Books About Strangers

The Best Strangers Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about strangers? 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.

Lon Po Po
In the Neighborhood
The Visitor
Don't Touch My Hair!
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Strangers

Madame Badobedah
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

Madame Badobedah

By Sophie Dahl, Lauren O'Hara (Illustrator) · Madame Badobedah series

A young girl suspects a mysterious hotel guest is a supervillain. Is she right, or is there more to the story?

56 pages· 3,674 words· Est. 29 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 586 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mabel, a curious girl at the Mermaid Hotel, suspects the eccentric Madame Badobedah is a supervillain. With her spy gear ready, Mabel investigates the mysterious guest, who carries bags of treasures and a pet tortoise. As Mabel embarks on imaginary adventures with Madame Badobedah, she discovers that appearances can be deceiving. Is Madame Badobedah truly a villain, or is there a deeper story behind her enigmatic presence? Join Mabel in this whimsical tale of friendship and discovery, where young and old unite against the mundane.
Little Red Riding Hood
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1983

Little Red Riding Hood

By Trina Schart Hyman

A girl faces a cunning wolf on her way to her grandmother's house.

Caldecott Honor (1984)Golden Kite Award (1984)
32 pages· 1,540 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 25,145 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Elisabeth sets off through the woods to deliver food to her ailing grandmother, unaware of the lurking danger. A sly wolf crosses her path, weaving a web of deceit. Will she outsmart the cunning creature, or fall prey to its tricks? This timeless tale, brought to life with enchanting illustrations, invites readers to explore the tension between innocence and cunning. As Elisabeth navigates the forest, the stakes rise with each step, leaving readers to wonder: who will triumph in this classic battle of wits?
My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1994

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes

By Dagmar Geisler (Illustrator) · Safe Child, Happy Parent series

Empower children to say 'no' to unwanted touch.

36 pages· 443 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 377 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Clara guides children in understanding their right to personal boundaries. Through her story, young readers learn how to assertively reject unwanted physical contact and seek help from trusted adults. This empowering narrative equips children with the confidence to protect their bodies and voice their discomfort, ensuring they feel safe and heard in any situation. How can Clara's lessons help children navigate these challenging moments?
Lon Po Po
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989

Lon Po Po

By Ed Young

A Chinese twist on Little Red Riding Hood reveals unexpected dangers and clever survival.

Caldecott Medal (1990)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1990)
32 pages· 1,184 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,694 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a vibrant retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, a young girl faces unexpected dangers in the Chinese countryside. As she navigates a path filled with deception and peril, her wits become her greatest ally. Will she outsmart the lurking threat, or fall prey to its cunning? This celebrated picture book combines stunning pastels and watercolors to bring an ancient tale to life, inviting readers to explore a world where bravery and cleverness are key to survival.
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
Sale price
$1895
Picture Book · Ages 3–10 · 2011

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept

By Jayneen Sanders, Adam Smith Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment in the School of Social and Political Sciences Craig Smith (Illustrator)

A child's secret could be dangerous. Can they find the courage to speak up?

34 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 248 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where secrets can harm, a child learns the power of speaking up. This illustrated tale guides young readers through understanding safe and unsafe touch, empowering them to voice their boundaries. As they navigate the delicate balance of trust and safety, will they find the courage to tell a trusted adult? With engaging storytelling and supportive resources, this book is a vital tool for teaching body safety. Discover how knowledge can protect and empower, ensuring no secret is kept that makes a child feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
It Happened on Saturday
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2023

It Happened on Saturday

By Sydney Dunlap

A girl's online friendship hides a dangerous secret that could trap her friends.

242 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 722 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Julia loves horses more than makeup, but when her best friend finds romance, she seeks attention online. A charming boy named Tyler seems to understand her, but his intentions are sinister. As Julia's world unravels, she must decide whether to reveal the truth and protect her friends from a similar fate. Will she find the courage to speak out, or will her silence lead to disaster?
In the Neighborhood
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2022

In the Neighborhood

By Rocio Bonilla

Neighbors break barriers when a simple outage sparks unexpected friendships.

32 pages· 670 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 185 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a quirky neighborhood, assumptions keep Camila the chicken, Mr. Martínez the fox, Felipe the mouse, and Pepe the ogre apart. But when Mrs. Paquita's internet fails, a chain reaction of kindness begins. Can these unlikely neighbors overcome their differences and discover the joy of community? Dive into a heartwarming tale where friendship blooms in the most unexpected ways.
Do You Have a Secret?
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Do You Have a Secret?

By Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, Marta Fabrega (Illustrator) · Let's Talk About It series

Discover which secrets are safe to keep and which need to be shared.

32 pages· 678 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 204 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where secrets can be fun or frightening, children learn to navigate the difference. This story empowers young readers to understand when to share troubling secrets with trusted adults. Through engaging illustrations and relatable scenarios, kids are guided to recognize the importance of speaking up about issues like bullying or inappropriate behavior. 'Do You Have a Secret?' is a vital tool for parents and educators to foster open communication and ensure children's safety. Join the journey of understanding feelings and boundaries, and help your child distinguish between secrets that are safe and those that aren't.
The Visitor
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2015

The Visitor

By Antje Damm

A mysterious visitor challenges Elise's fears, transforming her world forever.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
32 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 722 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Elise lives in fear, avoiding the world outside her door. But when a peculiar object lands at her feet and a knock echoes through her home, everything changes. A young visitor arrives, bringing unexpected friendship and vibrant color into Elise's lonely life. As her world shifts, will Elise find the courage to step beyond her fears? Discover how a simple encounter can illuminate even the darkest corners of the heart in this enchanting tale of transformation and connection.
Don't Touch My Hair!
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Don't Touch My Hair!

By Sharee Miller

A girl dodges curious hands reaching for her hair everywhere she goes.

34 pages· 410 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,747 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Aria's fluffy curls attract attention everywhere—from city streets to outer space. Strangers, mermaids, monkeys, and even aliens can't resist touching her hair. But Aria's had enough! Can she find a way to escape the constant curiosity and teach others the importance of asking first? This imaginative tale celebrates black beauty and the power of setting boundaries.
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Strangers Picture Books

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

Nothing in Common
Sale price
$1799

Nothing in Common

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Two neighbors unite over a missing dog, discovering unexpected connections.

I Do Not Like Yolanda
Sale price
$1899

I Do Not Like Yolanda

Ages 3–7 · 2021

Bianca fears the post office clerk. Can kindness change her mind?

Your Body Belongs to You
Sale price
$1395

Your Body Belongs to You

Ages 4–8 · 1997

Learn to say 'no' to unwanted touch and understand body boundaries.

The Stranger
Sale price
$1995

The Stranger

Ages 4–7 · 1986

A mysterious stranger's arrival alters the weather. Is he Jack Frost?

I Am a Bird
Sale price
$1699

I Am a Bird

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A girl discovers a surprising connection with a mysterious woman on her daily bike ride.

Margaret and Margarita / Margarita y Margaret
Sale price
$799

Margaret and Margarita / Margarita y Margaret

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Two girls bridge a language gap to play together. Can fun transcend words?

I Won't Go With Strangers
Series
Sale price
$1699

I Won't Go With Strangers

Ages 3–6 · 2009

A child waits in the rain, questioning who is truly safe to trust.

Roy Is Not a Dog
Sale price
$1899

Roy Is Not a Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Is the mysterious neighbor a dog in disguise? Uncover the truth on Lilypod Lane.

Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf
Series
Sale price
$1799

Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A fearless chicken faces a wolf. Is he truly dangerous or just misunderstood?

Never Talk to Strangers

Never Talk to Strangers

Ages 3–7 · 1967

A rhyming roll call of animals a child should never chat with, from a bashful bear to a coy coyote.

The Amazing Bone
Sale price
$899

The Amazing Bone

Ages 5–8 · 1976

A talking bone helps a pig outsmart robbers and a hungry fox.

Trouble
Sale price
$1799

Trouble

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A bear moves in next door. Is he friend or foe?

View all strangers picture books
Browse by age

Strangers Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about strangers for developing and independent readers.

The First State of Being
Sale price
$1999

The First State of Being

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A boy from the future changes everything for Michael. How far will he go to uncover the secrets of time?

The Stranger Next Door
#1 in Series
Sale price
$699

The Stranger Next Door

Ages 8–12 · 2002

A cat detective uncovers secrets behind neighborhood fires and vandalism.

The Strangers
Series
Sale price
$1799

The Strangers

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Three siblings discover kidnapped children with identical names and birthdays. Who are these strangers?

Lucy on the Loose
#2 in Series
Sale price
$599

Lucy on the Loose

Ages 6–9 · 2000

A shy boy's search for his runaway beagle tests his courage.

The Boy on the Porch
Sale price
$1699

The Boy on the Porch

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A silent boy on a porch changes a couple's life forever.

Brightwood
Sale price
$1695

Brightwood

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl must protect her home from a sinister stranger threatening her world.

View all strangers chapter books

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