Books About Self Control · 54 titles considered

The Best Self Control Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about self control? 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 Self Control

The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

A witch raises a magical child, unaware of the looming threats and a young man's quest to end her life.

388 pages· 82,631 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 119,986 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a land where babies are sacrificed to a forest witch, kind-hearted Xan secretly saves them. But when she accidentally imbues a child, Luna, with moonlight magic, chaos looms. As Luna's powers awaken on her thirteenth birthday, a determined young man seeks to kill the witch to free his people. Meanwhile, ominous birds gather, a dormant volcano stirs, and a mysterious woman with a Tiger's heart prowls. Can Xan protect Luna and herself from the unfolding dangers?
Zeus, God of Thunder
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2021

Zeus, God of Thunder

By A.I. Newton, Anjan Sarkar (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little Olympians series

A young god named Zeus enrolls in a school for gods to learn how to control his powers and become a true god

112 pages· 5,699 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 77 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Zeus's lightning is out of control, causing chaos at home. Sent to Camp Eureka, he must learn to harness his powers alongside fellow young gods. With strong rivals like Apollo and Ares, and allies like Athena and Hermes, Zeus faces challenges that test his abilities and friendships. Can he overcome his fears and master his powers, or will his lightning continue to wreak havoc? Discover the trials and triumphs of a young god learning to control his destiny.
True (. . . Sort Of)
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

True (. . . Sort Of)

A mysterious newcomer challenges friendships and reveals life-changing truths.

384 pages· 46,342 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
6.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,002 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: When Ferris Boyd arrives in River Bluffs, Delly Pattison anticipates a surprise but finds trouble instead. Ferris, a mysterious figure, transforms Delly and Brud Kinney's lives through unexpected friendship. As they unravel Ferris's secrets, they confront challenges that test their bonds and uncover truths that redefine their world. What is the true gift Ferris brings?
Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2011

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake

By Michael Kaplan, Stephane Jorisch (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Betty Bunny series

A young bunny struggles with patience when all she wants is chocolate cake.

32 pages· 1,040 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,085 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Betty Bunny, a spirited preschooler, discovers her love for chocolate cake and declares she'll marry it. But when her mom insists on patience, Betty's determination leads to humorous antics. Can she learn to wait, or will her sweet obsession get the best of her? Join Betty on a delightful journey that every chocolate lover and parent of a preschooler will recognize. Will Betty's love for cake teach her the value of patience, or will her impulsive nature lead to more mischief? Dive into this charming tale of youthful exuberance and sweet temptations.
Good Different
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Good Different

A girl must embrace her uniqueness before her world unravels completely.

288 pages· 26,608 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 4,338 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Selah, a neurodivergent girl, hides her true self to fit in. But when she lashes out at school, her world begins to fall apart. As friends drift away and expulsion looms, Selah must discover her true identity and prove that being different isn't wrong. Can she convince her school before it's too late? This novel-in-verse explores the journey of self-acceptance and the courage to stand out.
Clark the Shark: Too Many Treats
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Clark the Shark: Too Many Treats

By Bruce Hale, Guy Francis (Illustrator)

A young shark named Clark can't wait for his mom's Treats Tuesday brownies, but things get out of hand when he tries to test them all by himself.

32 pages· 366 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 1,424 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Clark the Shark can't resist the temptation of his mom's brownies for school. One taste leads to another, and soon the impulsive shark risks ruining the class treat. Will Clark manage to control his cravings before it's too late? Dive into this delightful tale filled with rhymes and fun facts about sharks, perfect for young readers eager to explore the world of reading. Join Clark on his chocolaty adventure and discover if he can learn to balance his enthusiasm with responsibility.
Hey! Who Stole the Toilet?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2012

Hey! Who Stole the Toilet?

A camping trip turns chaotic with uncontrollable burps.

128 pages· 10,309 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 114 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: George Brown embarks on his first camping trip with his scout troop, eager for adventure. But when his infamous Super Burp disrupts the peace of the wilderness, chaos ensues. Can George find a way to control his burps before they ruin the trip? Join George in a hilarious outdoor escapade where nature meets mischief, and every burp brings unexpected surprises.
Wet and Wild!
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2011

Wet and Wild!

Magic burps cause chaos at the water park.

128 pages· 11,078 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 152 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: George Brown's day at the water park takes a wild turn when magic burps unleash chaos. With trouble shadowing his every move, can George navigate the mayhem without causing a tidal wave of disaster? Dive into this hilarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud moments.
It's Hard to Be a Verb!
Sale price
$1049
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2008

It's Hard to Be a Verb!

A restless boy learns to control his impulses with his mom's help.

32 pages· 1,174 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 230 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Louis can't sit still, his body always in motion at the wrong times. His mom steps in with creative techniques to help him focus and manage his energy. Can Louis learn to control his inner verb and find peace in stillness? Discover the journey of a boy navigating the challenges of ADHD with a little help from his mom's inventive solutions. This story offers hope and practical advice for anyone struggling with attention and impulse control, making it a valuable resource for families and educators alike.
Marc's Mission
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Marc's Mission

Can Marc help another kid find their inner warrior?

224 pages· 33,308 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.6 Goodreads · 2,149 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Marc, once a timid kid, transformed into a warrior with his uncle's guidance. Now, he faces a new challenge: helping a peer discover their own strength. Can Marc apply his hard-earned lessons to inspire another? As he navigates this mission, the stakes are high, and the path is uncertain. Will Marc's newfound skills and determination be enough to instill the warrior spirit in someone else? Dive into this journey of empowerment and resilience, where friendship and courage are tested in unexpected ways.
Browse by age

Self Control Picture Books

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

A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Sale price
$1999

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young star's self-control is tested when her mother bakes a large mooncake and leaves it to cool in the night sky.

It's Hard to Be Five
Sale price
$1699

It's Hard to Be Five

Ages 4–8 · 2004

Navigating self-control is tough at five. Can fun and laughter make it easier?

Sale price
$499

Mr. Greedy

Ages 3–7 · 1971

A voracious appetite meets a strict diet. Can restraint prevail?

Watermelon Madness
Sale price
$1595

Watermelon Madness

Ages 3–8 · 2015

A watermelon obsession leads to an unexpected adventure.

Sale price
$1699

The Traffic Tie-Up

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A storm transforms Clarence into Mighty Truck, but can he save the day when Stella's too quiet?

Browse by age

Self Control Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about self control for developing and independent readers.

Sale price
$1899

Ramona the Brave

Ages 8–12 · 1975

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and learning to control her temper.

Sale price
$2799

Midnight Sun

Ages 14–17 · 2020

A vampire's love risks everything. Can he protect her from the darkness within?

Sale price
$695

Perfect Game

Ages 7–11 · 2013

Can Isaac redefine perfection to become a better pitcher?

Sale price
$799

After Happily After

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Can the Third Little Pig learn to enjoy the camping trip without overplanning?

Sale price
$2599

Ooze Escape!

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Can Kendall master the game and escape the deadly ooze before the big tournament?

Sale price
$599

Ruby's Fiery Mishap

Ages 7–10 · 2022

Dragons with gemstone magic face challenges. Can Ruby control her powers and save a lost unicorn?