Fourteen books about Kings and Queens

Queen Munch and Queen Nibble

Author: Carol Ann Duffy Illustrator: Lydia Monks
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 5-9
Reading age: 7-9

This is a story of a queen who loves to eat and one who does not - but at its heart, it's more a celebration of difference and finding something in common between people. Sweet, funny and enticing, with vivid imagery from the Poet Laureate.

The Royal Bake Off

Author: Clémentine Beauvais Illustrator: Becka Moor
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+

Holly and Anna Burnbright try to win the Royal Bake Off so they can afford to go on holiday.

The King’s Runaway Crown

Author: Rosalind Spark Illustrator: Ian Smith
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 4-5

Colin the dog has run off with the King’s crown on the day of the coronation! Can anyone catch Colin? A fun picture book to share, with the message that everyone is nervous sometimes.

Queen of Darkness

Author: Tony Bradman
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+

Rhianna and Eleri are taken in by Queen Boudica following the death of their parents. When Boudica's determination to rule enrages the Romans, the sisters find themselves in the midst of a frightening military campaign, beginning to question the Queen's very humanity. A gripping adventure portraying one of history's most legendary female icons.

The Cat and the King

Author: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 6-7
Reading age: 8-9

When the royal castle is destroyed in an Unfortunate Incident involving a fire-breathing dragon, the King and his best friend, the cat, are forced to find an alternative home.

The King Who Wouldn't Sleep

Author: Debbie Singleton Illustrator: Holly Swain
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 6+

The King is determined not go to sleep until he's found the perfect prince for his daughter to marry. But the Princess wants to make up her own mind - can a farmer with a flock of sheep provide some help?

His Royal Whiskers

Author: Sam Gayton Illustrator: Peter Cottrill
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+

This gloriously imaginative tale from Carnegie Medal nominee Sam Gayton is the perfect book for readers curled up by the fire, ready to be transported to a fantastical kingdom.

I Don't Want to Go to Bed

Author: Tony Ross
Publisher: Harper Collins
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+

Here is another hugely popular Little Princess story written with great humour and understanding of small children.

The King and the Sea

Author: Heinz Janisch and Wolf Erlbruch Translator: Sally-Ann Spencer
Publisher: Gecko Press
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 8

The King and the Sea is a collection of 21 extremely short stories that each feature the same little king. Each story is presented on one page with beautiful minimalist illustrations on the other.

The heart of each story is a funny yet puzzling little thought that will spark the imagination. Beautiful, surreal, funny and philosophical, this book will deli…

Swordswoman!

Author: Devika Rangachari Illustrator: Amerigo Pinelli
Publisher: Pushkin
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 9+

Truth really is more exciting than fiction in this dramatic, real-life adventure showcasing the bravery, compassion and military prowess of a young Rani during the Indian uprising of 1857.  

King Baby

Author: Kate Beaton
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-5

King Baby bestows 'smiles and laughs and kisses' on everyone, for King Baby is generous. But he also has many demands: he must be fed. And changed! And burped! King Baby will have you in stitches. Buy it for every new parent you know.

The Story of King Arthur

Author: Siân Lewis Illustrator: Graham Howells
Publisher: Rily
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 8+

A comprehensive and illustrated retelling of the story of King Arthur and his knights, from the years before his birth to his final departure for Avalon. 

Royal Rebel

Author: Carina Axelsson
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

An empowering and fun, relatable read for tweens, Royal Rebel presents a young girl growing up in a matriarchal community and navigating family responsibilities alongside school, friends and being herself.

Get Up, Elizabeth!

Author: Shirin Yim Bridges Illustrator: Alea Marley
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+

Before she became Queen Elizabeth I, Bess was just a little girl who struggled to get out of bed in the morning - just like everyone else! This charming, gently humorous picture book makes an important historical figure relatable to young people.