for tardiness, or is there an even more outrageous truth? As each bizarre encounter unfolds, the line between reality and imagination blurs, leaving everyone guessing. Will the student ever make it to class, or is the adventure just beginning? Dive into a whirlwind of chaos and humor where the unexpected is the norm, and the truth is stranger than fiction.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1969

I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today!

A boastful child claims they can lick a certain number of tigers, but keeps revising their claim as they encounter various excuses to dismiss potential opponents.

72 pages· 209 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,938 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a whimsical world of rhymes, a boastful cat faces 30 tigers, another challenges authority to create a fair society, and a third must un-thunk a wild creation. Each story brims with Seussian charm, exploring themes of humility, equality, and imagination. Will the cats overcome their challenges and learn valuable lessons? Dive into these quirky tales to find out!
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

I Didn't Do My Homework Because...

A student comes up with outlandish excuses for not doing their homework.

44 pages· 349 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,152 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Discover a world where homework excuses reach new heights of absurdity. From giant lizards to mischievous elves, each tale grows more outlandish. Will these wild stories ever end, or will chaos reign? Dive into a hilarious adventure that every student and parent can relate to, filled with unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud moments.
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