Books About Time · 240 titles considered

The Best Time Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about time? 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
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Time

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2849
Picture Book · Ages 8–11 · 2015

Timeline

By Peter Goes

Explore history's timeline from the Big Bang to future wonders.

80 pages
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 434 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Embark on a vibrant journey through time, from the Big Bang to modern marvels. Discover dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and mythical legends. Witness humanity's triumphs and trials, from castles to climate change. Each page invites young and old to explore global events with playful illustrations and insightful connections. What stories will you uncover in this tapestry of time?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

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 · 191,299 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?
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1977

Please Try to Remember the First of Octember!

On Octember the First, all your wildest wishes come true. What will you wish for?

48 pages· 525 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,529 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Imagine a day when every wish is granted. On Octember the First, dreams become reality, from balloon pools in the sky to pickle trees in your yard. Dive into a whimsical world where laughter and imagination reign. What would you wish for if anything were possible? This delightful tale invites young readers to explore the magic of wishes and the joy of dreaming big. With simple words and vibrant illustrations, it's a perfect adventure for early readers eager to discover the power of imagination.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Ready Player One

In 2045, a virtual treasure hunt turns deadly as rivals vie for control of a digital empire.

480 pages· 132,733 words· Est. 12.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,337,147 ratings
$30.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 2045, Wade Watts escapes his grim reality by immersing himself in the OASIS, a vast virtual world. When its creator dies, he leaves behind a series of puzzles promising immense wealth and control of the OASIS to the first solver. Wade cracks the initial clue, igniting a fierce competition with ruthless adversaries willing to kill for the prize. As the stakes rise, Wade must navigate a perilous quest filled with pop culture riddles and deadly rivals. Can he outsmart them and claim the ultimate prize, or will he become another casualty in this high-stakes game?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

11 Birthdays

Amanda's birthday repeats endlessly. Can she fix it before time runs out?

272 pages· 51,130 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 33,727 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Amanda's 11th birthday is a disaster, especially without her best friend, Leo. But when the day mysteriously repeats, she's trapped in a loop. Can Amanda mend their friendship and break free, or is she doomed to relive the worst birthday ever? Time, friendship, and a touch of luck hold the key.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1930

The Secret of the Old Clock

A young woman investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding a wealthy man's death and the disappearance of his will.

192 pages· 34,724 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 86,219 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Nancy Drew faces a race against time to locate a missing will that could change everything. With the Topham family poised to seize an inheritance, Nancy must unravel the mystery of the old clock to help Mr. Crowly's friends. Will she succeed before it's too late? Dive into this classic mystery and join Nancy on her thrilling quest.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Elsewhere

In a world where life runs backward, can Liz embrace a future she never wanted?

288 pages· 59,918 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 73,943 ratings
$22.45Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Liz Hall finds herself in Elsewhere, a place where life moves in reverse. As she ages backward, Liz struggles with letting go of her dreams of turning sixteen, getting a driver's license, and going to college. Living with a grandmother she never knew, Liz must navigate this strange afterlife. Can she find meaning in a life lived backward, or will she forever yearn for the life she left behind? Discover a world where the past becomes the future and every moment is a chance to redefine what it means to live.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1973

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

By John Bellairs, Edward Gorey (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Lewis Barnavelt series

A young boy discovers that his new home is haunted by a malevolent spirit and that he has the power to communicate with the dead.

179 pages· 38,975 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 21,076 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Orphaned Lewis Barnavelt moves in with his mysterious Uncle Jonathan, only to discover a world of magic and danger. When Lewis accidentally resurrects a sinister sorceress, he unleashes a hidden clock capable of destroying humanity. With time ticking away, Lewis and his magical allies must unravel the secrets of the house to prevent catastrophe. Will they succeed before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2002

Feed

A hacker disrupts their feeds, sparking a fight against mind control.

308 pages· 51,998 words· Est. 5 hour read
3.5/5 Goodreads · 69,216 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Titus's spring break on the moon turns chaotic when a hacker crashes their feeds, leaving him and his friends in a mental void. Enter Violet, a rebellious girl determined to resist the feed's grip on human thoughts. As they navigate a world dominated by corporate control, Titus must decide whether to join Violet's fight or succumb to the feed's influence. Can they challenge a system that knows their every desire, or will they be consumed by it? Discover a future eerily close to our own in this sharp, satirical tale.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Fix That Clock

Can a crew fix a clock without displacing its animal residents?

40 pages· 448 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 314 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A construction crew faces a unique challenge: restoring a dilapidated clock tower without evicting its wild animal inhabitants. As they transform zigzags into squares, the team must balance progress with compassion. Will they find a way to keep the clock ticking and the animals safe? Discover a tale of cooperation and creativity where every creature finds a place.
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Browse by age

Time Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Kiss Goodnight

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Say goodnight to animals with soothing sounds in this bedtime board book.

Chicken Soup with Rice

Ages 2–4 · 1962

Discover the joy of every month with whimsical rhymes and charming art.

Frankie's Food Truck

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the shapes of delicious foods at Frankie's Food Truck.

Time for a Nap

Ages 0–3 · 2018

A busy toddler resists much-needed nap time. Will rest win?

Hap-Pea All Year

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Join playful peas as they explore the months and seasons in a fun, rhyming journey.

How a Baby Grows

Ages 0–3 · 1998

Discover the comforting world of a baby through familiar objects and gentle rhymes.

Hello Lamb

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Wake up and greet the day with playful animal sounds.

My Little Red Fire Truck

Ages 3–9 · 2009

Explore a fire truck's world while learning to tell time.

Sale price
$799

Baby's Day

Ages 0–2 · 2014

Explore baby's day with interactive touch-and-feel moments.

Sale price
$695

Days of the Week

Ages 1–5 · 2015

Discover the world through a toddler's eyes with playful rhymes and vibrant photos.

My Day

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Experience a child's day from dawn to bedtime story.

Sale price
$799

Rome

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Explore Rome's wonders while learning the days of the week.

View all time board books
Browse by age

Time Picture Books

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

Busy Builders, Busy Week!

Ages 3–6 · 2016

Animals build a playground, teaching teamwork and days of the week.

A Stopwatch from Grampa

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A child navigates grief with a stopwatch, a symbol of lost time and cherished memories.

The Future Book

Ages 4–8 · 2026

Discover a future world with unexpected twists and vibrant surprises.

Stalactite & Stalagmite

Ages 4–8 · 2025

Two cave formations witness history, growing closer over eons. What happens when they finally touch?

A Few Beautiful Minutes

Ages 5–8 · 2023

Witness the world transform as a solar eclipse unites us all.

The Year at Maple Hill Farm

Ages 4–8 · 1978

Experience a year of seasonal changes through the eyes of farm animals.

Reach for the Stars
Sale price
$1899

Reach for the Stars

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Reach for dreams and discover life's wonders.

The Eleventh Hour
Sale price
$1999

The Eleventh Hour

Ages 5–11 · 1988

An elephant's birthday feast vanishes. Can you solve the mystery?

Nutshell Library

Ages 4–8 · 1962

Discover whimsical adventures in a pocket-sized library of rhymes and tales for young readers.

Sky Tree

Ages 4–8 · 1995

Witness nature's transformation through a tree's changing seasons, blending art and science in a visual journey.

Time Is a Flower

Ages 3–7 · 2021

Discover time's mysteries through a child's eyes.

Around the Year
Sale price
$1995

Around the Year

Ages 4–6 · 1927

Discover the magic of each month through whimsical rhymes and illustrations.

Browse by age

Time Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about time for developing and independent readers.

The Thief Lord

Ages 8–12 · 2000

Two brothers flee to Venice, pursued by a detective, uncovering a magical treasure that alters time.

The Snowcat Prince

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young prince must find a lost crown to break a kingdom's curse or face banishment.

Around the Year

Ages 4–8 · 1957

Discover a year of celebrations, from winter sledding to summer picnics and autumn fairs.

The Last Fallen Moon

Ages 10–14 · 2022

Riley must restore magic to her clan by venturing into the Spiritrealm.

Robots

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Explore the fascinating world of robots and their future impact.

Battle for the Park

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A boy must save a flying theme park from a sinister force threatening the world.

The Dead End

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A summer in a haunted house turns terrifying as objects move on their own. Can Casey uncover the truth before it's too late?

Unleashed

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A former attack dog and a fierce rivalry lead to chaos and mystery.

The Hour of Magic

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A mouse travels to a fantasy kingdom to save a queen.

Sale price
$899

Magic and Other Misdemeanors

Ages 9–12 · 2007

Magical thefts threaten a family's future. Can two young detectives solve the mystery?

The Clockwork Dragon

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A young tracker races against time to stop a deadly conspiracy threatening his existence.

The 65-Story Treehouse

Ages 6–10 · 2015

Two friends travel through time to get a building permit for their treehouse.

Keep exploring
Books about ancient civilizationsBooks about clocks and watchesBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about EarthBooks about hackersBooks about helping othersBooks about imaginary places

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