Books About The World · 2,390 titles considered

The Best The World Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Looking for excellent children's books about the world? 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 Invention of Hugo Cabret
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The World

Sale price
$2849
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

A hidden life in a Paris station unravels with a cryptic message.

Caldecott Medal (2008)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2007)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2007)
533 pages· 24,938 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,352 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hugo, an orphan and clock keeper, hides within the walls of a Paris train station. His secretive existence is threatened when he encounters a mysterious toyseller and a curious girl. As a cryptic drawing, a stolen key, and a mechanical man come into play, Hugo must unravel a hidden message from his deceased father. Can he protect his secret and uncover the truth before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2003

Inkheart

By Cornelia Funke, Anthea Bell (Translator) · Book #1 in the Inkworld series

A girl must stop a villain brought to life from a book.

576 pages· 145,856 words· Est. 16 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 447,024 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Meggie's quiet life shatters when her father reads a villain out of a book, thrusting them into a perilous adventure. As fictional characters come to life, Meggie must harness her own hidden powers to save her father and rewrite their fate. Can she change the story before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2022

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

Mina must awaken the Sea God to stop deadly storms and save her world.

325 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 102,190 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mina sacrifices herself to save her brother, plunging into the sea to become the Sea God's bride. In the Spirit Realm, she discovers the Sea God trapped in an enchanted sleep. With time running out, Mina, aided by the enigmatic Shin and a band of spirits, must awaken him to end the storms ravaging her homeland. Can she succeed before it's too late, or will dark forces thwart her quest?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Between Shades of Gray

A girl uses art to survive a Siberian work camp and reunite her family.

344 pages· 64,129 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 286,202 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Lina's life shatters when Soviet officers tear her family apart, sending them to a Siberian work camp. Amidst the harsh conditions, Lina clings to her art, embedding secret messages in her drawings, hoping to reach her imprisoned father. As she battles for survival, Lina's courage and creativity become her lifeline. Will her art be enough to reunite her family and keep hope alive? Discover a gripping tale of resilience and the power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Bridge Home

Homeless kids find hope and freedom, but illness threatens their fragile world.

208 pages· 34,537 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,994 ratings
$16.99
Hardcover
Summary: In the bustling streets of Chennai, runaway sisters Viji and Rukku find refuge with two boys under an abandoned bridge. As they form a makeshift family, they navigate the harsh realities of survival. But when illness strikes, Viji faces a heart-wrenching choice: seek help from strangers or protect their hard-won independence. Can they hold onto hope in a world that seems so unforgiving?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

A girl seeks the Old Man on the Moon to change her family's fortune.

278 pages· 42,343 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 55,557 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a valley where hope is scarce, young Minli embarks on a daring quest to find the Old Man on the Moon, seeking answers to alter her family's fate. Guided by folktales and joined by a flightless dragon, she encounters magical beings and faces challenges that test her courage and faith. Will Minli's journey bring prosperity to her home, or will the secrets of the moon remain hidden? Discover a world where adventure and folklore intertwine in a tale of friendship and destiny.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Night Diary

A young girl navigates a divided land, seeking identity and hope amidst India's partition.

304 pages· 50,124 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 21,238 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1947, as India splits into two nations, twelve-year-old Nisha, half-Hindu and half-Muslim, becomes a refugee. Her family flees their home in Pakistan, embarking on a perilous journey to find safety. Through letters to her deceased mother, Nisha grapples with her fractured identity and the chaos around her. Can she find a place to belong in a world torn apart? The Night Diary is a poignant tale of resilience and the search for home in a divided land.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The War That Saved My Life

A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.

316 pages· 62,299 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 120,206 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: During World War II, ten-year-old Ada escapes her abusive mother to join her brother in the countryside. Taken in by Susan, Ada discovers new freedoms, learning to ride a pony and read. As she watches for German spies, Ada's bond with Susan grows. But will this newfound family withstand the war's challenges, or will Ada be forced back into her mother's grasp? A tale of resilience and hope unfolds as Ada fights for a life beyond her one-room prison.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1887

A Study in Scarlet

A penniless doctor and a brilliant detective unravel a dark murder mystery in Victorian London.

120 pages· 43,446 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 508,321 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1878 London, Dr. Watson, fresh from India and broke, meets the eccentric Sherlock Holmes. Their new partnership is tested as they dive into a chilling murder case, leading them from London's foggy streets to the wilds of Utah. As they unravel the mystery, Watson and Holmes forge a legendary alliance. Will they solve the case before more blood is spilled? This illustrated edition brings their first adventure to life with vivid imagery, capturing the essence of a timeless detective story.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Where the Watermelons Grow

A girl seeks magic honey to heal her mother's mind, but discovers the true cure lies within her own heart.

256 pages· 51,447 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,011 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Della Kelly is desperate to save her mother from a returning mental illness. With her father struggling to keep their farm afloat, Della believes the Bee Lady's magic honey is the answer. But when the Bee Lady suggests the real healing involves Della's own heart, she must confront the true meaning of love and acceptance. Can Della find the courage to embrace her mother as she is, or will her quest for a cure lead her astray?
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The World Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

All the World

Ages 3–8 · 2009

Experience a day of life's simple joys and connections.

Tacos!

Ages 2–6 · 2017

Cook tacos with interactive fun in this playful recipe book.

Lines

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Discover how lines form the universe's intricate tapestry.

Sale price
$799

Color Our World

Ages 3–5 · 2013

Discover vibrant colors from France to the Philippines.

Sale price
$899

Jane Foster's London

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore London's iconic sights through vibrant illustrations in this engaging board book.

Cinderella

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Cinderella's tale unfolds in Mexico with a magical twist.

Masha and Her Sisters

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Discover how different sisters fit perfectly together.

Tiny Blessings for Giving Thanks

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Teach little ones gratitude for life's everyday wonders.

Día de los Muertos

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos, honoring ancestors and celebrating life's cycle.

Sale price
$999

Inventors Who Changed the World

Ages 3–8 · 2018

Discover the inventors who shaped our world with their groundbreaking ideas.

The Jungle Book

Ages 1–5 · 2016

A wild man-cub navigates the jungle's dangers and friendships.

Landmarks

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore world monuments through touch in this tactile learning adventure.

View all the world board books
Browse by age

The World Picture Books

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

Madeline's Tea Party

Ages 6–8 · 2011

A tea party turns chaotic when a mischievous guest arrives. Can friendship mend the mess?

Panda Kisses
Sale price
$599

Panda Kisses

Ages 4–6 · 2008

A baby panda searches for the perfect kiss, discovering it might be closer than he thinks.

Stone Soup
Sale price
$1999

Stone Soup

Ages 4–8 · 2003

Strangers inspire a wary village to create a feast from stones.

Madeline

Ages 4–8 · 1939

A young girl named Madeline has her appendix removed and her friends want to have the same experience.

Here We Are

Ages 3–6 · 2017

A person is introduced to the planet Earth and its inhabitants.

Día de los Muertos

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Celebrate life and honor the departed with vibrant Day of the Dead traditions.

Maps

Ages 7–10 · 2012

Explore the world's wonders through beautifully illustrated maps.

The Clown of God

Ages 4–8 · 1978

A juggler's last performance on Christmas Eve may lead to a miracle.

London

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover London's iconic sights through charming illustrations and playful text.

Bijou, Bonbon and Beau

Ages 3–7 · 1998

Kittens disrupt a Parisian ballet, causing chaos and wonder.

The Matchbox Diary

Ages 6–10 · 2013

A girl uncovers her great-grandfather's immigration story through matchbox mementos.

Let's Go, Hugo!

Ages 3–6 · 2013

A grounded bird must find courage to soar to new heights.

Browse by age

The World Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the world for developing and independent readers.

Sale price
$1299

Love & Gelato

Ages 12–18 · 2016

A journal leads Lina on a Tuscan adventure to uncover family secrets.

Annie, Between the States

Ages 12–15 · 2004

A divided heart and home in the Civil War's path. Where does loyalty lie?

Generation Misfits

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl finds friendship and faces hidden struggles through J-Pop.

Inside Out & Back Again

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A young girl flees war-torn Vietnam, seeking hope in America.

Nation

Ages 12–18

Two survivors unite after a tsunami, facing spirits and secrets that could change everything.

Emily of New Moon

Ages 10–13 · 1923

Orphaned Emily faces a new life with stern relatives and hostile classmates.

The Red Pyramid

Ages 9–12 · 2010

Siblings must stop an ancient god to uncover their family's secrets.

Danny the Champion of the World

Ages 7–11 · 1959

Danny lives with his father in a caravan behind a filling station, and thinks he knows everything about him.

Akata Witch

Ages 12–18 · 2011

A young girl discovers her magical powers and must stop a criminal who wields magic too.

Paper Wishes

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl clings to hope as her family is uprooted during wartime.

The Jungle Book

Ages 10–14 · 1894

A boy raised by wolves must outwit a vengeful tiger in the jungle.

Ninth Ward

Ages 10–12 · 2010

A girl and her grandmother face Hurricane Katrina's fury in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.

Keep exploring
Books about mythical creaturesBooks about books and readingBooks about Chinese folkloreBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about detectivesBooks about drawingBooks about family problems

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