Check out our picks of best persuasive books for kids!
When it comes to adopting positive, healthy habits and behaviors, kids can be pretty stubborn. Picture books, with their engaging, often silly plots and visuals can be a powerful tool. The best ones model valuable lessons in a way that appeal to their natural playfulness without coming off “preachy.”
This list has some of our favorite books for persuading kids through stories–plus a few must-reads for teaching persuasive writing as a valuable skill at school and beyond.
Check out our picks of best persuasive books for kids below!
Best Persuasive Books for Kids on Epic
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (Audiobook)
By Doreen Cronin
Ages: 2-5
“Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” is a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek story about a scrappy crew of literate cows that go on strike.
When the cows at Farmer Brown’s farm discover a typewriter one day, they put it to good use and type a letter asking the farmer for electric blankets to keep them warm in the chilly barn. Farmer Brown isn’t impressed by their demands (or newfound typing skills). So he responds with a firm “no.” This silly title is a cute early lesson in persuasive letter writing. And the animated audio format makes it perfect for a read-aloud.
If your kid enjoys the audiobook version, they’ll love the animated picture book also available on Epic.
How Can I Wait When There’s a Treat On My Plate?
Written by: Dan Graham
Illustrated by: Teresa Martinez
Ages: 4-8
Having patience and delaying gratification can be tough for kids—like Dell and Pete in this humorous book about staying strong in the face of temptation. Do they choose a marshmallow now or the ice cream truck later? Mom says they can only have one! They pick the less-preferred treat and have to miss out on their favorite ice cream because they don’t want to wait. As Pete struggles, Dell offers him some tricks for delaying gratification.
The book even includes a note for parents and caregivers with techniques to help kids learn to control their impulses.
The Bad Seed
Written by: Jory John
Illustrated by: Pete Oswald
Ages: 4-8
This New York Times bestseller is about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. He has a bad temper, bad manners and a bad attitude. He cuts in line, rudely stares and doesn’t listen. One day, this very bad seed has a change of heart and decides he wants to be happy. But he may have to change his attitude and behavior to make that happen.
Reminiscent of the classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” this funny yet touching tale shows kids that positive change is possible through will, acceptance and embracing the right frame of mind.
The Perfect Pet
By: Carl Nino
Illustrated by: Isabella Grott
Ages: 5-6
A little boy wants a pet and must convince his mother to let him get one. The problem is all of the animals he suggests are either too big (a giraffe? No, no, no!). Or they’re too scary (no tigers!). This simple, cute Read-To-Me book is a lesson for early readers on using negotiation and compromise when trying to get what they want.
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School (Audiobook)
By: Mark Teague
Ages: 5-8
When Ike Larue the dog is “imprisoned” at the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy, he laments about life in obedience school through a series of hilarious letters to his owner, Mrs. Gertrude R. LaRue. From weepy complaints to faking an illness he’ll stop at nothing to convince Mrs. LaRue that it’s time for him to come home. After his letter-writing campaign proves unsuccessful, he escapes and runs back to Snort City, just in time to save Mrs. LaRue.
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs (Audiobook)
By: Jon Scieszka
Ages: 5-8
You and your kid will laugh out loud at this alternative take on “The Three Little Pigs,” narrated by Paul Giamatti.
According to the aggrieved Alexander T. Wolf, there’s a lot more to the story than a whole lot of huffing and puffing. In fact, he claims, it all started with a cup of sugar and a sneeze. Follow the wolf’s version of events as he attempts to explain his “misunderstanding” involving the three brother piggies and clear his name.
For more twisted and traditional fairy tales, check out our post: “Best Folk Tales for Kids.”
Do Unto Otters (Audiobook)
By: Laurie Keller
Ages: 5-8
Smart, playful text makes this audiobook perfect for laughing and listening along. The story begins when grouchy Mr. Rabbit suddenly has to get along with the otters who just moved into the neighborhood. Though he struggles with coping with his new neighbors at first, Mr. Rabbit comes to learn how to be kind to otters—er, others—while still respecting their differences.
This book teaches kids kindergarten through 3rd grade about the “golden rule” of treating people the way they would like to be treated, and what it means to be a good friend and neighbor.
Other Recommendations
Like these picks? Find even more great books that help persuade kids to adopt positive habits and behaviors, like these favorites, available on Amazon.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
By: Mo Willems
From the brilliant creator behind “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and many other laugh-out-loud titles in this lesson-laden series comes “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late.” This time, as the bus driver gets ready for bed he begs young readers NOT to let the pigeon stay up. Of course the pigeon tries to talk his way into getting his way (“I hear there’s a good show about birds on TV tonight,” he says). His efforts mirror the antics little ones use to try to get out of bedtime, until he finally falls asleep.
The Day the Crayons Quit
Written by: Drew Daywalt
In this hilarious, colorful #1 New York Times bestseller, Duncan is getting ready to color, but when he opens his crayon box, the crayons are gone! Instead he finds only written letters saying they’ve had enough and quit. Blue crayon needs a break from coloring water. Black crayon is tired of just outlining. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking (they each think they’re the true color of the sun). Can Duncan appease the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?
Hey, Little Ant
Written by: Phillip M. Hoose & Hannah Hoose
Illustrated by: Debbie Tilley
This funny picture book presents young readers with a conundrum: when confronting tiny critters on the ground: to squish or not to squish? What if an ant you were about to step on spoke to you? Would you think twice? This book about a little girl’s conversation with an ant persuades kids of the importance of showing caring and kindness to creatures big and small.
I Wanna Iguana
Written by: Karen Kaufman Orloff
Illustrated by: David Catrow
From the creators of “I Wanna New Room,” comes another fun lesson in persuasive writing for kids. In order to convince his mom to let him have an iguana, Alex puts his arguments in writing. From making promises and reassurances to engaging in back and forth negotiations, the debate between Alex and his mom make for a lively story filled with fun factoids that will keep your kid laughing.
The Monster at the End of This Book
By: Jon Stone
This book has a big furry blue monster waiting for you—oh no! Don’t worry. This adorable picture book from Sesame Street isn’t scary. Narrated by the lovable, furry monster Grover, he warns little ones that he’s learned there’s a monster at the end of the book and begs them not to turn the pages. But of course they can’t resist and are delighted by what actually awaits at the end.
Under a Pig Tree
Written by Margie Palatini
Illustrated by: Chuck Groenink
The author of “Under a Pig Tree” has written a clear, no-nonsense history of figs, but the publisher is convinced she meant pigs. What results is a hilarious, illustrated history of pigs, filled with absurd “facts” (“There is nothing better than enjoying a cup of tea or glass of milk with one of those famous Pig Newtons”). With sticky notes from the publisher and angry scribbles from the author, this book playfully shows the potentially big consequences of small mistakes.
That’s our list of best persuasive books for kids! For more engaging (and hilarious) cautionary tales to help grow positive traits and behaviors in your kid, check out our post: “Funny Children’s Books to Get ‘Em Laughing (& Reading!)“
