38 Gingerbread Books for Kids in 2024

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Get some gingerbread book inspiration with this list of best gingerbread books for kids including preschool and elementary grades. This gingerbread book list includes fictional humorous tales about the Gingerbread Man, stories about gingerbread houses, and nonfiction cookbook titles as well. Some are newer and others are classics. As a school librarian at five different elementary schools, I am in the fortunate position to be able to read books galore. Most of the titles may be found in one or more of the libraries where I work. I hope you enjoy perusing this list of favorite books about gingerbread for kids.

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The Best Gingerbread Book List Backstory

Once again, as with my Back to School book list, my Christmas booklist, Thanksgiving book list, Turkey book list, Snow book list, and Valentine’s Day book list for kids, I scoured the listings in the online library catalogs at the schools where I teach. These gingerbread books are not just for kids, though. The whole family can enjoy these selections. From silly books about the Gingerbread Man trying to trying to avoid being eaten to books with interesting gingerbread facts, the list has books for kids of a variety of ages, including preschoolers and elementary students. Let’s start with preschool books about gingerbread.

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Best Toddler and Preschool Gingerbread Man Books

Enthrall toddlers with stories filled with action, adventure, and delicious gingerbread. There are many different variations of the classic Gingerbread Man available. It’s fun to compare and contrast the similarities and differences. Even very young kids can discuss the events and characters. What is the original gingerbread man book? You can read a facsimile of the original, which appeared in a magazine in 1875. What is the best Gingerbread Man book? What are the different versions of the Gingerbread Man? Here are some of the most interesting versions of the classic Gingerbread Man tale in this list of Gingerbread Man books for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Gingerbread Man by Gail Yerrill	Padded for sturdiness, the large font size and repetitive text in the classic tale help increase the vocabulary and fluency of beginning readers.
How to Catch a Gingerbread Man by Adam Wallace	This clever addition to the “How to Catch” series involves clever STEAM traps, a bookstore, and other fairy tale characters.
The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst	Who knew the Gingerbread Man had a sister? Well, the same couple who baked her brother decided to make a girl, and, like her brother, she ran away. But she has a plan…
The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers by Lisa Campbell Ernst	The Gingerbread Girl is back, this time with some fun animal friends. Will they listen to the Gingerbread Girl’s advice and be able to outsmart that crafty fox?
The Gingerbread Twins by Renee Hayes	The wily fox that tricked the Gingerbread Man in the original version of the story is back. This time, he’s a baker determined to whip up the perfect batch of gingerbread people. Will he be outsmarted once and for all?
The Gingerbread Man by Jim Aylesworth	Constructed in sturdy board book format, this variation of the story includes a recipe for gingerbread men.
The Ninjabread Man by C.J. Lee	In this ninja-style adaptation of the classic tale, Sensei bakes a gingerbread ninja. Will the Ninjabread Man be able to outwit other ninjas, including Ninja Fox?
The Gingerbread Man 2: What Happened Later? By Stephen Dixon	Just in case some kids were concerned by the way the classic story ended, here is a lighthearted, rhyming sequel to put their minds at ease.
The Little Cookie by Margaret Hillert	Expand toddler and preschool vocabulary with this easy reader version of the classic gingerbread man tale. A word list is included.

Best Toddler and Preschool Gingerbread House Books

For toddler and preschool kids interested in gingerbread houses, here are some intriguing titles. Get inspired to do some building when you read these. Perfect to get toddler and preschool minds thinking, you can always follow up with a simple gingerbread house activity.

A Gingerbread House in the Woods by Melanie Salas	Follow the rhyming text and rebus picture clues as little gingerbread characters prepare for the arrival of Santa in this brightly illustrated holiday tale.
The Gingerbread House by Laura Gia West	What is the secret to keeping gingerbread men to stick around long enough to celebrate Christmas? Read this charming book to find out!
The Plan for the Gingerbread House by Darcy Pattison	In this clever STEM engineering story, a group of kids must design and build a gingerbread house to certain specifications. Will they overcome difficulties and succeed with their project? Find out as you read the fun rhyming text.
Alice’s Wonderland Bakery: The Gingerbread Palace by Disney Books	Will young Alice, granddaughter of the original Alice in Wonderland, be able to bake a gingerbread palace big enough for the entire Wonerland community? Find out in this colorfully-illustrated picture book.
Gingerbread Mouse by Katy Bratun	After a falling branch wrecks her home, little mouse needs to find a new place to live. Will a gingerbread house be just the thing? Charm young readers with this heartwarming tale.

Best Gingerbread Books for Kindergarten and First Grade

If you are going to go with a gingerbread theme for a holiday party, there are plenty of titles to choose from for a gingerbread books read aloud. What are the different versions of the gingerbread man? Enjoy looking through the gingerbread books on this list of books about the Gingerbread Man’s many adventures.

Everyone Wants a Bite of the Gingerbread Man: A Wild Christmas Story by Anthony Pinto	The Gingerbread Man is on the loose at the zoo having a wild animal adventure. Will he be able to make his escape before being eaten?
The Gingerbread Man by Eric Kimmel	In this version of the classic, the Gingerbread Man waits just until his peppermint buttons are fastened on, then he’s out the door!
The Gingerbread Man by Barbara Baumgartner	Part of the Nursery Classics series, this delightfully-illustrated book is a great addition to any Gingerbread Man book collection.
The Gingerbread Man by Karen Schmidt	This audio version is avabilable for FREE with an Amazon Audible trial.
The Gingerbread Boy by Richard Egielski	Oh no! The Gingerbread Boy is loose in New York City. When he ends up in Central Park, what will find? Get a kick out of reading this urbanized version.
The Gingerbread Boy by Harriet Ziefert	Looking for a version for beginning readers? This easy-to-read version is perfect for improving a young reader’s vocabulary and fluency.
The Gingerbread Kid Goes to School by Joan Holub	This budget-friendly version, perfect for giving as a gift to students, relates the story of a principal who bakes a runaway Gingerbread Kid.
The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires	Head out to the Wild West where the Gingerbread Man runs into a crafty coyote.
The Library Gingerbread Man by Dottie Enderle	It’s tough to get your hands on a copy of this fun book, in which the Gingerbread Man gets tired of his spot in a book on the library shelf. He has other plans. If you find a copy of this book, snap it up right away!
The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup	It’s Christmas Eve, and Captain Cookie, along with his gingerbread crew, have no wish to be eaten by Santa. Will they be able to make an escape? Get the details in this exciting holiday adventure.

More Gingerbread Man Books for Kindergarten and First Graders

The books in the Gingerbread Man Is Loose series are hilarious and entertaining. As a follow-up activity, you could have students brainstorm about other locations the Gingerbread Man might visit. Kids could even write their own stories to add to the collection.

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray	In this engaging version of the story, the Gingerbread Man doesn’t run away, he runs after the kids who made him. Despite obstacles, like soccer balls, will the Gingerbread Man catch up with the kids?
The Gingerbread Man Loose on the Firetruck by Laura Murray	It’s field trip time for the Gingerbread Man and the class of kids he belongs to, and they are headed to a fire station. Watch out for the hungry dalmation!
The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas by Laura Murray	Just in time for the holidays, the Gingerbread Man and his classmates are getting ready to take gifts to thank community helpers. Will the bad weather stop the Gingerbread Man?
The Gingerbread Man Loose at the Zoo by Laura Murray	On a class trip to the zoo, the Gingerbread Man gets separated from the kids. Will he be able to follow the clues to help someone else who is lost, too? Find out in this wild adventure.
The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose at School by Laura Murray	It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and a trouble-making leprechaun is on the loose. Will the Gingerbread Man be able to design a way to catch him?

Best Gingerbread Books for Kids by a Beloved Author

Author and illustrator Jan Brett is famous for her intricate, detailed, colorfully-illustrated picture books. Her gingerbread books are fun, whimsical, and enjoyable for kids and adults. Here are her gingerbread tales.

Gingerbread Baby	This is where it all began for the Gingerbread Baby. Will he get eaten or will he and his friend be able to enjoy all that freedom has to offer? Get the scoop in this clever retelling of the original tale of the Gingerbread Man, available in board book format.
Gingerbread Friends	Set in the snowy countryside of Switzerland, the Gingerbread Baby is lonely and in need of some friends. Where might they be? Find out in this sweet story by renowned author Jan Brett.
Gingerbread Christmas	The Gingerbread Baby is back, and this time he and his friend Matti are playing their instruments at the Christmas Festival. What will they do when the audience gets hungry for gingerbread? Find out in this charming tale.

Books Based on the Gingerbread Man that Are Not About Gingerbread

In clever twists, these titles adapt the story of a runaway food item to fit other types of food. You could extend the learning and fun by having kids think of other types of food that might run away. There are many possibilities, and you can get children’s brains working on ideas by reading the books on this list. Even though these books are not about gingerbread, they were added in for an extra dose of humor and creativity since they are based on the classic runaway gingerbread tale.

Can’t Catch Me by John Hassett	Instead of a Gingerbread Man, this clever story is about a runaway ice cube, determined to make his way to the sea for bigger and better things.
The Runaway Tortilla by Eric Kimmel	In another tale of runaway food, a tortilla is on the loose in this version of the classic with a southwestern flair. Dodging rattlesnakes and other creatures, will the tortilla be able to outwit the coyote?
The Cajun Cornbread Boy: A Well-Loved Tale Spiced Up by Dianne De Las Casas	It’s the story of the Gingerbread Man told Cajun style, with a Cornbread Boy on the loose instead.

Gingerbread Nonfiction for Kids

Get those oven mitts and mixing bowls out for some fabulous recipes. There’s also an interesting narrative nonfiction history book on this list. Can’t you just smell the aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven?

Let’s Bake Christmas Treats by Ruth Owen	Filled with easy recipes for young bakers, this cookbook includes step-by-step instructions for baking and constructing a gingerbread house.
Gingerbread for Liberty: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff	Christopher Ludwick, a German-born American patriot baker, was determined to help George Washington’s troops with the war. Find out how he contributed to victory in this little-known tale of heroism and gingerbread.
The Gingerbread Book: More Than 50 Cookie Construction Projects by Allen D. Bragdon	Creators can choose to make edible gingerbread or use modeling clay for these structures. There are projects for holidays all through the year.

Making Your Own Gingerbread Men or Gingerbread House

Whether you make gingerbread men or a gingerbread house, there are many sources you can use for supplies. If making your own gingerbread house seems too complicated, you can buy a kit or make a “gingerbread” house out of graham crackers. You can even decorate an entire gingerbread house village. It’s a great team-building class project.

Another Fun Activity for Kids

Looking for another way to spark the interest of kids in gingerbread or any other subject? Get a FREE Google slides bingo board template. It’s an excellent tool to help for kids remember information. You can customize the template to fit with any topic.

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Looking for More Book Ideas?

If you enjoyed this list of best children’s books about gingerbread, you might like these book lists as well:

gingerbread books for kids with book covers and gingerbread in the background

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Have a wonderful week, and enjoy reading books about gingerbread!

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Lisa Mitchell is a school librarian who likes to use her job as an excuse to stay up far too late reading books and noodling around with tech tools. To learn more about what this website has to offer, click on over to the About page.

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