Looking for inspiration in L&D? We wrap up the best learning and development books you need to read to get ahead.
Looking to grow and develop in 2026?
Often, the first step is the hardest and that’s knowing where to get started.
Well, one good way to fuel your industry knowledge is by diving into some learning and development books.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills or a curious novice ready to soak up knowledge, here’s your guide to the must-read books in the realm of learning and development.
From mastering leadership skills and fostering innovation to understanding the nuances of personal growth and organisational change, these books cover it all.
Let’s get started.
Your must-read L&D books (in easy list form) 👇👇
📚 Gamification of Learning & Instruction by Karl Kapp
💭 The New Learning Architect by Clive Shepherd
🎓 The Learning And Development Handbook by Michelle Parry-Slater
📖 Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen
💭 L&D’s Playbook for the Digital Age by Brandon Carson
🎓 Learning Experience Design Essentials by Cara North
📚 Learning Ecosystems by Katja Schipperheijn
📖 Agile L&D by Natal Dank
💭 Drive – The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink
📚 39 Ways to Make Learning Stick by Chris Fenning
“Gamification of Learning and Instruction” by Karl Kapp
If you’re in the L&D space and haven’t checked out this book, you’re seriously missing out.
This is a must-read for anyone looking to make training more engaging, effective, and dare we say it, fun.
Kapp does a fantastic job of breaking down what gamification actually is (spoiler: it’s not just slapping badges and leaderboards onto boring content) and how it can be used to drive real learning outcomes.
He dives into the psychology behind why games are so compelling and how those same principles can be applied to workplace learning, corporate training, and even classroom education.
What makes this book stand out is that it’s not just theoretical.
It’s packed with practical strategies, real-world examples, and insights from research that show how gamification can improve motivation, retention, and performance.
“The New Learning Architect” by Clive Shepherd
This book offers a comprehensive guide to transforming L&D from a traditional training mindset to a strategic function that drives organisational performance.
Shepherd provides practical advice on aligning learning initiatives with business goals, leveraging technology effectively, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
“The Learning and Development Handbook” by Michelle Parry-Slater
Parry-Slater takes a no-nonsense approach, cutting through the fluff to talk about what actually works in L&D today.
She covers everything from digital learning and social learning to stakeholder management and building a true learning culture within organisations.
Whether you’re new to L&D or a seasoned professional looking for fresh perspectives, there’s something valuable in here for you.
One of the best things about this book is how practical it is.
Parry-Slater shares tools, templates, and case studies that make it easy to apply what you’re reading.
Plus, she challenges outdated training models and encourages L&D professionals to think beyond traditional courses, focusing instead on how learning really happens in the flow of work.
“Design for How People Learn” by Julie Dirksen
In this highly acclaimed book, Dirksen delves into the principles of instructional design and learning psychology.
She offers practical techniques for creating engaging and effective learning experiences, backed by research and real-world examples.
Whether you’re designing e-learning modules or facilitating in-person workshops, this book will help you enhance the impact of your interventions.
“L&D’s Playbook for the Digital Age” by Brandon Carson
In the fast-paced realm of Learning and Development (L&D), there’s no room for stagnation.
The digital age demands a dynamic approach, necessitating a fresh playbook to navigate its radical and intricate transformations.
Borrowing from the world of sports, a playbook serves as a guide, ensuring team members understand their roles, collaborate effectively, and execute strategies for success.
In L&D, adopting a playbook fosters alignment among team members and stakeholders, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs.
Carson guides readers through the process of crafting a new playbook to enhance alignment within the L&D function.
Whether it involves restructuring, upskilling, or refining objectives, Carson emphasises the importance of speaking the language of business rather than relying solely on learning jargon.
For instance, instead of focusing on repairing aircraft, consider framing the workforce’s role as enabling safe flight.
By adopting this visionary mindset, L&D professionals can better meet the evolving needs of their organisations.
“Learning Experience Design Essentials” by Cara North
This book is perfect for anyone in L&D who wants to move beyond just delivering content and start designing experiences that actually resonate with learners.
Cara North does an amazing job of breaking down Learning Experience Design (LXD) in a way that’s both practical and accessible.
She walks you through key principles like user-centred design, storytelling, and accessibility, all while keeping things grounded in real-world applications.
Whether you’re an instructional designer, eLearning developer, or just someone passionate about making learning better, this book gives you the tools to create training that people actually enjoy (and remember!).
“Learning Ecosystems: Creating Innovative, Lean and Tech-Driven Learning Strategies” by Katja Schipperheijn
This book goes beyond traditional training programs and explores how organizations can build dynamic, tech-enabled ecosystems that foster continuous learning.
Schipperheijn takes a forward-thinking approach, emphasising how learning should be integrated into the flow of work rather than just being a one-off event.
She covers everything from digital transformation and AI-driven learning to social learning and knowledge-sharing cultures.
If you’re interested in how technology and strategy intersect in L&D, this book is packed with insights that will challenge you to think bigger.
“Agile L&D” by Natal Dank
This book is all about applying agile principles to L&D.
This will help your team move away from rigid, outdated training models and towards a more iterative, learner-focused approach.
Dank does a fantastic job of breaking down how agile can transform L&D, from shifting mindsets to implementing:
- design thinking
- sprint cycles
- continuous feedback loops
She explains how L&D teams can work in a more collaborative, adaptive way that delivers real value to both learners and the business.
If you’re ready to ditch the old-school, top-down training model and embrace a more flexible, learner-driven approach, this book is an absolute game-changer.
“Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink
Understanding what motivates individuals to learn and perform is essential for L&D professionals.
In “Drive,” Pink explores the science of motivation, debunking common myths and offering a fresh perspective on what drives human behaviour.
By applying the principles of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, L&D professionals can design learning experiences that inspire and engage learners.
“39 Ways to Make Training Stick: What to Do After Trainees Leave the Room” by Chris Fenning
You can’t afford to ignore what happens after trainees leave the room.
With step-by-step instructions, you’ll discover how to create:
- automated reminders
- reward systems
- activity series
- interactive live events
- AI tools that provide customised feedback
- and much more
Whether you’re an experienced trainer looking to elevate your game or a novice ready to make a mark, 39 Ways to Make Training Stick is your essential companion on the journey to training excellence.
Wrapping up
These ten books cover a wide range of topics from instructional design to organisational culture.
Hopefully they will give you the knowledge and tools you need to excel in your roles.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, or drive organisational change, these learning and development books are essential reads.
They’ll help you get so much more out of your work.
So, grab a copy, dive in, and embark on a journey of discovery and growth.