10+ Best Picture Books for 8-9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect picture books for 8-9-year-olds that will keep your young reader engaged and excited? You're in the right place! Whether your child is a budding artist or a curious explorer, the world of picture books offers a treasure trove of visual and textual delights that cater specifically to this imaginative age group. Keep reading to discover our diverse lists of picture books that promise to captivate and inspire your 8 to 9-year-old reader.

Fun Picture Books for 8-9-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventure and imagination, encouraging readers to explore their own creativity and emotions.
  • Perfect for: Children who love letting their imaginations run wild and those who enjoy stories of adventure and fantasy.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are tired of how they're being used and decide to go on strike, each expressing their grievances through letters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that teaches the importance of understanding and managing relationships, even with crayons!
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humor and learning about resolving conflicts.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Wordless Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps into a world of adventure, where she embarks on a quest that involves a magical flying carpet and a captive bird.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages creativity and storytelling, as readers can tell the story in their own words while following the beautiful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and imaginative thinkers who love to create and tell stories.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: A Korean girl named Unhei moves to America and decides to choose a new name after her classmates can't pronounce her real name. She soon learns the value of her original name and her cultural identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the appreciation of one's own culture and the acceptance of diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
  • Perfect for: Children navigating cultural differences and those learning the importance of self-acceptance and diversity.

• The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce, illustrated by Joe Bluhm
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Morris Lessmore loves books, but when a storm scatters his collection, he discovers a magical library where books come to life and fly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant celebration of the power of books and storytelling, inspiring readers to find joy and solace in reading.
  • Perfect for: Book lovers and dreamers who believe in the transformative power of storytelling.

Educational Picture Books for 8-9-Year-Olds

• The Water Princess by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Based on the childhood experience of Georgie Badiel, a girl dreams of bringing clean drinking water to her African village.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of global issues, empathy, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens children's eyes to the challenges faced by others around the world and inspires them to think about how they can make a difference.
  • Perfect for: Young activists and any child interested in social justice and environmental issues.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in the sciences, and shows that anyone can be a scientist.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds who love to ask "why?"

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Temple Grandin, a woman with autism who became one of the most powerful voices in modern science and livestock handling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of autism, resilience, animal science
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring biography that encourages inclusivity and shows that different abilities can lead to extraordinary achievements.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in animal science and stories of overcoming challenges.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: A young girl, referred to simply as "the girl," decides to make the most magnificent thing but faces frustrations when her creation doesn't turn out as she wants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, resilience, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches persistence and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards setbacks and challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who need encouragement to keep trying despite obstacles.

• Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams, illustrated by Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Geography
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a journey around the world, exploring continents and introducing the unique cultures, animals, and landscapes of various regions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, cultural awareness, curiosity about the world
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning exploration of the world that enhances geographical knowledge and cultural understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about different parts of the globe and the wonders they hold.

Challenging Picture Books for 8-9-Year-Olds

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Wordless Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of an immigrant's journey to an unfamiliar and fantastical world, depicted entirely through detailed illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires readers to interpret complex themes and narratives solely through visual cues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances visual literacy and empathy by placing readers in the shoes of someone experiencing a new world, just as real immigrants do.
  • Perfect for: Visual thinkers and children interested in stories about new beginnings and the immigrant experience.

• The Red Tree by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Surrealism
  • Synopsis: A girl finds herself lost in a dark and emotional world, eventually discovering hope through a bright red tree.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex emotions and uses surreal, symbolic imagery to convey themes of despair and hope.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful discussion starter about emotions and resilience, encouraging children to express and manage their feelings.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate art and those dealing with or learning about emotional challenges.

• The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A boy named Alan loses a dog he was supposed to be watching in the mysterious, magical garden of Abdul Gasazi.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate narrative and detailed illustrations require careful attention and interpretation to fully grasp the mysterious elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination and offers a captivating adventure that blurs the lines between reality and magic.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and mysteries, and those fascinated by magical realism.

• Tuesday by David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Wordless Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Frogs on flying lily pads embark on a whimsical journey through a small town, witnessed only by a few unsuspecting residents.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is told entirely through pictures, requiring readers to piece together the plot and underlying messages without text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity and narrative skills, as children imagine the story’s progression and details.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and anyone who enjoys quirky, out-of-the-box storytelling.

• Mirror by Jeannie Baker
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: Two parallel stories unfold side-by-side on each page, one about a family in Australia and the other about a family in Morocco, highlighting their different yet similar daily lives.
  • Why this book is challenging: The side-by-side visual format and the comparison of culturally diverse narratives demand a higher level of cognitive engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters global awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity through a unique visual narrative approach.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about different cultures and those learning about the connections that tie diverse worlds together.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for some fun ways to help your 8-9-year-olds develop good reading habits while enjoying their picture books, you're in the right place. Here are a few exercises that are not only enjoyable but also beneficial for young readers. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as a reading nook.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a comfortable and inviting place.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book Talk Time
  • What it is: Set aside time to discuss the book they are currently reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows them to express thoughts and feelings about the story.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the pages of a picture book before reading, discussing the images.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and sets the stage for understanding the story.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to tell a story based on what they see in the pictures.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the books read over a period of time.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and lets them see their progress.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for reaching reading milestones to keep the excitement alive.

• Role Reversal Reading
  • What it is: Have your child read a book to you or a younger sibling.
  • How it helps: Builds confidence and improves fluency.
  • Tips: Choose books with repetitive text or rhymes to make this easier and more fun for them.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause during reading to guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Keep the predictions fun and light; there are no wrong answers in imagination!

• Illustration Station
  • What it is: After reading, have your child draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and gives a creative outlet to express understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies to make this activity more engaging.

These exercises are designed to make reading a picture book an exciting and enriching experience for your kids. By incorporating these activities into their routine, you'll help them develop a love for reading that could last a lifetime. So, grab some books, and let's get started! Happy reading!