Books About Greed

The Best Greed Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about greed? 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 Greed

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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 582,615 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

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 8–12 · 1952

The Chocolate Touch

By Patrick Skene Catling, Margot Apple (Illustrator) · John Midas series

A boy's magical gift turns everything he kisses into chocolate. Is it too much of a good thing?

128 pages· 10,854 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 21,084 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: John Midas adores chocolate, but when a mysterious candy store grants him a magical gift, everything his lips touch turns into chocolate. As his world transforms into a cocoa-coated dream, John must confront the delicious dilemma: can there be too much of a good thing? With each sweet encounter, the stakes rise, leaving John to wonder if he can ever return to normal. Will he find a way to break the chocolate curse, or will his love for chocolate consume everything he holds dear?

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

Two of Everything

By Lily Toy Hong

A mysterious pot doubles everything placed inside. What will it create next?

32 pages· 935 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 935 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Mr. Haktak unearths a peculiar brass pot in his garden, unaware of its magical properties. When Mrs. Haktak's hairpin falls in, the pot reveals its secret: it duplicates anything inside. Suddenly, two hairpins and two purses appear. What else will this enchanted pot produce, and how will it change their lives? Discover the surprises and challenges that unfold as the Haktaks explore the pot's mysterious powers.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989

The Talking Eggs

By Robert D. San Souci, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

A vibrant Southern folktale comes to life with unexpected twists.

Caldecott Honor (1990)Coretta Scott King Honor (1990)

32 pages· 2,046 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,568 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In a lively Southern folktale, a community faces a mysterious challenge that tests their unity and wit. As colorful characters navigate unexpected twists, secrets unfold, revealing the heart of their culture. Will they overcome the trials that threaten their way of life? Discover a tale rich with tradition and surprise.

Sale price

$379

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2014

Being Thankful

By Mercer Mayer · Little Critter series

A young critter learns gratitude when he discovers the joy of thankfulness over envy.

24 pages· 822 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 531 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Summary: Little Critter feels envious as friends flaunt new sneakers and boats, while he has none. Even his ice cream seems lacking. But a farm visit with Grandma reveals the power of gratitude. Can Little Critter learn to appreciate what he has and find happiness in thankfulness? Discover how a simple lesson in gratitude can transform his world and teach young readers the value of appreciating life's blessings.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas!

By Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter, Garry Parsons (Illustrator) · The Dinosaur That Pooped series

A boy's Christmas wish leads to a dinosaur that devours the holiday. What goes in must come out.

32 pages· 614 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,318 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Danny's Christmas wish spirals into chaos when he receives a ravenous dinosaur instead of gifts. As the dino devours everything in sight, Danny faces a messy, explosive holiday. Can he learn the true meaning of Christmas amidst the chaos? With poop, presents, and prehistoric surprises, this festive tale warns of the perils of greed and promises an unforgettable adventure.

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2005

The Great Fuzz Frenzy

By Susan Stevens Crummel, Janet Stevens (Illustrator)

A fuzzy object disrupts prairie dog harmony, sparking chaos and greed. Can they rediscover unity?

56 pages· 748 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,331 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: In an underground prairie dog town, harmony shatters when a fuzzy tennis ball rolls in. The prairie dogs' fascination with its fuzz spirals into greed, threatening their community. As chaos ensues, the kidnapping of the notorious Big Bark forces them to confront their divisions. Will they unite to rescue him and restore their sense of community, or will their newfound obsession tear them apart forever? Discover the unexpected journey of these prairie dogs as they navigate the challenges of greed, unity, and the true meaning of togetherness.

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 1985

The Greedy Python

By Richard Buckley, Eric Carle (Illustrator) · Ready-to-Read series

A greedy python swallows jungle animals, but they unite to escape his belly.

24 pages· 243 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,496 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: In a vibrant jungle, a greedy python devours every creature in sight, from a tiny mouse to a massive elephant. Trapped inside, the animals form an unlikely alliance, plotting their escape from the python's belly. Will their teamwork and newfound friendship be enough to outsmart the snake and regain their freedom? This whimsical tale explores themes of manners, respect, and the power of unity in the most unexpected places.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2011

The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories

By Dr. Seuss · Classic Seuss series

Discover seven hidden Dr. Seuss tales, each with whimsical adventures and timeless lessons.

69 pages· 5,318 words· Est. 41 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,268 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Uncover seven lost Dr. Seuss stories, each a whimsical adventure. From a rabbit saved by an eyelash to a boy's fantastical career dreams, these tales brim with imagination and cautionary themes. Enhanced with vibrant colors, this collection is a must for any Seuss fan, revealing the evolution of his iconic style.

Sale price

$2374

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Fate of Fausto

By Oliver Jeffers

A man's quest for ownership leads him to the sea. What will he find?

96 pages· 533 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,530 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Fausto believes he owns everything, from flowers to mountains. Yet, his insatiable desire drives him to the sea, seeking more. As he claims dominion over all, what will the ocean reveal about his quest? This modern fable explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the true nature of possession.

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Browse by age

Greed Picture Books

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

Sale price

$399

The Magic Fish

Ages 4–8 · 1967

Endless wishes can't fill an empty heart.

Sale price

$1799

Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter

Ages 4–8 · 1997

A clever girl faces a greedy king's impossible demands. Can she outsmart him without magical help?

Sale price

$1699

The Blue Bird's Palace

Ages 5–8 · 2011

A selfish wish traps Natasha in a lonely palace. Can she escape?

Sale price

$1499

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Two squirrels race for the last pinecone of the season.

Sale price

$1499

Pig the Winner

Ages 3–5 · 2016

A pug named Pig has to learn to play fairly and have fun without always needing to win.

Sale price

$1499

Pig the Monster

Ages 3–5 · 2021

A pug named Pig goes on a Halloween rampage for treats.

Pirate Pete

2002

Pirate and parrot seek elusive treasure across mysterious islands.

The World's Poorest President Speaks Out

Sale price

$1695

The World's Poorest President Speaks Out

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A humble leader challenges global consumption at a pivotal summit.

Sale price

$1799

The Fisherman and His Wife

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A fisherman catches a magical fish; his wife's greed spirals out of control.

Sale price

$1799

The Boy Who Wouldn't Share

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A boy learns the value of sharing when trapped under his own toys.

Sale price

$799

The Leprechaun's Gold

Ages 4–8 · 2004

A harp contest turns tricky when a leprechaun intervenes.

Sale price

$1695

One is a Feast for Mouse

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Mouse's feast grows, but can he escape Cat's watchful eye?

View all greed picture books

Browse by age

Greed Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about greed for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$699

The Goose's Gold

Ages 6–9 · 1998

Three kids investigate a possible robbery on a Florida island

Sale price

$1595

Sport

Ages 10–14 · 1980

A boy's inheritance leads to kidnapping and a fight for freedom.

Sale price

$1300

The Pearl

Ages 18–+ · 1947

A diver's discovery of a giant pearl brings hope and danger.

Sale price

$599

Greedy Dog

2024

A greedy dog learns a lesson from his own reflection.

Sale price

$1899

Max Fernsby and the Infinite Toys

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A boy with a magical toy bag must save Christmas from a greedy businessman.

Sale price

$1295

The Eagle and the Moon Gold

2000

A fable warns of greed's peril through contrasting opposites.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1200

House of the Black Spot

Ages 8–11 · 2019

A gang battles a ghostly threat to save their town from greedy developers.

View all greed chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about chocolate Books about coping with failure Books about orphans

Our 10 Favorite Books About Greed

Great books, picked for their age.

Greed Picture Books

Greed Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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