Books About Pageants

The Best Pageants Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about pageants? 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.

Dumplin'
#1 in Series
Coyote Queen
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
#1 in Series
The Fashion Disaster
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Pageants

Dumplin'
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2015

Dumplin'

By Julie Murphy · Book #1 in the Dumplin' series

A girl enters a beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence and challenge societal norms.

400 pages· 85,258 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 92,775 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Willowdean Dixon, a self-assured teen, faces self-doubt when a romance with a charming jock shakes her confidence. To prove her worth, she enters the Miss Clover City beauty pageant, defying expectations and challenging stereotypes. As she competes alongside other unconventional contestants, Willowdean aims to show her small town—and herself—that beauty comes in all forms. Will she find the courage to stand tall and redefine what it means to be beautiful?
Great Joy
Sale price
$1140
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

Great Joy

By Kate DiCamillo, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator)

A girl finds unexpected inspiration from a mysterious organ grinder at Christmas.

32 pages· 714 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,472 ratings
$12.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: As Christmas nears, young Frances is captivated by an organ grinder and his monkey outside her window. Their presence haunts her thoughts, especially during the Christmas pageant. When it's her turn to speak, she struggles with the organ grinder's sad eyes in her mind. Just as hope seems lost, a door opens, revealing the perfect words she needs. Discover how a simple encounter transforms Frances's holiday in this heartwarming tale of compassion and unexpected connections.
Wombat Divine
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1995

Wombat Divine

By Mem Fox, Kerry Argent (Illustrator)

Wombat dreams of a Nativity role, but will he find his place?

32 pages· 397 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,001 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Wombat eagerly auditions for the Nativity play, a cherished Christmas tradition. Yet, as each role is cast, his hopes dwindle. With parts slipping away, will Wombat find his moment to shine, or will he be left out of the spotlight? Discover if determination and holiday spirit can help him find his place in the festive celebration.
Coyote Queen
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Coyote Queen

By Jessica Vitalis

A girl seeks escape from a troubled home, discovering a mysterious bond with coyotes that may hold the key to freedom.

272 pages· 56,384 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 321 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Fud feels trapped in a trailer with her mom and her mom's volatile boyfriend. When a rusted houseboat threatens to become their new home, Fud sees it as a prison. Desperate to escape, she enters a beauty pageant for the prize money. But as her connection to the coyotes outside deepens, strange changes begin. Is Fud transforming, or is it just her imagination? As she navigates this eerie bond, she must decide who she can truly save. Can Fud find the strength to break free before it's too late?
Sit, Stay, Love
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Sit, Stay, Love

Wish series

A girl must save a pug from a life of showbiz while confronting unexpected feelings.

256 pages· 40,289 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,209 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Cecilia Murray's dream dog, a pug named Potato, is adopted by Eric Chung, a school rival aiming for show-dog fame. Determined to save Potato from a glitzy life, Cecilia plots against Eric. Yet, as she spends time with them, her views on dog shows and Eric begin to shift. Can she rescue Potato and follow her heart?
Like Vanessa
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2018

Like Vanessa

By Tami Charles, Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)

A girl enters a pageant, discovering self-worth beyond crowns.

288 pages· 65,196 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 892 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1983 Newark, thirteen-year-old Vanessa Martin dreams of Miss America glory while grappling with family struggles and self-doubt. When a teacher encourages her to join a school pageant, Vanessa embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Can she find her true beauty beyond the stage lights and learn that her worth isn't defined by a crown? As Vanessa navigates challenges at home and within herself, she must decide what truly makes her shine. Will she embrace her unique identity and rise above her circumstances, or will the pressures of her world hold her back?
Alice-Miranda to the Rescue
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Alice-Miranda to the Rescue

By Jacqueline Harvey · Alice-Miranda series

A dog show, a wedding, and a mystery—can they save the day?

336 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 268 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale, Alice-Miranda is thrilled by a new term filled with excitement: a rescued dog, a teacher wedding, and the village's largest dog show. But when the venue changes and strange characters arrive, Alice-Miranda and Millie uncover a troubling secret. Can they unravel the mystery and save the day before it's too late?
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1972

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

By Barbara Robinson · Book #1 in the The Herdmans series

Chaos ensues when the town's worst kids hijack the Christmas pageant.

128 pages· 15,168 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 70,993 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When the unruly Herdman kids crash the church and take over the Christmas pageant, chaos and hilarity follow. Known for their wild antics, they shock the town with their unique take on the Christmas story. As the Herdmans bring their own twist to the tale, the community braces for disaster. But could these misfits lead everyone to rediscover the true spirit of Christmas? Join the Herdmans in a heartwarming journey that turns the most chaotic pageant into an unforgettable celebration.
Champ
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

Champ

By Marcia Thornton Jones

A dog teaches Riley there's more to life than baseball.

187 pages· 32,276 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 417 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Riley's world revolves around baseball until he meets Champ, a three-legged dog with a heart full of courage. As they form an unexpected bond, Riley begins to see life beyond the diamond. Can this unlikely duo navigate the challenges ahead and discover what truly matters? Join Riley and Champ on a journey of friendship and self-discovery that will change everything.
The Fashion Disaster
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

The Fashion Disaster

By Carolyn Keene, Macky Pamintuan (Illustrator) · Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series

A dog show turns into a mystery when gourmet biscuits vanish.

88 pages· 9,304 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 708 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Nancy and the Clue Crew are thrilled about River Heights' first dog fashion show, especially since Nancy's puppy, Chocolate Chip, is a model. But chaos ensues when a basket of gourmet dog biscuits, meant for the star poodle Lola, is stolen. With the event's success and the shelter's funds at stake, can Nancy solve the mystery and catch the biscuit thief before the show ends?
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Pageants Picture Books

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

AlphaOops!
Sale price
$1599

AlphaOops!

Ages 4–8 · 2010

An alphabet's Halloween show goes awry. Who will take the stage first?

Carl at the Dog Show
Series
Sale price
$1799

Carl at the Dog Show

Ages 3–6 · 2012

Carl and Madeleine explore a dog show, causing chaos and fun while avoiding detection.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sale price
$1999

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Chaos ensues when the town's worst kids hijack the Christmas pageant.

Henry the Christmas Cat
Sale price
$1599

Henry the Christmas Cat

Ages 4–8 · 2004

A Siamese cat must save a Christmas pageant from chaos.

The Mystery of the Missing Dog
Series
Sale price
$399

The Mystery of the Missing Dog

Ages 4–8 · 1995

An invisible dog vanishes. Can young sleuths solve the mystery?

Dogs
Series
Sale price
$599

Dogs

Ages 5–7 · 2022

Discover the world of dogs with Fly Guy at a lively dog show.

Harry at the Dog Show
Sale price
$599

Harry at the Dog Show

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A mischievous dog stumbles into a dog show, causing chaos and laughter.

Daniel, the Golden Retriever
Sale price
$1899

Daniel, the Golden Retriever

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A champion dog faces an unexpected challenge at a prestigious show.

Arthur and the Dog Show
Series
Sale price
$1355

Arthur and the Dog Show

Ages 3–6 · 2006

Arthur navigates challenges at home, school, and camp.

(Almost) Best in Show
Series
Sale price
$1799

(Almost) Best in Show

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A unique dog enters a show, discovering winning isn't everything.

Stitch The Dog Show
Sale price
$1499

Stitch The Dog Show

Ages 4–6 · 2025

Can Stitch master tricks for the dog show in time?

View all pageants picture books
Browse by age

Pageants Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about pageants for developing and independent readers.

Miss Holly Is Too Jolly!
#14 in Series
Sale price
$599

Miss Holly Is Too Jolly!

Ages 6–10 · 2006

A boy navigates the challenges of school and the holiday season

Time to Roll
Series
Sale price
$1799

Time to Roll

Ages 10–13 · 2023

Ellie enters a pageant, challenging perceptions and friendships.

The Stolen Show
Series
Sale price
$699

The Stolen Show

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Teen sleuths uncover jewel smuggling at a dog show. Can they outsmart the thieves?

School of Charm
Sale price
$1699

School of Charm

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Can a mud-loving girl win a beauty pageant to prove she belongs?

Flawed Dogs
Sale price
$899

Flawed Dogs

Ages 8–12 · 2003

A dachshund seeks revenge and redemption at a dog show after being framed.

What I Like About Me
Sale price
$1799

What I Like About Me

Ages 13–17 · 2019

A teen enters a beauty pageant to reclaim her confidence and find her place in the spotlight.

Raymie Nightingale
Series
Sale price
$799

Raymie Nightingale

Ages 10–14 · 2016

A girl enters a pageant hoping to reunite her family, but unexpected friendships change everything.

Battle of the Dum Diddys
#12 in Series
Sale price
$3136

Battle of the Dum Diddys

Ages 7–11 · 2007

Bernie must stop a video game battle from becoming real and save his school.

The Mystery at the Dog Show
#35 in Series
Sale price
$799

The Mystery at the Dog Show

Ages 7–10 · 1993

Mysterious pranks disrupt a dog show. Can the kids uncover the truth?

The Aurora County All-Stars
Sale price
$799

The Aurora County All-Stars

Ages 10–13 · 2007

A sidelined pitcher must choose between baseball and a town pageant, uncovering secrets along the way.

Honeybees and Frenemies
Sale price
$1699

Honeybees and Frenemies

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A summer of pageants, old rivalries, and family upheaval challenges Flor's world.

Dance Duo
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2799

Dance Duo

Ages 8–13 · 2024

Can Marnie overcome her insecurities to shine in a dog dancing competition with Koda?

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