Books About Pretend Play

The Best Pretend Play Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Imagination and Play, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about pretend play? 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.

Series

Series

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shark!

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Pretend Play

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2010

The Beautiful Haircut

By Sally Rippin, Aki Fukuoka (Illustrator) · Billie B. Brown series

Can Billie master the art of real haircuts beyond her dolls?

48 pages· 1,347 words· Est. 15 min read

4.1 Goodreads · 459 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Billie B. Brown is a spirited young girl with a knack for hairstyling. She loves creating new looks for her dolls, but now she faces a real challenge: cutting actual hair. As she navigates this new adventure, will Billie prove she's the best hairdresser ever, or will she discover there's more to learn? Join Billie in a delightful tale of creativity, family, and the ups and downs of trying something new. Can she turn her playful passion into a real-life skill?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2001

Doctor Maisy

By Lucy Cousins · Maisy series

Maisy heals Panda, but who will heal Maisy?

24 pages· 89 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 271 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Maisy and Tallulah play hospital, with Maisy as the doctor caring for a sick Panda. But when Maisy falls ill, the tables turn. Can Nurse Tallulah save the day and help her friend recover? Discover the playful world of friendship and care as roles reverse and challenges arise.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day

By Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator) · Fancy Nancy series

A backyard beauty day for Mom spirals out of control. Can it be saved?

32 pages· 1,459 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 648 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Fancy Nancy plans a lavish backyard beauty day for her mom's birthday, complete with music, lotions, and treats. But when her pampering goes overboard, Nancy fears she's ruined the celebration. Can she turn things around and make it a day to remember? Discover tips and recipes to create your own beauty day adventure!

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2002

Ruby's Beauty Shop

By Rosemary Wells · Max & Ruby series

Max's makeover takes a surprising turn at Ruby's beauty shop.

32 pages· 336 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.8 Goodreads · 251 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Max's sister Ruby and her friend Louise are ready for a glamorous day with their Deluxe Beauty Kit. But when Max decides to join the fun, his unique approach to beauty leads to unexpected and hilarious results. What makeover surprise does Max have in store for everyone?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2016

How to Dress a Dragon

By Thelma Lynne Godin

Can you dress a dragon without causing chaos?

40 pages· 213 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.7 Goodreads · 566 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A young boy faces the whimsical challenge of dressing a playful dragon. With ticklish toes and a dislike for shirts, this dragon prefers capes and belly laughs. Can he manage this delightful task without a hitch, or will the dragon's antics prove too much? Discover the enchanting world where dressing a dragon is an adventure filled with laughter and surprises.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2011

OLIVIA Becomes a Vet

By Jared Osterhold (Illustrator) · Olivia Ready-to-Read series

A young girl dreams of becoming a veterinarian, exploring her bond with animals.

24 pages· 351 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.7 Goodreads · 118 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Olivia, a spirited young girl, dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Her imagination takes her on a journey where her love for animals knows no bounds. As she navigates this whimsical adventure, Olivia discovers the joys and challenges of caring for creatures big and small. Will her dream inspire her future, or will unexpected surprises change her path? Join Olivia as she explores her passion and learns what it truly means to care for animals.

Sale price

$674

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2008

Maisy Goes to the Museum

By Lucy Cousins · Maisy series

Explore museum wonders with a curious guide on a rainy day.

32 pages· 209 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.8 Goodreads · 358 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join Maisy and her friends on a rainy-day adventure through a museum filled with dinosaurs, moon exhibits, and vintage vehicles. Each corner holds a new discovery, from giant dollhouses to food exhibits. With Maisy leading the way, young readers will find excitement in every exhibit. What marvels will they uncover next?

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Silly Lilly

By Agnes Rosenstiehl

A playful girl explores a new role each day, sparking imagination.

32 pages· 273 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.5 Goodreads · 143 ratings

$12.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Silly Lilly, a spirited girl who transforms into a new character every day of the week. From a daring acrobat to a creative city planner, Lilly's adventures are filled with humor and empowerment. Each day brings a fresh challenge and a chance for young readers to explore familiar situations through Lilly's imaginative eyes. What role will she take on next, and how will she tackle it? Dive into a world where every day is an opportunity for fun and discovery.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2012

Cirque de Olé

By Judy Schachner · Skippyjon Jones series

A daring kitty joins the circus to perform the ultimate stunt.

32 pages· 1,394 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,092 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Skippyjon Jones, the adventurous kitty, leaps into the Cirque de Ole, where his friends, the Chimichango gang, dazzle with daring acts. But only Skippito the Strong can tackle the most challenging stunt. Will he succeed and become the circus star? Join the fun and find out in this lively tale filled with excitement and surprises.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–5

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shark!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

An old lady swallows a shark and more. What will she gulp down next?

32 pages· 458 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 29 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: The Old Lady is at it again, swallowing the unthinkable! This time, a shark, a hat, and even a boat are on her menu. Why does she devour these oddities, and what will she consume next? Dive into this whimsical tale and discover the unexpected twists in her peculiar appetite. Young readers will be captivated by the colorful chaos and curious to see what else she might swallow. Join the fun and find out if there's a method to her madness in this delightful twist on a classic rhyme.

The Bookroo Book Club