Books About First Experiences

The Best First Experiences Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Growing Up, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about first experiences? 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.

#9 in Series

#28 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About First Experiences

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2008

Campfire Mallory

By Laurie Friedman, Jennifer Kalis (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the Mallory McDonald series

Camp turns challenging for Mallory. Can she find happiness?

176 pages· 17,469 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 438 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Mallory faces her fears as she heads to Camp Blue Lake, uncertain about fitting in and battling homesickness. Despite her friends' assurances of fun, unexpected challenges arise. Can Mallory navigate the ups and downs of camp life and discover her inner strength? Join her on a journey of self-discovery and friendship in a summer full of surprises.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

It's Halloween, Little Monster

By Helen Ketteman, Bonnie Leick (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Little Monster series

A young monster experiences Halloween for the first time while navigating spooky sights with the help of a reassuring parent.

32 pages· 330 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 411 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: On his first Halloween night, Little Monster ventures into a world filled with witches, vampires, and eerie sounds. With Papa by his side, he confronts his fears, one spooky encounter at a time. As they approach the final, most terrifying house, a surprise awaits. Can Little Monster muster the courage to face the unknown? Discover the adventure and see if bravery triumphs over fear.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Simon Sort of Says

By Erin Bow

A boy seeks a fresh start in a town where the internet is banned, hoping to escape his past and find new stories to tell.

Newbery Honor (2024)Cybils Award (2023)Schneider Family Book Honor (2024)

320 pages· 70,587 words· Est. 10 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,096 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Simon moves to the internet-free National Quiet Zone, escaping the shadow of surviving a school shooting. Amidst astronomers searching for extraterrestrial life, Simon befriends someone eager to help the scientists. As they embark on a quest to send signals to space, Simon sees a chance to redefine his story. Can he find healing and hope in this unique place, or will his past continue to haunt him? Discover a tale of resilience, humor, and the courage to embrace a new beginning.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

Operation Pucker Up

Grace must conquer stage fright and first-kiss jitters before her school play's opening night.

256 pages· 48,242 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 163 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Grace Shaw lands the lead in her school play, but the role comes with a daunting challenge: her first kiss with the school's heartthrob, James. As her friends devise Operation Pucker Up to help her practice, Grace grapples with her estranged father's sudden return. With opening night looming, can Grace navigate the chaos of teenage life, family tensions, and stage fright to find her own Prince Charming? Will she manage to seal her happily ever after with a kiss, both onstage and off?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

A Very Fiona Christmas

By Zondervan, Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator) · Fiona the Hippo series

A hippo's quest to uncover the true meaning of Christmas at the zoo.

32 pages· 743 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 342 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Fiona the hippo embarks on a festive journey through the zoo, meeting new friends like Chloe Koala. Amidst twinkling lights and snow, they explore the essence of Christmas. Will Fiona discover the true spirit of the season? Join this heartwarming adventure filled with friendship, generosity, and holiday wonder, perfect for young readers.

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Tony Baloney

A penguin's first school day spirals into chaos.

39 pages· 452 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 167 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Tony Baloney, a macaroni penguin, faces his first day of school determined to follow the rules. But with his knack for mischief, can he stay out of trouble? Discover the chaos that ensues as Tony navigates the challenges of school life, where every rule seems to lead to unexpected adventures. Will Tony manage to balance his playful spirit with the demands of the classroom, or will his antics get the better of him?

Sale price

$674

Picture Book · Ages 2–7 · 2012

Maisy Goes on a Sleepover

By Lucy Cousins · Maisy series

A sleepover full of fun, games, and surprises. Will anyone sleep?

32 pages· 275 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 176 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Maisy is invited to her first sleepover at Tallulah's house, joined by new friend Ella. The night is filled with laughter, games, and delicious food. As bedtime approaches, Maisy reads a story, but will the excitement keep everyone awake? Discover the joys and challenges of a sleepover with Maisy and her friends in this delightful tale.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2019

Lola Goes to School

By Anna McQuinn, Rosalind Beardshaw (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Lola Reads series

A young girl navigates her first day of school, filled with new experiences and friendships.

32 pages· 274 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 339 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Lola is ready for her first day of school, filled with excitement and a touch of nerves. As she prepares with her family, she wonders what the day will bring. From finding her cubby to making new friends, Lola's day is packed with activities and discoveries. Will she enjoy her new routine, and how will she feel when it's time to say goodbye? Join Lola on this heartwarming journey as she learns and grows in a world full of possibilities.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2012

Amelia's Boy Survival Guide

By Marissa Moss · Book #28 in the Amelia series

Eighth grade brings unexpected feelings for Amelia. Will she risk asking a boy to the dance?

80 pages· 8,106 words· Est. 55 min read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 102 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Eighth grade is here, and Amelia faces a new challenge: boys. While her friends are boy-crazy, Amelia never cared—until Gerald enters her class. Now, she wonders if she should ask him to the dance. But fear of rejection looms. Can Amelia muster the courage to take a chance on a crush, or will she let fear hold her back? Join Amelia as she navigates the thrilling and nerve-wracking world of first crushes and school dances, discovering if the potential joy outweighs the risk of a broken heart.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2007

Maisy Goes to the Hospital

By Lucy Cousins · Maisy series

A trampoline mishap sends Maisy to the hospital. What will she discover there?

32 pages· 204 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 340 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: When Maisy's trampoline fun leads to a fall, she finds herself in the hospital with a hurt leg. Accompanied by her friend Charley, Maisy navigates X-rays, a cast, and an overnight stay. Feeling out of place, she meets a friendly patient who helps her adjust. Will Maisy find comfort in this new environment? Join her on this reassuring journey through a hospital adventure, perfect for young readers curious about medical visits.

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