Preparing your child to be a successful reader starts with reading aloud together. The benefits of reading together include improved cognitive and language skills, increased concentration, greater imagination, preparation for academic success, and family bonding.
Did you know studies have shown that children who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well throughout their education? Critical skills such as phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension start developing very early.
Finding books that are interesting and exciting to your child helps them sustain their attention and enjoy the reading experience. Check out this list of 40 of the best kids’ books of all time for some great book recommendations.
Best- Sellers List of Children’s Literature Books for Ages 0 to 2
Reading to young children is an essential part of their early development and sets the foundation for a lifelong love of books. For children ages 0-2 years, books can help promote language skills, imaginative play, and emotional growth.
At this age, look for books with few words and big, colorful pictures. Books with interactive elements such as textures and peepholes are also great.
Around 6 months, your baby will start to understand some common words from their everyday life. They’ll start to babble and “read” back to you.
Around their first birthday, babies start to answer simple questions. Point at objects in the pictures and ask “What’s that?” to get them thinking.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The book is about a young caterpillar that is very hungry and goes through a metamorphosis from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Throughout the book, the caterpillar eats its way through various foods, growing larger with each meal until it finally builds a cocoon and transforms into a beautiful butterfly.
Goodnight Moon
The book features a young rabbit saying goodnight to various objects in a room, including the moon, the stars, the clock, the toys, and more. The text is simple and repetitive, and the soft, muted illustrations add to the calming atmosphere of the book.
I Love My Mommy Because…
The book features young animal characters who shares the reasons why they love their mother. Each page highlights a different reason, such as “I love my mommy because she makes me laugh,” or “I love my mommy because she gives me hugs.” The text is simple and easy to understand, and the illustrations are bright and cheerful.
Press Here
The book features simple illustrations and instructions, inviting children to press, shake, and tilt the book in order to make things happen on the pages. The story unfolds through a series of interactive and playful experiences, encouraging children to use their imaginations and engage with the book in new and exciting ways.
Where’s Spot?
The book follows Spot, a mischievous puppy, as he hides from his owner, Sally. Children are invited to lift the flaps on each page to find Spot and see what he is up to. The text is simple and repetitive, making it a great choice for young children who are just learning to read.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
The book features a bus driver who leaves the reader in charge of the bus and asks them not to let the pigeon drive it. However, the pigeon has other ideas and repeatedly tries to convince the reader to let him take the wheel. The text is simple and humorous, and the illustrations are bold and expressive.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
The book follows a group of construction vehicles as they say goodnight to each other and to the various elements of a construction site. The text is simple and repetitive, making it a great choice for young children who are just learning to read. The illustrations are large and colorful, featuring detailed depictions of the construction vehicles and their surroundings.
Peek-A Who?
The book features a series of questions that encourage children to lift the flaps and discover the surprises hidden within. “Peek-a-Who?” is a great way to introduce young children to the concept of cause and effect and to promote their exploration and discovery skills.
My First Words: Touch and Feel Picture Cards
“My First Words: Touch and Feel Picture Cards” is a children’s educational book designed to help young children learn their first words. The book features a set of sturdy cards that are easy for young children to handle and play with. Each card features a different object, animal or item with a corresponding word, and a unique touch-and-feel texture that encourages children to explore and learn through play
Madeline
The book is part of a series of books featuring Madeline, a young girl who lives in a Parisian boarding school.
The book follows Madeline as she navigates life at the boarding school, from her daily routines and adventures with her friends, to her encounters with the school’s headmistress Miss Clavel.
Best-Sellers List of Children’s Literature Books for Ages 3 to 5
As children grow and develop, they become increasingly ready to explore new ideas and experiences, making this a crucial time for building a love of reading that can last a lifetime. For children between the ages of 3 and 5, there are countless books to choose from that are designed specifically to meet their needs and interests. Whether they’re fascinated by the world around them, animals, or simply love a good story, there is a book out there that is sure to delight and engage them.
Your preschooler will be able to hold a book properly and turn the pages. They’ll become more interested in learning to read as they start to notice words all around them. Make sure to keep reading fun at this stage so they will grow to love it.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go
The book follows the journey of a young hero as he sets out into the world to discover the many places and experiences that life has to offer. The text is filled with advice and encouragement, offering wisdom and inspiration to readers as they embark on their own journeys in life. Through its whimsical imagery and imaginative landscapes, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” provides a comforting and reassuring message that no matter what challenges life may bring, there is always a way forward.
The Little Engine That Could
The story follows a little engine who is tasked with pulling a long train of toys over a high mountain to the children waiting on the other side. Despite the many challenges and obstacles the engine encounters, it refuses to give up and, through sheer determination and perseverance, eventually succeeds in delivering the toys to the children.
How To Babysit A Grandma
The story is told from the perspective of a young child who is tasked with babysitting their grandmother for the day. The child takes the responsibility very seriously and creates a list of all the things they need to do to make sure their grandmother has a good day. However, they soon discover that grandmas are much more fun than they expected and that they don’t need to do much to make them happy. The child and their grandmother end up having a wonderful day together, filled with laughter and fun.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
The story is about a giraffe named Gerald who wants to dance but is told he can’t because of his long legs and neck. Despite the teasing and ridicule from the other animals at the Jungle Dance, Gerald refuses to give up on his dream. With the help of a wise old cricket, he learns to embrace his unique qualities and to dance in his own way. In the end, he becomes the star of the Jungle Dance, proving that with determination and self-confidence, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
The book is a cumulative story, in which each animal that is introduced says the title of the book, then asks the next animal a question about what they see. The animals keep coming in a predictable pattern, and the repetition of the text and the animals helps children learn and remember the names of different animals.
P Is For Potty!
The book follows Elmo as he learns about using the potty and shares his experiences with the reader. Elmo’s friends, such as Big Bird and Abby Cadabby, also help to guide him through the process of potty training, showing him different steps involved in using the toilet and what to do if there are any accidents.
Olivia
The book follows the adventures of a young pig named Olivia, who is full of energy, imagination, and creativity.
Throughout the book, Olivia embarks on various adventures and experiences, from putting on a play to going on a trip to the museum. With each new experience, she learns something new about herself and the world around her.
One of the main themes of “Olivia” is the importance of being oneself. Through her adventures, Olivia learns that it’s okay to be different, and that being unique and true to oneself is what makes life special.
The Day the Crayons Quit
The book is about a box of crayons that decide to go on strike and send letters to their owner, a young boy named Duncan, complaining about how they are being used and treated.
Each crayon has its own unique personality, and in its letter to Duncan, it explains why it is unhappy. For example, Red crayon is upset because it is always used to color fire trucks, while Pink crayon is frustrated because it is never used at all.
Throughout the book, Duncan learns about the importance of being kind and considerate to others, and the crayons eventually come back to work.
Corduroy
The book follows the story of a small teddy bear named Corduroy who lives on a toy shelf in a department store. Despite being well-loved, Corduroy is missing one of his buttons and yearns for someone to take him home.
One day, a little girl named Lisa comes into the store and takes a liking to Corduroy, but her mother won’t buy him for her. Determined to find his missing button and finally be taken home, Corduroy embarks on a journey throughout the store, encountering various obstacles and making new friends along the way.
“Corduroy” is a heartwarming story about friendship, determination, and the power of imagination.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
The book tells the story of a mischievous young rabbit named Peter who sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden despite his mother’s warnings.
While in the garden, Peter encounters various dangers, such as Mr. McGregor, and must use his wit and quick thinking to escape and make it back home safely. Despite his misadventures, Peter remains determined and adventurous, and continues to explore the world around him.
Best-Sellers List of Children’s Literature Books for Ages 6 to 8
Now is the time to help your new reader build fluency and comprehension. Ask questions and discuss what’s going on in the story. Get creative and ask them what they think will happen next or what an alternate ending might be. Even though your child is starting to read on their own, continue reading to them sometimes so they can focus on comprehension.
The Giving Tree
The book tells the story of a tree that gives its everything to a little boy over the course of his lifetime.
As the boy grows up, the tree offers him its branches to play on, its trunk to build a house, and finally its stump to sit on when the boy is old and tired. Throughout the book, the tree demonstrates unconditional love and selflessness, always giving without hesitation to the boy.
Wonder
The book tells the story of a boy named August, who was born with facial differences that have made his life a series of challenges and obstacles. Despite this, August has a loving family, a great sense of humor, and a passion for learning.
As August starts fifth grade, he enters a public school for the first time, where he faces new challenges and obstacles as he tries to make friends and fit in. Throughout the book, August learns important lessons about kindness, courage, and acceptance, and shows us that despite differences, we all have much more in common than we might think.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
The book is part of the “If You Give…” series and tells the story of a young boy who gives a mouse a cookie, and the chain of events that follows.
As the mouse enjoys his cookie, he realizes he wants a glass of milk to go with it. And once he has the milk, he wants a straw, which leads to a napkin, which leads to a mirror to see if he has a milk mustache, and so on. The book is a humorous and entertaining look at cause and effect, and the never-ending cycle of needs and wants.
I’ve Loved You Since Forever
The book is a tribute to the special bond between mothers and their children and explores the timeless love that mothers have for their children, even before they are born.
The story takes the reader on a journey through different stages of life, from childhood to adulthood, and highlights the unbreakable bond that mothers share with their children. The book features touching and heartfelt verse and beautiful illustrations that capture the essence of maternal love and the unique bond that mothers share with their children.
Amelia Bedelia
The books follow the adventures of the main character, Amelia Bedelia, a literal-minded housekeeper who always takes instructions too literally, leading to comical misunderstandings and misadventures.
Throughout the series, Amelia Bedelia is hired by various families to help with household tasks, but her literal interpretation of instructions leads to unexpected and humorous outcomes. For example, when she is told to “draw the drapes,” she draws pictures of drapes on a piece of paper, or when she is asked to “dust the furniture,” she covers the furniture in dust.
Where the Wild Things Are
The story follows a young boy named Max who, after being sent to bed without dinner, sails away to a magical land filled with wild creatures known as the “Wild Things.”
In this land, Max becomes the king of the Wild Things and has many adventures with the creatures, who are initially angry and wild but eventually come to love Max and his wild rumpus. However, Max eventually realizes that he misses his family and returns home to find his dinner waiting for him.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” is a book of poetry for children written by Shel Silverstein. It contains a collection of whimsical and imaginative poems, each with its own unique story and characters.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is a children’s book written by Judith Viorst. The story follows a young boy named Alexander as he experiences a string of unfortunate events in a single day. Despite the challenges he faces, Alexander realizes that everyone has bad days and learns to appreciate the good things in life. The book is a humorous and relatable tale that teaches children about resilience and gratitude.
Eloise
“Eloise” is a series of children’s books written and illustrated by Kay Thompson. The books follow the adventures of a young girl named Eloise, who lives at The Plaza Hotel in New York City with her nanny, dog, and turtle. Eloise is a mischievous and playful character who explores the hotel, its guests, and the city around her, getting into all sorts of adventures and hijinks along the way.
The Gruffalo
The story is about a mouse who goes for a walk in the forest and encounters a series of animals who are threatened by a mythical creature called the Gruffalo. The mouse uses his wit and creativity to scare away the animals by convincing them that he is friends with the Gruffalo, only to discover that the Gruffalo is real. The mouse ultimately outsmarts the Gruffalo, proving that sometimes the greatest strength comes in the form of intelligence and quick thinking.
Best-Sellers List of Children’s Literature Books for Ages 9 to 12
At this age, kids are starting to be pretty independent and will probably want to pick out books on their own.
Guide your child to a book that is at the appropriate reading level with the Five-Finger Test. Let your child pick out a book, turn to a page in the middle, and put up all 5 fingers. While reading the page, they should put down a finger for each word they cannot read or do not understand. If all five fingers go down, it’s too hard. If not, it’s just right!
Book series come in handy for encouraging reading at this age. Once your child finds a book they enjoy, they’ll become addicted to the series and want to read them all.
A Bear Called Paddington
The story follows the adventures of a bear named Paddington who travels from Peru to England in search of a new home. Paddington is a polite and well-meaning bear with a love for marmalade, who is taken in by the Brown family when he arrives at Paddington Station. Throughout the book, Paddington experiences various mishaps and situations that test his resourcefulness and good nature.
Winnie-the-Pooh
The book is based on the adventures of a teddy bear named Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Pooh is a friendly and curious bear with a love for honey, who embarks on various adventures and solves problems with the help of his friends, including Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore.
Pippi Longstocking
The story follows the adventures of a young girl named Pippi Longstocking, who is strong, independent, and full of energy. Pippi lives in a cottage with her horse and pet monkey, and is known for her wild imagination, kindness, and unorthodox ways. Throughout the book, Pippi gets into all sorts of mischief and encounters new friends and challenges, always using her wit and bravery to overcome obstacles.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
The story follows Mr. Popper, a house painter who dreams of adventure and travels, as he receives a penguin in the mail and starts a new life as a penguin keeper. Mr. Popper and his family soon find themselves with a house full of penguins and must find creative ways to care for and entertain their new feathered friends. Along the way, Mr. Popper learns important lessons about responsibility, family, and the joys of giving.
A Wrinkle In Time
The story follows a young girl named Meg Murry, who embarks on a journey through time and space to rescue her missing father and save the universe from evil forces. With the help of her friends, including a new-found mentor named Mrs. Whatsit, Meg travels through different dimensions and encounters a cast of strange and wondrous creatures. Along the way, she learns to embrace her unique strengths and to overcome her fears.
Holes
The story is set in a juvenile detention center and follows the journey of a young boy named Stanley Yelnats, who is wrongly accused of a crime and sent to the center. At the center, Stanley is forced to dig holes in the scorching desert heat as a form of punishment. As he digs, he learns about the history of the center, including the mysterious curse that seems to haunt its residents. Through his experiences and interactions with the other boys, Stanley discovers the truth about his family’s history and the curse, and must use his wit and determination to survive and overcome the challenges he faces.
Matilda
The story follows the adventures of a young girl named Matilda, who is highly intelligent but frequently overlooked and mistreated by her parents and headmistress. Matilda uses her wit and magical powers to outwit those around her and stand up for herself and others. Along the way, she befriends her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey, and confronts the evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. “Matilda” is a charming and entertaining story that celebrates the power of intelligence and the importance of kindness, courage, and determination.
The Harry Potter Series
The series follows the life and adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard who learns about his magical heritage and discovers that he is famous in the wizarding world for surviving an attack by the evil Lord Voldemort as a baby. Throughout the series, Harry, along with his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where they face various challenges and dangers while they learn magic and uncover the truth about Voldemort’s return. Along the way, they discover the importance of friendship, courage, and sacrifice, as they fight against the forces of evil and seek to defeat Voldemort.
The Chronicles of Narnia Series
The series is set in a magical land called Narnia, and follows the adventures of a group of siblings who are transported to this world and become embroiled in a battle between good and evil. Throughout the series, the siblings encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and a variety of challenges and dangers, and learn important lessons about bravery, friendship, and the true meaning of heroism. The central theme of the series is the triumph of good over evil, and the power of hope and love in the face of adversity.
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
The series is written in the format of a diary and follows the life of a middle school student named Greg Heffley. Throughout the series, Greg navigates the ups and downs of adolescence and the challenges of growing up, including family, friendship, school, and fitting in. The books are filled with humorous illustrations and witty commentary, and provide a relatable and entertaining look at the experiences of growing up.
