10+ Best Illustrated Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect illustrated books for 9-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? You've come to the right place! From captivating adventures to heartwarming tales, we've rounded up a diverse collection of visually stunning books that are perfect for kids who love to read and explore through pictures. Keep reading to discover our top picks of illustrated books for 9-year-olds that are sure to spark imagination and joy in your child’s reading journey!

Fun Illustrated Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two children discover a mysterious board game called Jumanji. As they play, they find that the game's jungle adventures come to life in their own world, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable series of events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the imagination with its magical premise and stunning illustrations, making reading a thrilling adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure and fantasy, and anyone who enjoys stories where the line between reality and play blurs.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this beautifully illustrated novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and a hidden message from his late father.
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of text and intricate illustrations makes it a unique reading experience, encouraging visual literacy alongside traditional reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by mysteries and history, or those who appreciate art and storytelling through visuals.

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This wordless narrative tells the story of an immigrant's journey to an unfamiliar and fantastical world, capturing the emotions and challenges of being a newcomer.
  • Why we recommend this book: The lack of text challenges readers to interpret the story through its powerful and detailed illustrations, enhancing interpretative skills and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and any child dealing with or interested in themes of migration and the search for belonging.

• Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Humor
  • Synopsis: A collection of humorous and imaginative poems that explore various fantastical scenarios and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to poetry in a fun and engaging way, sparking creativity and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy silliness and creative stories, and those beginning to explore the rhythm and playfulness of language.

• Flotsam by David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young boy discovers an underwater camera washed up on the shore and develops its pictures, leading to a series of fantastical discoveries about the ocean's depths.
  • Why we recommend this book: The intricate and imaginative illustrations invite readers to create their own stories, fostering creativity and storytelling skills.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that delight in details and stories without words, encouraging them to imagine and invent.

Educational Illustrated Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman
  • Illustrator: Joyce Sidman
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Art
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Maria Merian, a pioneering female scientist and artist in the 17th century who studied the life cycles of butterflies, defying the superstitions of her time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of scientific methods, historical perspective on women in science, appreciation for the intersection of art and science
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines illustrations with narrative to celebrate the contributions of an important female scientist whose work continues to influence entomology today.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science, history, and art, especially those inspired by stories of groundbreaking individuals.

• Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams
  • Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Adventure, Geography
  • Synopsis: This illustrated atlas takes readers on a journey around the world, exploring continents through engaging activities and cultural experiences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic knowledge, cultural awareness, curiosity about the world
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses vibrant illustrations and exciting scenarios to make learning about different cultures and places engaging and fun.
  • Perfect for: Globetrotting young adventurers and any child eager to learn about the world in a visually stimulating way.

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman
  • Illustrator: Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Space, Educational
  • Synopsis: Professor Astro Cat guides young readers through the incredible frontiers of space, explaining complex astronomical concepts in an accessible and entertaining way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic astronomy, scientific curiosity, understanding of the universe
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex space science into digestible parts with appealing and informative illustrations, making it perfect for budding astronomers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of becoming astronauts or are fascinated by the stars and planets.

• The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Guillain
  • Illustrator: Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Science, Environment
  • Synopsis: This unique fold-out book takes readers on a journey underground, exploring the layers beneath the city streets from sewers to subway lines to geological formations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Earth science, environmental awareness, urban infrastructure
  • Why we recommend this book: Its innovative format and detailed illustrations encourage exploration and a deeper understanding of the world beneath our feet.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that are interested in science and how things work behind the scenes of everyday life.

• Animalium by Jenny Broom
  • Illustrator: Katie Scott
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Nature, Biology
  • Synopsis: Presented as a virtual museum with "galleries" of different animal kingdoms, this book offers detailed illustrations and fascinating facts about creatures from around the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biological sciences, ecosystem awareness, animal behavior
  • Why we recommend this book: It allows readers to explore biodiversity in a museum-like setting, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young naturalists who love animals and want to learn more about the diversity of life on Earth.

Challenging Illustrated Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman
  • Illustrator: Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Lucy hears noises from within the walls of her house and suspects that wolves are living in them, but her family doesn't believe her—until the wolves come out.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative structure and dark, evocative illustrations that challenge the reader's perception of reality and fantasy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling and imaginative story that encourages critical thinking and bravery in facing one's fears.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy spooky stories and exploring the boundaries between the real and the imaginary.

• The Marvels by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Spanning 200 years, this intricately woven narrative tells the story of a family's mysterious past and a boy's journey to uncover hidden secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual narrative, combining both traditional text and wordless illustrations, requires readers to piece together two seemingly separate stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends visual and textual storytelling, providing a rich, multilayered experience that enhances both reading and interpretative skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and mysteries, and those interested in the art of storytelling through both words and pictures.

• The Red Tree by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: A young girl finds herself lost in her own despair, wandering through a fantastical world where she encounters various symbolic scenarios.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its abstract and metaphorical content invites deep reflection on emotions and life's challenges, which can be profound for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with complex emotional themes in a sensitive and beautiful way, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are dealing with or curious about emotional growth and resilience, and those who appreciate art that tells deeper stories.

• Quest by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A king emerges from a hidden door and hands two children a mysterious map that sparks an extraordinary journey through new landscapes filled with captivating challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: This wordless book requires readers to use their imagination to understand and narrate the story themselves, enhancing their creative and cognitive skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and problem-solving through its detailed, lush illustrations and the open-ended, imaginative scenario.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and dreamers who love creating their own stories and adventures.

• The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: When Alan loses his neighbor's dog in the mysterious garden of retired magician Abdul Gasazi, he finds himself in a surreal adventure that blurs the lines between reality and magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated narrative and the intricate, moody illustrations challenge readers to question what is real and what is illusion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that engages the imagination and encourages a sense of wonder and curiosity about the unknown.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magical realism and stories that feature rich, atmospheric artwork.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help a 9-year-old dive deeper into the world of illustrated books, here are some fun and engaging exercises that can enhance their reading habits. These activities are not only enjoyable but also beneficial in developing strong reading skills.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story’s main events and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story structure.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of events or characters.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Choose a pivotal moment in the story for the diary entry.

• Illustration Interpretation
  • What it is: Choose an illustration and write a story or explanation about what’s happening.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and a deeper connection with the visual elements of the book.
  • Tips: Discuss the colors, emotions, and activities shown in the illustration.

• Book Review Blog
  • What it is: Write a short review of the book for a blog post.
  • How it helps: Helps with critical thinking and expressing opinions clearly.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn’t like, and whom you would recommend the book to.

• Reading Race
  • What it is: Set a timer and read as much as possible before it goes off.
  • How it helps: Encourages focus and faster reading under a fun challenge.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable times and gradually increase.

• Quote Collection
  • What it is: Collect and record your favorite quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and appreciation for good writing.
  • Tips: Create a special notebook or digital document for your collection.

• Discussion Director
  • What it is: Lead a book discussion with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves verbal communication and ability to think on your feet.
  • Tips: Prepare questions in advance to keep the discussion flowing.

These exercises are a great way to make reading illustrated books even more exciting and enriching for 9-year-olds. Not only will they have fun, but they'll also build valuable skills that will serve them well in all their reading adventures. So, grab an illustrated book and let the fun begin!