The Best Kids' Books of October 2026

These exciting October books bring silly spooks, heartwarming adventures and more for kids of all ages. This month marks the release of the Dragonborn sequel, plus a new Bunns Rabbit tale and another wacky Wimpy Kid story. Explore the best kids’ books of October for young readers of every age.

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A boy, a dog, and a mouse set out on an unforgettable and terrifying adventure in this uniquely crafted tale of identity, belonging and the bonds that bring us home.

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Greg is about to face his biggest challenge yet. When the going gets tough, what’s a Wimpy Kid to do? Enlist his pals for help! In Fight or Flight, Greg learns just how important it is to have friends in his corner.

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The sequel to Dragonborn transports readers to the epic dragon world for another adventure. As dark forces threaten the island of Skralla, Alex and her friends must piece together the legend of the mysterious Twilight Child in this exhilarating sequel.

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A puzzling mystery brings Ben Ripley and our favorite spies-in-training across deserts and oceans to save their grown-ups.

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The author of Olivetti returns with a magical tale of connection and friendship. Trunk No. 3 is a small suitcase full of letters and secrets, and eleven-year-old Earl Grey finds herself on a life-changing adventure after connecting with a mysterious pen pal.

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Meet the Donut Squad! Nothing can stop them… well, aside from bagels, of course. The squad plots to take over the world in this sugary-sweet story filled with heart.

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Ross Montgomery, author of our 2025 B&N Children’s Book of the Year I am Rebel , pens a new tale that weaves real history with fantastical legends, set in England during WWII.

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In a world where people have forgotten how to build, one boy discovers that a single lost brick could change everything in this funny and creative LEGO-powered adventure for young readers.

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Young readers loved her in Bunns Rabbit, and now Bunns is back in this new tale of adventure and bravery. There is darkness on the horizon, and only Bunns can use her power to save all living creatures in this heartwarming story.

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The author of I Am Enough returns with an inspirational celebration of individuality. I Am Wonderfully Me is a delightful ode to the human body that will encourage self-love and confidence in young readers.

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The exhilarating Dragonships series continues with book three, The Void Dragons. This time, an unexpected enemy threatens the entire solar system as Lunar and the Dread Knights race to save their world.

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In B.J. Novak's long-awaited follow-up to The Book With No Pictures, there are even more silly words to spell and shout, this time in board book form.

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Spots or stripes? Why not both?! Cheetah and Tiger can’t agree on what type of pants are superior in this hilarious tale that celebrates individuality and uniqueness.

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What rhymes with orange? You might be surprised! The minds behind P is for Pterodactyl deliver a wonderfully wordy romp that celebrates the unrhymable in this laugh-out-loud book.

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The wizarding world comes to life once more in the brand-new illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Fans can now relive the sixth book in vibrant color, and book lovers of all ages will feel lucky to add this beautiful edition to their collection.

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Between volleyball, friends, drama club and her crush, Sara is struggling to find her place in the mixed-up world of middle school. So what’s a girl to do? Mixed Signals is a feel-good graphic novel that celebrates the highs and lows of growing up.

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When Kitty is adopted by a new family, she finally begins to feel like she belongs. But she soon learns that her new home is haunted by its former feline inhabitant in this weird and wonderful spin on Rebecca.

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Everyone has their New Year’s resolutions ready, but Karen isn’t so sure she can juggle all her new promises in this heartwarming new Baby-sitters Club graphic novel.

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He's silly, sweet and a bit of a monster. Meet Frankenkitty! Little ones will fall in love with the misunderstood, stitched-together kitten in this laugh-out-loud picture book, bursting with vibrant illustrations.