Best Pokemon Book with All Characters (2026): Compared

Kids who want the best pokemon book with all characters want one book that gathers every character in one place. This list compares Pokémon handbooks and guides on character count, pages, reading age and format.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Super Deluxe Essential Handbook	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Essential Handbook by Silvestri	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Pocket Guide 2 by Shogakukan	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Visual Companion by DK	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Sketch Challenge by Barbo	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Super Deluxe Essential Handbook

Scholastic·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits kids who want one handbook with over 800 characters.

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Pros

• Info on over 800 characters in 496 full-color pages.
• Deluxe edition dated July 31, 2018, from Scholastic Inc.
• Reading age 6 to 8 years, marked as from customers, grade level 2 to 5.

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers only.
• Dated July 31, 2018, so check the edition before buying.
• No series information is stated.

2

Essential Handbook by Silvestri

Cris Silvestri·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits kids who want stats and facts on over 600 Pokémon.

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Pros

• Stats and facts on over 600 Pokémon.
• 64 new pages on the 150 new characters from Black Version and White Version.
• Reading age 6 to 9 years, marked as from customers, grade level 3 to 7.

Cons

• Grade level 3 to 7 sits above the top of the reading age range, so check both.
• Dated August 1, 2012, so check the edition before buying.
• Covers over 600 characters, fewer than the over 800 characters stated for the top handbook in this group.

3

Pocket Guide 2 by Shogakukan

Shogakukan·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits readers who want a current guide organized by Pokédex number.

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Pros

• 456 characters in this volume, from Gible to Calyrex.
• Full-color pictures, descriptions and stats on Abilities, moves and Evolutions.
• Reading age 8 to 12 years, grade level 4 to 6.

Cons

• Book 2 of 2, so it is not the first volume in its series.
• Covers 456 characters alone, not the full 898 of the series.
• Reading age of 8 to 12 years, so it suits older readers only.

4

Visual Companion by DK

DK·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For readers who want every region and Ash's journey; skip a stats handbook.

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Pros

• Every region from Kanto to Galar
• Epic battles and Legendary Pokémon covered
• Fifth edition stated

Cons

• Spec table lists both 64 pages and 352 pages
• Reading age marked as from customers
• Animated series guide, not a game walkthrough

5

Sketch Challenge by Barbo

Maria S. Barbo·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Suits kids who want to scratch, reveal and draw Pokémon.

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Pros

• Stylus included for scratching and revealing characters.
• Classic characters like Pikachu plus pals from Sun and Moon.
• Reading age 4 to 8 years, grade level Preschool to 3.

Cons

• Only 64 pages, so it holds fewer characters than the handbooks.
• Activity book, not a character reference.
• Dated April 24, 2018, so check the edition before buying.

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More picks to compare

• Deluxe Essential Handbook by ScholasticFor fans who want stats on over 700 Pokémon.Check on Amazon
• Big Book of Pokemon by TriumphFor collectors who want card values and descriptions.Check on Amazon
• Pokémon Big Book of Facts by BeecroftFor young fans who want over 1,500 Pokémon facts.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Most picks list a reading age and grade level, and the rest list neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best pokemon book with all characters

Count the characters first

The Super Deluxe Essential Handbook covers over 800 characters. The Essential Handbook by Silvestri covers over 600. The Pocket Guide volume covers 456 characters on its own, since it is Book 2 of 2. Readers who want books in order can browse pokemon books in order.

Match the reading age

The listings give reading ages from 4 to 8 years up to 8 to 12 years, so check the listing against the reader. The Sketch Challenge suits the youngest readers here. Readers buying for kids can browse pokemon books for kids.

Handbook or activity book

The handbooks gather stats and facts, while the Sketch Challenge is a scratch-and-reveal activity book with a stylus. Pick the format the reader will actually use.

Before you buy

• Check the character count on the listing.
• For a series, buy Book 1 first.
• Check the reading age and grade level on the listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pokemon a story book?

The picks here are handbooks and guides, not story books: they gather stats, facts and pictures of characters.

Which book has the most characters?

The Super Deluxe Essential Handbook, with info on over 800 characters in 496 full-color pages.

Which book should a younger reader start with?

The Sketch Challenge, with a reading age of 4 to 8 years and grade level Preschool to 3, suits the youngest readers here.

Still deciding? Our top pickSuper Deluxe Essential Handbook

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

See every kids and teens list and all middle grade lists.

More lists: pokemon books for kids, pokemon books in order, pokemon books with stickers and pokemon book packs.