50 Best Children’s Books

Books have this unique appeal to the young.

From graphic novels, fantasy, picture books, book series, rhymes and tongue twisters.. don’t forget the pop-up versions! Books have the power to hook even the most reluctant readers.

Here we give you 50 children’s books that your kids would love and you will like to read to them. Besides, how else will your the little one’s dreams know how to start, without a bedtime story?

#1 Millie’s Marvellous Hat by Satoshi Kitamura

In Millie’s Marvellous Hat, Satoshi Kitamura invites everyone to use their imaginations as this story tells of a girl, Millie, who has no money to buy pretty hats like everyone else in town. With the help of the man in the hat shop, Millie was able to wear the most perfect hat FOR FREE. A hat that transforms every time she wants! Whether into yellow or blue, with daisies, butterflies or roses.. The only limit is her imagination.

 

#2 Possum Magic by Mem Fox

Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas tells a story about Grandma Poss and Hush. Because of Australian Bush dangers, Grandma Poss made Hush invisible to protect him. The story went on with the adventure Grandma Poss and Hush journeying through Australia’s landscapes and animals looking for the magic food to make Hush visible again.

#3 The Little Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen

One of the classic tales by popular author Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Tin Soldier is written with wonder and tragedy, a true mark of a passionately written book. With many magical characters and animals introduced along the way, The Little Tin Soldier will captivate a kid’s heart.

The Little Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen

 

#4 There’s a Yeti in my Shed by Daniel Postgate

There’s a Yeti in my Shed is a nice rhyming story that parents can easily for their children. The book boasts of a great illustration and a catchy rhyming feel with funny sentences, too!

 

 

#5 The Very Hungry Caterpillar  by Eric Carle

Eric Carle’s classic “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” picture book has gained positive reviews with its creative way of teaching children numbers, healthy eating habits and the life cycle of the butterfly. This story is about a newly hatched caterpillar eating his way through anything edible he crawls upon. The caterpillar became bigger and bigger, turning himself into a very beautiful caterpillar. This is a perfect book for story-telling, don’t you think?

 

 

#6 Room on the Broom by Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson

When witches are characters believed to be scary, Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson had something else in mind. The Room on the Broom has a witch and her cat happily flying through the sky on their broomstick. When the witch loses her hat, bow and wand, some friendly animals helped her find her stuff and asked to ride on her broomstick in return. But is there room in the broom for new found friends? Read this book to find out!

 

 

#7 Where is the Green Sheep by Mem Fox

In this picture book beautifully illustrated by Judy Horocek, there’s sheep everywhere. There’s a red sheep and a blue sheep, wind sheep and a wave sheep, scared sheep and a brave sheep, but where is the green sheep? Where is the green sheep? Help with the search in this sheep-filled book that’s perfect for bedtime! It boasts of of fun rhymes and great illustrations in full colour. Great for the eyes!

 

#8 The Princess Who Had No Kingdom by Ursula Jones

The Princess Who Had No Kingdom comes with a different ending from our classic fairy tales. This beautifully illustrated book will teach young girls that princesses do not need a prince to become a princess. In this story, happily ever after means living a modest lifestyle of living within your means and being happy with where you are and what you have because this, right here, is your kingdom. Thumbs up to Ursula Jones for a remarkable story ending!

 

#9 George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl

This one’s a popular reading book for kids in primary/grade school. The story revolves around George making a medicine to cure the grouch his grandmother is. The medicine had funny side effects like shrinking and making her huge, the situation got out of control! Have fun reading this humour filled book as George figures out how to repair the situation. Just make sure you warn the kids not to attempt to recreate the “medicine” at home.

 

#10 The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

The second book of The Faraway series is the Magic Faraway Tree. In this book, a bunch of kids get to travel to different lands through the Faraway Tree namely, “Land of Spells, “Land of Treats”, “Land of Do-As-You-Please”, “The Land of Magic Medicines”, “The Land of Tempers”, and more! Join them as they have discover new things, have fun and get into a little bit of trouble. *winks*

 

#11 Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

As the night fell, Max, who had just been scolded by his Mum and was sent to bed without supper, saw his room grow a forest and an ocean. The tides came with a boat that led him to a place he thinks he belongs in. A place where the ‘Wild Things Are’. What shall he discover?

 

#12 The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffer

#13 Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

This book by husband and wife Allan and Janet Ahlberg has beautifully illustrated pages that encourages the young to interact. Each Peach Pear Plum is one among the many published and popular, award-winning children books of the couple. One of the many favourite lines found in the story..”In this book with your little eye, take a look, and play ‘I spy..” I don’t know about you, but that sounds exciting!

 

#14 There’s a House in Mummy’s Tummy by Giles Andreae and Vanessa Cabban

Expecting or not, this book is great for your kid as it promotes love toward siblings. The There’s a House in Mummy’s Tummy is full of rhymes and funny text, a captivating story of a little boy waiting for his new brother/sister to arrive — to move out from the house in mummy’s tummy.

 

#15 Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester

Part poem, part lullaby, Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester sings and rhymes about a baby’s wonder in a world full of beauty. This is a book that will be loved through ages.

 

#16 Naya Nuki by Kenneth Thomasma and Eunice Hundley

Naya Yuki is a story of a girl imprisoned by her enemy tribe. She successfully escapes from the enemy and makes a thousand-mile journey, surviving every single thing that stops her from going home to her own tribe.

 

#17 Oh the Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss

Another Dr. Seuss classic, this book entertains the readers as it tells of all the little mishaps and misadventures that happens in real life. It is perfect for children going through any life-changing occasion such as birthdays, expecting a new brother/sister, graduation, or moving, etc.

A combination of hilariously written text, colourful pictures and fun rhymes — Dr. Seuss wishes to tell all of us, kids (or kid-at-heart), that we’ll surely go places with just the right amount of wit and imagination.

 

#18 Josephine Wants to Dance  by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

Josephine the Kangaroo loves to dance. She pictures herself wearing ballet shoes made in luscious silk and an incredibly pretty pink tutu as she sways and swoons and glide.. to the sound of ballet music.

But wait, do Kangaroos dance?

Find out if Josephine got the chance to live her dream!

 

#19 Matilda by Roald Dahl

Despite having awful parents and a family who basically ignores her, Matilda grew up with books as her escape. Blessed with an incredible love for books and an outstandingly high IQ, she finds out that her brain has other abilities as well. Roald Dahld books are loved by children worldwide, but Matilda is a little bit special for little girls, because it teaches them to embrace themselves, different or not.

 

#20 Little Bear Wants to be Big by Judith Koppens

Little bear wants to be big, so he asks Uncle Bear and asked Grandma Bear and drank lots of lemonade so he will get taller!

 

  Little Bear Wants to be Big by Judith Koppens

#21 The Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root and Jill Barton

Who loves tongue twisters? Because Rattletrap Car has a lot of tongue twister exercises, you’re gonna be razzleberry dazzleberry snazzleberryfizz dizzy!

The Rattletrap Car is easy to remember and fun to recite, it’ll be fun to read aloud for your next family road-trip!

 

#22 No Jumping On the Bed by Tedd Arnold

Walter loves to jump on the bed, but he just can’t resist! One night, he jumped higher and higher and higher, and then began the most exciting adventure of his life. For years, Walter has connected with generations and generations of children charming them with humour and glee.

 

#23 Dogger by Shirley Hughes

Written by Shurley Hughes in the late 70s, Dogger revolves around a little boy and his toy. Dave loves his toy Dogger like no other toy in his life. When he lost it, he became very very sad. How did Dave get Dogger back?

Dogger is a book well-loved through the years, with its illustrations bringing to life a world only children will understand.

 

#24 Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

“Once there was a little girl called Sophie,

and she was having tea with her mummy in the kitchen.

Suddenly there was a ring at the door.

Sophie’s mummy said, ‘I wonder who that could be?'”

#25 The Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman

Balloons are Princess Leona’s favourite toys. One day, Princess Leona’s Father went to a neighbouring kingdom and instructed her that if anything wrong happens, Leona is to signal the King with her balloons. Why indeed, something wrong happened! The princess was locked in her room and has only one balloon left. How will she save her kingdom?

“Phoebe Gilman not only knows how to draw a good story, she knows how to write it well and draw it superbly.” “” Canadian Children’s Literature

#26 The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton

With their secret password, secret badges and secret headquarters, the Secret Seven helps the community to solve some mysteries. Look out for the next clue!

 

#27 Smelly Bill Stinks Again by Daniel Postgate

The problem with Smelly Bill.. is that he stinks. Join him and his friends as they stink their way out of their troubles. With brilliant illustrations and funny written sequels, this book will be loved by children everywhere.

 

#28 The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams has enchanted young boys and girls with her strange and wonderfully written magic. One of the many classic children’s books, Velveteen Rabbit has moved hearts for years and generations.
 

#29 The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Dick and Sally’s afternoon couldn’t be more dull until.. The Cat in the Hat appears!!! This book is good for children, mostly for first and second graders, because it’s fun to read aloud and easy for kids who are trying to read on their own.

But then again, what Dr. Seuss story isn’t?

 

#30 Hairy McLary by Lynley Dodd

Hairy Maclary is friends with Schnitzel von Krumm the dachshund, Bottomley Potts the Dalmatian and the Old English sheepdog Muffin McClay. What do they do all day, you ask? Find out here!

 

#31 Maisie Middleton at the Wedding by Nita Sowter

Something short and delightful is waiting inside the pages of this book. That’s right! Maisie Middleton! And this time, she is at a wedding. Will the active and impatient girl behave?

#32 Ruby Red Shoes by Kate Knapp

Who loves shoes? If you do, then you’ll probably find Ruby to your liking. Ruby is a white hare who loves to have fun. Join her make memories while she struts and takes over the world with her favourite pair of flats — her red shoes.

 

#33 Bears in the Night by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain

“A good job of combining words and pictures into a slapstick but cohesive story.” — School Library Journal

#34 The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N Munsch and Michael Martchenko

Princess Elizabeth’s castle was smashed by a dragon and her clothes are burned off. Oh no! What does the princess do?

 

#35 Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

In vivid and colourful pictures, this children’s book is about a family of animals peacefully living together in a big red barn in a great green field.

 

#36 The Wishing Chair Collection by Enid Blyton

Be hooked with another one of Enid Blyton’s series, The Wishing Chair. The fun starts when Mollie and Peter went to buy their mum a birthday present, and they find the perfect thing — a flying, wish granting, magical chair!

 

#37 Where’s Wally by Martin Handford

Martin Handford has the whole world searching for Wally and his friends. The original book which is the mastermind of the worldwide Wally phenomenon!

#38 Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Every reading corner will not be complete without Charlotte’s Web. EB White has marked his place in the world of literature because of Fern and her little pig Wilbur, and a clever little spider named Charlotte.

 

#39 Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

In beautifully illustrated pop-ups, Guess How Much I Love You has charmed children worldwide as it shows how to truly love someone to the moon and back.

#40 Giraffe’s Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

Here’s a fact: Giraffe’s can’t dance. But Gerald, the tall giraffe is stubborn enough to chase his dreams. Will he find his own tune in time for the Jungle Dance?

#41 The BFG by Roald Dahl

Meet the kindest giant there is, BFG.

#42 Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Behold the beauty of the Alps as beautifully described by Johanna Spyri in the timeless classic story of an orphaned girl, Heidi, her friend Clara and her new-found family.

 

#43 The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland

In the Jingle Jangle Jungle on a cold and rainy day,

four little friends found a perfect place to play.

Moose had marvellous antlers

and Lion, a golden mane.

Zebra had fantastic stripes

and Sheep…well, Sheep was plain.”

Moose, Lion, Zebra and Sheep are good friends. One day they met a very cranky bear. How will they cheer him up?

 

 

#44 The Twits by Roald Dahl

The Twits is about a pair of horrible dirty twits, the filthiest pair you will ever meet! First published in 1980 and one of the most-quoted phrases in all of Roald Dahl’s books.

#45 The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear

Edward Lear’s imagination is boundless. Who else would do an extremely nonsense poem about an owl and a cat? Not our typical love team, I would add. What an amusing treatment of a classic children’s poem and a break from old the traditionally written children’s books.

“Galdone uses his imagination to extend Lear’s ideas, creating a memorable version suitable for the youngest.” — Kirkus Reviews

 

#46 The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton

The Enchanted Wood is the first Magical story in the Faraway Tree Stories (read: Book #10) of Enid Blyton. Joe, Beth and Frannie moves to a new home and finds an Enchanted Wood that marks the beginning of their wonderful adventures together. Funny, magical stories full of wonder and mystery.. with lessons kids will learn here and there.

#47 Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Luring your kids to sleep just got easy with Margaret Wise Brown’s Good Night Moon. A gentle bedtime story about a cute little bunny tucked up in a great green room, snuggled and safe in bed as he says goodnight to everything in his room one by one, yawn after yawn.

“Published more than 50 years ago, Brown’s charming book remains one of the most popular children’s bedtime tales. Though a simple story, the illustrations are filled with details that can inspire many conversations as you read it again and again with your little ones.” “” Shawna Hamilton Doster

 

 

#48 Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

No reading corner is complete without the story of everyone’s favourite wizard. Harry Potter has united many book lovers in a technology occupied generation. Don’t just take your kids to the movies, bring them to the magical world of Harry Potter written stories full of words that they will never forget for the rest of their lives. Enough said!!!

#49 The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Meet Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger as they jump from one adventure to another in ‘The Wind in the Willows’. 100 years after this book was published and it is still being recognised as one classic tale, making reading hour a lovely chore for all kids.

#50 Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Black beauty is a timeless book — one that is loved by both young and old — filled with the adventures of a special black horse.

 

How many of these children’s books have you read?