Books About Words

The Best Words Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about words? 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 Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Words

The Word Eater
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

The Word Eater

By Mary Amato, Christopher Ryniak (Illustrator)

A magical worm erases words, altering reality. Can Lerner change her fate?

151 pages· 26,708 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,144 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Lerner Chanse is stuck in a school hierarchy where the MPOOE Club dominates, leaving her among the SLUGs. Her life takes a turn when she discovers Fip, a worm that devours printed words, making them vanish from existence. With this power, Lerner faces a choice: reshape her world or risk unforeseen consequences. What will she erase, and what will remain?
Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1980

Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary

Unlock the world of words with a treasure trove of language insights.

824 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 214 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a vibrant world of words with over 36,000 entries designed for young minds. Discover expanded examples, intriguing word histories, and vivid illustrations that bring language to life. Perfect for curious explorers aged eight to eleven, this dictionary is a gateway to understanding and creativity. What new adventures will each word inspire?
The Dictionary Story
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2024

The Dictionary Story

By Oliver Jeffers (Author/Illustrator), Sam Winston (Author/Illustrator)

Dictionary's words come alive, but chaos ensues. Can order be restored?

56 pages· 3,798 words· Est. 30 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 1,350 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dictionary dreams of telling her own story, bringing words to life on her pages. But when her characters clash, chaos erupts. Can her friend Alphabet's song restore harmony, or will the jumble remain? Dive into a whimsical adventure where words take center stage and imagination knows no bounds.
Max's Words
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

Max's Words

By Kate Banks, Boris Kulikov (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Max's Words series

Max collects words, transforming them into stories, while his brothers hoard stamps and coins.

32 pages· 722 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 989 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Max feels left out as his brothers boast about their stamp and coin collections. Determined to create something unique, Max starts collecting words from newspapers and magazines. As his collection grows, spilling into the hallway, Max discovers the power of words to craft stories. While his brothers count their treasures, Max's pile of words becomes something far more valuable. Can Max's creativity outshine his brothers' collections? Dive into this tale of ingenuity and discover how a simple word can spark endless imagination.
B is for Books!
Sale price
$379
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1996

B is for Books!

A worm's journey through the alphabet of books.

32 pages· 152 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 237 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Join Slimey, the adventurous worm, as he explores the vibrant world of books. From counting to cooking, each page reveals a new discovery. What wonders will Slimey uncover next?
Oh, Say Can You Say?
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1979

Oh, Say Can You Say?

By Dr. Seuss · Book #65 in the Beginner Books series

A collection of whimsical poems about everyday words.

38 pages· 1,274 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 8,211 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a world of tongue-twisting fun with Dr. Seuss's 'Oh, Say Can You Say?' where words weave into delightful challenges. From bed spreaders to bread spreaders, each page offers a playful puzzle for young readers. Will you untangle the tricky phrases and avoid a buttery mishap? Perfect for budding wordsmiths, this book combines simple vocabulary with vibrant illustrations, encouraging children to read independently. Get ready to twist your tongue and tickle your imagination in this classic collection of whimsical wordplay!
Donavan's Word Jar
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 1994

Donavan's Word Jar

By Monalisa DeGross, Cheryl Hanna (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Donavan series

A boy's word collection overflows, leading to an unexpected solution.

80 pages· 6,408 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 465 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Donavan Allen loves collecting words, storing them in his cherished word jar. But when the jar fills up, he faces a dilemma: how to keep adding words without losing any? A visit to his grandma might just hold the answer. Can Donavan find a way to preserve his beloved collection and continue his passion for words? Discover the surprising solution in this heartwarming tale about the power and joy of language.
The Alphabet Tree
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1968

The Alphabet Tree

Letters unite to craft a powerful message against a fierce wind.

40 pages· 440 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 751 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where letters live on an alphabet tree, a fierce wind threatens to scatter them. To survive, they must unite, forming words and sentences. As they craft a message of peace, they discover the true power of unity and the written word. Can their newfound strength withstand the storm and deliver a message that changes everything?
The Magic of Letters
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Magic of Letters

By Tony Johnston, Wendell Minor (Illustrator)

Discover the magic of letters and unlock the power of words.

32 pages· 294 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.5 Goodreads · 196 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a playful rabbit guide on a whimsical journey through the enchanting world of letters. Each letter holds secrets and power, transforming into words that can evoke laughter, hunger, or wonder. As you explore, you'll learn how to wield this magic, crafting your own spells with words. Dive into this vibrant adventure and see how letters can change the way you feel and express yourself. Will you uncover the secrets hidden within the alphabet and become a master of word magic?
Interjections Say Yay!
Sale price
$2849
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2019

Interjections Say Yay!

By Michael Dahl, Lauren Lowen (Illustrator)

Discover grammar's sweet side with whimsical bakers and delightful pastries.

32 pages· 523 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 12 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Join the interjection bakers as they sprinkle sweetness into sentences and pastries alike. This whimsical tale blends grammar basics with a dash of storybook charm, making learning deliciously fun. Will you savor the knowledge or the cake?
Browse by age

Words Picture Books

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

Where Do Words Come From?
Sale price
$1795

Where Do Words Come From?

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Discover the whimsical origins of words and their mysterious creator.

Keep exploring