Candy Books For Kids
When I think about candy books, I immediately think of delicious fun inside the pages. But, when I was thinking about the books on the list of kids’ books about candy, I realized that many of these books have a beautiful message of kindness, patience, and gratitude. Others are filled with page-turning adventure and excitement.
These fun and delightful books that kids will love are also books that we can feel good about giving our kids to read.
The Best Candy Books for Kids
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Candy Picture Book for Kids
The Candy Dish by Kobi Yamada – Jump to Section
The Best Early Reader Candy Books
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl – Jump to Section
The Best Candy Book for Tweens
The Candymakers by Wendy Maas – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Kids’ Books About Candy: Best Picture Books
The Big Red Lollipop
Author: Rukhsana Khan
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Year: 2010
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
Rubina was invited to her first birthday party and is so excited to attend. That is, until her mother insists that she bring her little sister along as well. When she tries to explain that you don’t bring your little sister, it is to no avail. At the party her sister not only insists she win at every game, but she takes Rubina’s lollipop as well.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is an adorable pick in this list of kids’ books about candy but it also has a lesson about kindness in it as well.
The Candy Dish
Author: Kobi Yamada
Illustrator: Adelina Lirius
Year: 2022
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 7 – 8
Plot
When a child finds a candy dish with one delicious candy inside, she immediately wants another one, but the candy dish will not open. No matter what she does, the dish will not open until the next day when another delicious candy appears inside.
Why Jackie loves it
This is another one of the candy books with a beautiful message about patience, gratitude, and appreciation. The illustrations and message in this book make it one of my favorite kids’ books about candy!
Lester Fizz Bubble Gum Artist
Author: Ruth Spiro
Illustrator: Thor Wickstrom
Year: 2008
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 6 – 8
Plot
The entire Fizz family are artists except for Lester. What is he to do? He looks for inspiration everywhere until one day, his gum becomes a work of art!
Why Kirsten loves it
In this adorable pick from kids’ books about candy, readers get an important message about being yourself.
Trick or Treat, Crankenstein
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 9
More info: Crankenstein #3
Plot
Crankenstein is back with a Halloween adventure. Crankenstein’s favorite holiday is ruined because of all kinds of pumpkin, costume, and candy-induced problems. Can Crankenstein get over his bad mood and turn this holiday around?
Why Kirsten loves it
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite children’s books about Halloween. I think it’s the best of the Crankenstein series!
Find this book in: Halloween Books for Kids / Monster Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Candy Books For Kids
Candy Books for Early Readers
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Year: 1964
Genre: Middle Grade Classic
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Charlie Bucket #1
Plot
Charlie is thrilled when he gets a golden ticket to see inside Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory, but this is no ordinary candy factory. The machines and recipes behind the walls of the factory are what dreams are made of. Step into the wonderful world of Willy Wonka and you’ll never be the same again.
Trigger Warnings
Fatphobia
Why Kirsten loves it
This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With its creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween. I’ve loved this story for a long time, but I don’t love the author. Please be advised that he is a known for incredibly problematic comments about women, Jews, and minority groups.
Find this book in: Best Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for an 8-Year-Old / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Kids Food Books / Books about Candy
The Chocolate Touch
Author: Patrick Skene Catling
Year: 1952
Genre: Middle Grade Sci-fi
Age: 6 – 9
More info: John Midas #1
Plot
I adore this story about a little boy who gets the magical power to turn everything he touches into chocolate. If you have not read it, you have to know it’s absolutely hilarious.
Why Kirsten loves it
This twist on the Midas Touch is adorable and the thought of turning parents into chocolate had my kids rolling with laughter.
Find this book in: Candy Books / Read Aloud Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Bedtime Stories
Who was Milton Hershey?
Author: James Buckley
Year: 2013
Genre: Early Reader Nonfiction
Age: 7 – 10
More info:
Plot
Milton Hershey is well known for his chocolate empire. But, Milton Hershey is also the founder of a school for boys who did not have access to education. He also built an entire town for his employees.
Why Jackie loves it
He was an amazing man whose story definitely belongs on a list of candy books.
Plot
Henry Green loves chocolate so much that he will eat it for every meal. He will eat it if it’s dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or any other kind of chocolate. When Henry makes medical history as the first person to ever have Chocolate Fever, that will not be the strangest thing that happens to him.
Why Kirsten loves it
This story is perfect for fans of Pinkalicious or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Candy Books for Middle Grade Readers
The Candymakers
Author: Wendy Mass
Year: 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: The Candymakers #1
Plot
I decided to read this book with my boys prior to our visit to Candytopia. It was a lovely take on life at a candy factory and felt almost like an updated version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 4 kids are competing to win a candy-making contest to have their creation mass-produced.
Why Kirsten loves it
The candy reminded me of Wonka’s Factory, but the whimsy and fun of the book reminded me a bit of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. There are puzzles and secrets to unfold and descriptions of delectable delights. In short, it’s a fun read-aloud story that will leave you craving the next book in the series and a closet full of chocolate.
Find this book in: Books for Tweens / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Family Audiobooks / Best Middle Grade Fiction / 11 Delectable Candy Books Kids Will Love
The Candy Shop War
Author: Brandon Mull
Year: 2009
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Candy Shop War #1
Plot
This is the first in a trilogy of candy books from the author of the Fablehaven series that we love.
In this series, magical candy gives kids superpowers, there is a hidden treasure, and they have to save the world- just a regular day, right? This first book in the series will get you hooked.
Why Kirsten loves it
This magical candy store is the stuff of dreams. If your child like Willy Wonka, they will love this book series too!
Find this book in: Candy Books / Best Books for 12-year-olds
This Book is Not Good for You
Author: Pseudonymous Bosch
Year: 2009
Genre: Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: The Secret #3
Plot
Cass’s mom has been kidnapped by Señor Hugo, the evil chocolatier. In order to get her back, Cass and Max-Ernest must find the legendary tuning fork. Will they be able to find it before it is too late? Can they discover the secrets behind Señor Hugo’s success?
Why Jackie loves it
This pick from kids’ books about candy is the third book in the series and is the best adventure yet.
Helpful Tips
- Use these Halloween picture books as part of your seasonal decor – no need to buy extra decorations!
- Gift your child a spooky story each Halloween and soon they will have a complete seasonal library to share with their kids someday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good candy picture books for kids?
I highly recommend The Candy Dish by Kobi Yamada and Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan.
What are some candy-themed chapter books for older kids?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Chocolate Touch, and The Candymakers are must-reads.
Which candy books are good to read around Halloween?
I love Trick or Treat, Crankenstein for Halloween because it’s about trick-or-treating!
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