Top 10 Must Read Children's Books

Children's books play such an important part in a child's life from getting to know endearing characters, to lessons learned and time spent reading with others. So, we wanted to compile a list of our top 10 must reads for young readers to advancing ones.

Are the old children’s books on your child’s shelves getting dusty? Is it time to graduate from picture books to chapter books? Read on to get a peek at our favorite children’s books for a nighttime read aloud, or reading independently.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon could be your key to making bed time painless. In a soothing, repetitive tone, a young rabbit says goodnight to all the things in the room. Instead of a plot, Goodnight Moon looks at the world from the eyes of a very young child, calming children with the ritual of naming each object around them. This is a great bedtime children’s book for children ages 0-3.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

This children’s book is a classic tale of bad fortune. Chances are you’ve read it and loved it. Author Judith Viorst takes the reader through the day of a relatable young boy Alexander who just can’t seem to have anything go right. This is a perfect book for kid’s ages 5-8 and sends the important message that it’s okay to have bad days and there will be good days to follow.

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Corduroy is the tear jerking tale of a teddy bear missing a button who just wants to be taken home. Corduroy explores the department store all night trying to find his missing button before realizing he can be loved just the way he is. This children’s book is not only an entertaining story, but also portrays the important message that everyone can be loved for who they are. Corduroy is best for ages 3-7.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a fun and upbeat read aloud children’s book great for kids ages 4-6. With bright illustrations and rhythmic repetition it is a refreshing take on your typical alphabet learning books.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Based on the 2019 short film, Hair Love is a heartwarming and empowering story of the bond between a father and daughter. Hair Love teaches children that they are naturally beautiful and don’t need to change. This is a great children’s book for kids ages 4-8.

Flora's Blanket by Debi Gliori

Flora’s Blanket is a heartwarming read with beautiful illustrations. This children’s book will hit home for all the blankie loving kids out there, as the story walks you through the night a sweet young rabbit Flora who loses her blanket. Enjoy this book with children ages 3-6.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff

If You Give a Pig a Pancake takes readers through the crazy day of a little girl who tries to keep up with the demands of a bossy little pig. This children’s book is a purely fun journey that is perfect for the attention span of a young child. This will have your kid begging to read it “just one more time.” Best for ages 2-6.

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

This charming story follows heroine Madeline through her adventure in Paris with her classmates! She’s the smallest in her class, but she’s also the bravest, and handles what could be a scary situation with fearlessness and confidence. The calming rhymes lend a sense of soothing to the tale in this children’s book as well. Best for ages 3-8 years old.

Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne

These adventure books are loved by children everywhere. The Magic Tree House series chronicles the adventures of Jack and Annie as they travel through time visiting historic scenes. With 54 cildren’s books in the series, your kiddo can fall in love with these tales. Best for ages 6-10 years old. (PSA the books do not need to be read in order, although some storylines may persist over a few books).

Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park

This 28 children’s book series walks readers through the crazy and entertaining life of spunky kindergartener Junie B. Jones. This series is bound to capture the attention of your child and is great for both reading aloud and reading independently. Best for ages 6-10.

We’re getting nostalgic just reading this list of childhood favorites! These pearls have stood the test of time and our copies have frayed pages and a few stains from overuse. Now it is time for your kids to treasure children’s books they’ll fondly recall well into adulthood. Enjoy your precious time and page turning memories!

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Children of Tomorrow Learning Centers

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Top 10 Must Read Children’s Books

Children's books play such an important part in a child's life from getting to know endearing characters, to lessons learned and time spent reading with others. So, we wanted to compile a list of our top 10 must reads for young readers to advancing ones.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Flora's Blanket by Debi Gliori

If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne

Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park

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