Books About London · 202 titles considered

The Best London Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Places Around the World, featuring 14 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about london? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About London

The War That Saved My Life
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The War That Saved My Life

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley · Book #1 in the The War That Saved My Life series

A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.

Newbery Honor (2016)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2015)Odyssey Award (2016)Schneider Family Book Award (2016)
316 pages· 62,299 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 120,929 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: During World War II, ten-year-old Ada escapes her abusive mother to join her brother in the countryside. Taken in by Susan, Ada discovers new freedoms, learning to ride a pony and read. As she watches for German spies, Ada's bond with Susan grows. But will this newfound family withstand the war's challenges, or will Ada be forced back into her mother's grasp? A tale of resilience and hope unfolds as Ada fights for a life beyond her one-room prison.
A Study in Scarlet
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1887

A Study in Scarlet

By Arthur Conan Doyle · Book #1 in the Sherlock Holmes series

A penniless doctor and a brilliant detective unravel a dark murder mystery in Victorian London.

120 pages· 43,446 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 511,302 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1878 London, Dr. Watson, fresh from India and broke, meets the eccentric Sherlock Holmes. Their new partnership is tested as they dive into a chilling murder case, leading them from London's foggy streets to the wilds of Utah. As they unravel the mystery, Watson and Holmes forge a legendary alliance. Will they solve the case before more blood is spilled? This illustrated edition brings their first adventure to life with vivid imagery, capturing the essence of a timeless detective story.
The Name of the Star
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

The Name of the Star

By Maureen Johnson · Book #1 in the Shades of London series

A teen sees a killer no one else can. Can she escape becoming his next victim?

372 pages· 91,977 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 53,991 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Rory Deveaux, a Louisiana teen, arrives in London just as a series of murders mimicking Jack the Ripper's spree begins. She's the only witness who can see the suspect, making her his next target. As Rippermania grips the city, Rory discovers a hidden world of ghostly police and her own mysterious abilities. Can she unravel the truth before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling tale of suspense, humor, and unexpected romance, where the past and present collide in a deadly game.
The Prince and the Pauper
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1881

The Prince and the Pauper

By Mark Twain · Signet Classics series

Two boys swap lives, revealing the thin line between royalty and poverty.

240 pages· 66,817 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 127,301 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
Mass Market Paperbound
Summary: In a twist of fate, Tom Canty, a pauper, and Edward Tudor, a prince, swap lives. As Tom navigates the royal court's opulence, Edward faces the harsh realities of London's slums. This identity swap challenges societal norms and exposes the absurdity of class distinctions. Will they reclaim their true selves, or remain trapped in their new worlds? Discover the humor and critique of social injustice in this timeless tale of mistaken identities.
The Case of the Missing Marquess
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2006

The Case of the Missing Marquess

By Nancy Springer · Book #1 in the Enola Holmes Mysteries series

A young detective races against time to solve her mother's disappearance amidst danger and intrigue.

240 pages· 36,664 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 46,602 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Enola Holmes, a spirited young detective and sister to the famous Sherlock, faces her greatest challenge when her mother vanishes. Her quest leads her to London, where she becomes entangled in the kidnapping of a marquess and must outsmart dangerous foes and her own brothers. As Enola navigates this perilous world, she must unravel cryptic clues to uncover the truth behind her mother's disappearance. Can she solve the mystery before it's too late?
The 101 Dalmatians
Sale price
$299
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1956

The 101 Dalmatians

By Dodie Smith · Book #1 in the The Hundred and One Dalmatians series

Dalmatians race to save their puppies from a sinister threat.

184 pages· 44,879 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 38,595 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: Pongo and Missis, two brave Dalmatians, embark on a perilous journey to rescue their fifteen puppies from the clutches of the menacing Cruella de Vil. Will they outsmart her wicked plans and reunite their family?
London
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

London

By Jennifer Adams, Greg Pizzoli (Illustrator) · My Little Cities series

Discover London's iconic sights through charming illustrations and playful text.

22 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 64 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: Embark on a whimsical journey through London, where pigeons flock in Trafalgar Square and guards change at Buckingham Palace. Marvel at the London Eye's lights and bid goodnight to the skyline. This enchanting book invites young readers to explore the city's wonders with delightful illustrations and playful text, capturing the magic of London in a way that will captivate and charm.
L Is for London
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

L Is for London

By Paul Thurlby · Paul Thurlby series

Explore London's iconic sights from A to Z with hidden surprises.

64 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 23 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey through London's vibrant landmarks from Abbey Road to the London Zoo. Each page reveals iconic sights and hidden gems, with a playful animal companion sneaking through the city's wonders. Discover the energy and charm of London in this captivating alphabet adventure.
The Crown Heist
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

The Crown Heist

By Deron R. Hicks · Book #3 in the The Lost Art Mysteries series

A heist in London ties two friends to a mystery of a long-dead monarch.

303 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 455 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Art and Camille travel to London to find Camille's missing father, a history professor with deep ties to British legends. Their search leads them into a thrilling heist involving a long-dead monarch. As they navigate iconic sites like the Tower of London and the National Portrait Gallery, they must unravel historical secrets to uncover the truth. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

By Patricia Valdez, Felicita Sala (Illustrator)

A girl who loves reptiles grows up to design a zoo's Reptile House.

Cybils Award (2018)
40 pages· 911 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,823 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world of dolls and tea parties, young Joan Procter preferred reptiles. From carrying a lizard everywhere to bringing a crocodile to school, her passion never waned. As an adult, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum and designed the Reptile House at the London Zoo, even hosting tea parties with komodo dragons. Discover how Joan's unique love for the slithery and scaly led her to break barriers and create a legacy in the world of science. What challenges did she face, and how did her childhood passion shape her groundbreaking career?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

London Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about london for the youngest readers and listeners.

Jane Foster's London
Series
Sale price
$899

Jane Foster's London

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore London's iconic sights through vibrant illustrations in this engaging board book.

All Aboard! London
Series
Sale price
$999

All Aboard! London

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Embark on a train journey exploring iconic cities with your little one.

Oliver Twist
#6 in Series
Sale price
$995

Oliver Twist

Ages 0–5 · 2013

An orphan navigates London's underworld seeking family and belonging.

London
Series
Sale price
$799

London

Ages 0–2 · 2015

Discover London's contrasts through vibrant illustrations and playful opposites.

Hello! London
Series
Sale price
$1999

Hello! London

Ages 2–5 · 2014

Explore London's landmarks with interactive fun for toddlers.

London
Series
Sale price
$999

London

Ages 0–5 · 2019

Discover London's textures and surprises under every flap.

View all london board books
Browse by age

London Picture Books

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

Maisy Goes to London
Series
Sale price
$1599

Maisy Goes to London

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join a whirlwind tour of London with friends exploring iconic sights and unique transport.

This is London
Series
Sale price
$1795

This is London

Ages 7–10 · 1959

Explore London's iconic sights through vibrant illustrations and playful narratives.

Paddington
Sale price
$1325

Paddington

Ages 3–6 · 1972

A bear from Peru causes delightful chaos in a new home.

The Great Stink
Sale price
$1799

The Great Stink

Ages 4–8 · 2021

An engineer battles London's deadly pollution with an innovative sewer system. Can he save the city from cholera's grip?

Katie in London
Series
Sale price
$999

Katie in London

Ages 5–8 · 2003

A Trafalgar Square lion comes to life, leading a magical tour of London's iconic sights.

Madeline in London
Series
Sale price
$999

Madeline in London

Ages 3–7 · 1961

Madeline helps a friend keep an unexpected birthday gift—a horse.

A Boy Called Dickens
Sale price
$2099

A Boy Called Dickens

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A young Dickens faces hardship in London's streets, shaping his future tales.

View all london picture books
Browse by age

London Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about london for developing and independent readers.

Pan's Secret
#2 in Series
Sale price
$999

Pan's Secret

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A pirate princess seeks answers in Neverland's perilous jungles, risking everything for a chance at happiness.

Breaking News
#1 in Series
Sale price
$699

Breaking News

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Twins uncover secrets and coded messages while searching for their missing parents in London.

Clockwork Prince
#2 in Series
Sale price
$2860

Clockwork Prince

Ages 14–17 · 2011

In Victorian London, Tessa's powers attract dark forces. Can she trust her allies as betrayal looms?

London Art Chase
#2 in Series
Sale price
$899

London Art Chase

Ages 8–11 · 2016

A young girl spots an art theft in London. Can she and her sisters catch the thief?

Greenwild
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Greenwild

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl discovers a magical world while searching for her missing mother.

View all london chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about boarding schoolsBooks about detectivesBooks about ghostsBooks about homelessness and povertyBooks about investigationBooks about missing personsBooks about non-traditional familiesBooks about orphans