12 Children's Books to Pass On Your Love of Knitting

Have you ever wondered if there are children’s books with knitting in them? After all, reading about knitting would be a fun way share your love for all things fiber related with a little one.

In fact, it’s never too early to pass on your passion for knitting with your children or grandchildren!

Even if your kids are too young to hold the sticks, you can introduce them to knitting and yarn arts through books.

Most likely, they’ve watched you knit so reading a book to them about knitting is actually something they’ll enjoy in a story.

There are quite a few whimsical and engaging children’s books on knitting and yarn. I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorites below and they are sure to make great gifts for Christmas, birthdays, or just to say, “I love you.”

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#1. Extra Yarn

From bestselling and award-winning author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klassen comes Extra Yarn, a Caldecott Honor Book, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner, and a New York Times bestseller.

Have you ever wished you could change the world? With just a box of yarn and some creative thinking, you can!

Extra Yarn is the story of a young girl who does just that. With her magical yarn, she turns a bleak community into a colorful paradise. Whether you're looking for an engaging read-aloud or an inspiring picture book, Extra Yarn is sure to please.

#2. If You Want to Knit Some Mittens

Written by Laura Purdie Salas and Illustrated by Angela Matteson

In this engaging picture book, a young girl sets out to knit herself a pair of mittens, but quickly discovers that it's not as easy as it seems!

With the help of her mischievous sheep, she follows 18 steps to create warm and cozy mittens for winter. This light-hearted tale is perfect for budding knitters of all ages.

#3. Unraveled

Written by Leanne Hatch

Introducing unraveled Book, the story of a special bond between a baby and his blanket. Cole's mama knits him a soft, woolen baby blanket before he is born and the two are never apart.

As Cole grows older, the blanket begins to unravel until one day Cole realizes that Mama is knitting it into a new sweater for him. The bond between them is so strong that even a few inches of yarn can't break it.

#4. Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading Tree

Written by Naoko Stoop

Red Knit Cap Girl and her friends discover a special tree in the forest that is perfect for reading! This charming story celebrates the joy of reading and the importance of working together.

With simple prose and radiant illustrations, this book is sure to delight readers of all ages.

Knit a children’s red cap to gift with this book.

#5. Knit Together

Written by Angela Dominquez

New from an award-winning illustrator comes a sweet story of mothers and daughters, drawing and knitting, and learning to embrace your talents—just right for Mother's Day.

Drawing is fun, but knitting is better—because you can wear it! Knitting isn’t easy, though, and can be a little frustrating. Maybe the best thing to do is combine talents. A trip to the beach offers plenty of inspiration. Soon mom and daughter are collaborating on a piece of art they can share together: a special drawing made into a knitted beach blanket.

For every mom and daughter, this is an arts-and-crafts ode creative passion and working together.

In fact, you and your daughter can learn to knit together with my free online Learn to Knit class!

#6. A Hat for Mrs Goldman

Written by Michelle Edwards and Illustrated by G. Brian Keras

Sophia has always loved helping her grandmother knit hats for everyone in the neighborhood, but this winter she has a new challenge-knitting a hat for Mrs. Goldman! Sophia tries hard to make a perfect hat, but it turns out looking like a disaster.

Luckily, Sophia comes up with a plan that will make Mrs. Goldman's hat the best one yet. With bright colors and playful pom-poms, this is one hat you'll love to wear all winter long!

A knitting pattern is included in the back of the book.

#7. Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters

Written and Illustrated by K.G. Campbell

Picture Book Illustration Winner, 2013 Golden Kite Awards

Looking for the perfect gift for the fastidious friend or family member? Look no further than Lester's Dreadful Sweaters Book! This hilarious story documents one man's struggle to get rid of a never-ending supply of truly dreadful sweaters knitted by his pesky cousin.

With its charming tone and engaging content, this book is sure to please anyone with a sense of humor.

#8. The Magic Ball of Wool

Written by Susanna Isern and Illustrated by Nora Hilb

Winner at the 2013 Moonbeam Children's Book Award.

Introducing the magic ball of wool book―the perfect story for anyone who loves spending time in their craft room. This charming tale follows a hedgehog as he learns to knit, with each new creation more impressive than the last. From sweaters for his animal friends to a cozy home for himself, the magic ball of wool never fails to inspire. Whether you're just starting out in knitting or are a seasoned pro, this is one book you won't want to put down!

#9. A Friendship Yarn

Written by Lisa Moser and Illustrated by Olga Demidova

Porcupine and Badger have always been the best of friends, so when Porcupine finds some yarn in the woods, she makes a present for Badger. And when Badger finds yarn, she makes a present for Porcupine.

The only problem?

It's the same yarn―and to finish the gift, they each must unravel the other's creation. An act of kindness turns into a fierce standoff as the friendship frays―can Porcupine and Badger set aside their differences and knit themselves back together?

#10. A Bedtime Yarn

Written by Nicola Winstanley and Illustrated by Olivia Chin Mueller

This bedtime yarn book is the perfect way to help kids relax and fall asleep. Frankie, the little bear, has a hard time falling asleep, but with his mother's help he learns to use the power of yarn to relax and drift off into sweet dreams.

Every few nights, the color of the yarn changes, leading Frankie on an exciting dream journey. With soft illustrations and a charming story, this book is sure to become a favorite nighttime read for kids.

You can knit a child’s blanket to accompany this book if giving it as a gift.

#11. Leave Me Alone

Written by Vera Brosgol

Looking for a way to get some peace and quiet? Look no further than the Leave Me Alone Book! This hilarious tale follows one grandmother's journey to the moon and beyond in search of some peace and quiet.

You'll find yourself entertained by her misadventures with ravenous bears, obnoxious goats, and hordes of aliens, all while she finishes her knitting. A perfect gift for any grandparent looking for a little escape!

A 2017 Caldecott Honor Book
A New York Times Notable Children's Book
A National Public Radio Best Book of 2016
A Horn Book Best Book of 2016
A Huffington Post Best Picture Book of 2016

#12. The Mitten

Written by Jan Brett

If you're looking for a fun, winter-themed read, look no further than the mitten book! This charming story is about Nicki, a boy who loses his white mitten in the snow, and the animals who find it and take turns inhabiting it.

You'll love following along as Nicki's adventures unfold through beautiful illustrations of the wintry landscape.

When presenting this book as a gift, why not knit a pair of mittens for the child as well? They can wear the cozy mittens while the book is read to them and stay warm in them outside as well.

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