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Today’s internet is full of lists of the best children’s books which are often outdated and do not consider certain historical and cultural factors. While older classics may be great works, they may not always be the best fit for modern audiences due to language or outdated views.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.
I Want My Hat Back is one of the most beloved children’s books around and is sure to be an instant classic in every family’s library. It follows an adorable bear as he sets off to find his missing hat that has gone missing! Through vibrant illustrations and clever dialogue, this book will have your little ones laughing and delighting in this hilarious tale.
I Want My Hat Back empowers kids to use their critical thinking skills, as the bear must come up with creative and inventive ways to locate his beloved hat. Get ready for plenty of witty banter, cute characters, and a lot of fun – I Want My Hat Back is one of the best kids’ books!
The world is abuzz with the sounds of nature’s hardest workers, and Kirsten Hall’s book, The Honeybee, speaks for them. In this delightful picture book, Hall takes readers on a journey from the flower to the hive and back again, introducing us to the crucial role that bees play in our environment. With rich language and stunning illustrations by Quebec illustrator Isabelle Arsenault, The Honeybee strikes an ideal balance between fact and fiction that will satisfy both young readers at bedtime and teachers in the classroom.
Kirsten Hall’s language in The Honeybee is as lively as a hive buzzing with activity. Her use of rhymes and repetition makes this picture book a joy to read aloud, capturing the attention of children and adults alike. From the beginning of the narrative to its end, Hall’s writing creates a sense of perpetuity that mirrors nature’s cycles perfectly.
Quebec illustrator Isabelle Arsenault brings Hall’s words to life with her signature mixed-media style. Using gouache and pencil, Arsenault creates stunning images that are predominantly yellow and black but accented with pops of blue and fuchsia flora. Her illustrations capture the beauty of nature while also showcasing the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
Hall and Arsenault are an ideal match for one another, each taking their work to new heights. Their collaboration ensures that neither text nor images overshadow one another; instead, they work together seamlessly to create a beautiful storybook experience.
The Honeybee balances fact with fiction perfectly. It provides enough scientific detail about bees’ roles in our ecosystem without overwhelming younger readers or detracting from the story itself. This balance makes it an ideal resource for parents or educators looking to teach children about environmentalism in a fun way.
In conclusion, Kirsten Hall has created a remarkable picture book in The Honeybee. It introduces young readers to the crucial role that bees play in our environment while also capturing their attention with lively language and stunning illustrations. Hall and Arsenault’s collaboration is a perfect example of how text and images can work together seamlessly, creating a beautiful storybook experience that will delight children and adults alike. The Honeybee is a must-read for anyone looking to teach children about environmentalism or simply enjoy a delightful bedtime story.
Paper Zoo is one of the best kids’ books around, and it has everything your child needs to get creative with collages. The activity book comes with an array of beautiful patterned paper ready for cutting, plus blank cards for pasting it all together.
Each card then slots into the Paper Zoo’s special animal-shaped pockets. From a roaring lion to a trumpeting elephant, Paper Zoo will make a roaring success out of any child’s artistic endeavors!
In today’s world, where everything moves at lightning speed, it can be challenging to find the time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. This is especially true for children who are often glued to their screens. However, Rachel Williams’ book, Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature, offers a refreshing alternative. By teaching children to pause, breathe and take in the beauty around them, this book provides a unique way to teach mindfulness through nature. Slow Down is one of the best kid’s books on the market and why every child should have a copy.
Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature is more than just a typical nature book; it’s an invitation for kids to take a moment out of their busy lives and appreciate the little things. The book explores fifty different moments in nature that are often overlooked or taken for granted such as watching leaves dance on the wind or observing ants working together. Each moment is captured with beautiful illustrations that help bring them to life.
One of the great things about this book is that it encourages kids to explore and discover new things outside while also gaining a deeper appreciation for their environment. As they read through each page, they’ll learn about different insect species, trees, plants and other wonders of nature that they may not have noticed before. This not only expands their knowledge but also helps them develop empathy towards all living things.
The writing style used in Slow Down is both informative and engaging for kids. The language used is simple enough for young readers to understand while still being descriptive enough to keep them interested. It’s perfect for reading aloud with your child or letting them read on their own.
The illustrations are another standout feature of Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature. They’re simply breathtaking and perfectly capture the beauty of each moment described in the book. Each page is filled with vibrant colors and intricate details that will keep kids engaged for hours. The illustrations are not only beautiful but also help to bring each moment to life, making it easier for kids to visualize what they’re reading.
In conclusion, Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature is a must-have book for every child. It’s a refreshing change from the usual screen time and offers a unique way to teach mindfulness through nature. This book encourages children to slow down, breathe and appreciate the little things around them, while also learning about different species of plants and animals. With its engaging writing style and beautiful illustrations, Slow Down is one of the best kid’s books on the market today.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is quickly becoming one of the best kid’s books around! The friendly relationship between The Boy and his unlikely buddies, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse, provide a wonderful message of encouragement for young readers.
With an unexpected combination of humor and insight, Charlie Mackesy’s delightful story will help your child navigate uncertain times with optimism and hope. Now that one of the most endearing groups of friends has entered your child’s life get ready for some old-fashioned fun!
In the bustling literary world, children’s picture books often craft the tales of imagination, wonder, and the power of discovery. “On a Beam of Light” by Jennifer Berne, sweetly accompanied by Vladimir Radunsky’s artwork, sidesteps the average storybook and dives deep into the past of one of the world’s most renowned geniuses, Albert Einstein, to reveal that every journey of discovery has humble beginnings. The narrative teaches young minds and reminds adults that it is not just knowledge but questions and uninhibited curiosity that drive real understanding.
“In the year that Einstein was born, 1879, the electric light bulb was not yet a household item. Cars and airplanes were still just a dream, and the atoms that we are all made of were a mystery.” This captivating introduction invites readers into a world on the brink of unimaginable innovation, with a baby Einstein poised to contribute his share of the stars. It continues to narrate a most curious child, silent with strangers, yet bubbling with an inner universe of thoughts. His first encounter with a compass underlines the essence of his life’s work—understanding those invisible forces that guide our world.
Einstein’s fascination with the compass leads him to question the source of the needle’s unwavering direction. In his mind’s eye, he is already on a beam of light, racing alongside these invisible rays to understand the Sun’s secrets. It’s a testament to the book‘s ability to capture the essence of childhood curiosity—an open heart to the world’s marvels.
Reading “On a Beam of Light” is not a passive activity. It is an adventure—pacing the floors of an intellectual home, turning the pages of history that not just document moments but transcend them into legends. It brims with life lessons; not the pedantic kind but the sort that whispers in one’s ear, giving every person who encounters it the courage to light up their own path.
As the last page turns, an enlightened phrase hangs in the air: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The most important thing is not to stop questioning.” In the universe, the echoed laughter of a boy who dared to ponder without bounds still reverberates.
Educators and parents, take note: “On a Beam of Light” is not just a story of a past shining luminary but a lantern guiding the way for the curious minds of the future. It is a testament to every child who ever wondered and a celebration of those who decided to pursue the unknown.
Ultimately, “On a Beam of Light” transcends the narrative of Albert Einstein’s childhood into a universal anthem for the lively spirit that resides within all children and, when nurtured, can light the most incredible journeys.
Here We Are: Book of Numbers by Oliver Jeffers is one of the best children’s math books available today. This adorable, square board book is ideal for toddlers due to its sturdy construction and engaging content, which can withstand enthusiastic little hands and repeated readings.
The book introduces young readers to the concept of numbers through beautifully illustrated pages that explore the wonders of Earth. Each two-page spread focuses on a number from 1 to 11, presenting it in a way that is both educational and visually captivating.
While the language in the book may be too advanced for infants to fully appreciate, toddlers are at the perfect age to enjoy and understand its content. The heavy cardboard pages ensure durability, and the glossy finish makes it easy for little fingers to turn the pages and explore the vivid illustrations.
One of the standout features of Here We Are: Book of Numbers is its interactivity. The book can be as simple or as challenging as you want it to be. For instance, the underwater scene for Number 7 encourages young readers to identify “7 creatures of the sea,” such as a dolphin, a whale, and a turtle. This makes the book not only a fun read but also an educational tool that grows with your child’s abilities.
Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations are nothing short of fantastic. The vibrant colors and intricate details draw readers in, making each page a visual feast. The combination of engaging text and stunning artwork creates an immersive experience that transports you into the world of numbers and nature.
The book concludes with a discussion of larger numbers, such as “A lot of stars (too many to count),” depicting a starry night sky with constellations like the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. The final page addresses the concept of infinity, tying it to the idea of love with a sweet illustration of an adult holding a baby under a mobile of planets and stars. This touching ending adds an emotional depth that resonates with both children and adults.
Here We Are: Book of Numbers by Oliver Jeffers is a delightful addition to any toddler’s bookshelf. Its blend of educational content, interactive elements, and stunning illustrations make it a standout choice for parents looking to introduce their children to the world of numbers. This book not only teaches counting but also instills a sense of wonder about the world around us. Highly recommended!
Bees: A Honeyed History is sure to teach your child something—and make them laugh in the process! Largely written for a younger audience, Bees: A Honeyed History has quickly become one of the best kids’ books on Bees that captures their importance to our environment.
Discovering the buzzing world of Bees will fascinate and delight your child as they explore the history, science, and culture all rolled into one! So let your little one embark on an adventure with Bees: A Honeyed History as they learn more about these majestic creatures along the way.
What’s the Point of Math? is one of the best kids’ books out there when it comes to discussing how math is closely intertwined with our everyday lives. Parents and children alike will find this an entertaining journey as it takes an informative look at where math initially came from and why it’s so important.
It also includes some fascinating facts, clever brain teasers, mind-blowing magic tricks, and delightful illustrations – all sure to make even the most reluctant learner fall in love with math! With What’s the Point of Math? your child will learn all sorts of new things about mathematics that you never knew before.
Migration is a natural phenomenon that has been happening for thousands of years. Every year, billions of animals and plants travel long distances to find food, breeding grounds, or better weather conditions. Have you ever wondered about the different types of animals and plants that migrate? If yes, then you are in for a treat! Today, I am excited to share our review of The Atlas of Migrating Plants and Animals book – an informative and beautifully illustrated book that takes us on a journey around the world to explore the incredible migrations of various species.
The Atlas of Migrating Plants and Animals features detailed watercolor illustrations that showcase various plants and animals across the globe. From monarch butterflies in North America to Adelie penguins in Antarctica, this book covers all continents. Each section not only includes illustrations but also information about each plant or animal’s migration patterns. For instance, did you know that Painted Lady Butterflies migrate higher than humans can see? Or that violets are one of many plants that migrate?
The information presented is easy to read and understand, making it an excellent resource for children as well as adults. It also piques interest in these remarkable creatures and encourages readers to conduct further research on their own.
One outstanding feature of this book is how it presents migration as more than just a seasonal event; it highlights how migrations differ in length, speed, time, and method. Some species migrate over vast distances within days or weeks while others take months or even years. Some travel alone while others move in groups called flocks or herds.
The Atlas of Migrating Plants and Animals is not only informative but also visually stunning. The detailed watercolor illustrations are captivating and bring every page to life. They showcase different environments such as oceans, forests, deserts, mountains which give readers an idea of the diverse habitats that these plants and animals migrate through.
In conclusion, The Atlas of Migrating Plants and Animals is a must-have for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. It is informative, visually stunning and provides insight into the incredible journeys taken by various species. This book is an excellent educational resource for teachers who teach about plants and animals’ life cycles or habitats. It also serves as a perfect addition to any home library where it can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. So why not grab your copy today and embark on a journey around the world with The Atlas of Migrating Plants and Animals!
