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Whether you’re a fellow Londoner – or planning a visit from far away – there really is just so much for kids to love in London.
Every street and square is JAM packed full of history.
Inviting exploration and adventure.
AND luckily there are a whole host of brilliant London books for kids that capture that spirit.
From gorgeous London picture books and fun early readers to mystery and mayhem on London’s streets for older kids. PLUS cool London guide books.
AND all the historical facts about London your kids could ever want to know.
So if you’re looking for a gift for a little Londoner or a London book to excite your kids before they visit, check out this list of some my family’s absolute fave London books for kids …
London Books For Kids
1. London Picture Books & Early Readers
Topsy and Tim are not Londoners but their visit to London (US) is a fab way to explore the sites.
We loved this. NOT least cos they stay just up the road from us in south London 🙂
Topsy and Tim aren’t the only ones to visit London town. So DO Charlie and Lola!
And needless to say their visit – in We Completely Must Go To London (US) – is a bit more crazy.
BUT even Charlie and Lola can’t beat Katie’s adventure when she visits London!
In this lovely book – Katie in London – a Trafalgar Square lion comes to life and shows her the city.
A Walk In London (US) is aother beautifully illustrated London picture book that we really loved …
And The Queen’s Hat is gorgeous AND very funny …
Oh, and of course NO list of London books for little kids would be complete without Paddington.
Paddington’s London Treasury (US) has four of the most iconic London stories including our fave Paddington at the Palace…
PLUS PLUS PLUS if you have got a fan of any of the following there’s also …
2. London Books for 8 and Ups
Those London picture books take some beating.
BUT there are also a whole host of brilliant London books for kids 8 and up.
With all sorts of wild adventures across the city. These are some of our absolute faves.
The London Eye Mystery (US) is a mind twisting “whodunnit” set in the heart of the city.
The story is narrated by its hero – a young teenager with Aspbergers – but is accessible for 8 ups.
Two of our other fave London mystery books are actually set in London’s past.
The first, The Adventures of the New Cut Gang (US) by Philip Pullman is set in the 19th Century.
The gang rampage all over the south bank as they – hilariously – track down a series of criminals.
Our second fave is the Cat Royal (US) series set in 18th Century Covent Garden.
A fantastically inspiring heroine for 21st Century Girls, Cat can more than hold her own on the streets of London – most of which are still there today …
And for even more London mystery adventure, check out …
- The Case of the Missing Moonstone (US)
- Hollow City (US) – for older kids
- The Clockwork Sparrow (US)
- Smith
3. London History Books For Kids
I do think those London mysteries are the best way for kids to learn about London’s history.
But kids also love facts, don’t they?
And there’s fascinating facts galore on London all the way from Roman Londinium to today in The Story Of London.
And loads of gory facts about London in Gruesome Guides in the Horrible Histories series …
4. London Guides For Kids
For a less gory tour of London we have this cool London map for children – which is great for them to start navigating with. Plus a good old i-Spy London (US) which is a fab stocking filler.
For something a bit fancier, check out the gorgeous Pop-Up London (US) covering all London’s most famous sites …
There’s also some fab London colouring books around including this classic from Usborne. Or for something a bit different – and trickier – I love this Secret London colouring book …
And finally, to round off the list, some London sticker books.
And I KNOW, I KNOW stickers are a pain but they are handy entertainment when you’re travelling.
For littlies try this My First London Sticker Book …
Or for slightly older kids this London Sticker Book which does have a fair amount of facts and detail to go with the stickers.
So there you go 30 brilliant London books for kids. I do hope you enjoy them.
For more great reads for kids do check out my other book lists.
And for more London fun do follow my Family Fun London page on Facebook …
OH … and if you loved the list, don’t forget to save it for later …
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