Books About Imaginary Friends · 56 titles considered

The Best Imaginary Friends Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about imaginary friends? 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

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Imaginary Friends

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2010

School Rules!

By Victoria Kann · Pinkalicious I Can Read series

An imaginary unicorn makes school magical.

32 pages· 352 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,788 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Pinkalicious loves school, but it gets even better when she brings her imaginary unicorn, Goldie, to class. With Goldie by her side, every lesson becomes an adventure. Will her magical friend help her discover new ways to enjoy school, or will it lead to unexpected surprises? Dive into this delightful tale where imagination transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

Dory Fantasmagory

By Abby Hanlon · Book #1 in the Dory Fantasmagory series

A young girl named Dory navigates the challenges of childhood with the help of her imaginary friend and a magical fairy godmother.

Golden Kite Honor (2015)

176 pages· 7,405 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 6,054 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Meet Dory, the youngest sibling with a boundless imagination and a knack for mischief. Ignored by her older siblings, she embarks on daring escapades—outsmarting imaginary monsters, escaping 'prison,' and plotting doll revenge. But when her family truly needs her, Dory's courage shines, revealing her true worth. Will her antics finally earn her the attention she craves? Dive into this charming tale of a spirited rascal whose adventures are as big as her heart.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2015

Crenshaw

By Katherine Applegate

Can an imaginary cat help a struggling family find hope and stability?

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2016)

272 pages· 25,030 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,935 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jackson's family faces homelessness, with eviction looming and food scarce. Amidst this turmoil, Crenshaw, his imaginary cat friend, reappears. As Jackson grapples with reality, can Crenshaw offer the support needed to change their fate? Discover a tale of resilience and the power of friendship, real or imagined.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1970

The Horse in Harry's Room

By Syd Hoff · I Can Read series

A boy's invisible horse sparks a heartwarming dilemma about freedom and friendship.

32 pages· 426 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 419 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a bustling city, young Harry cherishes his invisible horse, a secret companion only he can see. But a trip to the countryside reveals horses running free, prompting Harry to question if his beloved friend would be happier there. As Harry grapples with this heartwarming dilemma, readers are invited to explore themes of friendship, freedom, and unexpected answers. Will Harry's invisible horse find its true place? This enchanting tale promises a delightful journey for young readers, filled with wisdom and wonder.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

The Adventures of Beekle

By Dan Santat

A young imaginary friend sets out on a journey to find a child to imagine him.

Caldecott Medal (2015)

40 pages· 298 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 15,364 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On a distant island, an imaginary friend waits to be chosen by a child. Overlooked repeatedly, he bravely ventures into the city, seeking his perfect match. Will he find his place and name in the real world? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Last Meeting of the Gorilla Club

By Sara Nickerson

Josh's imaginary friend reappears, but can Lucas see him too?

304 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 92 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Eleven-year-old Josh Duncan struggles with making real friends. Moving to a new town, he hopes to leave behind his imaginary friend, Big Brother. But Big Brother returns, and this time, he interacts with Lucas Hernandez, a boy at Josh's new school. Can Lucas see him too? An unusual classroom experiment and a mysterious Gorilla Club invitation lead Josh and Lucas on a journey to discover the power of imagination and friendship. Will they find a real connection in a world where imaginary friends seem all too real?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2023

Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?

By Helen Yoon

A child's dinosaur friend vanishes after a bath. Can she find him?

32 pages· 143 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 686 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A little girl is distraught when her enormous dinosaur friend disappears after a bath. Despite her efforts with snacks and posters, he remains missing. As she ponders if a change in weather or a drawing might help, the whimsical search unfolds. Will she uncover the mystery of her vanished companion?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

We Forgot Brock!

By Carter Goodrich

Phillip loses his imaginary friend at the fair. Can they reunite?

48 pages· 410 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 785 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Phillip and his invisible friend Brock are inseparable, until a night at the Big Fair leaves them apart. As Phillip heads home, Brock is left behind, longing for his friend. With the help of another unique duo, will they find their way back to each other? Discover the magic of friendship and the adventure of finding what’s lost in this heartwarming tale.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 1968

My Sweet Orange Tree

By Jose Mauro de Vasconcelos

A misunderstood boy finds solace in a magical tree and a new friendship, facing tenderness and sorrow.

272 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 89,213 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Rio de Janeiro, young Zezé dreams of becoming a poet. Misunderstood and punished at home, he finds comfort in a magical orange tree and secret musical moments. When Zezé befriends a kindred spirit, his world shifts, revealing both the warmth of friendship and the depths of heartache. Will this new bond bring healing or more pain?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Bear Is a Bear

By Jonathan Stutzman, Dan Santat (Illustrator)

A girl and her bear navigate childhood's joys and farewells.

48 pages· 222 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,129 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 'Bear Is a Bear,' a little girl finds a steadfast friend in her bear, who is always there through adventures and challenges. As they journey together, the bear becomes a source of comfort and imagination. But what happens when it's time to say goodbye? This beautifully illustrated tale explores the timeless bond between a child and their cherished companion, inviting readers to reflect on the magic of childhood friendships and the bittersweet moments of growing up. Discover a heartwarming story that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a special friend.

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Imaginary Friends Picture Books

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

Daisy Dreamer and the World of Make-Believe

Series

Sale price

$699

Daisy Dreamer and the World of Make-Believe

Ages 5–9 · 2017

A young girl discovers a magical world where she must help a cloud unicorn find her lost melody.

Sale price

$1795

My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A boy's invisible dragon symbolizes grief, changing as he heals.

Sale price

$999

I Know a Rhino

Ages 2–6 · 2002

A girl shares whimsical adventures with a rhino and other animals.

Sale price

$1899

Real to Me

Ages 4–7 · 2023

What happens when your imaginary friend vanishes?

Daisy Dreamer and the Totally True Imaginary Friend

Series

Sale price

$1799

Daisy Dreamer and the Totally True Imaginary Friend

Ages 5–9 · 2017

A young girl named Daisy navigates her daily life and friendships with the help of her imagination and a mysterious imaginary friend named Posey.

Series

Sale price

$699

Whoops! But It Wasn't Me

Ages 3–7 · 2006

A broken rocket tests sibling trust and honesty.

Sale price

$1599

Leon and Bob

Ages 5–6 · 1997

An imaginary friend vanishes when a new neighbor arrives.

Sale price

$1795

My Dog Banana

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A child insists their banana is a dog. Neighbors are baffled. Is it true or just imagination?

Sale price

$1899

Imaginary Fred

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A lonely boy's wish brings an imaginary friend to life, sparking an unforgettable bond.

Sale price

$1699

The Django

Ages 5–9 · 2010

A boy's banjo dreams clash with a mischievous spirit's chaos.

Sale price

$1899

The Snurtch

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A mischievous monster disrupts Ruthie's school day, testing her self-control.

Series

Sale price

$1999

Goldilicious

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A girl and her unicorn face magical mischief from her brother.

View all imaginary friends picture books

Browse by age

Imaginary Friends Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about imaginary friends for developing and independent readers.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$799

Tiny Tough

Ages 6–8 · 2019

A young girl navigates her daily life and relationships with her family and friends.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

The Essential Calvin and Hobbes (Graphic Novel)

Ages 10–18 · 1988

Join a boy and his tiger on wild, imaginative adventures.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

The Real True Friend

Ages 6–8 · 2015

A young girl navigates the challenges of starting a new school year with the help of her fairy godmother and a new friend

#3 in Series

Sale price

$799

Dory Dory Black Sheep

Ages 6–8 · 2016

A six-year-old girl navigates her imaginary world and real life as she tries to learn to read and solve mysteries

Sale price

$799

The Light Jar

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy is left alone in a forest cottage when his mother vanishes. Can he face his fears and find hope?

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1499

Dangerous Pumpkins

Ages 6–10 · 2012

Hank battles Halloween chaos as his invisible friend devours pumpkins and his sister scares him.

Sale price

$1699

Friend or Fiction

Ages 10–14 · 2019

A girl's imaginary friend comes to life, challenging her ideas of friendship.

Sale price

$1799

Imaginary

Ages 8–12 · 2021

An imaginary friend helps a boy navigate grief and middle school challenges.

Series

Sale price

$1499

Sadie and Ratz

Ages 5–8 · 2010

Hands cause chaos, but can they prove their innocence?

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Third Time's a Charm

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Reality shifts: best friends now twins. Can they unravel the universe's rewrite before it's too late?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Rumple Buttercup

Ages 6–12 · 2019

A quirky creature discovers the magic of belonging.

Sale price

$1695

Brightwood

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl must protect her home from a sinister stranger threatening her world.

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Books about imagination and play Books about city life and urban living Books about family problems Books about friendship Books about homelessness Books about school

Our 10 Favorite Books About Imaginary Friends

Great books, picked for their age.

Imaginary Friends Picture Books

Imaginary Friends Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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