Books About Trading And Bartering

The Best Trading And Bartering Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about trading and bartering? 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.

A Long Road on a Short Day
Rufus the Writer
Let's Trade
Albert Adds Up!
The Shortlist

Our 9 Favorite Books About Trading And Bartering

A Long Road on a Short Day
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

A Long Road on a Short Day

By Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney, Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator)

A boy's first trading trip with his father leads to unexpected gains.

64 pages· 4,505 words· Est. 38 min read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 755 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Young Samuel embarks on his first trading journey with his father, navigating a winter's day filled with strangers and deals. As they trade up from nearly nothing, Samuel learns the art of negotiation and the value of community. Will their efforts bring home the milk cow his mother dreams of? This heartwarming tale of perseverance and family bonds unfolds with humor and warmth, capturing the essence of a father-son adventure.
Swap!
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2016

Swap!

By Steve Light

A young pirate trades to fix a ship and find friendship.

34 pages· 87 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.7/5 Goodreads · 560 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: A peg-legged young pirate embarks on a bartering adventure to repair his captain's ship. Trading a button for teacups, then teacups for rope, he cleverly secures sails, anchors, and more. As the ship transforms, so does his friendship with the captain. Will his ingenuity be enough to mend both the vessel and a lonely heart? Dive into this tale of resourcefulness and camaraderie, where each swap brings them closer to a happy ending.
The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1997

The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish

By Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean (Illustrator)

A boy trades his dad for goldfish, sparking chaos when his mom finds out.

64 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,923 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In a whimsical tale, a boy's impulsive decision to trade his father for two goldfish leads to unexpected chaos. As his little sister watches in disbelief, the boy must navigate the consequences when their mother discovers the swap. Will he manage to retrieve his dad, or will the goldfish remain the most unusual trade ever? This hilarious adventure explores the lengths one might go for a simple desire, leaving readers to wonder about the true value of family and the unexpected twists of childhood decisions.
Rufus the Writer
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Rufus the Writer

By Elizabeth Bram, Chuck Groenink (Illustrator)

A boy trades stories for treasures at his story stand.

40 pages· 786 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.9/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 506 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Rufus, a boy with a vivid imagination, opens a story stand instead of a lemonade stand. He trades his enchanting tales for treasures like shells and flowers. As he crafts stories for his friends and family, including a special birthday tale for his sister, Rufus discovers the magic of storytelling. What surprises will his stories bring, and how will they touch the hearts of those around him? Dive into a world where imagination is the currency and every story is a new adventure.
An Apple Pie for Dinner
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2008

An Apple Pie for Dinner

By Susan VanHecke, Carol Baicker-McKee (Illustrator)

Granny trades her way to apples for a pie.

32 pages· 754 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 133 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Granny Smith embarks on a whimsical journey, trading plums for feathers, feathers for flowers, and more, all in pursuit of apples for her pie. Each swap brings her closer to her goal, leading to unexpected encounters and delightful exchanges. Will her trades finally yield the apples she needs? Discover the charm of this folktale-inspired adventure, complete with a recipe to share the joy of her delicious apple pie.
The Seventeenth Swap
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1986

The Seventeenth Swap

By Eloise McGraw

A teen's barter quest for cowboy boots spirals into unexpected adventures.

160 pages
3.7/5 Goodreads · 664 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Summary: A thirteen-year-old embarks on a clever swapping spree to secure cowboy boots for the child he babysits. Each trade leads to new challenges and surprises, testing his resourcefulness and determination. Will his efforts pay off, or will the swaps lead to unforeseen consequences? Dive into this heartwarming tale of creativity and perseverance.
Let's Trade
Sale price
$2532
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2004

Let's Trade

By Nancy Loewen, Brian Jensen (Illustrator)

Discover the art of bartering through a classroom trading game.

24 pages· 1,115 words· Est. 13 min read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 6 ratings
$26.65Save 5%
Summary: In Mr. Wallace's class, students embark on a trading game that unveils the ancient art of bartering. As they exchange goods and services, they learn the value of negotiation and the history behind this age-old practice. What lessons will they uncover about the world and themselves?
The Great Tulip Trade
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2005

The Great Tulip Trade

By Beth Wagner Brust

In 1600s Holland, Anna's tulips are worth more than gold. What will she do?

48 pages· 919 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 77 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: In 1600s Holland, young Anna receives eight tulips for her birthday, a gift more valuable than gold. As passersby offer trades for the precious flowers, Anna faces a dilemma: keep her cherished gift or exchange it for unimaginable wealth. What will she choose in a world where tulips hold the power to change lives?
Albert Adds Up!
Sale price
$2152
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2014

Albert Adds Up!

By Eleanor May, Deborah Melmon (Illustrator) · Mouse Math series

Albert's desperate trade for a coveted book spirals out of control.

32 pages· 725 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 40 ratings
$22.65Save 5%
Summary: Albert is determined to read the latest Captain Slime book before his sister. To get his hands on it, he proposes a trade, but as negotiations escalate, he finds himself offering more than he bargained for. Will Albert's deal pay off, or will he lose more than just a book? Dive into this playful tale of sibling rivalry and unexpected consequences.
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