Books About Performing

The Best Performing Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about performing? 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.

Miracle in Music City
#3 in Series
Mice Take the Stage
#7 in Series
The Golly Sisters Go West
#1 in Series
Morris and Boris at the Circus
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Performing

New Tricks I Can Do!
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1996

New Tricks I Can Do!

By Robert Lopshire · I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Books series

Spot must dazzle the circus or risk being let go. Can his tricks save him?

48 pages· 431 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 317 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Spot, the colorful performer, faces a challenge: impress the circus or be cast out. With dazzling color changes and artistic imitations, Spot's future hangs in the balance. Will his extraordinary talents prove too much for the circus, or will they secure his place under the big top? Discover the fate of this remarkable creature as he pushes the boundaries of performance and creativity.
The Jazz Fly
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2000

The Jazz Fly

By Matthew Gollub, Karen Hanke (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Jazz Fly series

A jazz-speaking fly turns animal sounds into a musical masterpiece.

32 pages· 606 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A fly, lost and seeking directions, encounters a frog, a hog, a donkey, and a dog. Their replies, though confusing, inspire him to create a jazz sensation. As the fly transforms these animal sounds into a lively tune, Nancy the Gnat, Willie the Worm, and Sammy the Centipede join in, setting the insect dinner club abuzz with rhythm. Will the fly's musical ingenuity lead to a night to remember? Dive into a world where language and music collide, and discover the magic of jazz in the most unexpected places.
Miracle in Music City
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

Miracle in Music City

By Natalie Grant · Book #3 in the Faithgirlz / Glimmer Girls series

Sisters uncover a mystery at a Nashville benefit auction.

208 pages· 36,305 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 132 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Nashville, sisters Mia, Maddie, and Lulu dive into a new adventure when a key auction item vanishes at their mom's benefit. As they unravel the mystery, the girls learn they're never too young to make a difference. With their nanny Miss Julia in tow, the trio must navigate unexpected twists and turns. Can they solve the case and save the day, or will the mystery remain unsolved? Join the Glimmer Girls as they discover the power of teamwork and determination in their latest thrilling escapade.
Mice Take the Stage
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2019

Mice Take the Stage

By Thea Stilton · Book #7 in the Thea Stilton: Mouseford Academy series

Can the Thea Sisters secure the opening act at Mouseford Academy?

128 pages· 8,957 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 370 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters face a musical challenge at Mouseford Academy. With the Ratstreet Boys set to perform, the sisters must impress producer Mark Mousington to win the coveted opening act spot. As auditions heat up, can they outshine their competition and seize the stage, or will their dreams hit a sour note? Dive into this tuneful adventure to find out!
The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1986

The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright

By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears series

Sister Bear faces stage fright in the school play. Will she overcome it?

32 pages· 1,388 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,182 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Sister Bear lands the lead role in the school play, but stage fright looms large. Despite Brother's teasing, she practices diligently, determined to shine. As the curtain rises, an unexpected twist leaves Brother frozen with fear. Can Sister's newfound courage save the day and turn the spotlight on her success? Discover the power of bravery and sibling support in this charming tale.
Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2023

Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big

By Dolly Parton, Erica S Perl, MacKenzie Haley (Illustrator) · Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid series

A bulldog dreams of country music stardom but faces bullies in Nashville. Can he find his voice and confidence?

40 pages· 724 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 350 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Billy the Kid, a French bulldog with a passion for country music, heads to Nashville to chase his dream of stardom. But when bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows shake his confidence, Billy must rely on his favorite tunes, new friends, and a country music idol to find his courage. Will he overcome the odds and become the star he was meant to be? This charming tale explores the power of self-belief and friendship in the face of adversity.
The Beatles Were Fab
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

The Beatles Were Fab

By Kathleen Krull, Paul Brewer, Stacy Innerst (Illustrator)

Four lads from Liverpool rise to fame, facing chaos with humor.

40 pages· 1,917 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 476 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In the 1960s, four unknown Liverpool musicians skyrocketed to fame, becoming the Beatles. Their journey through Beatlemania is filled with humor and chaos, as they navigate adoring fans and unexpected challenges. How did their wit help them endure the frenzy, and what surprises awaited them on their path to becoming legends? Discover the story behind the Fab Four's meteoric rise and the laughter that kept them grounded amidst the whirlwind of fame.
Hooray for the Golly Sisters!
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 1990

Hooray for the Golly Sisters!

By Betsy Cromer Byars, Sue Truesdell (Illustrator)

Sisters' road show takes a magical twist with unexpected acts.

64 pages· 1,205 words· Est. 21 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 152 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: May-May and Rose hit the road with their traveling show, but this time, May-May's magic act takes a surprising turn. Instead of rabbits, she uses pigs, adding chaos and comedy to their performances. As they entertain new audiences, will their sisterly bond withstand the challenges of the stage and the unexpected twists of their journey?
The Golly Sisters Go West
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 1986

The Golly Sisters Go West

By Betsy Byars, Sue Truesdell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Golly Sisters series

Can the Golly Sisters keep their act together as they head west?

64 pages· 1,344 words· Est. 23 min read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 350 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: The Golly Sisters are on a journey west with their dazzling show and new dresses. But as they travel, the real challenge is keeping their act together amidst the chaos of pioneer life. Will their dreams of entertaining the frontier survive the journey? This hilarious tale of adventure and sibling antics will have you rooting for the sisters as they face unexpected hurdles on the road. Discover if the Golly Sisters can overcome their differences and bring their show to life in the wild west.
Morris and Boris at the Circus
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 1985

Morris and Boris at the Circus

By B. Wiseman · Morris and Boris series

A moose's circus debut spirals into chaos, leaving his friend in a bind.

64 pages· 801 words· Est. 14 min read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 160 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Morris the Moose has never experienced the circus, so his friend Boris takes him for a day of fun. But when the ringmaster unexpectedly invites Morris to join the show, chaos ensues. As Morris's antics delight the audience, Boris finds himself in a series of comical predicaments. Will Boris manage to keep up with Morris's unpredictable performance, or will the circus turn into a hilarious disaster? Dive into this whimsical tale of friendship and unexpected adventures, where the spotlight shines on a moose who just can't stay out of trouble.
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

Performing Picture Books

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

There's a Rock Concert in My Bedroom
Sale price
$1899

There's a Rock Concert in My Bedroom

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young musician faces stage fright before a school talent show.

Mia and the Daisy Dance
Series
Sale price
$599

Mia and the Daisy Dance

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Mia worries if Anna will learn the dance in time for their show.

The School Show
Series
Sale price
$1699

The School Show

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A girl and her dog discover a unique talent for the school show.

Hey Duggee: The Dancing Bug Badge Book

Hey Duggee: The Dancing Bug Badge Book

A group of animal friends help a dancing bug band prepare for a big musical event in their garden.

Alycat and the Monday Blues
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1495

Alycat and the Monday Blues

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young cat helps a classmate complete a song for the school talent show and discovers her own talent in the process.

Showtime for Flip-Flop
Sale price
$3422

Showtime for Flip-Flop

Ages 5–9 · 2011

A shy frog finds her voice through art while preparing for a school play.

Xavier Ox's Xylophone Experiment
Series
Sale price
$795

Xavier Ox's Xylophone Experiment

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Can an explosive drummer find harmony with a special xylophone?

Bravo, Albert!
Series
Sale price
$799

Bravo, Albert!

Ages 4–6 · 2017

A costume crisis threatens Wanda's big show. Can Albert save the day with patterns?

Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da!
#5 in Series
Sale price
$1699

Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da!

Ages 3–5 · 2023

Tiny and Pointy tackle magic and stage fright in a school talent show.

On With the Show
Series
Sale price
$1480

On With the Show

Ages 4–7 · 2013

Splat the Cat aims to steal the spotlight in the school play. Can he succeed?

Llama Llama Talent Show
Series
Sale price
$1599

Llama Llama Talent Show

Ages 6–8 · 2021

Llama Llama must find his talent for the school show. What will he choose?

Llama Llama Dance Recital Fun
Series
Sale price
$1599

Llama Llama Dance Recital Fun

Ages 4–6 · 2021

Can Llama Llama help Luna overcome her recital jitters?

View all performing picture books
Browse by age

Performing Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about performing for developing and independent readers.

Cow Takes a Bow
Series
Sale price
$699

Cow Takes a Bow

2013

A cow's circus visit turns into an unexpected performance.

Emma All Stirred Up! (Graphic Novel)
#7 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2299

Emma All Stirred Up! (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–12 · 2025

Emma's summer plans crumble when she's stuck babysitting her brother at camp.

Batter of the Bands
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1199

Batter of the Bands

Ages 6–10 · 2024

A spud-rock band faces off against pancakes for a music contest prize.

Pug the Sports Star
#11 in Series
Sale price
$799

Pug the Sports Star

Ages 5–7 · 2024

A pug's basketball skills lead to unexpected challenges. Can he stay true to himself?

Audrey Under the Big Top
#22 in Series
Sale price
$999

Audrey Under the Big Top

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A circus fire threatens Audrey's dream and her sisters' safety. Can she save them?

Wish Upon a Song
#3 in Series
Sale price
$599

Wish Upon a Song

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A festival's star performance is at risk. Can a magical charm save the day?

View all performing chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about first conceptsBooks about rock musiciansBooks about the BeatlesBooks about the circus

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo

© 2026 Bookroo
Terms of ServicePrivacy Policy