Escape to a magical kingdom where the wildest royal tales take place. From runaway crowns to visits from old favourites like Winnie-the-Pooh, there’s something in this collection of the best children's books about the King for everyone. So hang out your bunting and get ready for a royal reading party with our selection of recommended picture books, and fiction titles.
Story books about kings and coronations
The King’s Runaway Crown
Rosalind Spark & Ian Smith
Picturebook
The day of the new king's coronation has arrived. It's a stupendous day, an exciting day, a MOST important day - and everyone, from the King's butler to the palace guards, is feeling nervous. They're all getting ready when Colin, the King's Jack Russell, grabs the crown and runs away. Soon, he is being chased by the butler, the guards - even the pigeons and crowd gathered for the event! But it takes little Violet, aged 5, to work out what the problem is. Maybe Colin is nervous about his important new job as the King's dog. Actually, everyone else admits they're nervous too - especially the King, who has the biggest job of all. Can Violet help get Colin and the crown back to the King in time for the coronation? A fun royal caper covering themes of anxiety, empathy and community in a light-touch and warm-hearted way - with a non-fiction page about coronations at the end of the book.
The Boy Who Would Be King
Michael Morpurgo & Michael Foreman
Non-fiction
A beautifully illustrated full-colour tribute to King Charles III, published to mark his coronation – from the bestselling creators of There Once Is a Queen.There once was a boy who was going to be king one day . . .From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic celebration of our new monarch, King Charles III, beautifully illustrated in watercolour by acclaimed artist Michael Foreman.There once was a little boy, born a prince. Encouraged by his parents, he grew up with a passion for the countryside, wanting to look after it. Then, as the longest-serving Prince of Wales in British history, he dedicated decades of his life to raising awareness for conservation. Now our king, his devoted work will continue to inspire the protection of our planet for future generations.This allegorical story tells how – with the help of a tiny acorn – a wise old woman gives a lonely boy, who would be king, the courage and determination to change the world for the better, for everyone. An exquisite companion to There Once Was a Queen, this commemoration of King Charles III’s coronation is a gift book truly to be treasured.
King Charles III’s Colourful Coronation
Campbell Books & Marion Billet
Picturebook
A simple storybook for very young children to celebrate coronation day.In this funny storybook, King Charles is on his way to Westminster Abbey to be crowned. He meets his colourfully dressed subjects one by one, from beefeaters in blue to a very yellow lollipop man. Before long, he realises he's very, very late! Will he make it to the Abbey in time?Read this jolly read-along story to find out – then turn to the non-fiction page at the end to find out more about the coronation ceremony!Marion Billet's illustrations bring the buzzing celebrations to life. With famous London sites to spot and soft learning about colours woven into the story.
The King’s Pants
Nicholas Allan
Picturebook
The King cannot rule without his Royal Pants. He has a pair for every occasion: coronation pants (he can't be crowned without them), organic pants (edible in royal emergencies) and even inflatable space-pants (because one never knows when they might come in handy). But in a boxer-shorts blunder at the Royal Mail, the King's undies have been posted to his subjects nationwide! With his Y-fronts gone wandering, how will the King possibly cope? The Queen's Knickers by the same author has been a bestselling family favourite for 30 years, and won The Sheffield Children’s Book Award and The Coventry Inspirational Award.
Winnie-the-Pooh Meets the King
Jane Riordan & Andrew Grey
Picturebook
‘Kings and crowns and whatnot? It sounds like something out of a dream or a fairy tale,’ said Eeyore.When Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends go on an expedition to a Royal London Park they don’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a royal adventure.This charming story takes place at a very special Royal Coronation. When Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet lose Eeyore in the crowd, they come up with a plan to find their friend. Along the way they meet a Very Important Person and learn about the importance of kindness, helping others and new beginnings.This classic character children’s book will make a wonderful keepsake to honour the historic coronation of King Charles III.
The King’s Hats
Sheila May Bird & Mark Beech
Picturebook
King Charles the III is now King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, but he is finding his new crown just a little heavy to manage and he is worried that he might not be as beloved as his dear mama, Queen Elizabeth II. But his good friend Tom the gardener is on hand to show him that kings must wear all sorts of hats and that he must be brave and allow himself to be the king he was born to be.
Children's non-fiction books about King Charles III
King Charles
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & Matt Hunt
Non-fiction Picturebook
Little Charles always knew that, one day, he would have a big job to do. As the son of Queen Elizabeth II, he was a prince, and in the future, he was to inherit the throne of the United Kingdom.As a young man, he developed a passion for one cause; the environment. Charles recognised that plastics and pollutants were causing harm to Earth, and as the Prince of Wales, he spent all his efforts championing climate justice and sustainability. As a member of the Royal Family, Charles used his power to build important organisations such as The Prince’s Trust, a charity that works to improve the lives of young people across the UK. And in 2022, when he became King, he pledged that he would spend the rest of his life serving his people with loyalty, respect and love. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the royal’s life, from little prince to grown-up king.
King Charles III: Celebrating His Majesty’s Coronation and Reign
Andrea Mills & Jennie Poh
Non-fiction
Celebrate Britain's newest monarch, King Charles III, and uncover his fascinating story in this kids' biography, from the publisher that brought you Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration.Charles has been heir to the throne since he was three years old, but what do we know about our new king? Come along as we embark on a royal journey like no other...This incredible book traces Charles' life, from his investiture as Prince of Wales and his time in the navy, to his extensive charity work and now his accession to the throne. Going beyond just the basic facts, young readers will love learning astounding, lesser-known information like how before becoming King, Charles was a magician, as well as what being king really entails.Playful illustrations with simple, age-appropriate text fill every page to make this the perfect gift to mark King Charles III's reign and celebrate his coronation!
Our King Charles
Eleanor Grey & Rose Gerrard
Non-fiction Picturebook
Did you know the king powers his car with cheese? Or that he was the first royal to have rescue dogs in Buckingham palace? And that he likes to shake hands with trees?Discover everything there is to know about King Charles III in this beautifully illustrated book. Readers will learn about Charles' childhood as the first British royal to attend school, his efforts to protect and campaign for the environment, his incredible charity work, and much more.Along the way, meet his beloved chickens, Jack Russells and of course, his very famous family. And discover how everything from money to postboxes get a makeover when a new monarch ascends the throne.This is a perfect gift for all the family to celebrate King Charles III's coronation.
Chapter books about King Charles III
Amazing Facts King Charles III
Hannah Wilson & Chris Dickason
Non-fiction
Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III with this fascinating book of facts about Charles, his mother Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, his childhood, hobbies, home and his new royal role – perfect for 8+ and fully illustrated throughout!Did you know?Charles is passionate about the environment.He was the first royal to go to school.Charles once played the cello on TV.He has a tropical tree frog named after him.Find over 100 extraordinary facts in this fun-packed book, the perfect gift for kids aged 8+.
A Life Story: King Charles III
Sally Morgan & Sarah Papworth
Non-fiction
King Charles III: environmental activist, monarch and head of the Commonwealth. Read all about the life of King Charles III, from his early days at boarding school and watching his mother become queen to his dedicated work as an environmental activist and becoming king himself, this book will take you on a royal tour through King Charles III's life.Celebrate the king's coronation and the beginning of his reign with this book that shines a light on the wonderful achievements that form King Charles III's legacy.Did you know that Charles has a frog named after him? Or that he's a qualified pilot and diver? How about that Charles is an accomplished artist? Find out everything there is to know about Great Britain's newest king with this remarkable history book.A Life Story: With striking black and white illustrations, this gripping series throws the reader directly into the lives of modern society's most influential figures.
