Books About Beauty

The Best Beauty Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about beauty? 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 Beauty

Smile
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

Smile

By Raina Telgemeier · Book #1 in the Smile series

A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2010)
224 pages· 8,270 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 318,830 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Raina's sixth-grade year takes a dramatic turn after a fall leaves her with dental woes. Navigating braces, surgery, and awkward headgear, she also faces a major earthquake, boy troubles, and unreliable friends. Can Raina find her way through the chaos and discover what truly matters? Dive into her journey of resilience and self-discovery.
The Wide-Awake Princess
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

The Wide-Awake Princess

By E.D. Baker · Book #1 in the Tales of the Wide-Awake Princess series

Annie must find her sister's true love to break a sleeping curse on the castle.

261 pages· 61,067 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 14,275 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Princess Annie, immune to magic, is the only one awake after a curse puts her castle to sleep. To save her sister, Sleeping Beauty, she must find true love's kiss. With the help of a guard named Liam, Annie navigates a land of familiar and new fairy tale characters. Is true love the irritating Digby, the charming Prince Andreas, or the scheming Clarence? As Annie races against time, she might just discover her own heart's desire. Can she unravel the mystery and awaken her family before it's too late?
Uglies
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

Uglies

By Scott Westerfeld · Book #1 in the Uglies series

Tally must choose: betray a friend or remain an 'Ugly' forever.

426 pages· 87,152 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 715,714 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where turning sixteen means a transformation into beauty, Tally eagerly awaits her new life as a 'Pretty.' But when her friend Shay questions the system and disappears, Tally faces a dilemma. The authorities demand she betray Shay to secure her own future. As Tally uncovers the dark truths behind the facade of perfection, she must decide between loyalty and her dream. Will she risk everything for friendship, or conform to a society that values appearance above all? Tally's choice will redefine her world and her identity.
Fairest
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Fairest

By Gail Carson Levine · Ella Enchanted series

A girl with a magical voice faces palace intrigue and a queen's dangerous demand to save her kingdom.

334 pages· 58,029 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 69,611 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Aza, gifted with an extraordinary voice but lacking beauty, becomes lady-in-waiting to a new queen. When the queen demands a perilous favor, Aza is thrust into a web of palace intrigue involving a magic mirror, a charming prince, and a jealous queen. As an injured king's fate hangs in the balance, Aza must navigate this treacherous maze to protect herself and her kingdom. Can she uncover the truth and find her own strength amidst the shadows?
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2017

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

By Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (Illustrator)

A barber shop is a place of transformation where people go to feel seen and valued.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2018)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Caldecott Honor (2018)Newbery Honor (2018)
32 pages· 688 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,969 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the barbershop, boys enter as clay and emerge as royalty, crowned with confidence. Each fresh cut sharpens their presence, turning heads and lifting spirits. This rhythmic tale celebrates the transformative power of a haircut, where self-esteem and swagger soar. Witness the magic as boys embrace their reflections, stepping boldly into the world with newfound pride. Discover how a simple trim can change everything, making grades rise, hearts flutter, and hugs tighter. 'Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut' is a vibrant tribute to the beauty and humanity of black boys, celebrating their brilliance and worth.
Randy, the Beautiful Horse
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Randy, the Beautiful Horse

By T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator), T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator)

A horse believes he's beautiful, but reality might surprise him.

40 pages
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 265 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Randy, a horse who thinks he's the epitome of beauty, despite being a child's quirky drawing. Journey through a whimsical world of construction-paper mountains and popsicle-stick forests as Randy's self-perception faces unexpected challenges. Will his confidence endure when he finally sees himself? This delightful tale explores imagination and self-discovery, leaving readers charmed by Randy's endearing spirit.
Plain Jane and the Mermaid
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Plain Jane and the Mermaid

By Vera Brosgol

Plain Jane's quest for independence leads her underwater to rescue a kidnapped prince from mermaids.

368 pages· 7,622 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 5,373 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Jane, deemed plain by all, seeks independence by proposing to Prince Peter. But when a mermaid kidnaps him, her plans sink. Venturing into the ocean's depths, Jane faces enchanting mysteries and perilous creatures. Can she rescue her maybe-fiancé and find her own path to freedom? Dive into a tale where fairy-tale norms are turned upside down, and discover if Jane's courage can outshine her plainness.
School. Hasn't This Gone on Long Enough?
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

School. Hasn't This Gone on Long Enough?

By Jim Benton · Book #1 in the Dear Dumb Diary Year Two series

Middle school gets dumber as Jamie's diary reveals her hilarious take on life's big questions.

160 pages· 15,070 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 2,568 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jamie Kelly returns with a fresh diary, navigating another year of middle school chaos. As she hilariously tackles grades and life's big questions, her secret musings offer wisdom and wit. But remember, Jamie has no idea you're reading her diary. Will her insights on intelligence and appearances make you laugh or think twice? Dive into her world where everything is another year dumber, and discover what makes her diary a must-read. Just don't let her find out!
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

By Joanna Ho, Dung Ho (Illustrator) · Eyes That Kiss in the Corners series

A young girl reflects on the beauty of her eyes and the women in her family who share the same feature.

Golden Kite Award (2022)
34 pages· 399 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 9,315 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young Asian girl feels different due to her unique eyes. Inspired by her mother, grandmother, and sister, she learns to see her eyes as a source of beauty and strength. Her journey of self-love and empowerment unfolds, celebrating her heritage and the stories her eyes hold. Will she embrace her uniqueness and find her place in the world?
Magnificent Homespun Brown
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2020

Magnificent Homespun Brown

By Samara Cole Doyon, Kaylani Juanita (Illustrator)

Young voices celebrate the joy of embracing one's own skin.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2021)
32 pages· 527 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 1,122 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a vibrant tapestry of voices, young narrators share their journey of embracing the beauty of their own skin. 'Magnificent Homespun Brown' is a lyrical celebration of identity and self-love. As each narrator finds joy in their unique hue, they invite readers to join in a heartfelt song of acceptance and pride. What does it mean to truly feel at home in your own skin? Discover the answer in this uplifting tale that radiates confidence and joy, encouraging everyone to cherish the skin they are in.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

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Beauty Picture Books

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

Last Stop on Market Street
Sale price
$1899

Last Stop on Market Street

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A young boy spends the day with his grandmother, exploring their neighborhood and learning about the beauty in unexpected places.

Snow White
Sale price
$1795

Snow White

Ages 4–8 · 1812

A queen's jealousy threatens a young girl's life. Can she escape her fate?

How Beautiful
Sale price
$1795

How Beautiful

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A caterpillar's quest to define beauty reveals diverse perspectives in the forest.

The Rainbow Fish
Series
Sale price
$995

The Rainbow Fish

Ages 3–6 · 1992

A beautiful fish learns to share his most prized possessions with others.

Rot
Series
Sale price
$1799

Rot

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A mutant potato enters a cuteness contest, facing adorable rivals.

Addie's Bad Day
Series
Sale price
$599

Addie's Bad Day

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Addie hides under her hat. Can Max uncover the reason and save his birthday party?

View all beauty picture books
Browse by age

Beauty Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about beauty for developing and independent readers.

Don't Judge Me
Sale price
$1799

Don't Judge Me

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must confront a list ranking classmates by looks, risking everything to speak up.

Stepsister
Sale price
$1799

Stepsister

Ages 12–17 · 2019

An ugly stepsister defies fate to redefine beauty and find redemption.

Beauty and the Beast
Series
Sale price
$1699

Beauty and the Beast

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A misfit girl and a cursed prince defy expectations in a tale of unlikely friendship and transformation.

The Beast and the Bethany
Series
Sale price
$1899

The Beast and the Bethany

Ages 9–13 · 2020

An immortal man must choose between beauty and a child's life when a beast demands a new meal.

Pretties
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1399

Pretties

Ages 12–17 · 2005

Tally's perfect life hides a dangerous secret that could cost her everything.

Ugly
Sale price
$1499

Ugly

Ages 7–10 · 2005

An outcast duckling embarks on a journey to find his true identity.

Specials
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1399

Specials

Ages 12–17 · 2006

A super soldier must choose between duty and a forgotten past.

The Beauty and the Beast
Sale price
$3500

The Beauty and the Beast

1740

A young girl is trapped in a magical castle with a beast. Can love break the curse?

Belle
Series
Sale price
$899

Belle

Ages 12–18 · 2008

A hidden tree, a fearsome Beast, and a carving that reveals true love's face.

View all beauty chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about appearanceBooks about braces (orthodontic appliances)Books about falling in loveBooks about health and daily livingBooks about horsesBooks about individualityBooks about making decisionsBooks about self-esteem