As a father of two and after doing extensive research, I know how difficult it is to find the best children’s books for children. On my mission to sift through all the questionable recommendations and avoid the harmful ones, I’ve created a list of 100 of what I believe to be the best children’s books out there. With my experience of raising both of my kids, I am sure that these titles will bring fun and joy into their lives while still teaching them important values.
When I was a kid, I answered and submitted a math question in a children’s magazine I read. In the next issue, my name appeared in the magazine, and they sent me a book. I can never forget this memory, and I still keep the book that was sent.
As a father of two youngsters, I can confidently state that our best activity is reading books together! Not long ago, we set out with a big goal – reading 1000 books. We’ve acquired quite a library since then, and while we might not have reached our lofty target just yet, it certainly has made an impact on us – what had once been our wild imagination before taking off on so many thrilling adventures. And you don’t need to be told twice that having a good library at home makes such an immense difference in how kids explore and learn about the world too! Just look at this study; you’ll find many fascinating insights there!
So why are children’s books important?
Books remain an essential part of a child’s education and development. So much more than educational programs, children’s books can help develop particular brain areas for creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and imagination! While books take some reading time and effort to understand something, it also gives a child the freedom to dream and imagine in unique ways beyond what is being taught — something that cannot necessarily be replicated by watching TV or playing video games. Reading books provides children a unique opportunity to explore the world, sparking creativity that any other educational program cannot overshadow.
Why is the many list of the best children’s books on the internet fake?
Today’s internet is full of lists of the best children’s books which are often outdated and do not consider certain historical and cultural factors. While older classics may be great works, they may not always be the best fit for modern audiences due to language or outdated views. Furthermore, many of these titles warn that they contain values harmful to children, such as sexism or racism; however, no signs appear when looking at the lists circulated on the web. It is essential for parents and librarians to research individual titles to find out suitable works for children of different ages and backgrounds instead of relying on these artificial collections found online.
For example, there is a book called ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ and I can’t imagine this book being sold as a children’s book. How can the characters in the book be appropriate for a child when they are scary, even for me as an adult? How could Hansel and Gretel have been written for a child?
That’s why I made this list to end this situation on my own. I’ve listed 100 best children’s books that are truly exquisite both in terms of content and illustrations. However, I did not list the best children’s books by age below. I have listed the books that will be useful to my own children without following a certain order. You can click on the books and check Amazon reviews to see if they are suitable for your children.
Finally, what did Ovid say? “Nations that do not feed their grown minds with books are doomed to collapse.”
You may also want to see “30+ Best Inspiring Math Books for Children.”
Note: Below 100 best children's books are not listed, although I can't figure out why. There are 63 children books right now, and I'm trying to solve it. But 63 books is not less.
Oliver Jeffers’ “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking book that tackles the complexities of our world in an easy-to-understand way. The book is written from a father’s perspective, explaining the world to his two-month-old child. It covers everything from the big picture of our universe all the way down to the day-to-day happenings of life.
The first thing that stands out about this book is Oliver Jeffers’ artwork. His illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful and capture the essence of our planet perfectly. As you flip through each page, you’ll find yourself marveling at all the different shapes, sizes, and colors of people and animals that inhabit our world. From blue people to giant whales, every page is filled with something new and exciting.
But it’s not just the art that makes Here We Are so special; it’s also the message behind it. Through his writing, Jeffers reminds us of how small we really are in comparison to the vastness of space. He highlights just how unique and precious our planet is and urges us to take care of it. This powerful message serves as a reminder that we have a responsibility to protect our home.
One of my favorite parts about Here We Are is how it encourages empathy towards others. By showcasing all the different types of people who exist on Earth, Jeffers teaches us to appreciate diversity and understand that despite our differences, we’re all connected by living on the same planet together.
Another great aspect of “Here We Are” is its accessibility for children. The language used in the book is simple enough for kids to understand without being too simplistic or condescending. It’s a book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it perfect for families to read together.
Overall, “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” is a must-read for anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of our world and understand their place within it. The combination of stunning artwork and powerful messages makes this book a true gem. By reading this book, we’re reminded of the importance of taking care of our planet and treating each other with kindness and empathy. It’s a book that will leave you feeling grateful for what you have and motivated to make a positive impact in the world.
Into the Deep: An Exploration of Our Oceans is a perfect book for kids interested in learning more about the magical and scientifically fascinating world beneath the waves. It takes readers on an incredible journey aboard the submarine Marine Snow, engaging them with amazing facts about blue whales, vampire squid, viperfish, and giant sea spiders–all enhanced with vibrant illustrations by Annika Siems.
From learning about bioluminescence to exploring coral reefs and Radiolaria, Into the Deep will undoubtedly capture your child’s imagination while teaching them some fun facts!
Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska is one of the best kids’ books out there. This book features their incomparable artistry as a visual feast for readers of all ages. It contains everything from borders, cities, and rivers to peaks and plants found in each region. This book also includes both places of historical and cultural significance, together with the lives of honored personalities and iconic animals.
Complete with charming descriptions of cultural events, Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska proves to be an educational delight for adults and children alike who want to explore more about the world around them!
Mopoke is the best kids’ book for teaching your child about life’s little lessons. Mopoke, a nickname for the Southern Boobook Owl, loves peace and quiet but finds out that things don’t always go as imagined. Rich visuals combine with sparse yet hilarious text to create a timeless classic – perfect for enchanted learning. Filled with humor and subtle messages, Mopoke is the ideal book to teach your child the highs and lows of growing up.
The Little Gardener has quickly become one of the best kids’ books out there for connecting little ones with nature and gardening. The activities, tips, anecdotes, and seasonal projects it provides help to make the entire process an exciting adventure.
The illustrations provide a charming atmosphere that makes it not just informative but also funny. The book is packed with educational content that will equip your child with valuable wisdom not just about gardening but following their passions as well. The Little Gardener is a great way to get our youth back in touch with nature, fostering a greater appreciation of our natural world.
“Strange Trees: And the Stories Behind Them” is a perfect book! This beautifully illustrated collection of bizarre but real trees from around the world will take you on a journey through some of nature’s most peculiar creations. From trees with horns to ones that walk or even explode, this book has it all.
The first tree in this book is none other than the famous Strangler Tree. Found mostly in tropical regions, these trees start their lives as epiphytes or air plants that grow on another tree. As they mature, they send down roots that gradually envelop their host tree until it dies off completely. The strangler tree then stands erect, hollowed out by its own root system.
Another intriguing species featured in this book is the Bubblegum Tree. These trees are native to Central America and produce a red sap that locals chew like gum. The sap also has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as stomach ulcers and respiratory infections.
Moving on from there, we have the Upside-Down Tree from Australia. As its name suggests, this tree looks like it’s been planted upside-down with its roots pointing skyward. It grows in sandy soil where water is scarce and has adapted by developing an extensive root system that can reach up to 50 meters deep into the ground.
In addition to these bizarre trees, there are plenty more in Strange Trees: And the Stories Behind Them worth mentioning such as Bottle Trees from Africa which store water in their swollen trunk to survive droughts; Sausage Trees from Madagascar which produce long pods resembling sausages; and Dragon Trees from the Canary Islands which have a blood-red sap that was once used as a dye.
In conclusion, “Strange Trees: And the Stories Behind Them” is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning about the marvels of nature. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the stories behind each tree are fascinating. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for something different to read, this book is definitely worth checking out.
Today by Julie Morstad is the perfect book to add to your kid’s bookshelf. It immerses them in a world where adventures can be had, and activities enjoyed, ranging from painting a picture to riding a bike. The bold illustrations are guaranteed to captivate any child’s attention as they take part in the antics of her characters.
Today has become one of the best kids’ books for its lively descriptions and enticing atmosphere, ensuring each page has something interesting for readers of all ages. Young ones will be swept away with laughter as they explore the world within Today, making this an ideal choice for parents looking for something special for their children.
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave is one of the best kid’s books around today. Reading it with your child has countless benefits, making it a must-have on your bookshelf. The adorable rhymes and vibrant pictures give kids a chance to laugh while being positive and inspired.
Throw in some of Jen’s wonderfully hand-lettered words, and you get a chance to build their confidence, inspire them to be brave, and show them the limitless possibilities that tomorrow brings!
What We’ll Build: Plans for Our Together Future is the perfect kid’s book for parents who want to give their child a book with a charming story and meaningful message. Written in beautiful and imaginative language, the story follows a father-daughter team as they set out to craft a safe home filled with love.
It celebrates parents’ unique bond with their children and provides an enduring lesson about life’s endless opportunities. What We’ll Build is considered one of the best kid’s books because of its vibrant illustrations, lively characters, and a heartwarming plot that your little one won’t soon forget!
Press Here by Herve Tullet is one of the best kid’s books out there! It encourages your child to interact with it in a way few books do– tapping the yellow dot on the book cover, shaking the pages, and tilting it around– who knows what will happen next!
Children and adults alike will giggle with anticipation as they press the dots that multiply, change direction or grow in size. With Press Here, your child will embark on a delightful magical journey and have an enlightening experience that can only come from reading this innovative work.
