Books About Playing · 423 titles considered

The Best Playing Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about playing? 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 Playing

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

The Totally Secret Secret

By Bob Shea · Ballet Cat series

Two friends with secrets must decide if honesty will strengthen or break their bond.

56 pages· 420 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,785 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Ballet Cat loves to leap and twirl, but Sparkles the Pony's heart isn't in it. As they struggle to find a game they both enjoy, secrets threaten their friendship. Sparkles fears Ballet Cat won't like his secret, but Ballet Cat has one too. When their secrets are revealed, will it spell the end of their friendship or make it stronger? Discover the power of honesty and friendship in this delightful tale of two unlikely pals.

Sale price

$1544

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2013

Dig, Scoop, Ka-Boom!

By Joan Holub, David Gordon (Illustrator)

A construction crew works together to build something.

24 pages· 112 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 203 ratings

$16.25Save 5%

Summary: In a bustling construction site, a surprise awaits as young friends turn their sandbox into a world of imaginative play. With each dig and scoop, they become a lively crew of construction vehicles, bringing the site to life. What adventures will their creativity build next? Perfect for young readers who love the thrill of construction and the magic of play.

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2011

Katy Duck Makes a Friend

By Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Henry Cole (Illustrator)

Can a dancing duck and a rough boy find common ground to play together?

24 pages· 258 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.6/5 Goodreads · 80 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Summary: Katy Duck loves to dance, twirling and leaping with joy. But when her new neighbor Ralph arrives, his love for rough-and-tumble games clashes with her graceful moves. Can these two opposites find a way to have fun together despite their differences? Join Katy and Ralph on a delightful journey of friendship and discovery, where the challenge is to bridge their worlds and create a new kind of play. Will they find a way to dance to the same tune, or will their differences keep them apart?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Max's Castle

By Kate Banks, Boris Kulikov (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Max's Words series

Max turns forgotten toys into a thrilling adventure with pirates and dragons.

40 pages· 722 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 344 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Max discovers forgotten toys and transforms them into a grand adventure. With his brothers Benjamin and Karl skeptical, Max uses imagination to build a castle, conjuring pirates, knights, and a dragon. Can Max's creativity turn old blocks into a world of excitement? Dive into this playful tale where wordplay and imagination create endless possibilities.

Sale price

$958

Board Book · Ages 1–4 · 2016

Cat Nap

By Toni Yuly

Kitten resists naptime, exploring a world of opposites.

32 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 687 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: It's naptime, but Kitten is far from sleepy. As Cat tries to coax Kitten to rest, a playful exploration of opposites unfolds. From big and little to black and white, Kitten's antics bring simple concepts to life with vibrant art and engaging language. Will Kitten finally settle down, or will curiosity win the day? Discover the delightful surprises in this charming tale of contrasts.

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 0–3 · 2011

Pirate Nap

By Danna Smith, Valeria Petrone (Illustrator)

Two boys transform naptime into a pirate adventure using everyday objects.

40 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 277 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: Two imaginative brothers embark on a pirate adventure before naptime, transforming their room with a white bandana, yellow coins, and a red blanket into a vibrant seafaring escapade. As they sail the high seas of their imagination, even their baby sister becomes part of the colorful crew. Will they conquer the pirate ship and find treasure before sleep takes over? This playful tale invites young readers to join the fun and learn colors along the way, making bedtime an exciting journey.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2016

What To Do With a Box

By Jane Yolen, Chris Sheban (Illustrator) · What To Do With a Box series

A simple box unlocks endless adventures and magical possibilities.

32 pages· 130 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,303 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: A child receives a simple box, sparking limitless imagination. It transforms into a library, a boat, or the backdrop for fairy tales and wild expeditions. Each adventure unfolds with boundless creativity, inviting readers to explore the magic within everyday objects. What wonders will the box reveal next?

Sale price

$1348

Picture Book · Ages 0–4 · 2022

Love Is a Ball

By Amy Novesky, Sara Gillingham (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Love is. . . series

Discover the joy of toy balls in a playful adventure for kids.

22 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 54 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Summary: Dive into a vibrant world where toy balls of every kind—from beach balls to gumballs—bring joy and excitement. This playful picture book captures the boundless energy and imagination of children as they explore the wonders of their favorite toys. What adventures await with each bounce and roll?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

Super Detectives!

By Cale Atkinson · Simon and Chester series

Two friends start a detective agency and take on their first case, a mysterious pug named Roy.

64 pages· 1,896 words· Est. 29 min read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 597 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Simon, a ghost, and Chester, a kid, are best friends who despise chores but love solving mysteries. In their first adventure, they face a mystery of a lifetime, promising laughter and unexpected twists. Will they crack the case while indulging in their favorite snacks? Join this quirky duo as they navigate a world of fun and intrigue, where friendship and humor are their greatest tools. Perfect for fans of Bad Guys and Dog Man, this graphic novel promises a delightful journey with an odd couple you won't forget.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1981

Jumanji

By Chris Van Allsburg · Jumanji series

Two siblings find a mysterious board game that brings the jungle to life.

Caldecott Medal (1982)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1981)

32 pages· 1,794 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 30,726 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Peter and Judy discover an ordinary board game with extraordinary consequences. As they roll the dice, their world transforms into a jungle of chaos and wonder. To escape, they must finish the game, but can they survive its wild surprises? Dive into a tale where fantasy blurs with reality, and every move could be their last.

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Great books, picked for their age.

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Browse by age

Playing Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$899

I Can Play

Ages 2–6 · 2015

Wiggle fingers to make athletes move and unite as a team.

Sale price

$899

Tubby

Ages 0–3 · 2010

Baby's bath time turns into a bubbly adventure.

Sale price

$799

Clap Your Hands

Ages 1–3 · 1992

Join a lively dance with zany animals and children.

Sale price

$799

Peekaboo Morning

Ages 0–2 · 2002

Join a toddler's peekaboo adventure. Who's hiding next?

Sale price

$899

Snowball

Ages 1–3 · 2019

A snowball's clumsy roll turns into a hilarious, unstoppable adventure.

Sale price

$699

In the Rain

Ages 2–6 · 2017

A girl finds joy in rainy day adventures.

Sale price

$799

Little Horse

Ages 0–3 · 2013

Join Little Horse's sunny adventure with playful surprises.

Sale price

$799

Truck, Truck, Goose!

Ages 0–3 · 2017

A goose's picnic plans are thwarted by a street full of trucks and a dropped piano.

Sale price

$699

Peep and Ducky Rainy Day

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Rainy day fun turns adventurous for two playful friends.

Sale price

$799

King Jack and the Dragon

Ages 1–3 · 2011

A young king faces night creatures alone after his knights are taken away.

Sale price

$799

Peekaboo Sophie!

Ages 0–3 · 2013

Discover surprises with Sophie la girafe in a playful peekaboo adventure.

Sale price

$799

Little Quack's New Friend

Ages 2–6 · 2006

A duckling hears a strange noise and discovers a new friend in the pond.

View all playing board books

Browse by age

Playing Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1695

The Day I Lost My Superpowers

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A child discovers her superpowers and her mom's hidden abilities.

Sale price

$2199

Susan Laughs

Ages 4–7 · 2000

A lively girl navigates life's ups and downs, revealing her wheelchair only at the end.

Sale price

$1699

Hiding Heidi

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A girl learns that sharing the spotlight can lead to more fun with friends.

Sale price

$1699

Color Blocked

Ages 3–6 · 2017

Unblock the colors before they escape! Can you keep up?

Sale price

$1999

Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise

Ages 2–5 · 2024

Help uncover a special surprise while learning gestures and songs.

Sale price

$499

I Can Fly

Ages 3–7 · 1951

Explore a child's imagination through playful rhymes and vibrant art.

Sale price

$1799

Go and Get with Rex

Ages 3–7 · 2024

A game of Go and Get challenges players to rethink the alphabet.

Sale price

$1899

Summer Is Here

Ages 3–6 · 2024

A perfect summer day unfolds with endless joy and wonder.

Sale price

$1799

Ride, Roll, Run

Ages 3–5 · 2022

Join kids as they explore their lively neighborhood through play and friendship.

Sale price

$1699

An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Join Elephant and Piggie in five fun tales of friendship and problem-solving.

Sale price

$1299

Jamie Is Jamie

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A preschooler challenges gender norms through play, teaching peers empathy and creativity.

Sale price

$1795

Hammer and Nails

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A canceled playdate leads to unexpected fun as a father and daughter tackle chores with creativity and daring.

View all playing picture books

Browse by age

Playing Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about playing for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$599

Ivy Lost and Found

Ages 6–9 · 2022

A doll and a child navigate change and find belonging in a new family dynamic.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Bad Guy Is a Two-Word Word

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A group of kids navigate the challenges of school and friendship while dealing with supernatural events and time travel.

Sale price

$699

Miss Small Is Off the Wall!

Ages 6–10 · 2005

A second-grader navigates the challenges of gym class with a quirky teacher and a rival classmate.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$699

All Paws on Deck

Ages 5–7 · 2016

Two friends go on a pirate adventure in their backyard

Sale price

$599

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A young girl's summer is turned upside down when her friends leave for camp and her parents go out of town, leaving her with her eccentric aunt.

Sale price

$1299

Some Assembly Required

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A handmade toy must save his school from an evil academy.

Sale price

$699

Cowboy Pug

Ages 6–9 · 2017

A cowboy and his horse must stop a group of bandits from causing trouble in the town of Little Witherington

Sale price

$499

Maddie the Fun and Games Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2013

Magic tiaras vanish, causing chaos. Can two girls restore order before games turn into battles?

Sale price

$1099

Dick and Jane Fun Wherever We Are

Ages 4–6 · 1962

Children and a pet named Puff respond to urgent calls for help while repeating simple commands and expressions of alarm.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Hero Is a Four-Letter Word

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A zombie outbreak occurs at Armstrong School, and a group of students must band together to survive and find a cure.

If I Had a Dragon / Si Yo Tuviera Un Dragón

Sale price

$399

If I Had a Dragon / Si Yo Tuviera Un Dragón

Ages 4–7 · 2007

A boy dreams of a dragon playmate to escape sibling woes.

Sale price

$899

Hokey Pokey

Ages 10–+ · 2013

In Hokey Pokey, Jack's stolen bike unravels his world, hinting at change and mystery.

View all playing chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about imagination and play Books about colors Books about making friends Books about neighbors Books about pirates Books about toys Books about word play

Our 10 Favorite Books About Playing

Great books, picked for their age.

Playing Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Playing Picture Books

Playing Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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