Books About Monks And Abbots

The Best Monks And Abbots Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about monks and abbots? 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 First Notes
The Shortlist

Our 5 Favorite Books About Monks And Abbots

Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

The First Notes

By Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, Chiara Fedele (Illustrator)

Discover how a monk's musical breakthrough changed history and inspired a timeless song.

48 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 380 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Journey back to a time when music had no written form. Young monk Guido dreams of capturing melodies on paper. Despite skepticism, he invents the musical scale, revolutionizing music forever. This enchanting picture book, with illustrated lyrics of 'Do-Re-Mi,' reveals Guido's enduring legacy and connection to the beloved song from The Sound of Music. Will his passion and perseverance resonate through the ages?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2010

The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane

A young monk discovers vibrant inks, transforming plain manuscripts into colorful masterpieces.

32 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 310 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Summary: In a medieval monastery, Brother Theophane struggles with the monotony of scribing. Transferred to ink-making, his curiosity leads to a discovery: inks from berries and leaves create vibrant colors. As he defies the monastery's plain traditions, Theophane's colorful creations illuminate the once-dull manuscripts. Will his newfound artistry inspire change or challenge the monastery's discipline? This tale of creativity and defiance invites readers to explore their own voices and the beauty around them.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The White Cat and the Monk

By Jo Ellen Bogart, Sydney Smith (Illustrator)

A monk's quest for truth intertwines with his cat's nightly hunt.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
32 pages· 347 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,622 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Summary: In a serene monastery, a monk seeks enlightenment in ancient texts, while his cat, Pangur, prowls the night. As dawn approaches, Pangur's instincts guide the monk to a profound revelation. This retelling of the Old Irish poem 'Pangur Bán' explores the harmony between human curiosity and animal wisdom, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of the natural world.
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2014

Brother Hugo and the Bear

By Katy Beebe, S.D. Schindler (Illustrator)

A monk must outsmart a book-eating bear to save his manuscript.

34 pages· 1,477 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 659 ratings
$17.00Save 5%
Summary: Brother Hugo faces an unusual dilemma when a bear devours his library book. Tasked with recreating the manuscript, he meticulously copies each letter. But as he journeys to return the borrowed book, the bear, now with a taste for literature, follows him. Can Hugo protect his work from this persistent predator? This whimsical tale, inspired by a twelfth-century note, invites readers into a world where books are both precious and perilous. Will Hugo's dedication and wit be enough to outmaneuver the bear and preserve his creation?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

Rónán and the Mermaid

By Marianne McShane, Jordi Solano (Illustrator)

A boy is saved by a mysterious singing woman. Could she be the legendary Mermaid Saint?

32 pages
4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 130 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: On Ireland's coast, a monk discovers a boy washed ashore, saved by a mysterious woman with golden hair. As the boy regains strength, he recalls her song and a silver ring. The monks wonder if she is the legendary Mermaid Saint, rumored to wander the coast for centuries. Dive into this enchanting tale of mystery and legend, where the echoes of a mermaid's song may still be heard.
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