Books About Theater And Musicals · 256 titles considered

The Best Theater And Musicals Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about theater and musicals? 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.

Violets Are Blue
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Theater And Musicals

Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2021

Violets Are Blue

By Barbara Dee

A young girl faces family secrets and broken trust amidst a fresh start.

304 pages· 50,561 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,547 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Wren, a twelve-year-old makeup enthusiast, hopes for a new beginning in a new town. As she lands a role as the makeup artist for her school's play, her optimism is tested by her mother's mysterious illness and troubling behavior. With her mom's job at risk and their relationship strained, Wren must navigate a world where not everything can be masked. Can she rebuild trust and find her footing in this new reality?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

Three siblings face misfortune and a villain's plot to steal their fortune.

162 pages· 24,054 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 581,958 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are bright and resourceful siblings, yet misfortune shadows their every step. From a disastrous fire to a villain's sinister plot to claim their inheritance, their lives spiral into chaos. As they navigate itchy clothing, deadly serpents, and a series of bizarre mishaps, the Baudelaires must outwit their greedy adversary. Will their intelligence and charm be enough to overcome the relentless tide of calamity? Dive into this darkly comedic tale where every twist brings new challenges and unexpected humor.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Kenny & the Dragon

A boy must save his dragon friend from a village's deadly misunderstanding.

151 pages· 21,192 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,017 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In the quiet village of Roundbrook, young Kenny Rabbit faces a daunting challenge: his new friend, a misunderstood dragon, is marked for extermination. As fear grips the villagers, Kenny must orchestrate a legendary battle reenactment to change their minds. Can he protect his friend without igniting a real conflict? The stakes are high, and Kenny's loyalty will be tested in this tale of courage and friendship.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2010

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Two teens named Will Grayson meet, altering their lives forever.

352 pages· 74,277 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 414,883 ratings
$21.80Save 5%
Summary: In a chance encounter on a cold Chicago night, two teens named Will Grayson meet, each from different worlds. Their unexpected connection sets off a series of life-changing events, leading to surprising friendships and a high school musical like no other. As their stories intertwine, both Wills face challenges that test their hearts and humor, culminating in a journey of self-discovery and transformation. What happens when two lives collide in the most unexpected way?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

Surviving the Applewhites

A rebellious boy meets his match in a quirky family's home school. Can he survive the chaos?

240 pages· 44,937 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 11,756 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Jake Semple, a notorious troublemaker, lands in the unconventional home school of the eccentric Applewhite family. Among artists and dreamers, he clashes with E.D., the sensible outsider. As chaos ensues, Jake must confront whether he's truly as tough as he believes. Will he adapt or unravel in this whirlwind of creativity and conflict?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10

Shai & Emmie Star in Break an Egg!

144 pages· 10,441 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.5/5 Goodreads · 112 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1995

Wombat Divine

By Mem Fox, Kerry Argent (Illustrator)

Wombat dreams of a Nativity role, but will he find his place?

32 pages· 397 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,001 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Wombat eagerly auditions for the Nativity play, a cherished Christmas tradition. Yet, as each role is cast, his hopes dwindle. With parts slipping away, will Wombat find his moment to shine, or will he be left out of the spotlight? Discover if determination and holiday spirit can help him find his place in the festive celebration.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1991

Amazing Grace

By Mary Hoffman, Caroline Binch (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Grace-picture Books series

A young girl dreams of playing the lead role in her school play despite others doubting her.

32 pages· 711 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 14,276 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Grace dreams of playing Peter Pan in the school play, but faces resistance from classmates who claim she can't because she's black and Peter is a white boy. Undeterred, Grace sets out to prove that imagination knows no bounds. Will she overcome the barriers and soar on stage as Peter Pan? Dive into Grace's world where determination and creativity challenge the status quo, and discover if she can truly become the hero of her own story.
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2019

Maisy Goes to a Show

Experience the magic of a first theater show with Maisy and friends.

32 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 143 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Join Maisy and her friends as they embark on their first theater adventure. From the moment they hand over their tickets to the final standing ovation, they are dazzled by vibrant lights, colorful costumes, and enchanting songs. As the curtain rises, the excitement builds—will the show live up to their expectations? Discover the joy and wonder of live performance through the eyes of these curious friends, making the unfamiliar thrilling and fun.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2018

A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories

Discover Shakespeare's timeless tales, retold for young readers in a captivating anthology.

128 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 280 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Summary: Step into a world of wonder with this enchanting collection of Shakespeare's classics, reimagined for children. From the magic of 'The Tempest' to the tragedy of 'Romeo and Juliet,' each tale is beautifully illustrated, inviting young readers to explore the drama and intrigue of these timeless stories. Will love conquer all? Can dreams become reality? This anthology offers a perfect introduction to the Bard's most beloved works, sparking curiosity and imagination in readers of all ages.
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Theater And Musicals Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

I Am Glinda

Ages 2–5 · 2024

Discover Glinda's magical world and her thrilling adventures with Elphaba and the Wizard.

I Am Elphaba
Sale price
$599

I Am Elphaba

Ages 2–5 · 2024

Discover the misunderstood green-skinned woman's journey in a magical world of intrigue and friendship.

Peter Pan

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Join a magical adventure to Neverland, where flying, pirates, and fairy dust await.

The School Play

Ages 2–5 · 1995

Stage fright strikes during a school play. Can a brother's support save the day?

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Ages 0–4 · 2022

A family finds a singing crocodile in their attic.

View all theater and musicals board books
Browse by age

Theater And Musicals Picture Books

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

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks
Sale price
$599

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Will Sister Bear's pet turkey become Thanksgiving dinner?

The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You!
Sale price
$599

The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You!

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Two bear siblings try out for their school's play and basketball team, but things don't go as planned.

Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece

Ages 5–8 · 2014

A shy artist must conquer stage fright to save the school play.

Not Quite Snow White

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young girl auditions for a school play and faces self-doubt and criticism from her peers.

Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together

Ages 4–8 · 2004

Discover fairy tales reimagined with playful rhymes and colorful dialogues for young readers.

The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright
Sale price
$599

The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright

Ages 3–7 · 1986

Sister Bear faces stage fright in the school play. Will she overcome it?

All About Ellie

Ages 5–9 · 2012

A young girl navigates her passion for performing and her responsibilities as a member of a group caring for abandoned rabbits.

Bard of Avon

Ages 6–10 · 1992

A small-town boy becomes the world's greatest playwright amidst intrigue and theater fires.

William Shakespeare & the Globe

Ages 4–8 · 1999

Explore Shakespeare's world from Elizabethan London to the Globe's rebirth.

Can You See a Little Bear?

Ages 2–5 · 2005

Can you find the missing bear in whimsical settings?

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Freddy must play the turkey in the Thanksgiving play, facing laughter and embarrassment.

Annie and Snowball and the Shining Star

Ages 5–7 · 2009

Annie faces stage fright on her big night. Can her family help her shine?

Browse by age

Theater And Musicals Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about theater and musicals for developing and independent readers.

The Callback

Ages 9–13 · 2018

Can Harper regain her passion and balance dance with new challenges?

My Life Is a Joke (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

My Life Is a Joke (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Can Jacky balance work, family, and her dream of performing, or will chaos reign this summer?

The Puppets of Spelhorst

Ages 7–9 · 2023

Five puppets trapped in darkness discover their astonishing shared destiny.

Death in the Spotlight

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A murder on stage threatens opening night. Can they catch the killer?

Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare

Ages 8–12 · 2010

Explore love, magic, and fate in six timeless tales.

The Show Must Go On!

Ages 8–12 · 2011

Bree's dream role turns into a nightmare. Is it stage fright or something sinister?

My Life Is a Joke

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Can Jacky balance summer responsibilities and her dream to perform onstage?

Okay for Now

Ages 10–13 · 2011

A troubled teen finds unexpected hope in art and friendship amidst family turmoil.

Nate Expectations

Ages 10–14 · 2018

Nate faces high school drama and a secret while turning Dickens into a musical.

Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage
Sale price
$1499

Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A school play, a rumored witch, and a risky scheme collide. Can Alice-Miranda save the day?

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Extra Credit

Ages 9–12 · 2012

A reluctant reader must ace school to avoid summer camp, risking friendships and love.

Miss Laney Is Zany!
Sale price
$499

Miss Laney Is Zany!

Ages 6–10 · 2010

A school is threatened with closure due to budget cuts, and the students must find a way to save it.

Keep exploring
Books about coping with failureBooks about dragonsBooks about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuseBooks about forgivenessBooks about habits and behaviorBooks about homeschoolingBooks about identityBooks about juvenile delinquency

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