13 Book Recommendations Based on Your Kids’ Favorite TV Shows

Jake and the Neverland Pirates fans should try Peter Pan: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up, by J.M. Barrie
Have a swash-buckling fan of Jake and the Neverland Pirates? Well, it’s time to introduce them to the real Neverland. While the original edition of Peter Pan is lovely and an absolute classic, this Peter Pan: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up will keep even the littlest Jake and the Neverland Pirates fan interested with its bold and fun pop-up illustrations. Captain Hook is so much more than a silly cartoon in Peter Pan, and any kid who loves the Disney Junior show will adore this sweet edition.

Jessie fans should try Kristy’s Great Idea (The Baby-Sitters Club Series #1), by Ann M. Martin
When you have a tween in the house, you’re bound to watch a few episodes of Jessie, the smart and funny show about a nanny in the city and the adventures she has with her little charges. What better piece of literature embodies all of those things plus strong female characters like The Baby-Sitters Club Series? Seriously, some books are just classics and this series is one of them. Your tweens will gobble them up just like you did, and they’ll love the connection between Jessie and the storyline of the series.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood fans should try The Big Book of Berenstain Bears Beginner Books, by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
Ever heard of a little show called Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood? If you have a toddler or pre-schooler, I’m willing to bet that not only have you heard of it, but you can sing all of the songs, too. While there are books featuring the TV show’s characters, it’s fun to introduce your kids to a whole new series similar to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, like the classic series, The Berenstain Bears. Both worlds share similar themes, like friendship, and they both teach life lessons like accepting others, being helpful, and sharing. But more than that, they both feature families of animals, living in a community, and even have the same family dynamic with a mother, father, brother, and sister. Trust me, if your kid loves Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, they’ll love diving into the world of The Berenstain Bears, too.

Peppa Pig fans should try Olivia, by Ian Falconer
A sweet story starring a strong-willed little pig? Who couldn’t love that? Throw in the fact that your child loves the TV show Peppa Pig and you have a match made in heaven when you add Olivia to their bookshelf. Both pigs are fun, bright, bold characters, and their adventures are wonderful. Both have little brothers, and both have loving families that support their silly personalities. Basically? Olivia and Peppa Pig are pretty much kin to each other.

Sofia the First fans should try The Paper Bag Princess, by Robert Munsch
It’s okay to be a princess, but it’s even more okay to go against all the traditional princess trappings like in the TV show Sofia the First. When your kid loves a show about a princess who goes against all the rules and forges her own past, you’ll want her to read The Paper Bag Princess. A classic that turns the tables on the traditional princess life, The Paper Bag Princess stars Elizabeth, a princess who has to save her prince herself by outsmarting a dragon, regardless of what her prince might think. Super cute story, but even better for your princess-loving kiddo.

Full House fans should try Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
Time to pair a classic with a classic! Thanks to re-boots and lots of re-runs, plenty of kids are claiming Full House as their favorite TV show. I will always support that kind of choice, but if you want your Full House-watching kid to pick up a book, hand them a copy of Little Women. There’s nothing like sisters to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and both Little Women and Full House can give that to your child. They will soak up the adventures of the March sisters just like they do the Tanner girls and you can pair two of your own favorite things together.

Sesame Street fans should try The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires
My own toddler is a huge Sesame Street fan, and while there are plenty of books out there about Elmo and the gang, I prefer a little subtlety when adding to her library. In almost every episode of Sesame Street, there is the spark of a new idea or the chance to learn something new. That’s exactly why The Most Magnificent Thing is such a great book pairing. The sweet picture book tells the story of a little girl with a wonderful, magnificent idea, and how she has to persevere and remain determined in order to make it work. Delightful, and with a great lesson and lovely characters? Sounds just like Sesame Street, right?

Stuck in the Middle fans should try Rosie Revere, Engineer, by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
It’s not often that I find myself watching a TV show catered to tweens voluntarily, but Stuck in the Middle, a new Disney Channel series, is pretty adorable. The show focuses on the middle of seven children, a tween named Harley who also happens to be an engineering prodigy. You might think a book pairing would be one about big families, but I think Rosie Revere, Engineer is the obvious choice here. If your kiddo loves Stuck in the Middle, they’ll love reading about the inventions, failures, and trials of Rose in Rosie Revere, Engineer. Girl power? Oh yes.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fans should try Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear, by Lindsay Mattick and Sophie Blackall
If I say, “Oh toodles!” do you know what I’m referring to? Then you most likely have a kiddo obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. The TV show is wildly popular with the under-5 circuit and you can find dozens of books focused on Mickey and the gang. But spread out the joy of Disney a bit! It’s time to take their love of all things Walt and pick up a copy of Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear. Chances are, if your kid loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, they’ll love Winnie-the-Pooh. But Winnie wasn’t always a Disney cartoon, and the charming Finding Winnie will tell the real story, quickly becoming a favorite among the entire family.

Doc McStuffins fans should try Amazing Grace, by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
Time for your check-up! Get in line if your child is also a huge Doc McStuffins fan, and then pick up a copy of Amazing Grace to read to your little one. They both feature a smart, determined girl who has big dreams, and who refuses to let a road block stand in the way of her aspirations. I mean, not many preschoolers can actually become doctors, but Doc McStuffins does it every day, just like Grace makes her acting dreams come true.

The Thundermans fans should try Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling
Come on, you know I had to throw this book in the list. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone may already be on your kid’s bookshelf, but if they are a fan of the Nickelodeon series The Thundermans, you need to read it to them as soon as possible. The TV show stars a family with superpowers, and if that doesn’t make you think of all the wizarding families in Rowling’s world, I don’t know what will. The two make an excellent pairing as they both require a lot of imagination, a lot of heart, and the sweet themes of magic and family.

Paw Patrol fans should try Clifford the Firehouse Dog, by Norman Bridwell
Almost every friend I have with a preschooler knows all about the TV show Paw Patrol. I get the appeal—lots of sweet doggies rescuing those around them. But when it’s time to find a book that pairs with the show, skip the Paw Patrol themed books and go for Clifford the Firehouse Dog instead. Clifford the Big Red Dog is already a staple in children’s literature, but he’ll fulfill your kid’s love of both dogs and firefighters with this book. It’s a classic, with all the same themes as their favorite Paw Patrol episodes, but gives them a whole new world to step into with the iconic character of Clifford.

Spongebob Squarepants fans should try I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean, by Kevin Sherry
He may not live in a pineapple under the sea, but the squid in I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean will bring all the nautical nonsense your kid wishes. Spongebob Squarepants is a favorite across the board and has probably piqued your kid’s interest in the sea. Pick up a copy of this silly book to encourage kids to really embrace their love of underwater life. Full of bold, bright illustrations and with a funny, quirky squid as a main character, it has all of the same elements that make your kid love Spongebob Squarepants.
What books would you recommend for fans of these shows?