Finding cheap childrens books isn’t hard if you know where to look.
A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Instilling a habit of reading for pleasure shouldn’t break the bank and it’s easier than you might think to find cheap childrens books. After all, keeping young minds engaged requires a diverse and continually updated selection of stories.
But fear not readers! With a little savvy and a few insider tips, it is entirely possible to find a treasure trove of free and cheap childrens books. I put this guide together to help you navigate the world of budget-friendly children’s books. Whether you’re a parent hoping to foster a love of reading in your child, or a teacher working to fill your classroom with a wide range of books, this comprehensive list of resources and strategies is designed with you in mind. Let’s explore the many ways to bring the joy of reading into the hands of children without the torturous wails of a disapproving bank balance.
Leverage Online Resources to find Cheap childrens books
Ready to embark on a virtual treasure hunt for cheap children’s books? Excellent! The online world is teeming with opportunities to find that perfect story for your little reader, often at a fraction of the cost.
Free E-Books and Online Libraries
- Amazon has a selection of FREE children’s books. most of which are independently published so you’d be supporting self published authors. If your kids have an Amazon Kindle and you’re open to reading ebooks with them (and you should be – more on that in another post), this is a really great resource worth checking out.
- Project Gutenberg: Over 60,000 free e-books available, including classic children’s literature. All of the ebooks have been diligently proofread and digitised by volunteers for you to enjoy. It does focus on older works though so you’re not going to find anything from A.F Steadman, Katherine Rundell or David Walliams here.
- International Children’s Digital Library: A collection of books from around the world, free to read online.
- Open Library: Part of the non-profit Internet Archive; it provides free access to millions of books.
Book Swap and Exchange Websites are a great way to find cheap childrens books
- Ever wish you could just trade your old books for new ones? Websites like BookMooch or Paperback Swap do just that. You can exchange books with others for just the cost of postage. It’s like a book club, but with the whole world!
Online Marketplaces
- Amazon Children’s Books: Remember when Amazon first started out? (Not as old as me huh??) For those whippersnappers who don’t – Amazon started out selling only books online and they remain the biggest online book retailer and there is a plethora of incredible children’s books. Keep an eye out for second hand options and discounted prices.
- eBay: Again similar to Amazon but if you look deep enough you can uncover some real treasures at great prices.
- Bookfinder: This is a bookish search engine that searches the inventories of over 100,000 booksellers worldwide to find you the book you want at the best price.
- World of Books: Or ‘Wob’ as it’s affectionately known – sells used books online to over 190 countries worldwide. This site is a well designed and incredible resource which makes it easy for you to find cheap childrens books (and grown-up books) at great prices.
Become A Book Reviewer
Seriously you can do it, but if you LOVE books — especially children’s books — then become a reviewer. You can review books on Instagram (bookstagram), on a blog (I’ll share my tips for starting a kid lit book blog in another post if it’s something you’d like to know more about?), on Goodreads, or anywhere else. It’s easy to sign up on NetGalley to receive free books from publishers and once you have a slightly larger audience, you can actually ask publishers for free books.
Enter Book Giveaways
You’re not going to win all the time, but it never hurts to enter as many as you can. And the buzz you get when you do win is awesome! Some popular kidlit giveaway spots online I know include:
- Goodreads
- Everyday Reading on Instagram (she hosts a 5-book giveaway every Monday or so)
- Reading Middle Grade newsletter (we giveaway one book every Friday)
- Cindy Schwind on Twitter (she does a book raffle every Friday night)
Local Community Resources
Who said treasure hunts are only for pirates? Your local community might just be an untapped goldmine for cheap children’s books. Let’s dig in!
Public Libraries
Public libraries are like a parent’s secret superhero. Not only can you borrow a rotating selection of books for free, but they often host engaging library events that can make reading even more fun for your child.
Plus, many libraries are now part of digital lending platforms like Borrowbox (I use this and it’s excellent!), Overdrive or Libby, so you can borrow e-books from the comfort of your home.
Thrift Stores, Garage Sales, and table top sales.
If you’re up for an adventure, thrift stores, garage sales, and table top sales can be like your personal treasure chest for cheap childrens books. You never know when you might stumble upon a hard-to-find classic or a beloved series. Just remember, it’s all in the thrill of the hunt!
Local Book Swaps and Exchanges
Consider organising a book swap in your neighbourhood or school, or check to see if there are already book swap events happening in your area. It’s a great way to recycle books your child has outgrown and discover new ones. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to build a community of little bookworms!
With all these resources at your disposal, finding children’s books on a budget has never been easier. Let the adventure begin!
Special Programs and Sales
Don your adventure hat because we’re off to explore the world of special programs and sales – woooo! Where affordable cheap children’s books await. It’s like being invited to an exclusive party, but with books!
Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs
Picture this: a club where the only membership requirement is a love for books. Welcome to Scholastic Book Clubs! This program offers a wide range of new books at discounted prices.
It’s like a candy store for a book-lover, but without the toothache! And let’s not forget the legendary Scholastic Book Fairs. These pop-up events at schools not only bring affordable books right to your doorstep but also help schools earn free books and supplies. It’s a win-win!
Book Trust
Book Trust is a UK charity doing fantastic work to get children reading. Their programme, Bookstart, gifts free books to all children at two key ages before school to inspire a love of reading. It’s like having a birthday surprise in the form of books!
The Works
The Works is a treasure trove for budget-friendly cheap children’s books. With a vast selection of new and used books at discounted prices, they also offer regular sales where you can find books for as low as £1.
And teachers, rejoice! They offer an Education Discount to help fill your classrooms with a rich variety of books.
Oxfam Books
Oxfam’s high street bookshops are a great place to find second-hand children’s books at a fraction of the original price. Plus, you’re helping a worthy cause.
These special programmes and sales not only make it possible to find cheap children’s books, but they also transform the process into an exciting journey. Happy exploring!
Tips for Saving Money on Books
Are you ready for some insider tips to make your budget stretch even further? Excellent! Here are some savvy strategies to help you build a fantastic library of children’s books without breaking the bank.
Buying Used Children’s Books
Who said second-hand was second best? Charity shops like Oxfam or British Heart Foundation often have a dedicated book section where you can find cheap children’s books for just a few pounds, or even pence! Also, don’t forget online marketplaces like eBay UK. A used book has character, a story beyond the story. It’s like adopting a pet that only needs a good shelf to sit on!
Bulk Buying
When it comes to buying children’s books on a budget, sometimes more is more. Look for book sets or collections on websites like The Works. They often offer bulk deals that can significantly reduce the cost per book. It’s like finding a pot of gold at the end of the reading rainbow!
Seasonal Sales and Discounts
Whether it’s Black Friday, Boxing Day, or end-of-season sales, retailers often offer great deals on books. Amazon UK, Waterstones, WHSmith, and even supermarket chains like Tesco or Sainsbury’s can have some hidden gems during these times. Remember, a savvy book lover knows when to pounce!
Library Sales
Many local libraries in the UK hold regular sales where they sell off older stock. This can be a fantastic opportunity to add some great titles to your collection for pennies. Plus, you’re supporting your local library – it’s a win-win situation!
Scribd
This is one of my favourites because it works for readers all over the world. It’s a subscription-based library that allows you access to ebooks, audiobooks and magazines for a fixed monthly fee (less than £10). This is one way I listen to newly released audiobooks. If you want to try Scribd for two months free, use my sign up link.
With these money-saving tips in your book-finding toolkit, you’re all set to create an impressive library of children’s books on a budget. Let the frugal book hunting commence!
What are your favorite ways to read free or cheap children’s books?
Those are all of my tips! If I think of or find more I’ll add them. Now – over to you, how do you read free or cheap children’s books (legally — no dodgy PDF downloads) Let me know! Or leave a comment below 🙂
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