Books About Following Your Dreams · 77 titles considered

The Best Following Your Dreams Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about following your dreams? 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.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Following Your Dreams

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2020

Harley in the Sky

By Akemi Dawn Bowman

A teen defies her family to chase her circus dreams, facing harsh truths and sacrifices.

432 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,687 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Harley Milano dreams of soaring as a trapeze artist, but her parents demand she stays grounded in school. After a heated argument, she leaves home to join a rival circus, Maison du Mystère. In this new world, Harley discovers the beauty and brutality of circus life, learning hard lessons about passion and teamwork. As she navigates this path, she must confront her family's truths and the sacrifices made in pursuit of her dreams. Will Harley find where she truly belongs, or will the cost of her ambition be too great?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2015

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

By Emily Winfield Martin

A parent reflects on their child's future and the possibilities that lie ahead.

36 pages· 211 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,599 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world of dreams and possibilities, a parent wonders about their child's future. Through rhythmic rhymes and lush illustrations, the story celebrates the child's potential for kindness, cleverness, and boldness. As the pages turn, the enduring love between parent and child shines brightly, promising a lifetime of shared dreams and acceptance. What wonderful things will the child become? This heartfelt journey invites families to explore the boundless love and hopes that connect them, making it a cherished read for every new beginning.

Sale price

$1520

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2007

The Pink Refrigerator

By Tim Egan

A mysterious pink refrigerator challenges a lazy man's routine with unexpected tasks.

32 pages· 1,158 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 409 ratings

$16.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dodsworth, a man who prefers doing as little as possible, stumbles upon a peculiar pink refrigerator in the junkyard. Each day, it presents him with a new note, urging him to take on unexpected tasks like painting pictures. As Dodsworth follows these mysterious instructions, his once predictable life begins to change. What plans does the pink refrigerator have for him, and how will it transform his world? Discover the surprising journey that unfolds as Dodsworth steps out of his comfort zone and into a life of creativity and adventure.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2017

The Almost Impossible Thing

By Basak Agaoglu

A determined bunny defies limits to achieve the impossible: flight.

32 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo·3.4/5 Goodreads · 214 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A rabbit dreams of flying after watching a bird's colorful loops. Despite her friends' doubts, she embarks on a whimsical journey of ski jumps, trampolines, and kites. Can teamwork help her soar?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1991

Amazing Grace

By Mary Hoffman, Caroline Binch (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Grace-picture Books series

A young girl dreams of playing the lead role in her school play despite others doubting her.

32 pages· 711 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 14,278 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Grace dreams of playing Peter Pan in the school play, but faces resistance from classmates who claim she can't because she's black and Peter is a white boy. Undeterred, Grace sets out to prove that imagination knows no bounds. Will she overcome the barriers and soar on stage as Peter Pan? Dive into Grace's world where determination and creativity challenge the status quo, and discover if she can truly become the hero of her own story.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

The Dreamer

By Il Sung Na

A pig dreams of flying with birds. Can he make it happen?

46 pages· 150 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 491 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A pig dreams of soaring with the birds he admires. Determined, he crafts flight plans and builds contraptions, embarking on whimsical adventures. Will his perseverance lead him to the skies, or will he find joy in simply watching his feathered friends? This heartwarming tale inspires young readers to dream big and believe in the impossible.

Sale price

$759

Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2020

This Little Dreamer

By Joan Holub, Daniel Roode (Illustrator) · This Little Primer series

Discover dreamers who shaped history in this inspiring board book.

26 pages

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 102 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Board book

Summary: Introduce young readers to ten visionary dreamers who transformed the world. This vibrant board book offers a glimpse into the lives of historical figures who dared to envision a brighter future. With engaging facts and bold illustrations, it inspires children to dream big and make a difference. Who will they learn about, and how did these dreamers change the course of history? Perfect for little dreamers-in-training, this book is a gateway to understanding the power of dreams and determination.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

When Langston Dances

By Kaija Langley, Keith Mallett (Illustrator)

A boy dreams of dancing, but can he make the street his stage?

40 pages· 624 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 441 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Langston's heart beats for dance, not basketball. Inspired by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, he dreams of pirouettes and grand jetés. With his neighborhood's support, can he turn his street into a stage and achieve his dream?

Sale price

$1744

Picture Book · Ages 4–8

Mr. Putter & Tabby Fly the Plane

By Cynthia Howard Rylant · Mr. Putter & Tabby series

An old man's love for toys leads to unexpected adventures with his cat.

44 pages· 943 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 641 ratings

$18.36Save 5%

Prebound-Glued

Summary: Mr. Putter, an elderly man with a fondness for toys, brings home a flying biplane, much to the dismay of his cat, Tabby. As the toy takes flight, the duo embarks on an unexpected adventure. Will Mr. Putter's playful spirit win over Tabby's cautious nature, or will the flying toy cause more trouble than fun? Discover how a simple toy can lead to a whirlwind of excitement and challenge the bond between a man and his feline friend.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Nigel and the Moon

By Antwan Eady, Gracey Zhang (Illustrator)

A boy dreams big but struggles to share his aspirations during Career Week.

32 pages· 662 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,251 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Nigel dreams of being an astronaut, dancer, and superhero, his imagination soaring among the stars. Yet, as Career Week approaches, he hesitates to reveal his dreams to classmates, feeling out of place. Can Nigel find the courage to let his dreams shine beyond the moon's whispers? Discover how pride in one's roots can illuminate the path to confidence.

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Following Your Dreams Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about following your dreams for preschool and elementary-age readers.

#10 in Series

Sale price

$699

Eva and Baby Mo

Ages 5–7 · 2019

A young owl tries to convince her parents to enter a sky-dancing competition.

Sale price

$1595

The Boy Who Never Gave Up

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A boy defies the odds to become an NBA legend.

Series

Sale price

$1999

Iggy Peck, Architect

Ages 5–9 · 2007

A young boy's passion for building is discouraged by his teacher, but he finds a way to use his skills to help his class in a time of need.

Sale price

$1799

Caterpillar Dreams

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A caterpillar leaves his garden to chase an impossible dream.

Sale price

$1799

Martin & Anne

Ages 8–11 · 2019

Two lives, one year: hope and dreams defy prejudice and violence.

Series

Sale price

$1699

Earn It!

Ages 3–5 · 2017

A bunny learns that stardom requires hard work, not shortcuts.

Series

Sale price

$1599

I am Lucille Ball

Ages 5–8 · 2015

Discover how humor helped a comedy legend break barriers in Hollywood.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Ambitious Girl

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A girl redefines ambition, challenging labels and embracing empowerment.

Sale price

$1899

The Noisy Paint Box

Ages 4–8

A young boy discovers his passion for art and music, and must navigate the expectations of those around him to pursue his dreams.

Sale price

$1799

Reaching for the Moon

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A journey from childhood dreams to a historic Moon landing.

Series

Sale price

$1999

The Bear and the Piano

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A young bear discovers a mysterious object in the forest that changes his life forever.

Sale price

$1999

Mae Among the Stars

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young girl dreams of becoming an astronaut and seeing Earth from space.

View all following your dreams picture books

Browse by age

Following Your Dreams Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about following your dreams for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1195

Catching the Moon

Ages 6–10 · 2005

A girl defies all odds to play professional baseball in a male-dominated world.

Series

Sale price

$599

Mr. Putter & Tabby Fly the Plane

Ages 6–9 · 1997

An old man's love for toys leads to unexpected adventures with his cat.

#7 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Skater Girl

Ages 7–10 · 2007

A young mouse learns to balance her love of skating with her desire for cupcakes and friendship.

Series

Sale price

$899

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

Ages 8–12 · 2014

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

#8 in Series

Sale price

$699

August Acrobat

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A group of kids try to help a struggling circus by finding a mysterious acrobat.

Sale price

$1299

Cruzita and the Mariacheros

Ages 11–14

A young girl must choose between her pop star dreams and saving her family's bakery.

Series

Sale price

$1399

Spy Penguins

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A young penguin named Jackson dreams of becoming a secret agent and teams up with his best friend Quigley to solve a mystery involving stolen fish from the local aquarium.