“I have often amused myself with thinking how different a place London is to different people.”
London, with a population of over nine million, stands as one of the world’s most significant cities. It is a pivotal commercial and cultural hub, not only in the Western world but beyond. The city boasts a rich history dating back to the Roman Britain era, with a vibrant arts scene that adds to its unique charm. Books have the power to ignite children’s curiosity and take them on exciting journeys to faraway lands, making them perfect for inspiring future travel plans.
Join us at What We Reading as we offer a selection of the best children’s books about London suitable for all ages, so you can introduce your little ones to the fascinating sights and settings of this fantastic city.
A Walk In London – Salvatore Rubbino
A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubbino offers a unique child’s perspective of London and its most famous attractions. The book features vibrant illustrations and fascinating facts that will capture the reader’s attention as they follow a mother and daughter on their adventure through the city.
From the iconic changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to the bustling Trafalgar Square and the serene River Thames, the journey culminates in a visit to the historic Tower of London. Rubbino’s writing style is engaging and entertaining, making A Walk in London an excellent introduction to the wonders of the UK capital for young readers.
Dodsworth In London – Tim Egan
Dodsworth In London, the third adventure in Tim Egan’s Dodsworth series, is a heartwarming tale that follows Dodsworth and his loyal duck friend on an exciting hot-air balloon tour of the city. However, when Dodsworth’s friend gets lost at a bustling bus stop, a comical case of mistaken identity leads to a hilarious adventure across London to find the missing duck.
This charming story of friendship takes place in the heart of the United Kingdom, making Dodsworth in London a quintessential piece of British children’s literature. Full of humour and lovable characters, Tim Egan’s book is sure to captivate young readers and leave them eager for more Dodsworth adventures.
Katie In London – James Mayhew
James Mayhew, an accomplished author and creator of several children’s concerts, is dedicated to introducing children to the world of art, music, and traditional stories. His most popular works include the delightful Katie series, which follows a young girl on her adventures through an art gallery.
In Katie in London, Katie and her brother Jack accompany their grandmother on a trip across the city. The charming illustrations bring to life their encounters with a talking stone lion in Trafalgar Square, leading to a magical tour of London’s iconic sights and historical landmarks. This imaginative and educational book makes for an excellent resource for KS1 students who wish to learn more about London. With its engaging story and vivid illustrations, Katie in London is a must-read for young readers who love to explore and learn.
Pippa In London – Yeshim Abdi And Deniz Oguz
Pippa in London is a beautifully crafted story about a young girl and her mother’s thrilling adventure across the city during the school holidays. Written by Yeshim Abdi and Deniz Oguz, who share a passion for art and education and have five children between them, the book serves as an excellent guide to London’s iconic landmarks – from the Shard to Buckingham Palace.
The stunning art design and enchanting storytelling make for a captivating read, with magical moments like dancing Beefeaters and a gorilla in a tutu adding to the book’s fun and whimsical nature. Pippa in London is an enjoyable and educational way to introduce children to the city’s famous landmarks and is sure to inspire their curiosity and imagination.
Check Out Our Interview With Children’s Author Francis Powell
Paddington At The Palace – Michael Bond
Paddington Bear, a beloved character in British literature, takes centre stage in Paddington at the Palace as he guides young readers through some of London’s most iconic landmarks. In this delightful tale, Paddington and his friend Mr Gruber journey by bus to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
With Union Flags waving and crowds of people gathering, Paddington finds it challenging to see the ceremony. Fortunately, a surprise encounter with someone inside the palace might just help him out. With its colourful illustrations and charming storyline, Paddington at the Palace offers an immersive and engaging introduction to some of London’s oldest traditions. It’s a quintessentially British book that children will adore, and that is sure to inspire their love for reading and exploring.
London Folk Tales For Children – Anne Johnson And Sef Townsend
London is a city steeped in history and mystery, and London Folk Tales for Children by Anne Johnson and Seth Townsend aims to introduce young readers to the city’s incredible stories. This captivating book features a collection of the best tales collected by Londoners since the Roman era, taking readers on a journey through the city’s old cobbled streets, and even beneath the depths of the Thames.
From bizarre creatures like two-headed birds to stories of babies that transform into flowers, London Folk Tales for Children is an enthralling read that brings the weird and wonderful of the capital to life. This book is a great way to inspire children’s imaginations and ignite their love of reading, while also introducing them to the rich cultural history of London.
Maisy Goes To London – Lucy Cousins
Join Maisy the mouse on her first adventure to London with Maisy Goes to London, a charming and educational book that brings the city’s famous landmarks to life for young readers. Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins, the Maisy series is beloved by children worldwide, and this book is no exception.
With its distinctive visual style, Maisy Goes to London takes readers on a journey through the city’s streets, giving them a glimpse of the famous double-decker buses, water taxis, and underground trains. From the iconic Tower Bridge to the bustling streets of Covent Garden, Maisy’s adventures are sure to captivate and inspire young readers. This book is a perfect way to introduce children to the excitement and wonder of London in a fun and engaging way.
Check Out Our Interview With Children’s Author Chris Lynch
Last Stop On Market Street – Matt de la Peña
Last Stop on Market Street is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant picture book written by New York Times bestselling author Matt de la Peña. Known for his young adult novels and picture books, de la Peña brings his unique voice to explore urban life with honesty and gratitude.
The story follows CJ on his weekly bus journey, where he feels disappointed about not having a nicer car like his friends. However, his nan’s encouragement and energy lead him to see the beauty in everyday things. With vibrant and saturated illustrations from Christian Robinson, this realistic children’s book is a tale of perspective and love that will touch the hearts of readers of all ages.
The Story Of London – Richard Brassey
Discover the captivating journey of London’s evolution from Roman Londinium to the bustling metropolis of today with The Story of London. This engaging and colourful book is packed with fascinating facts, amusing anecdotes, and entertaining personalities, making it an ideal resource for young learners.
Explore how London has persevered through countless challenges, including fires, plagues, and more, and how it has transformed into the dynamic city it is today. With its wealth of information and engaging storytelling, The Story of London is the ultimate guide to the city’s 2,000-year history and a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about this vibrant and historic capital.
The Queen’s Hat – Steve Antony
Steve Antony’s The Queen’s Hat is a charming and hilarious picture book that takes readers on an adventure across London with a daredevil Queen and her trusty men. With a delightful black, red, and white colour palette, the story begins with a sudden gust of wind that sets off a series of comical events as the Queen chases her hat across the city.
From Tower Bridge to Big Ben, this vibrant and engaging book is perfect for young readers who love to explore new places and enjoy a good laugh. The Queen’s Hat is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and playful introduction to London.
The London Noisy Book – Marion Billet
Looking to immerse young readers in the lively atmosphere of old London town? Look no further than The London Noisy Book by Marion Billet!
From the beeping of double-decker buses to the whistling of the Tube and the chiming of Big Ben, this book captures the distinctive sounds that make London so unique. With visits to Buckingham Palace and opportunities for young readers to play detective and track down a jewel thief, The London Noisy Book is a fun and engaging read that will transport young readers to the bustling streets of the capital.
Welcome To London – Marcos Farina
Introducing the UK’s capital city, Welcome to London by Marcos Farina is an enchanting picture book that reveals the city’s hidden gems and landmarks through stunning illustrations. The intricate drawings effortlessly blend imagination with real-world information, offering young readers an exciting guide to the city. The book is the perfect companion for any family trip to London, providing endless surprises and activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout their visit.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
