Children’s Books Statistics By Country, Market Share and Size
Updated · Feb 17, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Editor’s Choice
- General Children’s Books Statistics
- Top 10 Most Popular Children’s Book Authors
- Children’s Books Statistics By Country
- Top 50 Children’s Books of All Time
- Children’s Book Market Size
- Trends in Children’s Book Demands Worldwide
- Most Preferred Types of Children’s Book Genre
- Conclusion
Introduction
Children’s Books Statistics: Reading from a young age develops the mind and personality. Moreover, children’s books hold a special place because they act as gateways to a world of wonder and learning. They spark a love of reading by being fun and engaging, with vibrant illustrations and stories that capture a child’s imagination.
These stories not only entertain but also help build essential skills like reading, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Children’s books can also be a source of comfort and connection, fostering a love of language and creating lasting memories between caregivers and children who read together. Let’s understand the current market through these recent Children’s Books Statistics.
Editor’s Choice
- In 2023, the global market size of children’s books was valued at approximately USD 12.3 billion.
- By 2024, the market is expected to grow to around USD 13.5 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.5%.
- The market is projected to reach approximately USD 16 billion, maintaining a steady CAGR of around 4-5% by 2028.
- On average, one in four books sold in the USA belongs to the children’s fiction book genre.
- According to a Statista survey, in the United Kingdom, the majority of children who enjoy reading books are between 8 and 11 years old.
- Sales of interactive books increased 10% from 2022 to 2023 and are expected to continue growing in 2024.
- In 2023, Manga was the most popular genre among Japanese residents. On the other hand, picture books/children’s books took place on the other end.
- The majority of the younger generation said they sometimes read books. In 2023, the rate of avid readers was less than 20%. Moreover, 18.6% of teenagers and young adults said they never read any books.
- Children’s Books Statistics estimate that By 2028, the market is projected to reach approximately USD 16 billion, maintaining a steady CAGR of around 4-5%.
- In 2023, graphic novels accounted for 15% of children’s book sales.
- In Russia, children’s books written by Korney Chukovsky contributed the highest number of copies in circulation, with more than 1.1 million in 2023.
- According to a report, What Kids Are Reading, by RenaissanceSpace in 2023, children aged 5 to 6 are more likely to read and understand fictional books than nonfiction.
- Children’s Books Statistics report that children who read for fun that is 34.6% are likely to achieve higher academic performance in their lives.
General Children’s Books Statistics
- On average, one in four books sold in the USA belongs to the children’s fiction book genre.
- According to a report, What Kids Are Reading, by RenaissanceSpace in 2023, children aged 5 to 6 are more likely to read and understand fictional books than nonfiction.
- In a similar report, J.K. Rowling’s fairy tale novel The Christmas Pig, published in 2021, recorded positive critical reviews and thus became a bestseller.
- As of today, Zeke Meeks by D.L. Green is the most popular book series among children aged 3 to 5 years.
- In the United Kingdom and Ireland, based on The Guardian’s publication, children read around 35% more books in 2023 than in 2022.
- Children’s Books Statistics study revealed that 77% of parents are likely to share books with their children even before they turn 1 year old.
- 95% of the parents believe that reading is important for their child’s growth.
- Furthermore, 28% of parents said they find it difficult to make their child read easily.
- In 2023, a report, Children and Young People’s Reading in 2023, by the National Literacy Trust found that 43.4% of children between 8 to 18 years old enjoy reading in their free time.
- 80% of the children aged between 6 and 17 read e-books for fun, but 62% said they prefer physical books over e-books.
- In 2023, one out of three households said they could buy fewer books for their children because of a financial crisis.
- Penguin Random House releases approximately 85,000 titles every year, including 70,000 in digital formats and 15,000 in print formats.
Top 10 Most Popular Children’s Book Authors
According to a report, What Kids are Reading, by RenaissanceSpace in 2023, the following are the 10 most popular Children’s book authors worldwide.
- Jeff Kinney
- David Walliams
- Roald Dahl
- J.K Rowling
- Julia Donaldson
- Roderick Hunt
- Francesca Simon
- Alice Oseman
- R.J. Palacio
- Suzanne Collins
Children’s Books Statistics By Country
United Kingdom
Enjoyment of Reading Among UK children
| Year | Aged 8 to 11 | Aged 11 to 14 | Aged 14 to 16 |
|
2005 |
67.5% | 44.3% | 32% |
| 2010 | 68.1% | 45.8% |
32.5% |
|
2011 |
73% | 47.2% | 34.4% |
| 2012 | 64% | 45.5% |
36.3% |
|
2013 |
65.8% | 49.5% | 36.7% |
| 2014 | 65.6% | 50.3% |
43.4% |
|
2015 |
72.6% | 51.7% | 40.2% |
| 2016 | 77.6% | 55.2% |
43.8% |
|
2017/18 |
77% | 53.2% | 44.3% |
| 2019 | 71.9% | 49.5% |
40.2% |
|
2020 |
66.6% | 46.2% | 42.3% |
| 2021 | 62.4% | 50.7% |
48.1% |
|
2022 |
59.8% | 45.6% | 45.3% |
| 2023 | 56.2% | 40.4% |
40.8% |
(Source: statista.com)
Age Group Preferences:
- According to a Statista survey, the majority of children who enjoy reading books are aged between 8 and 11 years.
Reading Enjoyment Statistics:
- The share of children enjoying reading sessions has been above 50% since 2005.
- Children aged 11 to 14 years contribute less than 50% to the share of those who enjoy reading.
Types of Frequent Activities Performed Among Children in Germany in 2023
Germany
(Reference: statista.com)
- Watching Visual Media: The most popular activity among children in 2023 was watching TV, movies, or videos on TV, with 84.6% participating.
- Listening to Music: Music was the second most popular activity, with 82% of children engaging in it.
- Reading Books: In 2023, 65.8% of children chose to read books.
- Other Media Activities: Additional media consumption included listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and radio shows, as well as reading comic books, magazines, and daily newspapers
Number of Book and Brochure Titles Published in Russia by Theme
Russia
In 2023, political and social-economic literature was the most published genre in Russia. Children’s Books Statistics by country reported that around 12,235 children’s literature books were published in the same region.
| Genre | Number of titles published |
|
Political and Social-Economic Literature |
21,752 |
| Fiction |
19,582 |
|
Literature on education, culture, media |
15,323 |
| Children’s Literature |
12,235 |
|
Technical Literature |
7,734 |
| Literature on philological sciences and arrt |
6,731 |
|
Natural sciences literature |
5,751 |
| Medical and Sports Literature |
5,126 |
|
Agricultural literature |
2,091 |
| Literature of universal content |
19 |
(Source: statista.com)
Most Published Children’s Literature Authors in 2023 By Circulation
| Name | Circulation in Thousands |
|
Astrid Lindgren |
364 |
| Leo Tolstoy |
373.39 |
|
Agniya Barto |
390.5 |
| Irina Gurina |
393.3 |
|
Viktor Dragunsky |
405.6 |
| Holly Webb |
452 |
|
Eduard Upensky |
513 |
| Elena Ulyeva |
529.5 |
|
Alexander Pushkin |
563.53 |
| Korney Chukovsky |
1,145 |
(Source: statista.com)
- Korney Chukovsky’s Books: Children’s books written by Korney Chukovsky had the highest circulation, with more than 1.1 million copies in 2023.
- Books by Alexander Pushkin and Elena Ulyeva: Collectively, books by Alexander Pushkin and Elena Ulyeva circulated 1 million copies in 2023.
Japan
Most Popular eBook Genres in 2023
In 2023, Manga was the most popular genre among Japanese residents. On the other hand, picture books/children’s books took place on the other end. Comparatively, other book genres shared less than 500 popularity.
(Reference: statista.com)
Argentina
Children’s Day Expenditure By Category
(Reference: statista.com)
- Footwear, Leather Goods, Audio/Video Equipment, and Cell Phones: Argentinians spent more than 28,000 pesos equally on footwear, leather goods, audio and video equipment, cell phones, and accessories.
- Books: Spending on books during Children’s Day was approximately 7,643 pesos.
Hong Kong
(Reference: statista.com)
- The majority of the younger generation said they sometimes read books.
- In 2023, the rate of avid readers was less than 20%. Moreover, 18.6% of teenagers and young adults said they never read any books
Top 50 Children’s Books of All Time
BBC.com recently published the greatest children’s books of all time. Each of the following books is a must-read for every child.
| Book Name | Year of Publish | Author Name |
|
Where the Wild Things Are |
1963 | Maurice Sendak |
| Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland | 1865 |
Lewis Carroll |
|
Pippi Longstocking |
1945 | Astrid Lindgren |
| The Little Prince | 1943 |
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry |
|
The Hobbit |
1937 | JRR Tolkien |
| Northern Lights | 1995 |
Philip Pullman |
|
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe |
1950 | CS Lewi |
| Winnie-the-Pooh | 1926 |
AA Milne and EH Shepard |
|
Charlotte’s Web |
1952 | EB White and Garth Williams |
| Matilda | 1988 |
Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake |
|
Anne of Green Gables |
1908 | LM Montgomery |
| Fairy Tales | 1827 |
Hans Christian Andersen |
|
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone |
1997 | JK Rowling |
| The Very Hungry Caterpillar | 1969 |
Eric Carle |
|
The Dark is Rising |
1973 | Susan Cooper |
| The Arrival | 2006 |
Shaun Tan |
|
Little Women |
1868 | Louisa May Alcott |
| Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | 1964 |
Roald Dahl |
|
Heidi |
1880 | Johanna Spyri |
| Goodnight Moon | 1947 |
Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd |
|
The Adventures of Pinocchio |
1883 | Carlo Collodi |
| A Wizard of Earthsea | 1968 |
Ursula K Le Guin |
|
Moominland Midwinter |
1957 | Tove Jansson |
| I Want My Hat Back | 2011 |
Jon Klassen |
|
The Secret Garden |
1911 | Frances Hodgson Burnett |
| Duck, Death, and the Tulip | 2007 |
Wolf Erlbruch |
|
The Brothers Lionheart |
1973 | Astrid Lindgren |
| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | 1999 |
JK Rowling |
|
Brown Girl Dreaming |
2014 | Jacqueline Woodson |
| The Three Robbers | 1961 |
Tomi Ungerer |
|
The Snowy Day |
1962 | Ezra Jack Keats |
| The Tiger Who Came to Tea | 1968 |
Judith Kerr |
|
Howl’s Moving Castle |
1986 | Diana Wynne Jones |
| A Wrinkle in Time | 1962 |
Madeleine L’Engle |
|
Watership Down |
1972 | Richard Adams |
| Tom’s Midnight Garden | 1958 |
Philippa Pearce |
|
Grimm’s Fairy Tales |
1812 | Brothers Grimm |
| The Tale of Peter Rabbit | 1902 |
Beatrix Potter |
|
The Railway Children |
1906 | Edith Nesbit |
| Noughts and Crosses | 2001 |
Malorie Blackman |
|
The BFG |
1982 | Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake |
| Rules of Summer | 2013 |
Shaun Tan |
|
Momo |
1973 | Michael Ende |
| The Story of Ferdinand | 1936 |
Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson |
|
The Lord of the Rings |
1954 | JRR Tolkien |
| The Owl Service | 1967 |
Alan Garner |
|
Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter |
1981 | Astrid Lindgren |
| The Neverending Story | 1979 |
Michael Ende |
|
The Panchatantra |
– | – |
| Treasure Island | 1883 |
Robert Louis Stevenson |
(Source: bbc.com)
Children’s Book Market Size
- The global children’s book market has shown steady growth over the years.
- In 2023, the market size was valued at approximately USD12.3 billion.
- By 2024, it is expected to grow to around USD 13.5 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.5%.
- This growth is driven by increasing literacy rates, rising awareness of the importance of early childhood education, and the growing popularity of reading as a leisure activity for children.
Trends in Children’s Book Demands Worldwide
Digital Transformation:
- In 2023, digital books accounted for around 20% of the market, and this figure is expected to rise to 25% in 2024.
Educational Content:
- Books with educational content, especially those focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, are in high demand.
- These books help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age.
Diverse and Inclusive Stories:
- In 2023, books featuring diverse characters saw a 15% increase in sales, a trend expected to continue in 2024.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Themes:
- Books that focus on environmental awareness and sustainability are becoming popular.
- Stories that teach children about the importance of protecting the planet are seeing increased interest.
Series and Franchises:
- Children’s book series and franchises continue to dominate the market. Popular series keeps readers engaged with familiar characters and ongoing storylines.
- In 2023, series books made up 40% of children’s book sales.
Most Preferred Types of Children’s Book Genre
Picture Books:
- Picture books, with their vibrant illustrations and simple text, remain a favorite among young children and their parents.
- These books are crucial for early childhood development.
- In 2023, picture books accounted for about 30% of the market.
Graphic Novels:
- Graphic novels, combining visual storytelling with text, have gained immense popularity among older children and pre-teens.
- In 2023, graphic novels accounted for 15% of children’s book sales.
Interactive and Activity Books:
- Interactive books, including pop-up books, touch-and-feel books, and books with puzzles or games, are particularly popular among toddlers and young children.
- Sales of interactive books increased by 10% from 2022 to 2023 and are expected to grow further in 2024.
Fantasy and Adventure:
- Fantasy and adventure books, which transport children to imaginary worlds filled with excitement, remain highly popular.
- Iconic series such as “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson” continue to captivate young readers.
Educational and Non-fiction Books:
- Educational books, including biographies, history, and science books, are increasingly sought after.
- These books support children’s learning and satisfy their curiosity about the world.
Conclusion
The demand for children’s books will likely remain strong, with publishers focusing on innovative content that combines education, entertainment, and inclusivity. The rise of digital platforms and the continued popularity of physical books will ensure a balanced market catering to diverse preferences and needs, as identified in the Children’s Books Statistics.
Joseph D'Souza started Coolest Gadgets in 2005 to share his love for tech gadgets. It has since become a popular tech blog, famous for detailed gadget's reviews and companies statistics. Joseph is committed to providing clear, well-researched content, making tech easy to understand for everyone. Coolest Gadgets is a trusted source for tech news, loved by both tech fans and beginners.
