50 Best Children’s of All Time

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

A timeless picture book by literary legend Mo Willems cracks kids up a 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!, a snowy-themed tale which will be released on September 5, 2023. Ages 3-5

Here’s a board book for all the funny, story-reading dads out there. Jimmy Fallon wrote it for his daughters; the end result is a witty, winsome yarn about a father’s wildest dream. Gift it at a baby shower. Ages 1-3

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

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

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

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

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 the shelves in 2015. Ages 3-7

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

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. 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

Rosie is an inventor with high hopes of making a very cool new contraption. For young kids who love tinkering, Andrea Beaty’s STEM-inspired picture book is a powerful lesson about sticking with it in the face of any obstacle. Older tinkerers may want to check out the chapter book spin-off, The Questioneers! Ages 3-7

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

Frog & Toad vibes are strong in this early reader that won a 2022 Good Housekeeping Kids’ Book Award. It’s the first in a new series about two mouse pals who have opposite personalities. Both the color palette and prose have a timeless quality. It’s destined to be a classic. Ages 6-9

This winner of a 2022 Good Housekeeping Kids’ Book Award stars a child robot who gets “the zaps” sometimes. Its clever, kid-friendly explanation of anxiety (and suggested coping strategies) sets it apart from other mental-health picture books. Ages 4-8

When a gorilla who spent 27 years behind a glass enclosure in a mall meets a baby elephant taken from the wild, his whole world changes. Kid readers will fall hard for all the characters in this poignant story. Follow-ups The One and Only Ruby and The One and Only Bob are just as gripping. Ages 8-12

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

Katherine Paterson’s poignant novel follows well-wrought protagonists Jessie and Leslie, who create a beautiful imaginary world as an escape from the trials of everyday life. With themes of friendship and loss, the chapter book won the Newbery Medal in 1978. This anniversary edition contains bonus material, including a new author’s note. 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