Happy 250th birthday to Jane Austen! To celebrate, here are ten children’s books that echo her world for younger readers.

From playful board books to illustrated chapter-book adaptations and biographies, these Jane Austen–inspired reads are perfect for elementary readers who are just beginning to explore classic tales—or who already love stories full of humor, friendship, and heart. Whether it’s a cozy picture book for storytime or a beginner-friendly adaptation for independent reading, there’s something here to spark every child’s imagination

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support. Please see the full disclosure for more information. I only recommend products I definitely would (or have already) use myself 

📚 Top 10 Jane Austen–Inspired Books for Kids

1. Lit for Little Hands: Pride and Prejudice (Board Book)

A beautifully illustrated interactive board book retelling Pride and Prejudice in simple prose with wheels and pull tabs — perfect for ages 3–7. Get Lit for Little Hands: Pride and Prejudice for yourself or a loved one this holiday. And don’t forget to check the other books in this delightful series (which include The Secret Garden, Alice in Wonderland, and more)

2. BabyLit® Pride & Prejudice: Counting Primer

A BabyLit board book that introduces counting through Austen’s world — great for preschool and early elementary readers. A Playset edition and other Little Poet primers make this series even more fun.

3. Pride and Prejudice (Usborne Young Reading – Abridged)

A shortened, illustrated retelling designed especially for younger readers, offering a gentle introduction to Austen’s language, characters, and social world. With clear storytelling and supportive illustrations, this edition is ideal for elementary readers ages 7–10 who are ready to try their first Austen classic.

4. Awesomely Austen series (Various Austen Stories)

Collects simplified, illustrated versions of Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion— lovely for budding readers (ages 7+).

5. A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice

A picture book biography that tells how Austen became a writer — delightful and inspiring for young readers (about ages 5–10).

6. Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen (Picture Book)

Another biographical intro for kids that shows Jane Austen growing up and writing the stories they’ll soon love — perfect for family read‑alouds. This one is for ages 4 to 8 year olds.

7. Brave Jane Austen: Reader, Writer, Author, Rebel

Illustrated biography that celebrates Austen’s life and creative spirit, suited to early elementary audiences (7 – 10 years old).

8. Who Was Jane Austen? (Chapter Book Biography)

Part of the Who Was…? series, this gives kids a chapter‑book biography of Austen’s life — great for independent readers around 8–12.

9. Pride and Prejudice (Seek and Find Classics)

A fun, interactive take on Austen’s most famous novel, this seek-and-find book invites kids to explore detailed scenes while spotting characters and objects from the story—great for shared reading and visual learners.

10. Jane Austen Investigates series

A mystery series inspired by Austen’s stories that twists Austen’s love of books and adventure into a kid‑friendly whodunit (ages ~8+).

🎉 Bonus Notes for Young Readers

📌 Series & Starter Ideas, then some more:

• Sweet Cherry Easy Classics collection has multiple titles kids can read one after another — a cozy winter collection.
• Cozy Classics series
• Branon Painter’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
• Various graphic novel retellings of Austen titles — e.g., like this Marvel version of Pride and Prejudice or this Manga edition of Emma, Northanger Abbey — that make classics visually fun for elementary/middle readers.

📌 Pair with Activities:

• After reading a biography like Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen, try a writing challenge where kids write their own short story “Austen‑style.”
• Use the BabyLit books to turn reading into playful learning for the youngest kids. When you check the series, you will see primers for counting, colors, emotions, and more!
• Jane Austen for Kids: Her Life, Writings, and World, with 21 Activities. A biography that comes with built-in activities for kids (9 years and above)

More Related Reads + Etcs

One of the joys of reading is watching how stories grow with us—what begins as playful board books and gentle introductions can slowly turn into full novels, clever retellings, and modern reimaginings that speak to older readers, too.

Kat, Incorrigible; Ibi Zoboi’s Pride; Ayesha at Last; Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper; The Jane Austen Society; Patchwork: A Graphic Biography of Jane Austen; I Shall Never Fall in Love; Jane Austen Juvenilia and Short Stories; The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography; Frederic & Elfrida and The Three Sisters; Jane Austen Lied to Me; Northanger Alibi; Scones and Sensibility; Prom and Prejudice; Pies and Prejudice; Prada and Prejudice; This Motherless Land; Jane Austen’s Bookshelf; Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen’s Unsung Characters

For those ready to grow with Austen, these titles offer stories for tweens, teens, and adults alike — from Regency-inspired adventures and modern retellings to graphic novels, historical biographies, and clever reinterpretations of her timeless classics.

For even more Austen magic, look at these posts I wrote earlier:

• Five Delightful Emma Retellings You Might Be Clueless About + More
• Read my thoughts on – Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things – a YA Mansfield Park retelling.

And Now, the End of This Post

Bring the magic of Jane Austen into your home this winter! Pick up a few of these kid-friendly favorites, read them together, and let your young readers discover the joy, humor, and timeless charm of Austen’s world. Don’t forget to share your family’s favorite picks in the comments — I’d love to hear which books spark the most delight!