Check out our picks for the best kids’ books to read online!
Nothing beats holding a great book in your hand, but let’s face it. The costs and shelf space involved in building a home library make it impractical to fuel your kid’s appetite for reading using traditional books alone.
This is where online children’s books come in. Using a kid-friendly reading app on an iPad, eReader or other device, you can access some of the most popular, best-selling books of all time. It helps if you have a subscription like Epic. With Epic Unlimited, each month you can fit over 40,000 digital books and videos in your pocket (for the price of one).
So give your library card a breather and check out these top kids’ books to read online. From audiobooks and picture books, to chapter books for young adults, there’s something on this list for every kid.
Books to Read Online With Epic
Boom Snot Twitty (Audiobook)
By: Doreen Cronin
Ages: 3-5
Before kids start to read books, they love to listen to stories (who doesn’t?), and this cute audiobook makes for a great read-aloud.
Boom the bear is jumpy and restless. Twitty the robin is cautious and reserved. Snot the snail is patient and also loves adventure. As the three wait for the day to begin, they can’t agree on what to do. But when a storm arrives, they have to make their decisions.
This charming free audiobook (on Epic Basic) shows early readers how very different friends can get along and feel at home in each other’s company.
Fox + Chick: The Sleepover
By: Sergio Ruzzier
Ages: 5-8
Fans of the classic books featuring the adventures of Frog and Toad will love this hilarious buddy book. This collection of short stories follows unlikely friends Frog and Chick, as they work through their differences and eventually find ways to get along.
In this third book in the series, Fox and Chick have a sleepover, look for a lost hammer and have a surprise party. The relatable characters and humor make this a fun way for young readers to learn about friendship.
Storybook Classics: Thumbelina (Audiobook)
By: Hans Christian Andersen, Tom Roberts
Ages: 5-12
A couple unable to have children is miraculously blessed with a baby girl—but no ordinary girl. She’s no bigger than a thumb, so they name her Thumbelina. One day she’s taken by an ugly toad, who wants to marry her, but Thumbelina escapes, and meets a host of characters as she makes her way through the forest until she meets the king of the flower angels, with whom she finds happiness.
This classic book by Hans Christian Andersen and updated by Tom Roberts will capture your kid’s heart and imagination. Narrated by Kelly McGillis!
Ivy + Bean: Book 1
Written by: Annie Barrows
Illustrated by: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 6-10
When seven-year-old Bean plays a trick on her sister, she finds unexpected support for her antics from Ivy, the new neighbor.
From the moment they see each other, Bean and Ivy know they won’t be friends. But then Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide, quick! Ivy comes to the rescue, proving that sometimes the best of friends are people never meant to like each other. Vibrant characters and lots of humor make this a charming—and addictive—intro to a new series.
For more great digital reads for kids in this age group, check out our post: “11 Best Books for 7-Year-olds.”
Diary of a 5th Grade Outlaw: Book 1
Written by: Gina Loveless
Illustrated by: Andrea Bell
Ages: 6-12
Epic Originals alert! Robin Loxley, the 5th grade outlaw of Nottingham Elementary, tells all in this hilarious diary-style illustrated novel. In this first book in the series, the school bully already rules recess with an unfair playground tax. All Robin can think about is winning back her best friend, Mary Ann, after a disastrous fallout over the summer. But to do so, she will have to stand up to Nadia, face the wrath of Assistant Principal Johnson, and become a legendary outlaw at Nottingham Elementary—all while forming a merry band of new friends along the way.
If your kid loves this, you can find the whole series and check back for new books here.
Ghostwriter: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
By: Lewis Carroll, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Ages: 6-12
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” fans and newbies alike will love this playful adaptation of the classic book by Lewis Carroll. The updated storytelling reaches an entirely new generation of readers and includes themed bonus activities at the end, like games, quizzes, puzzles and more.
Curious Questions & Answers About Astronauts
By: Sue Becklake
Ages: 8-10
Does your kid dream of being an astronaut when they grow up? Or do they just think they’re really cool? They can read all about what astronauts do, including their training, in this fact-filled nonfiction book. With fun illustrations and an easy-to-understand Q & A format, this guide fuels curiosity in even the most reluctant readers.
Unicorn Island: Book 1
Written by: Donna Galanti
Illustrated by: Bethany Stancliffe
Ages: 8-12
Here’s another exciting series from Epic Originals!
When Sam arrives in Foggy Harbor, population 3,230, all she can see is a small, boring town that’s way too far from home. And knowing that she’s stuck there all summer with her grumpy Uncle Mitch only makes things worse.
But when Sam discovers a hidden trapdoor leading to a room full of strange artifacts, she realizes Foggy Harbor isn’t as sleepy as it seems. With the help of a new friend, Sam discovers an extraordinary secret beyond the fog: an island of unicorns whose fates are intertwined with hers.
Big Nate and Friends
By: Lincoln Peirce
Ages: 8-12
11-year-old “Big Nate” tops the troublemaker list. In fact, he holds the school record in detentions, but that doesn’t stop this self-described genius from dreaming big. In this popular comic book series, your middle-grader can join Big Nate and best buddies, Francis and Teddy as they navigate overzealous teachers, wimpy cafeteria food and all things ordinary.
Other Recommendations
Still want more? Here are a few of our favorite choices not available in our digital library, several of which you find on Amazon and read on your Kindle.
Pride, Prejudice & Zombies
By: Jane Austen, Seth Gramme-Smith
“Pride and Prejudice” meets… zombies? You got it! This dark spin on the Jane Austin classic novel takes this familiar comedy of manners to a supernatural level. It stays remarkably true to the story, while making it appealing to modern-day readers by adding a little bit of martial arts and sword-fighting, a little bit of undead adventure and a whole lot of fun.
A World Full of Dickens Stories
Written by Angela McAllister
Illustrated by: Jannicke Hansen
Your kid can explore tales from Charles Dickens, one of the greatest storytellers of all time, all in one place in this anthology. Adapted to be accessible for children, the book includes eight of his best works, beautifully illustrated to bring to life timeless stories like Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and more.
A Wrinkle in Time
By: Madeleine L’Engle
This science fiction classic follows high-school kid Meg Murry, as she and her brother Charles and friend Calvin travel through time and space. Meg’s father, a gifted scientist, is being imprisoned by evil forces from another planet, and it’s up to them to rescue him.
Is your kid into sci-fi and fantasy? You can find many more suggestions in our post: “Best Fantasy Books for Kids.”
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass
By: Phillip Pullman
In this popular modern fantasy classic, young Lyra braves witch clans and more as she travels to the far North where her uncle is trying to build a bridge to a parallel world. She must rescue her friend Roger from fearsome Gobblers but may have to betray her uncle in the process. Lyra is fierce and cunning, but can she make a difference?
The Tale of the Mandarin Duck
By: Bette Middler
Inspired by the real-life rainbow-colored Mandarin Duck who appeared in New York’s Central Park in 2018, this New York Times bestseller by Bette Midler celebrates human connection and New York City through charming narration and striking black-and-white drawings.
That’s a wrap! Looking for more kids’ books to read online? Nowadays there are so many ways to find free eBooks to supplement your home and local library and send your little book lover’s love of reading into overdrive.
Check out the Project Gutenberg open library, which has a vast internet archive of free public domain books. You can also join Goodreads and search for suggestions, ratings and find out ways to access your kid’s favorite titles. And don’t forget, kids get free access to one book a day on Epic Basic. No credit card required.
We hope you enjoyed our list of books to read online!
