By Police1 Staff
Introducing young readers to the world of law enforcement can be both educational and inspiring. Books about police officers offer children a glimpse into the important role these community helpers play in keeping neighborhoods safe. These books can be used in the station, at school demonstrations or at community events to help officers engage with children. Check out the following and email your suggestions to editor@police1.com.
10. The Police 123’s by Donna Miele
Ten police officers start their day, each with an important job to do — count down as they complete their tasks one by one until only one remains! This engaging book combines counting with an exciting police-themed storyline, introducing children to the various roles that police officers perform every day.
9. Doggy Defenders: Tiger the Police Dog by National Geographic Kids
In this read-aloud picture book, readers join courageous canine Tiger for an adventurous day with the police in Washington, D.C. Photos showcase Tiger’s role as a police dog, while the story invites readers to follow along as Tiger visits a police academy, trains to sniff out important items, patrols famous landmarks and helps keep everyone safe.
8. Police Officers (In My Neighborhood) by Paulette Bourgeois, Kim LaFave
“Police Officers” explores the story of a young girl who reports a bike theft, leading to an in-depth look at the judicial process including an arrest, court trial and the roles of legal professionals. The book also provides an overview of police officer careers, detailing their responsibilities and equipment, and concludes with essential safety tips.
7. Traffic Police Officer Danny The Dog: Essential Road Safety for Kids
Danny the dog teaches kids important road safety tips in this fun and interactive book, with engaging illustrations to help children learn about roads, cars and traffic.
6. What Does A Police Dog Do? by Ellen F. Feld and John Cebula
“What Does A Police Dog Do?” introduces readers to the multifaceted roles of police dogs, from arson investigations and bomb detection to tracking and providing comfort to people in distress. The book features over 30 photographs that showcase real police dogs in action, highlighting the extraordinary capabilities of these K-9 heroes.
5. Police in Our School by Becky Coyle
“Police In Our School” educates children about the vital role of school resource officers in ensuring safety within educational environments. Inspired by her experiences as an elementary school resource officer, Deputy Becky Coyle created the School Safety series to clarify the functions of these officers to young students in an enjoyable and understandable manner, addressing common misconceptions and enhancing emergency preparedness.
4. Fly Guy Presents: Police Officers by Tedd Arnold
In their latest adventure, Fly Guy and Buzz explore a police station to learn about the various aspects of policing, including officers’ duties, police dogs, uniforms, cars and the role of community policing. Tedd Arnold’s book combines humorous illustrations and engaging photographs to make nonfiction accessible and entertaining for young readers.
3. Police Car Patrol! (Take the Wheel!) by Stanley Strickland and Rhys Jefferys
This story offers an introduction to police work for the youngest of readers (or listeners). The book is interactive, allowing young children to participate in “high speed pursuits.”
2. I Want to Be a Police Officer by Laura Driscoll and Catalina Echeverri
“I Want to Be a Police Officer” is part of a series that introduces young readers to community helpers, ideal for children just beginning to read independently. This Level One I Can Read book uses short sentences and familiar words to bolster reading confidence in early learners, whether read at home or in the classroom. With this story blending narrative with nonfiction elements, readers meet police officers who protect people, investigate crimes, and even work with trained dogs.
1. A Hero Lives in My Family: A Story for Kids of First Responders by Dr. Susan Hunt and Addie Storm
“A Hero Lives in My Family: A Story for Kids of First Responders” is a children’s book that celebrates the roles of various first responders, including police officers, EMS workers, firefighters, and military personnel, highlighting how they save, help, serve, and protect others. The story aims to educate children of first responders about their parents’ courageous jobs and the range of emotions they may experience, ultimately emphasizing that these heroes cherish their roles as parents the most.
BONUS: Police Cars Coloring and Drawing Book
“The Police Cars Coloring and Drawing Book for Children from 3 to 8 Years” offers a unique coloring experience that showcases police vehicles from different eras and countries, allowing children to embark on a creative journey through time and geography. This interactive book not only lets children color but also engage in drawing by tracing over dotted lines, enhancing their motor skills and allowing them to take ownership of their creations. Each page is designed to foster imagination, develop new ideas and techniques, and cater to young enthusiasts of police cars, making it an ideal choice for children who love to color and draw.