Best Children's Encyclopedias Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2025

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Children's encyclopedias are a fantastic resource for young learners. These books provide a wealth of information in an engaging and accessible format that is perfect for curious minds. From animals and geography to history and science, children's encyclopedias cover a wide range of topics in an age-appropriate manner. They often feature colorful illustrations and photographs that help to bring the information to life. Additionally, many children's encyclopedias are designed to be interactive, with quizzes and activities that encourage kids to engage with the material in a fun and meaningful way. Whether used for homework or just for fun, children's encyclopedias are a valuable addition to any young reader's bookshelf.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book That Explains Everything! (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias) Cover #TOP 1
DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book That Explains Everything! (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things: For Little Learners Who Want to Know Everything (My Very Important Encyclopedias) Cover #TOP 2
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things: For Little Learners Who Want to Know Everything (My Very Important Encyclopedias)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures) Cover #TOP 3
The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Children's Encyclopedias Books

#TOP 1

DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book That Explains Everything! (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

DK
Sep 6, 2022
DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book That Explains Everything! (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias) Cover
DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book That Explains Everything! (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

The DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book That Explains Everything! is an engaging resource designed for children aged 7-9, featuring over 250 topics presented through captivating illustrations and fun facts. This encyclopedia covers a wide range of subjects, from science and nature to myths and space exploration, making it an essential addition to any child's bookshelf.

My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things: For Little Learners Who Want to Know Everything (My Very Important Encyclopedias)

DK
DK Children
Sep 13, 2016
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things: For Little Learners Who Want to Know Everything (My Very Important Encyclopedias) Cover
My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things: For Little Learners Who Want to Know Everything (My Very Important Encyclopedias)

My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things is an excellent educational book for young learners. It includes a wide range of topics, from animals to planets and everything in between, all presented in a fun and engaging way. The book features colorful illustrations, games, and hundreds of exciting facts that will keep kids entertained for hours on end. With its padded cover, built-in ribbon bookmark, and friendly writing style, this book is perfect for young readers aged 5-9. Overall, it's an ideal first reference book for kids and a great gift for curious young minds.

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

Burnie, David
Smithsonian Institution
DK Children
Aug 19, 2013
The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures) Cover
The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth is a comprehensive guide for young readers that showcases over 1,500 species with stunning pictures and accessible information. From giant predators to microscopic life, this book covers a jaw-dropping spectrum of animal types. The book also includes amazing galleries, animal habitats, and fact boxes that provide an engaging learning experience for children. Written by David Burnie, a fellow of the Zoological Society of London, this book is a great resource for budding naturalists or anyone interested in completing a school project. Overall, The Animal Book is an excellent reference guide for children with a passion for animals.

#TOP 4

Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Everything: The Ultimate Guide to the World Around You (DK Eyewitness)

DK
Sep 5, 2023
Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Everything: The Ultimate Guide to the World Around You (DK Eyewitness) Cover
Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Everything: The Ultimate Guide to the World Around You (DK Eyewitness)

The Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Everything is an engaging and visually stunning guide designed for curious young minds aged 9 and up. With over 1,500 vibrant images, it covers a wide array of topics including nature, science, history, and technology, making it an essential reference for children eager to learn about the world around them. The inclusion of quizzes and expert interviews adds an interactive element that enhances the reading experience. This encyclopedia stands out for its ability to blend education with entertainment, ensuring that kids not only learn but are also inspired to explore further.

#TOP 5

Picturepedia, Second Edition: An Encyclopedia on Every Page

DK
DK Children
Oct 6, 2015
Picturepedia, Second Edition: An Encyclopedia on Every Page Cover
Picturepedia, Second Edition: An Encyclopedia on Every Page

Picturepedia, Second Edition: An Encyclopedia on Every Page is a visually stunning encyclopedia for children aged 9-12. The book covers over 150 topics, including science, nature, geography, culture, sports, and hobbies, with each topic covered on a double-page spread. The book is filled with up to 100 photos, graphics, and illustrations, making it an engaging and informative read. The book is an excellent reference for homework help, and the striking graphics and illustrations provide an optimum visual learning experience for children. Overall, Picturepedia is a must-have for young readers who are curious about the world around them.

#TOP 6

DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book that Explains Everything

DK
DK Children
Oct 10, 2017
DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book that Explains Everything Cover
DK Children's Encyclopedia: The Book that Explains Everything

The DK Children's Encyclopedia is an essential resource for children aged 7 to 9, designed to answer a wide range of questions in an engaging and accessible manner. Covering topics from science and nature to history and the arts, this encyclopedia features over 240 entries with stunning visuals and fun facts that captivate young readers. With expert-approved content, it encourages exploration and learning. What sets this book apart is its vibrant illustrations and organized structure, making complex subjects enjoyable and understandable for kids. Overall, it is a treasure trove of knowledge that inspires curiosity and a love for learning.

Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't

Britannica Group
Lloyd, Christopher
Luebering, J.E.
Britannica Books
Oct 13, 2020
Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't Cover
Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't

The Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia is a beautifully illustrated, 424-page compendium of knowledge covering topics from Earth and Space to Animals and STEM. It is divided into eight chapters by subject and takes readers on a journey from the beginning of time to the present day and even into the future. With over 100 expert consultants from around the world and more than 1000 images, this encyclopedia is a must-have addition to every family bookshelf and library collection. It provides hundreds of hours of fun learning for curious children and their families. Overall, it is an amazing book of wonders and a wonderful book that can be used for fun information learning and as a great resource for homeschooling parents for unit studies.

#TOP 8

Space: Collection of 6 Books (Knowledge Encyclopedia For Children)

Wonder House Books
Wonder House Books
Oct 12, 2020
Space: Collection of 6 Books (Knowledge Encyclopedia For Children) Cover
Space: Collection of 6 Books (Knowledge Encyclopedia For Children)

The "Space: Collection of 6 Books" by Wonder House is an engaging set of encyclopedias designed for curious young minds. It addresses fundamental questions about the universe, such as the nature of stars, constellations, and the science of space travel, making complex topics accessible through well-illustrated diagrams and a helpful glossary. The inclusion of fun facts in the "Isn't It Amazing" section adds an enjoyable twist, ensuring children remain captivated. Overall, this box set stands out for its age-appropriate content and thorough research, making it an excellent resource for children eager to explore the wonders of space.

Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! (DK Knowledge Encyclopedias)

DK
Smithsonian Institution
DK Children
Aug 1, 2017
Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! (DK Knowledge Encyclopedias) Cover
Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! (DK Knowledge Encyclopedias)

The Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! by DK Children is an outstanding educational book that provides an in-depth and interactive exploration into the workings of the human body. With stunning 3D CGI images, charts, infographics, and illustrations, young readers can learn about each bodily system, medical milestones, and fascinating facts about the human body. This book is perfect for curious children aged 9-12 and offers accuracy beyond online sources of information. Overall, this encyclopedia is a must-have for any child who wants to learn more about the marvels of the human body.

#TOP 10

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Very First Encyclopedia (The Very Hungry Caterpillar Encyclopedias)

DK
DK Children
Sep 6, 2022
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Very First Encyclopedia (The Very Hungry Caterpillar Encyclopedias) Cover
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Very First Encyclopedia (The Very Hungry Caterpillar Encyclopedias)

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Very First Encyclopedia" invites young readers on a vibrant journey of discovery, featuring Eric Carle's signature illustrations. Tailored for curious minds aged 3-7, it covers a variety of themes, including science, geography, and history, presenting information in engaging, bite-sized chunks. Each chapter introduces new topics, making learning fun and accessible. This encyclopedia stands out with its stunning visuals and clear organization, ensuring that children can easily explore and understand complex subjects. Overall, it’s a delightful and educational resource that brings the beloved caterpillar to life while fostering a love of learning in young readers.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are children's encyclopedias worth anything?

Many people have old books they think are valuable and would like to sell. Most old dictionaries, references etc., have very little value, a few dollars at most. Encyclopedias dated after 1923 are essentially worthless but crafters may be interested for the old pictures.

2. Do they still make Childcraft books?

The 15 volumes of Childcraft, published by World Book, Inc., currently consist of: Once Upon a Time- short stories and folk tales.

Editor's Notes

During our children's encyclopedias book research, we found 16 children's encyclopedias book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 121,499 customer reviews through our big data system to write the children's encyclopedias books list. We found that most customers choose children's encyclopedias books with an average price of $18.70.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.