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Best Children's Books

Embark on enchanting journeys with this collection of children's classics that have captured young hearts and imaginations, as touted by popular reading blogs and publications.

Recommendations from 98 articles, Emma Watson, Hillary Clinton, J. K. Rowling and 88 others.
100 books on the list
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Where the Wild Things Are book cover
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak - 2000-01-01 (first published in 1963)
Goodreads Rating
Step into the imaginative world of a wild and mischievous boy who is transported to a land of wondrous creatures. In this story, Max becomes a king among the Wild Things, who were originally planning on having him for dinner. Adventure, friendship, and the power of imagination await you in this classic tale.
Recommended by
Richard Branson
Charlotte's Web book cover
Charlotte's Web
E. B White - 2001-10-01 (first published in 1952)
Goodreads Rating
A heartwarming tale of friendship, love, life, and death, this classic children's book is beloved by generations. Written by E.B. White, the author of Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, the story follows the unlikely friendship between a little pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte. With newly colorized illustrations by acclaimed artist Rosemary Wells, this paperback edition is guaranteed to capture the hearts of readers young and old.
The Giving Tree book cover
The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein - 1964-10-07
Goodreads Rating
A heartwarming and insightful tale about the bond between a tree and a boy. As the boy grows, so do his desires, and the tree selflessly provides. Shel Silverstein's poignant story explores the beauty and power of giving and receiving love. Suitable for all ages, this book is a touching reminder of the joy found in generosity.
Goodnight Moon book cover
Goodnight Moon
Margaret Wise Brown - 2007-01-23 (first published in 1947)
Goodreads Rating
Say goodnight to everything in the cozy, softly lit room with the little bunny tucked away in bed. This classic children's book is a perfect lullaby for the end of the day. With its quiet poetry and soothing illustrations, it's no wonder Goodnight Moon is a beloved favorite for generations of readers and a must-have for every bookshelf. Perfect for baby showers and other special events!
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone book cover
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling - 2015-12-08 (first published in 1997)
Goodreads Rating
The story of a young boy named Harry, who has endured a miserable life with his cruel relatives. All he knows is poverty, bullying, and the feeling of not belonging. But a letter arrives, inviting him to a magical place filled with friends, sports, and endless wonder. With destiny calling, Harry must navigate a dangerous path if he hopes to survive.
Recommended by
Arvind Subramanian
The Snowy Day book cover
The Snowy Day
50th Anniversary Edition
Ezra Jack Keats - 1976-10-28 (first published in 1962)
Goodreads Rating
This heartwarming classic tells the story of a little boy named Peter, who ventures out into the snowy wonderland outside his house. Originally published in 1962, The Snowy Day features a pioneering portrayal of an African-American child, making it a highly influential piece of children's literature. With its charming story and artwork, this beloved book won the Caldecott Medal and has continued to capture the hearts of readers for decades. Celebrate its 50th anniversary with this special edition featuring eight extra pages!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar book cover
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle - 1994-01-01 (first published in 1969)
Goodreads Rating
Follow the transformation of a hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through apples, plums, and more in this beloved classic children's book. From his tiny egg to his stunning transformation into a butterfly, experience the wonder of nature with stunning illustrations and a delightful story that has been passed down from generation to generation. Perfect for sharing with the little ones in your life, this audiobook will both delight and educate even the youngest listener.
A Wrinkle in Time book cover
A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle - 2017-11-07 (first published in 1962)
Goodreads Rating
Embark on a thrilling journey through space and time with Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they search for Meg's missing father, a scientist who vanished while working on a secret government project involving a mysterious concept called a tesseract. A Wrinkle in Time is a unique and captivating story that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Winner of the Newberry Medal in 1963, this book is a must-read for fans of science fiction and adventure.
Julián Is a Mermaid book cover
Julián Is a Mermaid
Jessica Love - 2018-05-22
Goodreads Rating
A young boy's encounter with mermaids on a subway ride leaves him brimming with awe and inspiration. Returning home, he creates his own mermaid costume out of household items, but what will his abuela think? With stunning illustrations and a touching message, this picture book is a celebration of self-love and embracing one's unique identity.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book cover
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl - 2005-06-02 (first published in 1964)
Goodreads Rating
Enter a wondrous world of chocolate where anything is possible! Journey alongside Charlie Bucket as he discovers one of Mr. Willy Wonka's coveted Golden Tickets and embarks on a day of pure imagination inside the mysterious chocolate factory. Brace yourself for the unexpected...there's no telling what surprises lie ahead!
Recommended by
Christina Warren
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Oh, the Places You'll Go!   by Dr. Seuss
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Press Here by Herve Tullet
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Book by Laura Numeroff
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Saturday by Oge Mora
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Strega Nona by Tomie Depaola
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Green Eggs and Ham by Seuss
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'O
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Polar Express 30th anniversary edition by Chris van Allsburg
Little Bear by Elsa Holmelund Minarik
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Dicamillo
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
The Skull by Jon Klassen
There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, Jerome Pumphrey, Jarrett Pumphrey
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
Holes by Louis Sachar
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
The Complete Adventures of Curious George by H. A. Rey
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Here We Are Notes For Living On Planet by Illustrated Oliver Jeffers Oliver Jeffers
Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Go, Dog. Go! by P. D. Eastman
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
An American Story by Kwame Alexander, Dare Coulter
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
Frog and Toad Storybook Treasury by Arnold Lobel
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater
Louisiana's Way Home by Kate Dicamillo
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson