Books About The Theater · 312 titles considered

The Best The Theater Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Performing Arts Books, featuring 14 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about the theater? 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

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Theater

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

The Bad Beginning

By Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series

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·4.0/5 Goodreads · 583,207 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2007

The Wednesday Wars

By Gary D. Schmidt

A boy navigates Shakespeare, a stern teacher, and family turmoil during a tumultuous school year.

Newbery Honor (2008)

264 pages· 74,058 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 48,825 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood believes his teacher, Mrs. Baker, despises him. Left alone with her on Wednesday afternoons, he delves into Shakespeare's plays, uncovering unexpected wisdom. As the Vietnam War rages and his father's business obsession strains their family, Holling learns to stand up for himself and his sister. Set in 1967 Long Island, this coming-of-age tale explores loyalty, courage, and the surprising lessons found in literature and life. Can Holling find his voice amidst the chaos and discover what truly matters?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Kenny & the Dragon

By Tony DiTerlizzi · Book #1 in the Kenny & The Dragon series

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·4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,025 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

Surviving the Applewhites

By Stephanie S. Tolan · Book #1 in the Applewhites series

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

Newbery Honor (2003)

240 pages· 44,937 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 11,762 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace

By Nan Marino

A young prodigy hides from fame, seeking solace and rediscovery in a remote pancake palace.

256 pages· 44,159 words· Est. 6 hour read

3.6/5 Goodreads · 619 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: After freezing on live TV, musical prodigy Elvis Ruby escapes to Piney Pete's Pancake Palace in New Jersey. As he hides from the world, he meets Cecilia, a candid girl who challenges him to rediscover his passion for music. Can Elvis find his way back to the stage, or will he remain lost in anonymity? The stakes are high as he navigates friendship, identity, and the pressure of fame.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Splat the Cat Sings Flat

By Rob Scotton

A shy cat must sing in front of his parents on Parents' Night, despite his fear of being embarrassed.

32 pages· 530 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 6,253 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Splat faces a daunting challenge: singing in front of an audience on Parents' Night. With stage fright gripping him, he must find the courage to perform. Will Splat overcome his fears and shine on stage, or will his nerves get the best of him? Discover the journey of bravery and self-discovery as Splat navigates this nerve-wracking experience.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10

Shai & Emmie Star in Break an Egg!

By Quvenzhané Wallis, Nancy Ohlin, Sharee Miller (Illustrator) · Shai & Emmie series

144 pages· 10,441 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.5/5 Goodreads · 112 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Sale price

$759

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·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,001 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

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.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2016

Chicken Lily

By Lori Mortensen, Nina Victor Crittenden (Illustrator)

A timid chicken faces her fears at a school poetry jam.

40 pages· 730 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 236 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Lily, a timid chicken, excels at coloring and puzzles but fears public speaking. When her school announces a poetry jam, she's terrified of sounding foolish. Despite encouragement from friends Baabette and Pigsley, Lily feels like a failure. Can she overcome her fears and prove that even chickens can be brave? Discover how Lily finds her courage and surprises everyone, including herself, in this heartwarming tale of self-discovery and friendship.

Sale price

$1797

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·4.4/5 Goodreads · 14,278 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

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.

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Browse by age

The Theater Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$599

I Am Glinda

Ages 2–5 · 2024

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

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.

Series

Sale price

$1099

Peter Pan

Ages 0–3 · 2020

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

Series

Sale price

$399

The School Play

Ages 2–5 · 1995

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

Series

Sale price

$1099

The Princess and the Dragon

Ages 5–8 · 2003

A princess and a dragon swap roles, sparking chaos.

Series

Sale price

$799

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Ages 0–4 · 2022

A family finds a singing crocodile in their attic.

View all the theater board books

Browse by age

The Theater Picture Books

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

Series

Sale price

$1299

Maisy Goes to a Show

Ages 2–5 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1999

Piper Chen Sings

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A young girl battles stage fright to find her voice for a school solo.

Sale price

$1899

Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece

Ages 5–8 · 2014

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

Sale price

$1799

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.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$899

Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together

Ages 4–8 · 2004

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

Series

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?

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

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.

Sale price

$1699

Bard of Avon

Ages 6–10 · 1992

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

Sale price

$1889

William Shakespeare & the Globe

Ages 4–8 · 1999

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

Series

Sale price

$1699

Chicks Rock!

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A shy musician must conquer stage fright to perform at a big show.

Series

Sale price

$599

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble

Ages 4–8 · 2008

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

Series

Sale price

$499

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?

View all the theater picture books

Browse by age

The Theater Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the theater for developing and independent readers.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$2499

A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories

Ages 7–9 · 2018

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

#2 in Series

Sale price

$899

The Callback

Ages 9–13 · 2018

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

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?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1799

The Puppets of Spelhorst

Ages 7–9 · 2023

Five puppets trapped in darkness discover their astonishing shared destiny.

Series

Sale price

$899

Death in the Spotlight

Ages 8–12 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1999

Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare

Ages 8–12 · 2010

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

#4 in Series

Sale price

$799

The Show Must Go On!

Ages 8–12 · 2011

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

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1399

My Life Is a Joke

Ages 8–12 · 2017

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

Sale price

$799

Okay for Now

Ages 10–13 · 2011

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

Series

Sale price

$1799

Nate Expectations

Ages 10–14 · 2018

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

Series

Sale price

$899

Meow or Never

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A secret cat and a school musical test Avery's courage.

Series

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?

View all the theater chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about stage fright Books about being famous Books about dragons Books about facing fears Books about family problems Books about feelings and emotions Books about habits and behavior Books about homeschooling

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Theater

Great books, picked for their age.

The Theater Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

The Theater Picture Books

The Theater Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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