Books About Obedience

The Best Obedience Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Habits and Behavior, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about obedience? 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 Obedience

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine · Ella Enchanted series

A cursed girl must obey every command. Can she break free?

Newbery Honor (1998)

304 pages· 53,087 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 427,008 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ella of Frell is cursed with obedience, forced to follow any command, no matter how dangerous. Determined to reclaim her freedom, she embarks on a daring quest through a world of ogres, giants, and wicked stepsisters. As she navigates this treacherous path, Ella must outwit those who would exploit her curse and discover her true self. Will she find a way to break the spell and live on her own terms, or will the curse dictate her fate forever? Dive into this enchanting tale of courage and resilience.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 2011

Dead End in Norvelt

Book #1 in the Norvelt series

Grounded for life, a boy uncovers secrets in his town's obituaries, leading to unexpected adventures.

Newbery Medal (2012)

384 pages· 73,677 words· Est. 7 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 22,445 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jack's summer plans crumble when he's grounded, but life takes a wild turn as he helps his eccentric neighbor write obituaries. Each story unravels secrets of their quirky town, leading Jack into a whirlwind of bizarre events, including a dancing plague and a possible murder. As Jack navigates this strange adventure, he discovers that the past is never truly gone, and the future is full of surprises. Will Jack uncover the truth behind the mysteries, or will he be swept away by the chaos? Dive into a tale where history and hilarity collide in unexpected ways.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

Library Lion

By Michelle Knudsen, Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator)

A lion wanders into a library and changes everything.

48 pages· 1,375 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 11,706 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a library where rules reign supreme, a lion's unexpected visit leaves everyone puzzled. With no guidelines for such a guest, the lion's quiet presence becomes a beloved fixture. But when disaster strikes, this gentle giant must act, challenging the very rules that define the library. Can a lion truly be a hero in a place of silence and order? Discover how courage and kindness can rewrite the rules in this heartwarming tale.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1902

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

By Beatrix Potter · Peter Rabbit series

A young rabbit disobeys his mother and ventures into a forbidden garden, facing various obstacles and dangers along the way.

72 pages· 936 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 262,684 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Peter Rabbit, a curious and daring young rabbit, ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden against his mother's warnings. As he navigates the lush, tempting vegetables, Peter must outwit the grumpy gardener to escape. Will his mischief lead to disaster, or can he find his way back home safely? Discover the timeless adventure that has captivated generations with its charm and whimsy.

Sale price

$1135

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2011

I Just Don't Like the Sound of No!

By Julia Cook, Kelsey De Weerd (Illustrator) · Best Me I Can Be! series

RJ must learn to accept 'No' to earn praise and rewards instead of arguments.

31 pages· 979 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 604 ratings

$11.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: RJ hates hearing 'No' and tries to change it to 'Maybe' or 'Later.' His teacher offers a challenge: join the Say YES to NO Club by mastering the art of accepting 'No' and disagreeing properly. Can RJ transform his stubbornness into social skills and earn a spot on the Star Board? Discover how RJ navigates this journey, finding unexpected rewards and praise along the way. This engaging tale teaches young readers the power of handling rejection gracefully, making life at home and school more harmonious.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2000

Biscuit's New Trick

By Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Pat Schories (Illustrator) · Biscuit I Can Read series

A puppy learns to fetch a ball.

32 pages· 126 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,129 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: A playful pup named Biscuit refuses to fetch a ball, but when it lands in a mud puddle, everything changes. Suddenly eager, Biscuit is ready to show off a surprising new trick. What could have sparked this sudden enthusiasm? Dive into Biscuit's muddy adventure and find out what makes this game of fetch so irresistible.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Know and Follow Rules

By Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed., Cheri J. Meiners · Learning to Get Along series

Discover the power of four simple rules to transform chaos into harmony.

40 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 172 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world where rules are often broken, a child learns the importance of four simple guidelines: Listen, Best Work, Hands and Body to Myself, and Please and Thank You. This journey explores how these rules foster safety, fairness, and cooperation. As the child navigates school, home, and social settings, they uncover the pride and peace that come with understanding and following rules. With engaging activities and questions, this book invites young readers to embrace the joy of getting along and the skills to thrive in any environment.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2013

Listen, Buddy

By Helen Lester, Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator) · Laugh-Along Lessons series

A rabbit's poor listening skills lead him into a dangerous cave.

32 pages· 812 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.1/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 600 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Buddy, a rabbit with big ears but poor listening skills, often mishears instructions, leading to comical mishaps. His biggest blunder lands him in the lair of the fearsome Scruffy Varmint. As Buddy faces the threat of becoming bunny stew, will he finally learn to listen? This whimsical tale explores the consequences of not paying attention and the importance of heeding advice.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2017

Tool of War

By Paolo Bacigalupi · Ship Breaker series

A rogue warrior defies his creators, igniting a battle for freedom in a dystopian future.

336 pages· 77,170 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,686 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a climate-ravaged future, Tool, a half-man/half-beast engineered for war, breaks free from his creators' control. Leading a band of human soldiers, he faces relentless pursuit by those who know his secret: Tool can resist his programmed loyalty. As tensions rise, Tool prepares for a war against his oppressors, challenging the boundaries between master and monster. Will he succeed in his quest for freedom, or will his hunters destroy him first? Dive into this thrilling sci-fi adventure where survival hinges on defiance and courage.

Sale price

$674

Board Book · Ages 1–3 · 2015

Be Careful, Icarus!

By Joan Holub, Leslie Patricelli (Illustrator) · Mini Myths series

A kite flies too high, leading to unexpected trouble.

24 pages

5.0/7 Bookroo·3.5/5 Goodreads · 122 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Board book

Summary: Young Icarus, eager to test his new bird-shaped kite, ignores his father's warning and lets it soar too high. When the kite gets tangled in the trees, Icarus learns a valuable lesson about caution and responsibility. With his father's help, they repair the kite, ready to try again. This playful retelling of the Icarus myth invites readers to explore themes of curiosity and consequence, all wrapped in a delightful adventure.

The Bookroo Book Club