Books About Hunger

The Best Hunger Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about hunger? 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 Hunger

I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo Hambre! (Spanish Bilingual)
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 2–4 · 2022

I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo Hambre! (Spanish Bilingual)

By Angela Dominguez · A Lolo & Birdie Book series

A hungry T. Rex can't find the right meal. What will satisfy him?

32 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 336 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A chatty bluebird meets a hungry T. Rex who can't decide what to eat. As the dinosaur rejects bananas and fish, the quest for the perfect meal becomes a journey of friendship. Will they find the right food and a new bond? Discover the delightful twists in this bilingual tale, where language and friendship blend seamlessly.
Stone Soup
Sale price
$1449
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1971

Stone Soup

By Ann McGovern

A mysterious soup made from stones unites a town.

32 pages· 938 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 29,148 ratings
$15.25Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a quaint village, a clever traveler claims he can make soup from a stone. As curious townsfolk gather, each contributes an ingredient, transforming the simple stone into a hearty feast. What begins as a trick becomes a lesson in community and sharing. Can one man's ingenuity bring a town together over a pot of soup?
Winterkill
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Winterkill

By Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Two kids defy a deadly famine in 1930s Ukraine. Can they survive Stalin's plan?

288 pages· 59,052 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,410 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1930s Ukraine, Nyl faces starvation as Stalin's regime seizes farms, leaving his village to suffer. Alice, newly arrived from Canada, uncovers the grim truth and joins Nyl in a daring plan to save their community. As the Holodomor unfolds, their courage and unity are tested. Will they outlast the famine and oppression, or be consumed by it? This gripping tale of survival and resistance reveals the dark history of a genocide and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to fight back.
Scurry
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Scurry

By Mac Smith · Scurry series

Mice face starvation and predators in a desolate winter, seeking hope in a distant food source.

322 pages· 13,736 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,197 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: In a world where humans have vanished and darkness reigns, a colony of mice battles starvation and predators. As supplies dwindle, rumors of a food-laden truck spark hope. Brave scout Wix ventures into the unknown, facing feral cats, poison, and a hawk. Lost and alone, Wix must navigate perilous lands and unexpected challenges to save his colony. Will he find the food and a new home, or will the forest's dangers prove too great? Discover a tale of survival, courage, and destiny in this gripping adventure.
Stick Dog Tries to Take the Donuts
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

Stick Dog Tries to Take the Donuts

By Tom Watson · Book #5 in the Stick Dog series

A group of dogs embark on a mission to find food and discover a new source of sustenance in the form of donuts.

224 pages· 17,180 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 622 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Stick Dog and his quirky pack are on a mission to snag some donuts for breakfast. Their adventure involves halting a moving truck, outsmarting a man on a pole, and dealing with a hyperactive Karen. But the real showdown comes when Poo-Poo encounters his arch-nemesis: a squirrel. With Stick Dog's cleverness and patience, can they overcome these obstacles and enjoy the ultimate breakfast feast? Join this hilarious canine caper filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Land of the Spring Dragon
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2019

Land of the Spring Dragon

By Tracey West, Matt Loveridge (Illustrator) · Book #14 in the Dragon Masters series

A young dragon master must find a powerful dragon to save his kingdom from destruction.

96 pages· 6,083 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 1,942 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Drake's kingdom faces devastation after an earthquake destroys its crops. To save Bracken, he must find the elusive Spring Dragon, Fallyn, hidden in a secret fairy world. Guided by Dragon Master Breen, Drake encounters tricky tests and mysterious riddles. Can he overcome these challenges and secure the dragon's help before it's too late? The fate of his people hangs in the balance as he ventures into the unknown, where nothing is as it seems. Will Drake's courage and wit be enough to restore his kingdom?
I'm Hungry!
Sale price
$1049
Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 2022

I'm Hungry!

A hungry monster devours everything in sight. What's next?

30 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 233 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Board Book
Summary: A little monster's insatiable hunger leads to a wild feast, devouring everything from pizza to the fridge. But when nothing's left, will the child reading the book be next? Join the fun as the monster's appetite grows and the absurdity escalates. Can anything satisfy this ravenous creature, or will the reader become the final course? This playful tale invites toddlers to giggle and shout along with the monster's repeated cries of 'I'm still hungry!' as they anticipate the next hilarious bite.
Missed Meal Mayhem
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2021

Missed Meal Mayhem

By Jarrett Lerner · Book #1 in the The Hunger Heroes series

Hungry kid at school needs saving. Can quirky food heroes help?

128 pages· 2,108 words· Est. 32 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 319 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When a student in Ms. Sternbladder's class misses breakfast, his day spirals into chaos. Enter the Hunger Heroes: Toots the Bean, Chip Ninja, Tammy the Tomato, and Leonard the Cheese. In their taco hovercraft, they race to save the day. Can they conquer hunger and help him ace his math test, study for spelling, and play soccer? Join this zany team on a deliciously daring mission!
Tenggren's Tawny Scrawny Lion
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 1952

Tenggren's Tawny Scrawny Lion

By Kathryn Jackson, Gustaf Tenggren (Illustrator)

A hungry lion's life is changed after meeting a clever rabbit.

24 pages· 971 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 14,455 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: A tawny, scrawny lion spends his days chasing animals, but a clever family of rabbits has a plan. Can they teach him to enjoy carrot stew instead of hunting them? Discover how a simple meal might change everything for this hungry predator.
The Very Brave Bear
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

The Very Brave Bear

By Nick Bland

A bear and buffalo face off in a jungle bravery test.

30 pages· 389 words· Est. 7 min read
4.2 Goodreads · 411 ratings
Paperback
Summary: In the heart of the jungle, a cranky bear and a bold buffalo prepare for a showdown of courage. As tensions rise, an unexpected twist threatens to send both creatures running. Can they overcome their fears, or will the jungle's surprises prove too much? Discover the true meaning of bravery in this wild adventure.
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Hunger Picture Books

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

Dozens of Doughnuts
Sale price
$1899

Dozens of Doughnuts

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A bear's doughnut feast turns into a sharing dilemma as unexpected guests arrive.

Crocodile Hungry
Sale price
$1899

Crocodile Hungry

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A hungry crocodile struggles to find food in a world of packaging.

Lunch
Sale price
$899

Lunch

Ages 4–7 · 1992

A ravenous mouse devours a colorful feast, unable to stop munching.

More Pies!
Sale price
$899

More Pies!

Ages 3–8 · 2002

A boy's insatiable hunger leads to an unexpected pie-eating victory.

One Fox
Sale price
$1695

One Fox

Ages 2–6 · 2019

A hungry fox tries to get food from a farm.

The Fox and the Crow
Sale price
$1795

The Fox and the Crow

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A fox schemes to outwit a crow for a piece of bread.

Beatrice's Goat
Sale price
$899

Beatrice's Goat

Ages 4–8 · 2001

A goat's gift could change a girl's future in Uganda.

Badger's Fancy Meal
Sale price
$699

Badger's Fancy Meal

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Badger seeks exotic meals but learns to value familiar flavors.

View all hunger picture books
Browse by age

Hunger Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about hunger for developing and independent readers.

Hunger
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1299

Hunger

Ages 14–+ · 2009

Teens face starvation and a sinister force as chaos reigns in a world without adults.

The Secret River
Sale price
$1999

The Secret River

Ages 4–8 · 1955

A secret river offers hope in hard times, but can it be found again?

Black Potatoes
Sale price
$995

Black Potatoes

Ages 10–12 · 2001

A mysterious blight devastates Ireland's potatoes, sparking a desperate struggle for survival.

The Monster Who Ate Darkness
Sale price
$1699

The Monster Who Ate Darkness

Ages 3–7 · 2008

A monster devours darkness, leaving the world in light. Can a sleepless boy help him find fulfillment?

Hunger
Sale price
$1999

Hunger

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A young girl faces ruin and secret friendship during the Irish potato famine. Can she save her family?

View all hunger chapter books