13 Picture Books Based on True Stories for Kids

Some of my favorite picture books are the ones based on true stories. There’s just something about a true story that makes it more special. Maybe because it’s something that happened in real life—a real event that happened to a real person (or animal). So, I put together this reading list of picture books based on true stories. I hope you discover some new books and stories to fall in love with!

Some of the titles on this list are historical nonfiction books and some are modern, but all of them are based on real people and real events. You should be able to find many of them at the library, but they also make great gifts for kids, school librarians, and elementary school teachers. I know most teachers in Kindergarten and grades 1-3 would love to add these to their classroom library.

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Picture Books Based on True Stories

Honey, the Dog Who Saved Abe Lincoln by Shari Swanson, illustrated by Chuck Groenink

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The more I learn about Abraham Lincoln, the more he amazes me. Did you know that as a child, he found a dog with a broken leg in the woods? He set the dog’s leg and convinced his parents to let him keep him. From then on, Honey went everywhere with Abe—even into the underground caves near his home. When the young Abe Lincoln got trapped in the caves, Honey ran for help and saved his life. Animal lovers and history lovers alike will adore this true story about a beloved president and his cherished pet.

Backmatter includes a timeline of Abraham Lincoln’s life and encounters with animals as well as an author’s note about the president’s love for his four-legged and furry friends.

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Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers by Laura Renauld, illustrated by Brigette Barrager

Anyone that has ever watched and loved Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood needs this delightful biography on their shelves. It’s about Fred Rogers, a shy boy who loved music and art. As he grew up, Fred realized that television could be a powerful platform for teaching children all about feelings. With his big imagination and warm personality, Fred won over audiences all over the United States and made a difference in generations of children. Truly inspiring, this nonfiction picture book will be a favorite of anyone with fond memories of watching Mr. Rogers on television.

Backmatter includes an author’s note on the history of Fred’s TV show and legacy.

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Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker, illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss

I bought this book for my daughter at a children’s book festival. I love Winnie-the-Pooh and was hooked the instant I saw that this was the true story about the bear that inspired the famous books by A.A. Milne. My kids and I loved learning more about this special bear. Winnie was adopted by a Canadian military veterinarian named Harry and traveled to England with him. But when Harry was sent to France during the war, he placed Winnie in the London Zoo. She stayed there for the rest of her life, stealing the hearts of zoo visitors—including a little boy named Christopher Robin. If you love Winnie-the-Pooh, you’ll want to read this heartwarming true story.

Backmatter includes an author’s note about Harry, Winnie, and the beloved storybooks.

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Diana’s White House Garden by Elisa Carbone, illustrated by Jen Hill

I’m always fascinated by stories that happen in wartime, especially if they’re based on real events. This is the story of a girl named Diana Hopkins who was the daughter of the chief advisor to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Diana wanted to help the war effort, but everything she did—spying, painting quarantine signs, and thwarting enemies—backfired. But when the president asked for help growing a vegetable garden at the White House, Diana eagerly volunteered. Diana and her garden became role models for the entire country during the war.

Backmatter includes notes from both the author and illustrator about the food shortage during the war and the “liberty gardens” Americans grew.

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Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by Raul Colon

Oh my goodness, what an inspirational story! If you loved the nonfiction book Hidden Figures or the movie adaptation and want to share Katherine Johnson’s story with your child, this picture book biography is fantastic. It follows Katherine’s life, from her childhood as a gifted student through her work at NASA with astronaut John Glenn. This is an incredible, in-depth look at her life and accomplishments in a nonfiction picture book format. So go ahead, read this book, and feel inspired to reach for the stars.

Backmatter includes a “More About Katherine” section that highlights her life and career.

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Nice Work, Franklin! by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, illustrated by Larry Day

My kids love reading this story about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his struggles—both personal and the ones America faced. Born to a wealthy family, Franklin led a life that was pretty blissful until he developed polio and lost most of the use of his legs. Even though he had a disability, Franklin successfully ran for president and brought hope to America during the Great Depression. Educational and inspirational at the same time, this nonfiction picture book will help you understand this incredible president better.

Backmatter includes an author’s note about Franklin Roosevelt.

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Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by James E. Ransome

In 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful “I Have a Dream” speech that has inspired and motivated people for over half a century. This picture book celebrates Dr. King’s legacy and his dream for equality in America. While it’s not a biography, this picture book is inspired by the true story of Martin Luther King Jr. and the tremendous impact he made on our society. It promotes values such as kindness, education, equality, and perseverance.

Backmatter includes an author’s note about Martin Luther King Jr.’s history and legacy.

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Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by Katy Wu

I had never heard of Grace Hopper before reading this book to my children. As it turns out, she’s an incredible woman with half a century of accomplishments in the tech world under her belt. She’s the woman who wrote programs for one of the very first computers. She also coined the phrase “computer bug” when her engineers found a moth inside her computer. This picture book biography follows Grace’s life as a gifted child to her years teaching college and on to her distinguished career in the Navy.

Backmatter includes a timeline of Grace Hopper’s life and accomplishments.

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Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still by Karlin Gray, illustrated by Christine Davenier

If you have a young gymnast at home, you need to read this picture book based on the true story of a young girl with boundless energy and a flair for gymnastics. Come along with Nadia as she climbs trees and gets into trouble until she discovers her passion for gymnastics. Then, follow her to the 1976 Olympic Games where she received seven perfect scores and five Olympic medals. With its beautiful illustrations and inspiring story, this delightful picture book will have your little gymnast dreaming big.

Backmatter includes a note from the author and a timeline of Nadia’s life.

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A Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by John Hendrix

This is one of the first picture books based on true stories that I ever read. I think it’s also one of the best-known books on this reading list. It’s about Charles Dickens as a young boy living in poverty and dreaming of a brighter future. Charles spends his days working long shifts in a factory and telling stories to the other children that work with him. On Sundays, he visits his family in prison (his entire family). It isn’t until a windfall brings a change of fate to the Dickens family that Charles can go to school, gain an education, and become one of the greatest writers in history.

Backmatter includes a note from the author.

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Polly and Her Duck Costume: The True Story of a Little Blind Rescue Goat by Leanne Lauricella, illustrated by Jill Howarth

Little animal lovers will have their hearts melted by this charming true story about a little blind goat named Polly. When Leanne rescues Polly, she takes her home and keeps her safe and warm. But anytime Polly is left alone, she gets scared. So Leanne puts the sweet little goat into a duck costume to help her feel warm and cozy. It works! Polly loves the comfort that her duck costume gives her and rarely goes anywhere without it. When another little goat comes to live with Polly, the two become fast friends.

Backmatter includes a letter from the author and pictures of the real Polly and other goats on the farm.

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My Name is Bob by James Bowen and Garry Jenkins, illustrated by Gerald Kelley

Another book for animal lovers, this picture book is based on the true story of a street cat named Bob, and the musician who takes him in. While there’s no way of knowing what Bob’s life was like before James found him, this book presents a likely possibility. When Bob’s owner gets sick and is taken away in an ambulance, he finds himself alone on the streets of a city, with no one willing to take him in. One day, he meets a lonely musician and follows him home and the two have been together ever since. This story celebrates pet adoption and animal rescue and is perfect for any child with a rescue pet.

Back matter includes pictures of James and Bob as well as a short biography.

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Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson

Not all true stories are lengthy biographies that span decades. Sometimes, a single moment in time can inspire an entire book, which is the case with Parker Looks Up. It’s about a young girl who visits an art museum with her mother and some friends. While at the museum, the girls see lots of beautiful art, but when Parker looks up and sees a portrait of Michelle Obama, she experiences a life-changing moment. Not only does this book accurately depict a blissful outing for a girl and her mom, but it also captures the moment when a piece of art touches the soul of the viewer. It’s an incredible moment and this book portrays it beautifully.

Backmatter includes a note from the author and a list of the paintings depicted in the story.

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Do you like picture books based on true stories? What are your favorites?