Fourteen books about Kings and Queens

I Don't Want to Go to Bed

Monarchs are endlessly fascinating, whether real or fictional. Do they rule wisely? Are they just like you and me? Readers of all ages will enjoy this selection of books about kings and queens.

  • Queen Munch and Queen Nibble

    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 front cover of The Royal Bake Off

    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.jpg

    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 book cover

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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!

    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.