Books About Leaving Home

The Best Leaving Home Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about leaving home? 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.

Stuart Little
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Leaving Home

Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1945

Stuart Little

By E.B. White, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

A tiny mouse embarks on a daring quest to find his missing friend.

131 pages· 18,804 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 134,973 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Stuart Little, a mouse born into a human family, lives in bustling New York City. When his best friend, Margalo the bird, mysteriously vanishes, Stuart sets off on an epic journey beyond his familiar home. Facing the unknown, he encounters thrilling adventures and unexpected challenges. Will Stuart's courage and determination lead him to Margalo, or will the vast world prove too daunting for this small hero? Dive into a tale of friendship and bravery, where the smallest of creatures can make the biggest difference.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

Withering-by-Sea

An orphan uncovers a dark secret and must outsmart a sinister magician.

288 pages· 46,813 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,145 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the dreary Hotel Majestic, young orphan Stella Montgomery dreams of escape. Her life takes a thrilling turn when she witnesses a dark secret, putting her on the run from the menacing Professor Stark. With the help of a mysterious maestro, his musical cats, and spirited Gert, Stella must outwit an evil magician and save his mistreated assistant. Can she defy the odds and find adventure beyond her wildest dreams?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

School for Skylarks

Evacuated to a chaotic manor, Lyla discovers unexpected friendships amid wartime upheaval.

352 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 91 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1939, Lyla is sent from London to her great-aunt's sprawling estate, expecting isolation. Instead, the house teems with evacuated schoolgirls and even a horse indoors. Amidst the chaos, Lyla, unfamiliar with friendship, navigates a new world where allies come in surprising forms. Can she find her place in this unexpected community, or will her family's scandal overshadow her chance at belonging? As the war rages on, Lyla's journey reveals that friendship can be found in the most unlikely circumstances.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2018

She Loves You

A girl seeks Beatles fame to win back her social status and distant father.

256 pages· 39,915 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 885 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1966, twelve-year-old Trudy Mixer faces a world in flux. Her best friend has left her for cheerleading, her Beatles fan club is dwindling, and her father is more distant than ever. Determined to reclaim her social standing and connect with her father, Trudy plans to see the Beatles in Boston and meet Paul McCartney. With her unlikely band of friends, she embarks on a daring journey, hoping to change her life. Will Trudy's quest for Beatles glory bring her the recognition she craves, or will it lead to unexpected discoveries?
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2015

Wherever You Go

Embark on a journey with friends to discover magical worlds beyond your doorstep.

32 pages· 387 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,090 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: An adventurous rabbit and his animal friends set off on a journey through mountains and cities, exploring the wonders that lie beyond their doorstep. Each road they travel offers new possibilities and magical worlds, yet always leads them back home. What adventures await around the next bend? Discover the enchanting landscapes and the thrill of exploration in this celebration of life's endless opportunities.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2015

Edmund Unravels

A yarn ball's adventure reveals the joy of exploration and the warmth of home.

36 pages
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 384 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Edmund, a lively ball of yarn, embarks on a thrilling journey to explore the world. As he rolls through new experiences, he discovers the excitement of adventure and the inevitable loneliness it can bring. Will Edmund find that the comfort of family is the greatest adventure of all? Join him as he navigates the twists and turns of discovery, learning that sometimes the best journeys lead you back home.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Yellow Kayak

By Nina Laden, Melissa Castrillón (Illustrator), Melissa Castrillon (Illustrator)

A boy and his friend embark on an unexpected sea adventure full of wonder.

32 pages
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 848 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a young boy and his best friend as they set sail on a spontaneous sea adventure. What begins as a quiet afternoon transforms into a journey filled with unexpected wonders and excitement. As they explore the vast ocean, they discover sights beyond their wildest dreams. But the true magic lies in returning home, stories in hand, with a cherished friend by their side. Will they find the courage to embrace the unknown and the joy that comes with it?
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Piglette

By Katelyn Aronson, Eva Byrne (Illustrator)

A piglet seeks perfection in Paris but discovers the true scent of home.

40 pages
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 256 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Piglette, a particular piglet with a passion for flowers, leaves her muddy siblings behind to pursue her dream in Paris's perfume shops. As she indulges in pastries and perfumes, Piglette learns that the sweetest scents are those of home. Can she blend her Parisian dreams with the comforts of her pasture? Join Piglette on her aromatic adventure as she discovers where her heart truly belongs.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

The Bold, Brave Bunny

By Beth Ferry, Chow Hon Lam (Illustrator)

A bunny's solo adventure leads to unexpected discoveries and a longing for home.

32 pages· 371 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 515 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Teetu, a daring bunny, escapes his bustling burrow after his siblings ruin his cherished book. Venturing into the night, he encounters wonders beyond his dreams and crafts a new book from his adventures. Yet, solitude soon weighs heavy, and just as loneliness peaks, a fluffy surprise changes everything. Will Teetu find the balance between adventure and the warmth of home?
Picture Book · Ages 5–6 · 2016

The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon

By A.N. Kang · Book #1 in the Papillon series

A fluffy cat floats away, seeking adventure and a way back home.

32 pages· 261 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,008 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Papillon, a cat so fluffy he floats, drifts out the window on a sunny day. The world is thrilling yet daunting, and he must rely on a new bird friend to navigate his way back. Can this unlikely duo overcome the challenges of the vast world and find their way home? Discover a whimsical journey filled with adventure and friendship.
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Leaving Home Picture Books

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

Blown Away

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A penguin's kite adventure leads to unexpected discoveries about home.

Inky the Octopus

Ages 4–10 · 2018

An octopus plots a daring escape from an aquarium to the open sea. Can he succeed?

Lady Liberty's Holiday

Ages 2–7 · 2016

The Statue of Liberty takes a vacation across America. Will she return?

Stay, Little Seed

Ages 4–7 · 2009

A seed defies the wind, choosing to stay. Can it thrive alone?

The Littlest Train

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A tiny toy train embarks on a big adventure. Can it find its way home?

River Friendly, River Wild

Ages 4–8 · 2000

A family flees a rising river, leaving behind their cat. Will they find safety and a home to return to?

Madeline and the Gypsies

Ages 3–7 · 1958

Madeline and Pepito join a carnival with gypsies. What adventures await?

The Acrobat

Ages 4–8 · 2013

An acrobat seeks a new audience, but will anyone notice his talents?

Dave's Cave

Ages 3–7 · 2018

Dave searches for a better cave but discovers there's no place like home.

Inky's Great Escape

Ages 5–10 · 2017

An octopus plans a daring escape from the aquarium. Will he succeed?

Mossy

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A turtle's freedom is lost in a museum; can she find her way back home?

Sale price
$1799

Snowie Rolie

Ages 4–7 · 2000

Olie's snowman friend is melting. Can they save him before it's too late?

View all leaving home picture books
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Books about adventure and adventurersBooks about familyBooks about fitting inBooks about good and evilBooks about hotels and motelsBooks about human-animal relationshipsBooks about journeys and voyagesBooks about making friends

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