Celebrate National Bookshop Day: 10 Kids’ Books That Spark the Joy of Reading
Grab your tote bags and your just one more chapter energy, because October 11th is National Bookshop Day. The ultimate celebration for book lovers, page sniffers, and anyone who swears they’re “just popping in for a look.”
This is the one glorious day of the year where we get to shower our local and indie bookshops with love. These bookshops are magical places where imagination spills off the shelves, staff recommendations somehow always hit the mark, and the smell of new books feels like pure happiness. Whether you’re strolling through your favourite shop in town or browsing online from the comfort of your sofa (slippers and cuppa in hand), National Bookshop Day is your perfect excuse to explore, discover, and support the stories that bring us together.
And because we can’t resist sharing a bit of bookish joy, we’ve rounded up 10 great picks for kids, books that inspire the joy of reading and remind us all just how magical a good story can be
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Dog Loves Drawing
Dog Loves Drawing by Louise Yates.
If creativity had a mascot, it would definitely be Dog, in Dog Loves Drawing. This book brings us an irresistibly charming tale about a book loving pup who discovers the magic of making his own stories one doodle at a time.
When Dog receives a blank book as a gift (yes, a completely empty one!), he’s not quite sure what to do with it. But then inspiration strikes and with a wag of his tail and a flick of his pencil, Dog starts drawing. Soon his sketches come to life, and before you know it, he’s off on a wild, imaginative adventure with a cast of quirky, hand drawn friends including a stickman, a duck, and a playful monster or two!
This delightful picture book celebrates imagination, creativity, and the joy of storytelling, reminding little readers that sometimes the best adventures begin with a blank page. Louise Yates’s warm illustrations and gentle humour make it a perfect pick for budding artists and daydreamers alike.
Perfect for: Ages 3 to 7 and great for little creators who love to draw, and anyone who believes that books can take you anywhere (even into your own imagination).
2. How to Read a Story
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel.
If you’ve ever wanted a step-by-step guide to the art of snuggling up with a good book, How to Read a Story is the charming little manual you didn’t know you needed.
This picture book takes readers big and small through ten “easy” and utterly adorable steps to becoming an expert storyteller. From finding the perfect book (harder than it sounds when they all look so good!) to gathering your audience (even if it’s just your stuffed bear), Kate Messner captures the pure joy of reading aloud with warmth, humour, and heart.
Mark Siegel’s playful illustrations bring every step to life, wrapping the story in gentle colour and cosiness that perfectly matches its message; reading is not just something you do it’s something you share.
Perfect for: Ages 4 to 8 and bedtime readers, story time enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever read a book out loud with silly voices and big expressions.
A sweet, funny, and heart warming reminder that every great story starts the same way by opening the cover and diving in together.
3. Little Red Reading Hood
Little Red Reading Hood by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Ben Mantle.
Once upon a rhyme, there was a little girl who loved books even more than baskets of goodies. Would you like to meet her?
Well…Meet Little Red Reading Hood, the clever heroine of Lucy Rowland’s delightful, twisty take on a classic tale, beautifully illustrated by Ben Mantle.
When Little Red sets off through the woods to return her favourite book to the library (because, of course, she’s a responsible reader), she bumps into a not so scary wolf who’s very interested in stories too. But instead of gobbling up grandmas, this wolf might just get swept up in the magic of reading instead!
Rowland’s playful rhymes bounce off the page, and Mantle’s bright, expressive artwork turns every scene into a fairy tale feast for the eyes. Together, they’ve created a story that celebrates the power of books, imagination, and reading together, all wrapped up in humour, heart, and a dash of adventure.
Perfect for: Ages 3 to 7, and little fairy tale fans, budding bookworms, and anyone who believes that even wolves can love a good story time.
4. How to Read a Book
How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Melissa Sweet.
Reading isn’t just something you do it’s something you feel, taste, and dive headfirst into and Kwame Alexander captures that perfectly in How to Read a Book. A lyrical love letter to the magic of stories, with Melissa Sweet’s stunning collage style illustrations splashing across every page, this book is a full sensory experience part poem, part adventure, and entirely unforgettable.
From the very first line (“First, find a tree, a black tupelo or dawn redwood will do…”) kids are invited to slow down, open up, and truly savour what it means to read. Each page bursts with rhythm, colour, and emotion, reminding readers that a good book isn’t just words on paper it’s a doorway, a journey, and a heartbeat.
Perfect for: Ages 4 to 8 (and honestly, anyone who loves the poetry of reading), teachers looking for an inspiring classroom read aloud, and families who treasure books that spark imagination and wonder.
5. The Oldest Student
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora.
Meet Mary Walker, a woman with a dream that proves it’s never too late to learn something new. In The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, Rita Lorraine Hubbard tells the inspiring true story of Mary, who, at the age of 116, finally learned to read which shows kids that determination, curiosity, and courage can defy any age.
Oge Mora’s gorgeous, textured illustrations bring Mary’s journey to life with warmth, colour, and heart, capturing the quiet triumph of achieving a lifelong goal. This beautifully told story celebrates perseverance, the joy of learning, and the power of literacy in a way that’s accessible and inspiring for young readers.
Perfect for: Ages 5 to 9, young readers learning to read, children learning about history and inspiring real life stories, for anyone who needs a reminder that it’s never too late to chase a dream.
A heart warming and motivating read that proves learning can be magical no matter your age!
6. Lola at the Library with Mommy
Lola at the Library with Mommy by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw.
Library day has never been this adorable! In Lola at the Library with Mommy, Anna McQuinn takes little readers on a delightful journey with Lola, a curious and enthusiastic little girl who loves discovering the wonders of the library alongside her mom.
With Rosalind Beardshaw’s bright, cheerful illustrations, every page bursts with warmth, colour, and playful details; from the towering shelves full of books to Lola’s excited expressions as she explores new stories. This charming tale celebrates the joy of reading, curiosity, and spending quality time together, making it the perfect introduction to the library experience for young children.
Perfect for: Ages 2 to 5, early readers, toddlers visiting libraries for the first time, and families looking to inspire a lifelong love of books and libraries.
A sweet, fun, and heart warming story that reminds kids and parents that adventures await on every library shelf.
7. The Bookworm
The Bookworm by Debi Gliori.
Meet a very hungry little bookworm… but not the kind you have to shoo out of your garden! In The Bookworm, Debi Gliori spins a delightfully funny tale about a tiny worm with a big appetite for books. This cheeky critter doesn’t munch on leaves or apples instead, it chomps through story after story, discovering the magic hidden in every page.
Gliori’s charming, expressive illustrations bring the bookworm’s literary adventures to life, capturing both humour and the joy of reading in a way that will make young readers giggle and relate. This story celebrates the love of books, imagination, and the irresistible pull of a great story, making it perfect for little readers (=and big ones too!
Perfect for: Ages 3 to 7, budding bookworms, early readers, and kids who love silly, fun, and book themed adventures.
A funny, heart warming, page turning story that shows just how magical reading can be one “bite” at a time!
8. The Bridges
The Bridges by Tom Percival.
Mia feels completely alone, as if she’s living on a tiny island far out at sea. But everything changes when she’s given a book and its the first she’s ever been able to call her own. As Mia reads, something magical happens: bridges start to appear, her island fills with colour and life, and the more she reads, the stronger those bridges grow, opening up a world of connection, hope, and friendship.
Written and illustrated by Tom Percival, this moving picture book celebrates the transformative power of books and reading. His tender, expressive artwork brings Mia’s journey to life, showing young readers how stories can take us anywhere even from loneliness to a world full of connection and joy.
Perfect for: Ages 4 to 8, children learning about empathy and friendship, families wanting to inspire a love of reading, and anyone who believes in the magic a single book can bring.
A heartfelt, uplifting story that reminds us all: sometimes, a book isn’t just a story it’s a bridge to a brighter, more connected world.
9. The One-Stop Story Shop
The One-Stop Story Shop by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal.
Step right up to the most magical shop in town… a place where every story you could ever dream of is just waiting to be discovered! In The One-Stop Story Shop, Tracey Corderoy spins a joyful tale of adventure, imagination, and the pure magic of books, brought to life with Tony Neal’s vibrant, playful illustrations.
Follow along as readers meet a shop unlike any other stacked high with books of every kind, full of fantastical tales and exciting adventures. From dragons to daring explorers, this story celebrates the joy of discovering new worlds through reading, and reminds kids that a single book can spark a thousand adventures.
Perfect for: Ages 3 to 7, little readers who love stories within stories, families looking to inspire a love of reading, and children who can’t get enough of imaginative adventures.
A funny, colourful, and heart warming celebration of books, imagination, and the joy of reading, Perfect for curling up and diving into new stories again and again!
10. Shhh! I'm Reading!
Shhh! I’m Reading! by John Kelly, illustrated by Elina Ellis.
Quiet, please… a reading adventure is about to begin! In Shhh! I’m Reading! John Kelly tells the hilarious story of a little girl and a very curious audience who just can’t stop reading. From pirates to dragons and everything in between, the pages are packed with imagination, excitement, and a little chaos too, because reading can be loud in your heart, even if you have to whisper out loud.
Elina Ellis’s energetic, whimsical illustrations bring the story to life, showing kids that books can spark laughter, creativity, and fun all while celebrating the joy of getting lost in a story.
Perfect for: Ages 3 to 7, early readers, kids with big imaginations, and families who love to share story time giggles.
A cheerful, lively celebration of books, reading, and the magical worlds inside every page with just enough “shhh!” to make it extra fun.
Final thoughts
So there you have it 19 fantastic kids’ books to celebrate National Bookshop Day on October 11th. Whether you’re browsing the shelves, clicking through an online shop, or sneaking a few quiet pages while the kids are “supposed” to be napping, these stories are guaranteed to spark giggles, curiosity, and maybe even a little family bookish chaos. So grab a tote, pick a favourite (or three), and remember: on Bookshop Day, calories don’t count, excuses are optional, and getting lost in a book is highly encouraged!