Books About Selfishness

The Best Selfishness Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about selfishness? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Selfishness

Sale price

$1135

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

What Were You Thinking?

By Bryan Smith, Brian Martin (Illustrator) · Executive FUNction series

An impulsive third-grader learns to control his actions before they lead to trouble. Can he master the art of thinking before acting?

31 pages· 1,375 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 239 ratings

$11.95Save 5%

Summary: Braden, a third-grader with a knack for impulsive jokes, finds himself in hot water when his antics disrupt class and upset a friend during gym. His teachers and mom introduce him to a four-step strategy to manage his impulses. Will Braden learn to think before he acts, or will his desire for attention lead to more chaos? Discover the humorous journey of self-control and decision-making in this engaging tale.

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 · 2,528 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.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–13 · 2021

Ghost Girl

By Ally Malinenko

A storm changes everything. Zee must face eerie visions and a sinister principal to save her town.

288 pages· 53,991 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,018 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Zee Puckett adores ghost stories, but she never imagined living in one. After a storm, her town transforms—people vanish, and a sinister new principal arrives. Zee sees terrifying visions, including talking dogs and possibly a ghost. Only her friend Elijah believes her, while Nellie mocks her as 'Ghost Girl.' As selfish wishes manifest in eerie ways, Zee must embrace her uniqueness. Together with Elijah and Nellie, she must unravel the mystery to save their town and find a happy ending to their ghostly tale.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1888

The Selfish Giant

By Oscar Wilde, Jeanne Bowman (Illustrator)

A selfish giant's heart changes when a child enters his forbidden garden.

32 pages

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 10,486 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In a garden barred to all, a selfish giant finds his heart transformed by a mysterious child. As the seasons change, so does the giant's outlook, leading to unexpected redemption. What magic does this child bring, and how will it alter the giant's world forever? Discover a timeless tale of forgiveness and transformation that will captivate readers of all ages.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2020

The Beast and the Bethany

By Jack Meggitt-Phillips, Isabelle Follath (Illustrator) · The Beast and the Bethany series

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

240 pages· 36,578 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,951 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Ebenezer Tweezer has stayed young for centuries by feeding a beast in his attic. But when the creature demands a child, Ebenezer targets the unruly Bethany. As he prepares to sacrifice her, he discovers she might be more friend than feast. Can Ebenezer defy the beast and save Bethany, or will his vanity cost him everything?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2000

The Selfish Crocodile

By Faustin Charles, Michael Terry (Illustrator) · The Selfish Crocodile series

A selfish crocodile's pain leads to an unexpected hero.

32 pages· 634 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 710 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In a forest ruled by a selfish crocodile, fear keeps all creatures away from the river. But when the crocodile's loud groans reveal his pain, a tiny mouse steps up. Can this unlikely hero solve the dilemma and bring peace to the river? Discover how courage and kindness can transform even the fiercest of foes in this vibrant tale.

Sale price

$1938

Picture Book · Ages 3–6

It's Mine!

By Leo Lionni

Three frogs learn the power of sharing after a storm hits their island.

32 pages· 405 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,516 ratings

$20.40Save 5%

Summary: On a small island, three frogs constantly bicker over ownership of their pond. Their selfishness knows no bounds until a fierce storm and a wise toad teach them the power of cooperation. As the storm rages, the frogs must decide: cling to their greed or embrace the joy of sharing? This tale of transformation invites readers to ponder the true value of working together. Will the frogs learn their lesson before it's too late?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1987

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

By John Steptoe · Book #44 in the Reading Rainbow series

Two sisters vie for a king's heart, but only one can be queen. Who will he choose?

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1987)Coretta Scott King Award (1988)Caldecott Honor (1988)

32 pages· 1,596 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 21,104 ratings

Summary: In a land where beauty and worth are prized, Mufaro's daughters, Nyasha and Manyara, are summoned by the king seeking a bride. Nyasha's kindness contrasts with Manyara's ambition, setting the stage for a royal decision. As the sisters journey to the king, their true natures are revealed. Will the king see beyond appearances to choose the right queen? This tale, rich with African culture and moral lessons, explores themes of pride, virtue, and destiny. Discover who will win the king's heart and the crown in this timeless fable.

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Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

Fish Feud!

By Kevin Sherry · Book #1 in the Squidding Around series

A young squid named Squizzard navigates the challenges of friendship and growing up in a coral reef school.

96 pages· 2,706 words· Est. 31 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 308 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Squizzard, a lively squid, loves being the hero in every game with his best friend, Toothy. But his bossy ways push Toothy too far, creating a deep rift. As Squizzard faces loneliness at Deep Reef Elementary, can he learn from his mistakes and win back Toothy's friendship? Dive into this underwater tale of friendship, growth, and second chances.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1996

This Is Our House

By Michael Rosen, Bob Graham (Illustrator)

A boy's exclusive playhouse rule backfires, teaching him a lesson in inclusion.

32 pages· 482 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 176 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: George rules his cardboard playhouse with exclusion, barring others for trivial reasons. But when he steps away, the tables turn as everyone else takes over. Will George learn that sharing his space might be more rewarding than keeping it to himself? Discover how a simple playground game becomes a lesson in friendship and inclusion.

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