Childrens Books Market Size, Share & Forecast Report, 2033

CHILDREN'S BOOKS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Children's Books Market size was valued approximately USD 13.11 Billion in 2024 and will touch USD 27.40 Billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.54% from 2024 to 2033.

Children's books are books made for young readers, usually from babies to young teens. These books are fun, easy to understand, and often have pictures that help tell the story. They can be about all sorts of things, like fun adventures, life lessons, or learning new stuff. The stories are simple, with easy words, and often teach children new ideas or skills. Children's books are designed to keep kids interested in reading and help them grow their imagination and language skills. They come in different types, like picture books, early readers, and chapter books.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Increased Digital and Online Reading

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more kids used digital books. Schools and libraries closed, so parents and kids read e-books and listened to audiobooks for fun and learning. Online reading sites and digital libraries got busier as kids studied and played at home. This shift also encouraged the development of interactive digital books, making reading more engaging and accessible for kids.

LATEST TREND

Growth of Interactive and Digital Books

As tech use goes up, children like interactive and digital books more. These books have cool stuff like moving pictures, sounds, and things to click on. E-books and audiobooks are getting more popular too, especially on tablets and phones. This lets kids enjoy stories in fun, new ways that help them learn and have fun.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Print Books, E-books, Audiobooks and Interactive Apps.

Print Books: Print books are the old-school, real-life books, either hardcover or paperback. They're still loved because kids can hold and share them, and they're good for learning. Even though digital books are popular now, print books are still in demand, especially for younger kids. They make reading more personal and help kids focus. The market for print kids' books keeps growing, especially for books for little kids, picture books, and learning books.

E-books: E-books are children's books in digital form that people can read on gadgets like tablets, phones, and e-readers. They're handy because you can have lots of books in one device. They're also cheaper and let you adjust things like text size and background. But some parents and teachers prefer print books because they think they help kids concentrate better without distractions. Still, the market for kids' e-books is growing as kids use digital devices more.

Audiobooks: Audiobooks are like children's books that people can listen to on gadgets. They're awesome for kids who are learning to read or who like to listen and learn. They boost kids' listening, comprehension, and vocabulary, so parents and teachers like them. Audiobooks are also great for keeping kids busy on long trips or while doing other things. The market for kids' audiobooks is growing fast because more families use them for learning and fun, thanks to services like Audible and Storynory.

Interactive Apps: Interactive book apps for kids mix old-school storytelling with cool digital stuff like games, moving pictures, and talking characters. They make reading fun for kids who love tech and let them learn by playing and interacting. As kids use tablets and phones more, these apps are getting super popular because they're fun and educational. But some folks worry kids might spend too much time on screens and not read real books. Even so, these apps are expected to keep growing because many parents and teachers want fresh ways to get kids into reading.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Preschool (0-5 years), Early, Readers (6-8 years), Middle Grade (9-12 years) and Young Adult (13-18 years).

Preschool (0-5 years): Books for preschool children focus on early education, visual learning, and language development. These books often include simple texts, vibrant illustrations, and interactive elements. The demand for preschool books remains strong, as parents and schools emphasize early literacy. Picture books and board books dominate this segment, with growing interest in educational and sensory-rich content.

Early Readers (6-8 years): Early reader books target children learning to read independently, with easy vocabulary and short chapters. These books bridge the gap between picture books and more complex stories. The market is thriving as children in this age group gain reading skills. Series-based books and popular characters are key drivers, encouraging young readers to develop a love for books.

Middle Grade (9-12 years): Middle-grade books cater to children ready for more intricate plots and themes, with longer narratives and character-driven stories. Genres like adventure, fantasy, and mystery are popular in this age group. The market is expanding as kids in this range seek more challenging content. These books often become favorites for both personal reading and school assignments.

Young Adult (13-18 years): Young adult (YA) books are for teens and tackle deep themes, different characters, and grown-up stuff like identity, relationships, and social issues. This part of the kids' book world is really active, with hot trends in fantasy, romance, and dystopian stories. YA books keep pulling in lots of readers, including adults, and are popular in digital formats too.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Growing Emphasis on Early Childhood Education

As more people understand how important early education is, parents and teachers are more likely to buy books that help kids learn to read and think. Books for little kids, especially those that teach something, are really important for their early learning. This growing need for educational books for preschoolers and new readers is boosting the market, because parents see books as key for their kids' brain and social growth.

Restraining Factor

Digital Distraction and Competing Technologies

The rise of digital stuff like video games, social media, and streaming services is a big challenge for the children’s book market. Kids are more into interactive screens that give them instant fun and keep them engaged. As a result, physical and even digital books face stiff competition for children's attention. This shift towards digital entertainment, especially among older children and young adults, can limit the time they spend reading traditional books, thereby restricting market growth.

Opportunity

Rise in Digital and Interactive Book Formats

The growing use of digital platforms is a huge chance for the children’s book market, especially with e-books and interactive apps getting more popular. Kids are getting used to playing with tech, and digital books have cool stuff like animations, games, and touchscreen interactions. These new formats can really grab kids' attention and give them personalized learning. This opens up a bigger market for publishers to check out.

Challenge

Intellectual Property and Piracy Issues

Children’s books, especially the popular ones, often get stolen or copied illegally. With digital books and online reading platforms, it's easier for people to share unauthorized copies, which can hurt the money publishers and authors make. Piracy is a big problem in some countries where the laws aren't strict, affecting how much money kids' books make and discouraging publishers from making new books.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America

In North America, the children's book market is hot and competitive. Print books are still king, especially for little ones. But e-books and audiobooks are catching on with older kids. The industry's doing well thanks to good publishing, digital access, and a hunger for diverse, helpful books. Publishers are into culture, mental health, and STEM. Online sales help them reach more kids worldwide. And book fairs and author visits keep the book buzz alive.

Europe

Europe's children's book market is diverse and always changing. Big players like the UK, Germany, France, and Spain drive it. Print books rule, but e-books and audiobooks are catching up, especially in the UK and Germany. These books help kids learn languages and cultures. Publishers tweak their books for each country. Fairy tales are still popular. Now, there's more focus on being eco-friendly and having diverse stories. Big book fairs help launch new books and connect publishers globally.

Asia

Asia's children's book market is growing fast! China, Japan, South Korea, and India all love them, both printed and digital. China's big on learning books, especially English, and e-books are popular too. Japan's manga is huge. South Korea loves interactive books and apps. India's booming with English books and local stories. Smartphones are making e-books cooler. But, some places can't afford them, and books need to fit local cultures. Despite that, Asia's kids' book market has a lot of room to grow as kids read more and digital stuff spreads.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Competing for Unique Stories and Digital Innovation

The children's books market is super competitive. Big and small publishers are all trying to shine. They focus on unique tales, learning stuff, and new formats like e-books and audiobooks. Books showing diversity, inclusion, and being eco-friendly are trending. Online sales are crucial now, so publishers are into e-commerce. Self-published books and indie authors are making it even more competitive, so traditional publishers need to keep coming up with new ideas.

List of Top Children's Books Market Companies

Penguin Random House
Scholastic Corporation
Hachette Livre
HarperCollins Publishers
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

In October 2023, Nosy Crow, created a children’s picture book, snapper, based on a John Lewis Christmas advert.

In March 2023, Lerner Publishing Group launched a book, Luis de Torres Sails to Freedom, for a range of children from kindergarten to grade 2 in various formats, including hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and a few others.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The children’s books market is growing steadily. People keep wanting books that teach, entertain, and let kids play along. Print books are still big with younger kids who like holding and focusing on them. But e-books and audiobooks are growing too, especially as people like having books that are easy and use tech. Online stores and interactive apps are making kids' books more available everywhere.

In the future, the children’s books book market will keep growing, especially with stories that show different cultures and backgrounds. STEM books and books about the environment are becoming more popular too. As kids use more tech to learn, there'll be more demand for digital and interactive books. This gives publishers new chances to grow, both in print and online.