Cheap children’s books to save on your spends

cheap children's books

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

Cheap children's books are a wonderful way to connect with your little one, no matter their age. It's never too early to read a kid's book to your child and bond with them through the magic of storytelling. However, with stories on the Kindle being unbelievably affordable (sometimes even free!), these days, books can seem a little expensive.

While we love the convenience of a Kindle, nothing quite compares to a good book. Not only can a book take centre stage on your child's bookcase, but they can also look back on it with fond memories as they grow. So, if you're looking for children's books that aren't over the odds, these cheap children's books will help you with cutting costs.

The best cheap children's books at a glance:

•Best for rhyming: We're Going on a Bear Hunt - view offer on The Works
Best for animal lovers: Dear Zoo -view offer on Amazon
Best children's book with textures: The Very Hungry Caterpillar - View offer on Amazon
Best for popular characters: Bluey: Bluey and Friends Little Library - View offer on Amazon

We've rounded up the cheapest children's books, so that you can cut costs and save on your spending. You can find them below.

The best cheap children's books

Best for rhyming

cheap childrens books
Price: £2 (RRP £6.99)

www.theworks.co.uk

This much-loved We're Going on a Bear Hunt children's book will become your child's new favourite game. At just £2, take them on an adventure up the hill, across the river and through the forest to find the big bad bear. With its use of rhyme and sound, it's an engaging book that little ones of all ages will enjoy acting out.

One reviewer said: "I think the quality of the books are brilliant, my husband who had dementia what it on tv loved it and I got in memory of one of his happy times we shared together thank you as it going into a memory box."

Best for animal lovers

cheap childrens books
Price: £16.95

They'll be an expert by the time they have their next trip to the zoo, being able to name all of the animals from their favourite open-the-flap book. As cheap as ever, Dear Zoo is a great addition to your library, as it's one that they'll be sure to read over and over again.

A reviewer said: "Love love LOVE this book! This book was a favourite of my me and brother when we were little! I’ve bought it for an upcoming baby shower as part of a gift. It’s cheaper to buy on here than it is in shops!"

Best for humour

cheap childrens books
Price: £59.50

Gangsta Granny is a great book for older children. It is unafraid of exploring heavier topics and approaching them with a sense of humour. This children's book is brilliantly witty, reminiscent of Roald Dahl with its illustrations and style of writing. It's sure to make your child laugh, cry, reflect and inquire all at once.

Review: "I bought this as a gift for someone, I couldn't believe the price. It was cheap and perfect for a 9+ boy to read, Highly recommended."

Best children's book with textures

cheap childrens books
Price: £11.58
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeTFdHUFdMF1NYX0xCGRYMXB9BBxcbHlpNV1UXQUxXUUxTR0dbVFVRRR8BSxsHFlBRGgEEEF9XFVFTF1wCW0ZdRBoaHXkUBw4AVgEAVFw%3D&x=v1&prdId=7313816646&barcode=VVsECggKC1wKUQwFCw8%3D
Alternative retailers
Macy's$21.99View offer
Michaels Stores$25.99View offer

A classic picture book, nearly all parents know the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This colourful tale shows the journey of the caterpillar on his quest to munch through everything he can find. This children's book incorporates textures with easy-to-follow text that'll have your child unable to look away.

Review: "This has to be one of mine and my sister's favourite childhood books... So I was determined that my niece of 14 months old had a copy for herself. I absolutely adored this book when I was younger and my niece loves it too! I'm so thankful that I was able to get it brand new for this cheap. It's so much cheaper than you're leading retail bookshop prices. I was over the moon with it! Thanks again. A highly recommended buy for young children! It's a fun way to help with their reading skills!"

Best modern classic

cheap childrens books
Price: £9.26

We all love The Gruffalo! Be prepared to read this one to your child again and again. With characters like Mouse and Snake, this much-loved favourite will definitely be a hit with your little ones. A modern classic: it's cheap enough to buy again if it gets used a bit too much, which we undoubtedly know it will!

Review: "Great book, cheap, came quickly and in good packaging!"

Best children's book with flaps

cheap childrens books
Price: £15.13

Keep your child's interest and attention with this iconic Where's Spot? open-the-flap book. They'll love to interact with the pages by lifting up the flaps and trying to find Spot! A children's book you're sure to be familiar with, this one will have them entertained for hours.

Review: "I was a big fan of spot the dog when I was a child, so it just shows that 30 years on the character is still popular and loveable. I bought this board book for my son to read before bedtime. It’s the right length, colourful and has enough going on to keep him captivated and intrigued. I would recommend to all who are looking for something to interact with their children."

Best catchy children's book

cheap childrens books
Price: £14.70

One that we guarantee will be stuck in your head is Room on the Broom, which the children will love. From the same author as The Gruffalo, this book is a popular choice in schools and nurseries due to its catchy rhythm and rhyme. 

Review: "My three-year-old granddaughter loves all her Julia Donaldson books, so I gave her this one and she loves it too. Having had it read to her a few times, last night she 'read' it to me. The rhymes and illustrations are very engaging, and, as usual, Julia Donaldson's message is positive. Always a delight to read her books aloud!"

Best for bedtime stories

cheap childrens books
Price: £37.50

Get your little ones into a routine with the Peppa Pig Bedtime Library. From bathtime to bedtime, they'll learn the steps to get ready for bed while learning new vocabulary. Plus, you can't beat the price!

Best for popular characters

Cheap children's books

Rrp: £15.00

Price: £8.16

If your little one loves watching Bluey (who doesn't?) they will adore this library of little books. Made out of chunky board, they are pretty and sturdy and thick enough for their small hands to grip.

One reviewer said: "A granddaughter loved these books, she watches the programme, loved that when 4 books were laid next to each other they form a scene easy for two year old to hold. Had to help her get them out of sleeve."

Best children's book for dog-loving families

Cheap children's books

Rrp: £139.99

Price: £38.26

This loveable scamp, Hairy Maclary is one you might recognise. With brilliant rhymes and hilarious storylines, it's good to know that the story of this pooch and his four-legged friends is being enjoyed by the next generation!

One reviewer said: "A great set of books for kids, dog and cat characters and their adventures. Rhyming is great for kids as it improves their language skills. Have been reading these books for 24 years and they have been passed down through the generations and I still love them as much now as when I started reading them to my daughter."

Best book based on mythology

cheap childrens books
Price: £10 (RRP £34.95)

www.theworks.co.uk

One you may be familiar with is the fantasy adventure series of Percy Jackson. At the lowest price that we could find, this collection for just £10 features the popular stories in their entirety. A great one for older children who are expanding their reading list and vocabulary.

One reviewer said: "I bought this box set for my 8yo grandson and he has devoured them at an incredible rate! He says these are the best books he’s ever read... A fantastic value as a box set and a super gift for any boy aged 8-10. I highly recommend it."

Best fantasy book

cheap childrens books
Price: £10 (RRP £41.90)

www.theworks.co.uk

Explore the magical world of Narnia with this children's classic collection, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Follow the journey of a family of children who have an extraordinary journey in the back of an enchanted wardrobe with this complete The Chronicles Of Narnia collection for a steal of a price.

One reviewer said: "This set is such great value and fantastic gift for 8-10 year olds. Keep buying these as gifts. My 8-year-old is also enjoying these books."

Best for babies

Cheap children's books

Rrp: £52.99

Price: £11.05

Enjoyed by generations, Peter Rabbit helps your child to learn colours, numbers, shapes and words in this boxset. It includes beautiful illustrations which have been used in books previously.

A reviewer said: "Smaller than what I thought they would be however that would be my mistake not reading measurements however does not detract from quality of this set all contained in a little binder. Fabulous stories bringing back childhood memories for my daughter to now read to her little one when she arrives. Look lovely in her Beatrice Potter themed nursery."

Best for older children

cheap childrens books
Price: £13.08

Despite the author, Jacqueline Wilson, portraying hardship and tackling difficult subjects, her books will open an older child's mind and make them fall in love with reading. The Illustrated Mum is an absolute bargain buy!

One young reviewer said: "I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. This was such a powerful, raw, emotional storyline and Wilson is so clever how she portrays the storyline to the younger audience. Two young sisters have to cope & look after their mum who has mental health issues. My favourite character has to be Auntie Jane. I was a little bit disappointed with the abrupt ending; it left me wanting to know what happened next. I cried a lot throughout this book; just made me think how lucky my children are to have such a stable, book worm mum like me."

Where can I buy the cheapest children's books?

As well as Amazon, The Works have a fantastic selection of cheap children's books. In addition, to make your search easier, you can always filter the price from lowest to highest. That way, you'll be able to choose from a variety of books that are suitable for all ages at a fraction of the price.

Not to mention, you can browse through categories and find multiple deals that they tend to run, or even titles that have found their way into the clearance section. You'll be surprised at the wide variety of much-loved books you can shop for cheap!

You can also head to the charity shop where you can find second-hand bargains on all sorts of stories including board books, picture books and long novels.

Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Bauer Media, working across a number of brands including Closer, heatworld, Grazia, Yours and Spirit & Destiny amongst others.

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