Books About Speed

The Best Speed Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about speed? 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.

#1 in Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Speed

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

The Sloth Who Slowed Us Down

By Margaret Wild, Vivienne To (Illustrator)

A speedy family learns life's true pace from a slow sloth.

32 pages· 395 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 342 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Amy's family is always in a rush, with no time to spare. But when a sloth arrives at their doorstep, everything changes. This slow-moving guest teaches them the art of savoring moments, from leisurely bubble baths to drawn-out games. As they embrace his pace, they discover time for stories and evening walks. Can a sloth really transform their hectic lives? Dive into this heartwarming tale of finding joy in slowing down.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2017

Take Your Time

By Eva Furrow, Donna Jo Napoli, Laurel Molk (Illustrator)

A tortoise explores new adventures, questioning if speed suits her slow-paced life.

32 pages

3.8 Goodreads · 278 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Harriet the tortoise loves her slow-paced life on the Galápagos Islands. But when her friends urge her to speed up, she embarks on an adventure to a neighboring island. Parading with penguins and riding with dolphins, Harriet discovers a world of excitement. Yet, she must decide if the fast lane is truly her path. Will Harriet embrace the thrill, or return to her leisurely ways? Join her journey to find out.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2010

Freddie Ramos Takes Off

By Jacqueline Jules, Miguel Benitez (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Zapato Power series

A mysterious box grants super speed. Can Freddie become a hero?

Cybils Award (2010)

88 pages· 4,725 words· Est. 40 min read

3.7 Goodreads · 494 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Freddie Ramos discovers a mysterious box containing shoes that grant him super speed. As strange events unfold at Starwood Park Apartments, Freddie must decide how to use his newfound powers. Can he rise to the challenge and help his friends, or will his abilities lead to unexpected consequences? Dive into this thrilling adventure where an ordinary boy faces extraordinary choices.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 3–6 · 2003

Hi, Harry!

By Martin Waddell, Barbara Firth (Illustrator)

Can a slow tortoise find a friend who appreciates life's gentle pace?

56 pages· 245 words· Est. 5 min read

3.7 Goodreads · 182 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Harry the tortoise longs for a friend who enjoys the slow lane of life. While everyone else rushes by, Harry dreams of playing Slow Races and sharing leisurely conversations. Will he find someone who values the beauty of taking things slow? Discover how Harry's quest for companionship leads to unexpected friendship and the joy of being understood.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2012

Faster! Faster!

By Leslie Patricelli · Leslie Patricelli Board Books series

A child's imagination races as Daddy runs faster than ever.

32 pages

3.5 Goodreads · 473 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a lively park adventure, a child rides on Daddy's back, urging him to run faster than a dog, a horse, even a cheetah. Can Daddy's feet keep up with the boundless imagination of his child? This humorous tale captures the joy of a father's playful spirit and a child's limitless dreams, promising laughter and delight as they explore just how fast Daddy can go.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2017

Can't Catch Me!

By Timothy Knapman, Simona Ciraolo (Illustrator)

A speedy mouse taunts hungry predators. Can he outrun them all?

32 pages

3.5 Goodreads · 198 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Jake, the self-proclaimed fastest mouse, races through the forest, taunting a cat, a fox, a wolf, and a bear. His boastful cries echo, 'Can't catch me!' But as clever Old Tom Cat plots, will Jake's speed be enough to escape? With each encounter, the stakes rise, leading to a surprising twist. Will Jake's confidence be his downfall, or will he outsmart his pursuers? This mischievous tale, filled with energetic illustrations, invites readers to join the chase and discover if speed truly conquers all.

Sale price

$858

Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2006

Clip-Clop!

By Nicola Smee · Clip-Clop series

Barnyard friends ride Mr. Horse, craving speed. Will faster lead to disaster?

26 pages

4.4/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,546 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Board book

Summary: Mr. Horse takes Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck on a thrilling ride. As they beg for more speed, the excitement builds. But can Mr. Horse keep up without things going awry? Discover the joy and anticipation as these friends push the limits, wondering if their fun will end in chaos or delight. A charming tale of friendship and adventure awaits.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 9–14 · 1997

The Fantastic Cutaway Book of Speed

By Jon Richards, Alex Pang (Illustrator)

Cross-section illustrations reveal the hidden machinery inside the world's fastest vehicles.

40 pages

3.0 Goodreads · 1 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Detailed cutaway illustrations open up record-breaking cars, boats and aircraft to show the engines and hidden technology that make them so fast, with captions on the latest attempts to set new speed records on land, on water and in the air.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Creature Powers: The Fastest!

By Martin Kratt, Chris Kratt, Random House (Illustrator) · Wild Kratts series

Discover the secrets of speed with the Wild Kratts and their animal friends.

32 pages· 527 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 11 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join Chris and Martin Kratt as they uncover the incredible speed powers of nature's fastest creatures. From the swift cheetah to the diving falcon, these adventures reveal how speed is a remarkable Creature Power. Perfect for young readers eager to explore and learn, this book combines thrilling animal facts with the joy of reading. Will the Wild Kratts unlock the mysteries of speed? Dive into this exciting journey and find out!

Sale price

$1853

Picture Book · Ages 6–6 · 2007

Slower Than a Slug

By Larry Dane Brimner, Deborah Zemke (Illustrator) · Rookie Readers series

A sibling rivalry unfolds in a rhyming race of opposites.

32 pages· 127 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

3.3 Goodreads · 14 ratings

$19.50Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: A boy and his little sister engage in a playful, rhyming debate over who is faster. As they race through their day, opposites collide, creating a lively and rhythmic adventure. Will their friendly competition reveal more than just speed? Dive into this charming tale where language and rivalry intertwine, sparking curiosity and laughter.

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