Books About Philosophy

The Best Philosophy Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about philosophy? 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 Philosophy

Night
Sale price
$1235
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1956

Night

By Elie Wiesel, Marion Wiesel (Translator) · Book #1 in the Night Trilogy series

A teenager's harrowing survival in Nazi death camps challenges humanity's darkest depths.

120 pages· 31,141 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 1,402,336 ratings
$13.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the chilling memoir 'Night,' a young boy endures the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. As he navigates the brutality of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, he grapples with profound questions about humanity and survival. This powerful account not only recounts the daily terror but also delves into the philosophical implications of the Holocaust. Will his story ensure the world never forgets the depths of man's inhumanity?
The Little Prince
Sale price
$1995
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1943

The Little Prince

By Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Richard Howard (Translator) · Book #1 in the The Little Prince series

A pilot crashes in the desert and meets a mysterious boy from another world.

96 pages· 14,516 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 2,605,543 ratings
$21.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the Sahara Desert, a stranded pilot encounters the enigmatic Little Prince, a boy from a distant asteroid. As they converse, the Little Prince shares tales of his travels and the rose he left behind. Each story reveals deeper truths about love, loss, and the essence of life. What secrets will the Little Prince uncover, and how will they change the pilot's perspective forever? Embark on a journey across planets in this timeless fable that challenges the way we see the world and ourselves.
All the Right Stuff
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2012

All the Right Stuff

By Walter Dean Myers

A teen navigates life's tough choices at a Harlem soup kitchen after his father's death.

224 pages· 40,529 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.1 Goodreads · 554 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Paul Dupree's summer job at a Harlem soup kitchen becomes a journey of self-discovery after his father's death. Guided by Elijah's probing questions and intrigued by Sly's theories, Paul must confront life's big questions. Will he find the courage to take control of his future, or will he remain a bystander in his own life? As he balances basketball, friendship with Keisha, and the challenges of the social contract, Paul's summer becomes a pivotal moment of growth and understanding. Can he rise above the chaos and define his own path?
Equality with Simone de Beauvoir
Sale price
$858
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2020

Equality with Simone de Beauvoir

By Duane Armitage, Maureen McQuerry, Robin Rosenthal (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Big Ideas for Little Philosophers series

Discover equality's essence through a child's eyes.

20 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 89 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: In a world where questions abound, even the youngest minds ponder equality. Inspired by Simone de Beauvoir, this book invites children to explore the idea that everyone deserves happiness and respect. As they journey through its pages, kids will learn to appreciate how similar experiences can evoke different emotions in boys and girls. Encouraging self-discovery and mutual respect, this story challenges young readers to listen to their inner selves and honor others' uniqueness. Dive into a series that makes philosophy accessible, sparking curiosity and understanding in little philosophers everywhere.
Tending the Heart of Virtue
Sale price
$3894
Chapter Book · 1998

Tending the Heart of Virtue

By Vigen Guroian

Explore how classic tales shape moral imagination and reveal the battle between good and evil.

208 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 1,200 ratings
$40.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into a world where fairy tales and fantasies like 'Pinocchio' and 'The Little Mermaid' teach timeless virtues. Vigen Guroian explores how these stories illuminate the struggle between good and evil, challenging characters to make moral choices. Discover how these narratives reflect our own ethical dilemmas and inspire us to become better people. Will you see the virtues glimmering in these tales, or will deception cloud your vision? Revisit beloved classics and uncover new insights into the moral imagination.
Imagination with René Descartes
Sale price
$858
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2020

Imagination with René Descartes

By Duane Armitage, Maureen McQuerry, Robin Rosenthal (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Big Ideas for Little Philosophers series

Discover how imagination shapes identity and empathy in young minds.

20 pages
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 66 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: Dive into a world where imagination defines who we are. Join René Descartes in exploring how our unique visions shape our true selves. As children ponder their own imaginations, they learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. This journey reveals how imagination not only makes us 'us' but also helps us connect with others in our community. Perfect for young philosophers, this book is part of a series that introduces big ideas like equality, truth, and kindness through engaging stories. How will your imagination shape your world?
Never Forgotten
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 9–12 · 2011

Never Forgotten

By Patricia C. McKissack

A boy's abduction into slavery tests a father's resolve and hope.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2012)
48 pages· 3,084 words· Est. 24 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 579 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In West Africa, a young boy is torn from his family and sold into slavery. His father, left behind, grapples with loss and the enduring hope of reunion. This poignant tale explores the bonds of family, the weight of memory, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Will the father's love and determination be enough to overcome the forces that have separated them? Discover a story that resonates with the power of resilience and the unbreakable ties that bind us.
I Look Up To... Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Sale price
$759
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2018

I Look Up To... Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Anna Membrino, Fatti Burke (Illustrator) · I Look Up To... series

Introduce kids to inspiring role models with engaging board books.

22 pages
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 169 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Introduce your child to the inspiring legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with this engaging board book. Each page highlights her admirable traits, paired with her own words, to instill values and inspire young minds. Part of a series celebrating influential women, this book encourages children to dream big and follow in the footsteps of those who make a difference. Perfect for reading aloud, it’s a delightful way to share the qualities you admire and nurture a new generation of leaders.
Happiness with Aristotle
Sale price
$858
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2020

Happiness with Aristotle

By Duane Armitage, Maureen McQuerry, Robin Rosenthal (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Big Ideas for Little Philosophers series

Discover what truly makes us happy and how to be a good friend.

20 pages
5.2/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 80 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: Join a journey into happiness inspired by Aristotle's wisdom. This engaging book invites young readers to explore life's big questions: Why are we here? How can we live happily? Through fun adventures and true friendships, children learn the importance of self-love and being a good friend. Dive into this philosophical adventure and uncover what happiness truly means.
The Fly on the Ceiling
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1998

The Fly on the Ceiling

By Julie Glass, Richard Walz (Illustrator)

Discover the myth behind Descartes' revolutionary coordinate system.

48 pages· 1,023 words· Est. 12 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 115 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Join René Descartes on a whimsical journey as he navigates the myths surrounding his groundbreaking Cartesian coordinate system. This tale blends humor with history, unraveling the mysteries of analytic geometry.
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Philosophy Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Mindfulness
Series
Sale price
$899

Mindfulness

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Guide little ones to mindfulness with simple breathing and grounding exercises.

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Philosophy Picture Books

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

Simone de Beauvoir
Series
Sale price
$1499

Simone de Beauvoir

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A girl challenges society's view of women, sparking global change.

Birds
Sale price
$1599

Birds

Ages 2–5 · 2019

Discover the freedom and wisdom of birds through imagination and melody.

Love Will See You Through
Sale price
$1899

Love Will See You Through

Ages 6–11 · 2012

Discover six principles that define a legacy of love and equality.

Of Numbers and Stars
Sale price
$1695

Of Numbers and Stars

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A woman defies norms to become a renowned scholar in ancient Alexandria.

The Way I Act
Series
Sale price
$1695

The Way I Act

Ages 3–8 · 2010

Discover how actions shape outcomes in various situations.

A Family's Dream
Sale price
$1499

A Family's Dream

Ages 4–8 · 2023

In a city of elements, opposites discover unexpected connections.

The Book About Nothing
Sale price
$1799

The Book About Nothing

Ages 3–7 · 2018

Discover the surprising world where nothing is actually something.

View all philosophy picture books
Browse by age

Philosophy Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about philosophy for developing and independent readers.

Lotería
Sale price
$1699

Lotería

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young girl faces a deadly game of fate to save her cousin in a mythical kingdom.

Forgiveness
Sale price
$3000

Forgiveness

2022

Explore forgiveness as a refusal of violence, not a path to reconciliation.

Jesse Owens
Series
Sale price
$899

Jesse Owens

Ages 8–12 · 2020

An athlete defies a dictator's vision at the 1936 Olympics.

Who Was Confucius?
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$599

Who Was Confucius?

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Discover the teachings that shaped a civilization and still influence millions today.

View all philosophy chapter books
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