If you are a parent who loves reading and collecting books, then you must also always be on the lookout for new books for your little ones. After all, childhood is a ripe age to imbibe the love of reading in young children, which then becomes a lifelong habit and eventually helps develop critical thinking abilities. Below we have compiled a list of the top 30 children books that your kids are sure to love and want to read again and again. So without much ado, let’s dive right into the list.
1. Escucha Means Listen
Written by Talia Aikens-Nuñez and illustrated by Dina Ashraf Helmi, Escucha Means Listen is a book for children aged three years and older. The picture book has many beautiful illustrations and introduces children to sounds in Spanish and English. This book is a fun and playful way of teaching children sounds and words in two languages.
The author Talia Aikens-Nuñez was inspired to write this book raising her own bilingual daughter. Talia wanted to be a lawyer, politician, and meteorologist earlier in life, but her child’s birth led her to become a writer. Escucha Means Listen is a wonderful book to introduce Spanish to young children.
2. Wind Catcher
The first book in a trilogy, Wind Catcher, is a young adult fantasy, thriller, and adventure novel. It follows the life of Juliet Wildfire Stone, who discovers that she is not entirely human, that she is developing special abilities, and is “Chosen.” As she realizes the truth about herself, she is also faced with imminent danger in the form of an entity called the Seeker. The book shows Juliet accepting her fate and deciding to fight her own fight.
Wind Catcher is followed by two other books, Brink of Dawn and Scorched Souls. The books have won several awards and nominations. The authors, Jeff Altabef and ErynnAltabef are father and daughter and spend their time reading, writing, and enjoying the arts.
3. Puppy Love
Puppy Love is a beautiful book about family and the bond between siblings. It recounts the experiences of Danny and Lou as they navigate life in school, experience love for the first time, and continually revisit the memories of their dead father. The book’s central theme is family and its importance, yet it is full of thrilling instances that are sure to keep children glued to its pages.
The book is recommended for children aged 8 to 13. It has been authored by Flo Barnett, who has weaved a lot of parts of her own childhood into the story. Flo used to be a preschool administrator and a kindergarten and elementary school teacher.
4. What If…?
Authored by Jessica Barondes, What If…? is a fun and light book for kids above ten years of age. It centers around Penelope’s life, a seventh-grader who is the smallest girl in her class. She decides to go on a quest to find a wife for her father and a mom for herself. The novel traces Penelope finding her way through middle school while also trying to find a bride for her father.
The author Jessica Barondes is a screenwriter who has penned down scripts for various movies. The novel What If…? is inspired by her musings when she was a young, motherless girl in kindergarten.
5. Christmas Nevermore
Published in 2013, Christmas Nevermore is a novel set in a fantasy and magical world. Yet, it touches upon pressing issues of today’s world, such as the impact of the petroleum industry on the world and the dangers posed to earth by global warming. However, these issues are presented from a perspective that children can understand and made engaging with their impact on people’s lives in the magical world and on Christmas. The kids embark on a journey to save Christmas.
Marc Cadieux and HerveBastien authored Christmas Nevermore. Christina Zakhozhay has made the book’s beautiful illustrations.
6. The Hidden Chamber in the Great Sphinx
Recommended for children older than 10, The Hidden Chamber in the Great Sphinx is a tale that takes one deep into ancient Egypt’s history. A modern-day explorer and archaeologist goes on an adventure to the Great Sphinx in Egypt, where he runs into trouble and has to save a supercomputer from falling into the wrong hands. The book is an excellent mix of mythology, archaeology, and adventure that is sure to appeal to young readers.
The author Linda A. Cadose has been to Egypt and all the historical places she writes about, which brings a touch of realism to her book.
7. Easy-To-Say First Words: A Focus on Final Consonants
This is a book for toddlers and kids who have just started preschool. Children who have just begun to talk but have difficulty articulating final consonants will benefit most from this book. Easy-To-Say First Words: A Focus on Final Consonants includes easy-to-pronounce one-syllable words such as bat, eat, hop, cake. It comes with a guide for parents and guardians that explains how to read this book to children.
The book has been written by Cara Tambellini Danielson, who is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She specializes in pediatric language development.
8. My Mommy’s Water Balloon
My Mommy’s Water Balloon is a beautifully illustrated book that explains the concept of pregnancy to young children. The book talks about the changes in a mother’s body due to pregnancy and gives concepts small kids can understand. This book is recommended for children aged 3 to 6 years. Lisa Darnell has written the book.
9. Wonder
Wonder is a New York Times bestseller and a highly acclaimed book. It centers around a boy named August Pullman, who was born with a facial difference. Homeschooled during his early years, he joins the public school as a 5th grader who wants to blend in. While Auggie is faced with challenges, what triumphs, in the end, is kindness, friendship, family, and humanity.
Wonder is an incredible story of hope for anyone who has ever felt alone and excluded. It is all the more appreciable for narrating the story from the perspectives of different kids. Its author R.J Palacio called her novel “a meditation on kindness.”
10. Shine
Written by Justine Edward, Shine is a book with a message of self-love and self-acceptance. It teaches the art of focusing on your ability rather than the challenges you are faced with. It has been illustrated by a seven-year-old boy who has autism. This book is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and kids with special needs.
Justine Edward is an Australian author and teacher. Recognizing the role of self-esteem in success, she wrote Shine to inspire every child.
11. Olivia Helps with Christmas
Olivia Helps with Christmas is a short book by Ian Falconer. The book is about a piglet who helps her family at home around Christmas. Her duties include making sure her dad sets up the Christmas tree and watching her mom prepare Christmas dinner. Her most favorite thing is to open Christmas presents. This book is suitable for kids aged around 4-8 years and is full of beautiful illustrations.
Ian Falconer is an author and illustrator whose illustrations have been on many covers of The New Yorker.
12. The Gubbins Club: The Legend of Charlie’s Gold
Set in the historic city of Edinburgh, the story follows the adventures of Smout and his friends through the streets of Edinburgh as they solve puzzles and riddles to find a lost treasure. Following their trail is a dangerous person who resembles the pirates of old times. This book will prove to be an exciting read for children aged 12 to 14 years and will keep them hooked.
The Gubbins Club: The Legend of Charlie’s Gold has been written by Melinda TaliancichFalgoust, whose works have won several competitions.
13. Dead Boy
Dead Boy by Laurel Gale is a book about the importance of friendship. The central character is Crow, who is a dead boy whose body is infested with maggots and stinks. He has not slept in years. But the worst thing is that he is very lonely and does not have a single friend. The story revolves around Crow getting to make a friend after years and then needing to pass some tests before having a shot at life again.
This book is great for middle school children who like dark humor. It will also resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. The author Laurel Gale writes for young children. Story Magic is another one of her novels.
14. Scooby-Doo & The Zombie’s Treasure
Written by James Gelsey, Scooby-Doo &The Zombie’s Treasure is a book about another adventure of Scooby-Doo and friends. They go camping in their van, but instead of ghosts, a zombie haunts their campsite this time. Now it falls on Scooby-Doo and his friends to catch his zombie. The book will be a fun read for kids from grades 1 to 6.
James Gelsey has written various books on the adventures of Scooby-Doo and his friends, which fans of Scooby-Doo will surely love.
15. Among the Hidden
Among the Hidden is a book about a future world where the law allows every family to only have two children. Luke is a third child and thus has to live his whole life in hiding. Children like him are called the Shadow Children. When Luke discovers that another Shadow Child, Jen, lives across his home, he has a chance to make a friend for the first time. Jen plans to come out of the shadows, and Luke is left to decide whether to join her in this dangerous plan or not.
Among the Hidden is the first book in a series of 7 books. It is suitable for kids in grades 3 to 7. The author Margaret Peterson Haddix was a newspaper copywriter and a freelance writer before she became an author.
16. Home in the Cave
The story follows a baby bat who is comfortable in his home in the cave and never wants to go outside. One night, he falls while flapping his wings and is rescued by a rat. The two then explore the deep corners of the cave and meet amazing animals. Baby bat learns how important it is for bats to go out and bring food for the animals in the caves. The real question is: Is this enough to make him venture out of the cave?
Home in the Cave is written by Janet Halfmann, who has written 40 books for children. She is an award-winning author who used to be a newspaper reporter and an editor for a children’s magazine before becoming an author.
17. Mama’s Purse
Written in rhyming verse, Mama’s Purse is full of colorful illustrations and new words that would add to your child’s vocabulary and invite them to be imaginative. The book answers the question: ‘What is in my mama’s purse?’ with items such as bandages, bananas, a yellow moose, a trout, etc. The 32-pages long book has received various awards and is ideal for children aged 5 to 6 years.
It has been authored by AJ Irving and is her first book.
18. Jellybeans Morning, Noon and Night
The book Jellybeans Morning, Noon and Nightis about two brothers who love jellybeans so much that they are all they want to eat the whole day. So, they plan to have jellybeans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. This is a story about the importance of moderation for kids, and it also sends a message to parents to sometimes let kids find their own way.
Filled with moments of laughter, Jellybeans Morning, Noon and Night is recommended for readers of around 3 to 9 years. It is a short book of about 50 pages and has been authored by Maggie Pajak.
19. Delores Fletcher, Cobweb Catcher
Published in 2012, Delores Fletcher, Cobweb Catcher is the story of a 16-year-old girl Dolores who has magical powers that she uses to catch cobwebs in her town. She is aided by the spirit of her great-great-great-grandmother and an outcast ghost. However, her town’s ecology is being damaged due to the removal of cobwebs, which poses further problems for Dolores.
The book has been written by Kathryn Rose Jacoby and is recommended for students of grades 4 to 6. Kathryn is a teacher in middle school and lives in North Carolina. This is her first book.
20. Through the Shimmer of Time
This is a book about adventure, thrill, and time-travel. Jim accidentally time travels 200 years into the past, where he finds his life is in danger. Jim is aided by Hannah, and together they solve a murder and unmask a thief as they search for a way to unlock time. Set in the olden days, Through the Shimmer of Time has an endearing quality about it.
Its author Jennifer Jensen is an award-winning writer whose works have been published in magazines and newspapers. She has given writing workshops to kids in middle school and high school. This book of hers is recommended for children aged 8 to 12.
21. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is the story of how a young, determined boy living in a small village in Malawi brings electricity to his village by constructing a windmill. Despite ridicule and criticism from his neighbors, he works resolutely on his dream of bringing the luxury of running water and electricity to his village, which only 2% of Malawians enjoy. This story is about hope, human inventiveness, the power of the individual and is suitable for teenagers. William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer have authored it.
22. The Colourblind Chameleon
The book centers around a chameleon who finds he is different from others and realizes that it is much more fun to be different. The book consists of rhyming verses and bright, colorful drawings. He sets on a journey to find a place where he can be safe and happy. The Colourblind Chameleon is a great book to help children realize that everyone can find a place for themselves in the world and that it is okay to be different from others. It is recommended for kids aged 2-7.
The book has been authored by Laura Kantor, who works in marketing and project management and lives in different countries. Having a love for writing, she decided to write her own books, and the Colourblind Chameleon is her first book.
23. Chase Danger Super Spy: Mystery of the Special Sauce
This book is about a 6-year-old boy called Chase Danger, who is a super-spy. Chase Danger is the youngest super-spy in the world, and in this book, he fights with a giant octopus and a scary scorpion. He also makes a flying car, travels to space, and makes a new friend. The book has beautiful illustrations and is the first book in a trilogy. It can be read by children aged five years and older.
The author of Chase Danger Super Spy: Mystery of the Special Sauce is Chase Olivera, 14 years old and very passionate about writing.
24. The Boys from Baraboo
This is an accurate account of the origin and early days of one of the biggest and most renowned circuses in the world, the Ringling Brothers Circus. The book details how the circus came into being and then follows its progress to glory and fame. The author Michael Lancaster is the great-grandson of Charles Ringling, one of the five Ringling Brothers.
The Boys from Bamboo contains intricate and detailed illustrations that can be appreciated by kids of all ages. Its illustrator is Barbara Harnack.
25. The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool
The Mystic Princesses and the Whirlpool is a fantasy book about princesses who possess magical powers. Princess Harmonie was nearly kidnapped by the Children of Aries when her brother decided to leave her in Hawaii, where she meets the Mystic Princesses. Here begins her adventures and fun, but alongside that is the threat of the Children of Aries.
The book is a short read and has many beautiful illustrations. Written by PJ LaRue, it is recommended for kids aged 4-8 years.
26. Susie’s Shoesies
On her 8th birthday, Susie’s grandmother pays her a surprise visit and gifts her a pair of magical shoes that give her the ability to time-travel. Susie was already a compassionate and socially conscious girl and attending a United Nations meeting in the past where the International Bill of Human Rights is being discussed makes her even more so. Susie’s Shoesies is recommended for kids around 8-12 years of age.
The book has been authored by Sue Madway Levine, who has worked with children and families for years. She is a college professor, researcher, and published author.
27. Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb
Appropriate for children older than 10, this is a fantastic and mythical book containing creatures from cyclopses and satyrs to descendants of significant literary figures. It depicts fatal, ancient family feuds and family secrets. The central characters are twelve-year-old Lizzy and her friend Sammy. This book will be liked by children who love fiction and detailed plots. Ally Malinenko has authored LizzySpeare and the Cursed Tomb.
28. Magelica’s Voyage
Magelica’s Voyage is a fantasy and adventure book set in a magical world where Magelica explores the Isle of Dreams in a flying bathtub. Magelica discovers the power of love, imagination, belief, and opening her heart. In her journey, Magelica meets different characters, such as the Wizard, the giant turtle, and the Queen. Magelica’s Voyage is a small book and can be enjoyed by children aged 5-10.
Its authorLouise Courey Nadeau was inspired to write this book after observing her daughters’ love for fairytales, adventure, and lullabies. She wanted to create a female role model for her daughters and all little girls.
29. Orangutan Houdini
Orangutan Houdini is based on the true story of an adult male orangutan called Fu Manchu. Fu Manchu can escape his enclosure whenever he wants and spends time basking in the sun with the elephants. His zookeeper Jerry Stones, monitors the ape through a surveillance camera and discovers that Fu can open the lock. Then he proceeds to remove every twig and stick from his enclosure but is still unable to stop Fu from escaping. Finally, Fu shows Jerry how he does it and is then awarded honorary membership in the American Locksmiths Association.
The book has 32 pages and is suitable for children of the age of 6 and older. It has been authored by Laurel Neme and illustrated by Kathie Kelleher.
30. Mikolay and Julia Meet the Fairies
This is a short book comprising only 18 pages, suitable for kids aged 4 to 8 years. It tells the stories of two friends, Mikolay and Julia, whose mothers are witches and who attend magic classes every weekend. One day, the kids discover a secret office of Mikolay’s mom, which contains a hidden wardrobe. Inside the wardrobe are magical, singing creatures that really need their help!
Mikolay and Julia Meet the Fairies is interesting for children because of its adventurous and magical elements, yet it also contains messages that help educate kids. Magda Olchawska has authored it.
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed this list of top 30 books for children and that you have noted down quite a few names of books you will be getting your hands on. Be sure to account for your child’s age and choice of the genre while choosing a book for them.