Books About Hunger

The Best Hunger Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about hunger? 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.

Series

Graphic Nov.

#5 in Series

#14 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Hunger

I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo Hambre! (Spanish Bilingual)

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 2–4 · 2022

I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo Hambre! (Spanish Bilingual)

By Angela Dominguez · A Lolo & Birdie Book series

A hungry T. Rex can't find the right meal. What will satisfy him?

32 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 334 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A chatty bluebird meets a hungry T. Rex who can't decide what to eat. As the dinosaur rejects bananas and fish, the quest for the perfect meal becomes a journey of friendship. Will they find the right food and a new bond? Discover the delightful twists in this bilingual tale, where language and friendship blend seamlessly.

Sale price

$1449

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1971

Stone Soup

By Ann McGovern

A mysterious soup made from stones unites a town.

32 pages· 938 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 29,156 ratings

$15.25Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a quaint village, a clever traveler claims he can make soup from a stone. As curious townsfolk gather, each contributes an ingredient, transforming the simple stone into a hearty feast. What begins as a trick becomes a lesson in community and sharing. Can one man's ingenuity bring a town together over a pot of soup?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Winterkill

By Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Two kids defy a deadly famine in 1930s Ukraine. Can they survive Stalin's plan?

288 pages· 59,052 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,391 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1930s Ukraine, Nyl faces starvation as Stalin's regime seizes farms, leaving his village to suffer. Alice, newly arrived from Canada, uncovers the grim truth and joins Nyl in a daring plan to save their community. As the Holodomor unfolds, their courage and unity are tested. Will they outlast the famine and oppression, or be consumed by it? This gripping tale of survival and resistance reveals the dark history of a genocide and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to fight back.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Scurry

By Mac Smith · Scurry series

Mice face starvation and predators in a desolate winter, seeking hope in a distant food source.

322 pages· 13,736 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,185 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where humans have vanished and darkness reigns, a colony of mice battles starvation and predators. As supplies dwindle, rumors of a food-laden truck spark hope. Brave scout Wix ventures into the unknown, facing feral cats, poison, and a hawk. Lost and alone, Wix must navigate perilous lands and unexpected challenges to save his colony. Will he find the food and a new home, or will the forest's dangers prove too great? Discover a tale of survival, courage, and destiny in this gripping adventure.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

Stick Dog Tries to Take the Donuts

By Tom Watson · Book #5 in the Stick Dog series

A group of dogs embark on a mission to find food and discover a new source of sustenance in the form of donuts.

224 pages· 17,180 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 621 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Stick Dog and his quirky pack are on a mission to snag some donuts for breakfast. Their adventure involves halting a moving truck, outsmarting a man on a pole, and dealing with a hyperactive Karen. But the real showdown comes when Poo-Poo encounters his arch-nemesis: a squirrel. With Stick Dog's cleverness and patience, can they overcome these obstacles and enjoy the ultimate breakfast feast? Join this hilarious canine caper filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2019

Land of the Spring Dragon

By Tracey West, Matt Loveridge (Illustrator) · Book #14 in the Dragon Masters series

A young dragon master must find a powerful dragon to save his kingdom from destruction.

96 pages· 6,083 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,904 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Drake's kingdom faces devastation after an earthquake destroys its crops. To save Bracken, he must find the elusive Spring Dragon, Fallyn, hidden in a secret fairy world. Guided by Dragon Master Breen, Drake encounters tricky tests and mysterious riddles. Can he overcome these challenges and secure the dragon's help before it's too late? The fate of his people hangs in the balance as he ventures into the unknown, where nothing is as it seems. Will Drake's courage and wit be enough to restore his kingdom?

Sale price

$1049

Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 2022

I'm Hungry!

A hungry monster devours everything in sight. What's next?

30 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 230 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Board Book

Summary: A little monster's insatiable hunger leads to a wild feast, devouring everything from pizza to the fridge. But when nothing's left, will the child reading the book be next? Join the fun as the monster's appetite grows and the absurdity escalates. Can anything satisfy this ravenous creature, or will the reader become the final course? This playful tale invites toddlers to giggle and shout along with the monster's repeated cries of 'I'm still hungry!' as they anticipate the next hilarious bite.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2021

Missed Meal Mayhem

By Jarrett Lerner · Book #1 in the The Hunger Heroes series

Hungry kid at school needs saving. Can quirky food heroes help?

128 pages· 2,108 words· Est. 32 min read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 315 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: When a student in Ms. Sternbladder's class misses breakfast, his day spirals into chaos. Enter the Hunger Heroes: Toots the Bean, Chip Ninja, Tammy the Tomato, and Leonard the Cheese. In their taco hovercraft, they race to save the day. Can they conquer hunger and help him ace his math test, study for spelling, and play soccer? Join this zany team on a deliciously daring mission!

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 1952

Tenggren's Tawny Scrawny Lion

By Kathryn Jackson, Gustaf Tenggren (Illustrator)

A hungry lion's life is changed after meeting a clever rabbit.

24 pages· 971 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,456 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: A tawny, scrawny lion spends his days chasing animals, but a clever family of rabbits has a plan. Can they teach him to enjoy carrot stew instead of hunting them? Discover how a simple meal might change everything for this hungry predator.

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

The Very Brave Bear

By Nick Bland

A bear and buffalo face off in a jungle bravery test.

30 pages· 389 words· Est. 7 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 407 ratings

Paperback

Summary: In the heart of the jungle, a cranky bear and a bold buffalo prepare for a showdown of courage. As tensions rise, an unexpected twist threatens to send both creatures running. Can they overcome their fears, or will the jungle's surprises prove too much? Discover the true meaning of bravery in this wild adventure.

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Hunger Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

Dozens of Doughnuts

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A bear's doughnut feast turns into a sharing dilemma as unexpected guests arrive.

Sale price

$1899

There Are No Bears in This Bakery

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A cat detective faces a hungry bear cub at a bakery.

Sale price

$899

The Gift of the Sacred Dog

Ages 5–8 · 1980

A boy's prayer summons mystical creatures to aid his people.

Sale price

$1899

Crocodile Hungry

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A hungry crocodile struggles to find food in a world of packaging.

Sale price

$1799

Bears Don't Eat Egg Sandwiches

Ages 4–9 · 2019

A hungry bear visits Jack. What do bears eat?

Sale price

$1599

Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise

Ages 3–7 · 2014

A hungry owl uses disguises to catch elusive prey.

Sale price

$899

Lunch

Ages 4–7 · 1992

A ravenous mouse devours a colorful feast, unable to stop munching.

Sale price

$899

More Pies!

Ages 3–8 · 2002

A boy's insatiable hunger leads to an unexpected pie-eating victory.

Sale price

$1695

One Fox

Ages 2–6 · 2019

A hungry fox tries to get food from a farm.

Sale price

$1795

The Fox and the Crow

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A fox schemes to outwit a crow for a piece of bread.

Sale price

$899

Beatrice's Goat

Ages 4–8 · 2001

A goat's gift could change a girl's future in Uganda.

Sale price

$699

Badger's Fancy Meal

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Badger seeks exotic meals but learns to value familiar flavors.

View all hunger picture books

Browse by age

Hunger Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about hunger for developing and independent readers.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1299

Hunger

Ages 14–+ · 2009

Teens face starvation and a sinister force as chaos reigns in a world without adults.

Sale price

$1999

The Secret River

Ages 4–8 · 1955

A secret river offers hope in hard times, but can it be found again?

Sale price

$995

Black Potatoes

Ages 10–12 · 2001

A mysterious blight devastates Ireland's potatoes, sparking a desperate struggle for survival.

Sale price

$1699

The Monster Who Ate Darkness

Ages 3–7 · 2008

A monster devours darkness, leaving the world in light. Can a sleepless boy help him find fulfillment?

Sale price

$1999

Hunger

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A young girl faces ruin and secret friendship during the Irish potato famine. Can she save her family?

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Snack Cabinet Sabotage

Ages 5–8 · 2022

Superheroes race to save a snackless babysitter from hangry doom.

Series

Sale price

$699

The Great Drain Escape

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Tiny pirates face a daring quest for food blocked by a junk-shop dog.

View all hunger chapter books

Our 10 Favorite Books About Hunger

Great books, picked for their age.

Hunger Picture Books

Hunger Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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