King of Tokyo + Kids Books

Perfect for 5 years and up, this dice game involves strategy, risk, and balance. Can you get ahead of everyone else without losing your life? Players assume to role of a monster and start with 10 hearts, to win you need to reach 20 stars before everyone else and before reaching 0 hearts. Along the way, players can augment their capabilities by trading energy cubes for power cards.

The box does say it is suited for ages 8 and up, but my 5-year-old son and nephew absolutely love it. It’s great for developing the concepts of probability, strategy, and decision-making. It’s really fun and there can be a high degree of suspense and thrill as the game nears its ending. Kids who are obsessed with Pokemon will love this game.

The books I have selected as possible matches for this game are a bit of a mixed bag, but they are all age-appropriate for the game.

Anzu the Great Kaiju, by Benson Shum

This is a sweet picture book about a kaiju who feels very different from his family. Anzu knows that kaiju are meant to be fierce fighters with special powers to wreak havoc and destruction. But little Anzu seems to have the power of flowers, and peace and growth. In a familiar story of self-acceptance breeding acceptance from others, this cute character will help young readers see how being different can be your strength.

Shinsuke Yoshitake

King of Toyko has a distinct kaiju vibe – kaiju being a Japanese film genre where oversized creatures fight – think Godzilla. So pairing it with a book that is also very Japanese is a fun way to expand a child’s worldview. Shinsuke Yoshitake’s books are brilliant. They are bright and funny as well as philosophical and thought-provoking. They will easily win over kids from 4 years old, right through to late primary school years. A Japanese friend of mine, who until recently was raising her 4 children in Japan, told me that Yoshitake’s books are her favourite Japanese children’s picture book.

The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate

This set is perfect for 9-13-year-olds, kids who will really enjoy playing King of Tokyo. Unlike King of Tokyo where monsters fight against monsters, this series sees a rag-tag team of teens taking on the monsters and zombies. In a town that was suddenly taken over and many people left or were killed, Jack and his friends are determined to not just survive but thrive. Lots of humour and action, these were a really loved family read-aloud for us.