Books About Names · 71 titles considered

The Best Names Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about names? 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.

Stella Batts Needs a New Name
#1 in Series
The Future Book
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Names

Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2012

Stella Batts Needs a New Name

By Courtney Sheinmel, Jennifer A. Bell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Stella Batts series

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her identity.

160 pages· 13,921 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 799 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Eight-year-old Stella is determined to find a new name after a classmate's teasing leaves her feeling embarrassed. But as she navigates the challenges of choosing the perfect name, she begins to question if the one she left behind might be the right fit after all. Will Stella find her true identity, or will she discover that her original name holds more meaning than she realized? Join Stella on her journey of self-discovery and see if she can embrace who she truly is.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Penny and Her Doll

By Kevin Henkes · Book #1 in the Penny series

A young girl receives a doll from her grandmother and must decide on a name for it

32 pages· 662 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,426 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Penny, a curious mouse, receives a perfect doll from Gram. She adores it instantly, but when Papa asks for the doll's name, Penny is stumped. How will she find the perfect name for her beloved new friend? Join Penny on this delightful journey of discovery and imagination, where naming a doll becomes an adventure in itself. Will Penny's creativity lead her to the right name, or will she need a little help from her family? This charming tale is perfect for young readers learning to explore the world of words and stories.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Brian Wildsmith's Animal Gallery

Explore the vibrant world of animals through stunning illustrations and surprising collective nouns.

48 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 110 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Step into a vivid world where a troop of kangaroos leaps, tigers ambush, and swordfish form a flotilla. Each page reveals the essence of animals, from playful otters to curious giraffes, captured in breathtaking illustrations. Discover the surprising collective nouns that describe these creatures, inspiring a love for nature and respect for wildlife. This journey through the animal kingdom promises to enchant and educate, offering a glimpse into the habitats and behaviors of diverse species.
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2014

Larry Bendeco Johannes Von Sloop

Brothers debate if fancy or simple names make a bakery thrive.

32 pages· 798 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.3/5 Goodreads · 19 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Brothers Bob and Larry run a bakery, but their differing views on style spark a debate. Is a fancy name the secret to success, or does simplicity win hearts? As they bake, they discover what truly makes a bakery flourish. Will their journey lead to a sweet resolution, or will their differences crumble their dreams?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Alma and How She Got Her Name

A young girl learns the story behind her long name and the ancestors it represents.

Caldecott Honor (2019)Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2019)
32 pages· 361 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 6,038 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks her name is too long. Seeking answers, she turns to her father and uncovers the rich histories of her ancestors—each name a story of love, adventure, and creativity. As Alma learns about her grandmother's passion for books, her great-grandmother's wanderlust, and her grandfather's artistry, she begins to see her name as a tapestry of her heritage. Will Alma embrace her name and the stories it holds, and what will her own story be? Discover a journey of identity and belonging in this heartwarming tale.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

A Crash of Rhinos

By Greg Danylyshyn, Stephan Lomp (Illustrator)

Discover the quirky world of animal group names in this playful picture book.

40 pages· 448 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 106 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a whimsical adventure exploring the curious names of animal groups. From a crash of rhinos to a school of fish, this delightful picture book uses rhymes and vibrant illustrations to reveal the surprising and humorous world of collective nouns. Perfect for curious minds, it invites readers to laugh and learn about the unique ways we describe gatherings of their favorite animals. Will you guess what a group of giraffes is called? Join the fun and find out!
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

The Future Book

Discover a future world with unexpected twists and vibrant surprises.

40 pages· 473 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 750 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey into a future filled with strange customs and mind-blowing colors. This visionary tale invites readers to explore a world unlike any other, where every page reveals a new surprise. What mysteries and wonders await in this glimpse of tomorrow? Turn the pages to find out.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2011

Who's on First?

A new catcher faces hilarious confusion over player names in a classic comedy sketch.

40 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 705 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rabbit, the new baseball catcher, is in for a whirlwind of confusion as he tries to learn his teammates' names from Coach Bear. With players like Who, What, and I Don’t Know, the mix-ups are endless and the laughs unstoppable. This picture book brings the timeless Abbott and Costello sketch to life with vibrant illustrations and witty banter, promising a delightful experience for comedy and baseball fans alike. Can Rabbit ever figure out who's on first?
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2022

That's Not My Name!

A young girl struggles to get her classmates and teachers to pronounce her name correctly on her first day of school.

40 pages· 645 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,266 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mirha eagerly anticipates her first school day, but her excitement dims when classmates mispronounce her name. Torn between fitting in and staying true to herself, she considers changing it. With her mother's guidance, Mirha discovers the beauty in her name and returns to school, ready to teach her peers its true sound, no matter how many tries it takes. Will Mirha's determination help her find her voice and stand up for her identity?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Ghoulia and the Ghost with No Name

By Barbara Cantini · Book #3 in the Ghoulia series

A young ghost is vanishing. Can a little zombie save him before it's too late?

64 pages· 1,666 words· Est. 19 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,023 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Ghoulia, a young zombie, faces a ghostly mystery at Crumbling Manor. As she prepares for the Dead but Not Departed New Year’s Eve party, a fading ghost arrives, forgotten by the living. If Ghoulia can uncover his name, she might save him from disappearing forever. But time is running out. Can she solve the mystery before it's too late? Join Ghoulia, her Auntie Departed, and Tragedy the greyhound in this spooky adventure filled with humor and heart. Perfect for young readers who love a mix of the macabre and the magical.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

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

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

Names Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

My Lucky Little Dragon

Ages 0–3 · 2014

Celebrate your child's unique spirit with a charming zodiac adventure.

Mommy Calls Me Monkeypants

Ages 0–3 · 2009

A playful nickname sparks joy in a mother-child bond.

Crowds of Creatures

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Discover the fascinating family groups of animals in a rhythmic journey.

The Steves

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Two puffins named Steve clash over who is the 'Stevest.'

Hug a Bull

Ages 3–6 · 2013

Discover the unique names of animal parents in a playful journey.

Hello, Sweetie Pie

Ages 2–6 · 2000

Lola's embarrassed by her nicknames until a friend's confession changes everything.

View all names board books
Browse by age

Names Picture Books

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

The Name Jar

Ages 3–7 · 2001

A young girl navigates her first day of school in a new country, struggling to fit in and find her place.

Thunder Boy Jr.
Sale price
$1899

Thunder Boy Jr.

Ages 3–6 · 2016

A boy seeks a name that reflects his unique spirit, not his father's shadow.

My Name Is Sangoel

Ages 6–10 · 2009

A refugee boy finds a clever way to make his name heard in a foreign land.

Sale price
$999

A Porcupine Named Fluffy

Ages 4–7 · 1986

A porcupine struggles with his unfitting name until a new friend changes everything.

My Name Is Yoon

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A girl navigates identity and belonging in a new country through the power of names.

A Is for Elizabeth

Ages 6–9 · 2019

Elizabeth tackles fairness and friendship in a school project.

A Tower of Giraffes
Sale price
$1795

A Tower of Giraffes

Ages 3–7 · 2015

Discover the whimsical world of animal group names and behaviors.

There Is a Tribe of Kids

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A boy's journey with penguins and stars explores childhood's wonders.

Chrysanthemum

Ages 4–8 · 1991

A young girl struggles to find self-acceptance in the face of teasing and criticism from her peers.

Frankly, I'd Rather Spin Myself a New Name!

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover the untold story behind Rumpelstiltskin's legendary spinning skills.

A Zeal of Zebras

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Discover whimsical art and clever wordplay with animal group names.

Becoming Vanessa

Ages 3–6 · 2021

A girl learns to embrace her unique identity on her first school day.

Browse by age

Names Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about names for developing and independent readers.

Botanicum

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Explore a virtual museum of plant wonders, from perennials to tropical exotica.

The Fran That Time Forgot

Ages 7–10 · 2005

A young girl scientist travels back in time to change her middle name, but her actions have unintended consequences on her future self

WeirDo

Ages 7–10 · 2013

New kid Weir Do faces hilarious challenges fitting in at school.

Rump

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A boy's gift for spinning gold traps him in a curse. Can he break free?

Warrior Girl

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl battles to preserve her heritage and identity amidst adversity.

Andi Unexpected

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A girl uncovers a family mystery hidden in an attic, leading to secrets and intrigue.

The 6th Grade Nickname Game

Ages 10–12 · 1998

Two friends' nickname game spirals out of control, risking their teacher's job.

Hundred Percent

Ages 10–12 · 2016

Navigating change, Tink redefines herself amidst school trials and shifting friendships.

Tiny Tornadoes

Ages 5–8 · 2023

Buddy questions if his class can compete with the fun next door.

Fiddlesticks

Ages 6–8 · 1997

Can Shawn overcome teasing and make the soccer team before time runs out?

Keep exploring
Books about animal familiesBooks about animalsBooks about collective nounsBooks about dollsBooks about family historyBooks about feelings and emotions

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo