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

Sparking a Choose Kindness movement in classrooms and communities, this best-selling chapter book about a fifth-grader with facial differences has impacted many kids' lives since it was published in 2012. Whether your child has struggled to fit in or is the most popular kid in class, the way they think about differences may be forever changed. If your kids are too young to read Wonder themselves, make it a family read-aloud or buy the audiobook. Ages 8-12

In a series starter that was recently turned into a critically acclaimed feature film, a robot ends up on a remote island. She settles into a routine and helps care for some of the wild creatures, including a baby goose. But the robot’s past starts to catch up with her. It's a gripping environmental adventure! Ages 8-12

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

Judith Viorst's 1972 classic about a seriously daunting day is the ultimate comfort read. Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, and the day goes downhill from there. Just when he thinks he reached the lowest point, there's another misfortune. After the story, kids will probably realize that their crummy day wasn't as bad as Alexander's. Ages 3-7

Winner of a 2022 Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Award, I LOVE Strawberries! chronicles how a resourceful girl persuades her skeptical parents to allow her to grow strawberries in their yard. The plot, funny at times, unfolds through a series of diary entries and a bit of regular text. Incorporating themes of determination, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, this STEM-focused picture book hits all the right notes. Ages 4-7

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 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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The cutest case of cause and effect in literary history, this 1985 gem begins with Oliver giving a chocolate chip cookie to Quinley, a mouse. Quinley requests milk (to wash down the cookie), a straw (to drink the milk), a napkin (to blot the milk mustache) and so forth. The second-person narration makes the premise even funnier. Giggles are practically guaranteed. Ages 4-8

In E.L. Konigsburg's 1967 Newbery Medal-winning masterpiece, a brother and sister run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They get caught up in a mystery about a statue and there's a major plot twist. The book holds up incredibly well — and, of course, tween rebellion is still a thing! Don't be surprised if your child finishes it in one or two sittings: It's only 176 pages and hard to put down. Ages 8-12

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

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

Who wouldn't want to live like Eloise, the diva-in-residence at New York's storied Plaza Hotel? She's a cosmopolitan kid with opinions to match. Sometimes "bratty" is really just "spirited." Ages 4-8

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

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

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