50 Best Children's Books of All Time for Kid Readers of Any Age

Show-and-tell is a rite of passage, and no picture book makes it more hilarious than this cautionary tale. Marigold, the story's protagonist, aims to impress her classmates by bringing an alligator to school. Full of tips on what to do when a 12-foot wild animal with 74 teeth runs amok, kids will be roaring with laughter at Marigold’s attempts to keep her alligator’s antics in line. If you're asked to read to a group of kids, choose this crowd-pleaser. Ages 4-8

Volunteer to read to your kids' class? Bring this book to be the coolest parent ever! With epic rhyming (buffalo had enuffalo) and a solid message, the teacher will give you an A+. Ages 4-8

In Drew Daywalt's back-to-school story, a child's long-neglected, battered crayons stage a coup, sick of being called funny names, broken in two or forgotten under the couch. Even orange and yellow are at odds, believing each is the color of the sun. The brilliant premise and hilarious dialogue will have your kids asking for you to read this picture book on repeat. Break it up with the sequel The Day the Crayons Came Home. Ages 4-8

The amphibious pals who have been charming beginning readers for generations now have a special edition golden anniversary picture book with bonus material that includes behind-the-scenes photos and sketches. Do a reverse storytime and have your child read it to you, and then look at the extra goodies together. Ages 4-8

The most beloved picture book in Good Housekeeping 2023 Kids' Book Awards stars a brave young squirrel who travels a long way to deliver soup to his grandma. The surprising ending and earthy illustrations put this fairy-tale twist in a league of its own. Ages 2-5

Shel Silverstein's hysterical collection of poetry is set inside a magical world where you can wash your shadow, auction off sisters and "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout" still hasn't taken the garbage out. Change things up at bedtime and read one of these quirky poems rather than a story. Ages 4-8

It's all very well to encourage innovation, but what does it really take to nurture a big idea? Kobi Yamada's story focuses on the concepts of inspiration and the hard work it takes to make an idea a reality. Ages 3-7

The legend of King Arthur meets How to Catch a Monster in this charming, friendship-focused picture book that won a 2022 Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Award (and Caldecott Honor to boot). A tiny owl bravely (and generously) defends a castle from a fire-breathing dragon during a Night Watch. The secret to his success involves a surprising item that cracked up our kid testers. No spoilers! Ages 4-8

Pump up your kid's confidence about starting school with this picture book or its companion The Queen of Kindergarten. The royal titles given by their mom help ease first-day jitters about fitting in and making friends. Pure joy! Ages 4-6

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A timeless picture book by literary legend Mo Willems cracks kids up with an irresistible premise: The bus driver tells readers he has to leave and to make sure the pigeon doesn't drive the bus. Only the pigeon is persistent and finds lots of different ways of asking if he can drive the bus. (Kids get to answer with an emphatic, "No!" each time!) If your kids dig the pigeon's spirit, there are lots of other adventures, including Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! Ages 3-5

In the only graphic novel to win a prestigious Newbery Medal, a seventh-grader doesn't think he fits in anywhere. Although the book tackles racism directly, groundbreaking author and illustrator Jerry Craft wanted the story to be fun to read too, so the plot never gets heavy-handed. He told Good Housekeeping that he created the kind of book that he craved (but never found) when he was growing up. If your kids love New Kid, check out its companion titles Class Act and School Trip; they're now available as part of a three-book boxed set. Ages 8-12

A tongue-twisting tale for the ages, Dr. Seuss's repetitive rhymes have helped generations of kids learn how to read. Published more than 60 years old, this story captivates kids with the epic antics of a mischievous feline and his sidekicks, Thing 1 and Thing 2. The family's pet, a goldfish, serves as the voice of reason. But, in the words of Dr. Seuss, that is not all! A Spanish-language edition, El Gato Ensombrerado, also hit shelves in 2015. Ages 3-7

Make it a ritual to read one poem every single day of the year thanks the 366 rib-tickling rhymes in this illustrated anthology that won a 2023 Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Award. An attached yellow ribbon to use as a bookmark makes the collection even more gift-worthy. Ages 4-8

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A master of detail, Richard Scarry is known for illustrating books that make animals look like people— and the pre-K set can't get enough. TBH, there's something soothing about entering his fully realized world, even for adults. This picture book with scenes from a farm, post office, school and more is a kid favorite in the creator's 18-book Busy World series. Ages 3-7

Who doesn't love dragons? And tacos? In Adam Rubin's cheeky tale, beastly, fire-breathing creatures are really just misunderstood party monsters, allowing children to conquer their wildest fears. No wonder sales of this picture book are on fire a decade after it was first published. If your kids love the OG, pick up the prequel and sequel. Ages 3-7

When one girl asks her dad at bedtime what will happen if he ever runs out of words for her, the story turns into a fantastical way to say "I love you." It's a sweet bedtime read that helps kids feel safe and loved. Ages 4-8

Margret and H.A. Rey's mischievous monkey gets to act on every child's naughty-but-nice impulses. There are all sorts of hijinks and loads of lessons learned ... with only a little bit of scolding. This 75th anniversary edition contains all seven of the original Curious George titles, plus an illustrated map of his world. It's a perfect gift for a fourth birthday. Ages 4-7

Cheeky llama and his mama weather the storms of early childhood. At a time when kids crave the familiar; llama llama often misses mama. Anna Dewdney's simple rhymes and illustrations have all the makings of a modern classic. A sturdy board book version for babies and toddlers is also available. Ages 2-6

A gem that promotes mental health, this story helps kids understand how a worry grows. The tiny yellow worry blob becomes larger and larger until Ruby talks about what's bothering her, and realizes the worry is gone. Ages 4-8

In this timeless tale, a teddy bear with a missing button keeps getting passed by at a department store until one day a girl asks her mom to bring him home. Bright colors and the endearing storyline appeal to toddlers and preschoolers. Ages 2-5