Books About Performance

The Best Performance Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about performance? 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 Lost Ones
#2 in Series
Grimwood
Series
Milo's Hat Trick
Ballet Stars
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Performance

John's Turn
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

John's Turn

By Mac Barnett, Kate Berube (Illustrator)

A nervous boy musters courage to reveal his hidden talent.

32 pages· 324 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,110 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: John faces his biggest challenge yet: performing at school during Sharing Gifts time. With his heart pounding and classmates watching, he must find the courage to showcase his secret talent. Will he overcome his nerves and let his true self shine? This tender tale explores the bravery it takes to embrace individuality and share one's unique gifts with the world.
The Lost Ones
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2020

The Lost Ones

By Adrienne Kress · Book #2 in the Bendy series

Three teens uncover a dark secret as mysterious ink stains invade their lives. Will they risk everything to investigate?

288 pages· 66,223 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 280 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1946 Atlantic City, Bill, Constance, and Brant yearn for more than their mundane lives. Bill seeks freedom from his father's shadow, Brant gambles for career success, and Constance desires true self-expression. Their paths cross with a mysterious machine and Joey Drew, leading to eerie ink stains that seep into their world. As they delve into the enigma, a lurking monster threatens their very existence. Will they dare to uncover the truth, or will the darkness consume them? Discover the chilling secrets in this gripping tale of ambition and fear.
Grimwood
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Grimwood

By Nadia Shireen · Grimwood series

Fox cubs flee a vengeful cat, finding chaos in a strange town.

240 pages· 20,832 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 831 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ted and Nancy, fox cub siblings, escape a vengeful street cat, seeking refuge in Grimwood. Expecting tranquility, they instead find a bizarre world of thieving eagles and riotous rabbits. As danger looms with their pursuer closing in, they must rally Grimwood's quirky residents for a daring showdown. Will they outsmart their foe and find peace? Join this wild adventure narrated by a witty cockroach, where friendship and humor collide in unexpected ways.
Milo's Hat Trick
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2001

Milo's Hat Trick

By Jon Agee

A magician's act hinges on retrieving a lost hat and its surprising occupant.

32 pages· 576 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 975 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Milo, a struggling magician, finds unexpected help from a bear for his magic act. But when he leaves his hat—and the bear—on a train, chaos ensues. Can he retrieve them before showtime? Discover the whimsical journey of mishaps and magic in this delightful tale.
Play This Book
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

Play This Book

By Jessica Young, Daniel Wiseman (Illustrator)

Join the band and make music with just your imagination.

32 pages· 268 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 503 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a world where your imagination turns pages into instruments. This interactive book invites young readers to strum, slide, and crash their way into a musical adventure. With each turn, discover new sounds and rhythms, all without needing a single instrument. The band is ready, but it needs one more member—YOU! Will you lend a hand and bring the music to life? Perfect for little hands eager to explore, this book promises a symphony of fun and creativity. Get ready to play and let your imagination lead the show!
Second Banana
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Second Banana

By Blair Thornburgh, Kate Berube (Illustrator)

A girl must embrace her 'rotten' role in the school play.

32 pages· 536 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 238 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Mrs. Millet's class, the annual nutrition pageant is a big deal. But when a girl is cast as Second Banana, she feels overshadowed and disappointed. As the show approaches, she discovers the First Banana is struggling with stage fright. Can she find a way to turn her 'rotten' role into a starring moment? This charming tale explores the power of friendship, creativity, and a positive attitude to transform disappointment into something sweet and memorable. Will Second Banana find her moment to shine?
Angelina on Stage
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1986

Angelina on Stage

By Katharine Holabird, Helen Craig (Illustrator) · Angelina Ballerina series

Jealousy threatens a friendship during a ballet performance.

32 pages· 601 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 612 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Angelina Ballerina lands a fairy role in a grown-up ballet, alongside her cousin Henry. Excitement turns to jealousy as Henry becomes the cast's favorite. As tensions rise, can their friendship survive the spotlight's glare? When a crisis strikes on opening night, Angelina must decide if her bond with Henry is worth more than the applause.
Bunheads
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

Bunheads

By Misty Copeland, Setor Fiadzigbey (Illustrator)

A young girl discovers ballet and faces her first audition with excitement and nerves.

32 pages· 1,009 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 969 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Young Misty is enchanted by the ballet Coppélia and dreams of playing Swanilda. Despite never having danced before, she auditions for the role. Nervous yet determined, Misty finds friendship and support among fellow dancers. Together, they strive to create a memorable performance, overcoming fears and embracing new challenges. Will Misty’s passion and teamwork lead to success on stage?
Ballet Stars
Sale price
$1501
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Ballet Stars

By Joan Holub, Shelagh McNicholas (Illustrator)

A group of children prepare for and perform a ballet show.

24 pages· 120 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 217 ratings
$15.80Save 5%
Prebound-Sewn
Swine Lake
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1999

Swine Lake

By James Marshall, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

A hungry wolf encounters dancing pigs. What will he do?

40 pages· 1,698 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 304 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A scruffy wolf sneaks into the Boarshoi Ballet, eyeing the twirling pigs of Swine Lake as a potential feast. But as the performance unfolds, his hunger takes an unexpected turn. Will he follow his instincts or be swayed by the spectacle? Discover the surprising choice that awaits in this whimsical tale of temptation and transformation.
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Great books, picked for their age.

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Browse by age

Performance Picture Books

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

Shhh! I'm Reading!

Shhh! I'm Reading!

2019

Bella just wants to read, but adventures keep interrupting. Will she finish her book?

Bats in the Band
Series
Sale price
$1799

Bats in the Band

Ages 4–7 · 2014

Bats transform an empty theater into a lively night concert.

Angelina Ice Skates
Series
Sale price
$1499

Angelina Ice Skates

Ages 3–5 · 1993

Can Angelina save the New Year's Eve ice dance from chaos?

Song and Dance Man
Sale price
$1595

Song and Dance Man

Ages 3–7 · 1988

A young boy visits his grandfather and learns about his past as a vaudeville performer

Dance
Series
Sale price
$2564

Dance

Ages 5–7 · 2018

This book explores the world of dance and its various forms.

Sports Cars
Series
Sale price
$3135

Sports Cars

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Discover the speed and allure of iconic sports cars.

Something Wild
Sale price
$1899

Something Wild

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A young violinist must perform in front of a large audience.

Dino-Dancing
Series
Sale price
$1899

Dino-Dancing

Ages 5–9 · 2017

A group of dinosaurs participate in a dance competition.

View all performance picture books
Browse by age

Performance Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about performance for developing and independent readers.

Magic Under Glass
Sale price
$1699

Magic Under Glass

Ages 12–17 · 2009

A singer's new job with a sorcerer's automaton reveals dark secrets and a trapped fairy prince.

Mia and the Big Sister Ballet
Series
Sale price
$599

Mia and the Big Sister Ballet

Ages 4–6 · 2012

Mia wants to impress her ballerina sister, but will Ava notice her dance?

Miki
#59 in Series
Sale price
$599

Miki

Ages 7–10 · 2020

A young boy fosters a talented puppy named Miki and tries to find her a forever home, while also learning about the joys of cooking and performing with his friends.

View all performance chapter books

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