The Best Books For Kids

We’ve selected the best books for kids, including classic fairy-tale tales, nonfiction works and children’s books about diversity. Whether you’re searching for the ideal gift or a captivating read, these selections are sure to please.

This book is an excellent tool for teaching kids about bullying and how not to let others make them feel bad. It also encourages them to be true to themselves rather than letting others define them.

1. I Talk Like a River

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott is an inspiring tale of childhood stuttering that draws upon the poet’s own experiences. Beautifully illustrated by Greenaway Medalist Sydney Smith, this poignant book will leave readers feeling uplifted and encouraged.

This book can make a life-altering difference for children who stutter, and it also serves to foster empathy and understanding among those without. Told in vivid, personal language, the story will resonate with readers around the world.

Sydney Smith’s stunning watercolour illustrations embellish the story, conveying feelings of empathy and compassion towards the boy from their father. The artwork serves as an elegant complement to the text.

The father reassures his son that his stuttering is nothing to be ashamed of and that other days will be better. This message can resonate with kids and adults who stutter or have had “bad speech days” at school.

2. Ivy and Bean

For two decades, readers have delighted in the adventures of Ivy and Bean. These beloved books from renowned author Annie Barrows spread messages of friendship, empathy, and understanding.

Ivy is quiet and thoughtful, while Bean is energetic, cheerful, and a risk-taker. But they soon discover they have much in common – including their creative imaginations.

After growing to love each other, Ivy and Bean embark on many exciting adventures together, discovering the world around them while exploring differences. These books are ideal for kids who enjoy reading about friends who are different in many ways but who end up becoming best of friends.

The girls discover that sometimes it takes a lot of silliness to make friends – and it doesn’t have to be scary! The plot line of this book is captivating and its characters vibrant. With large print text and expressive illustrations, this book makes reading accessible for kids; they’re sure to enjoy every page.

3. Dog Man

If you’re searching for a funny book that will keep your kids engaged, Dog Man is an ideal pick. It boasts illustrations on every page, an inventive story with an animal main character, and fast-paced jokes.

Dav Pilkey’s style of writing is ideal for younger kids just starting to read, providing them with a great reading level to start on. Additionally, as children progress through the series, they become more engaged in the storyline.

Dog Man, created by Captain Underpants and part dog/part man and all hero, digs into deception to claw after crooks, roll over robbers and scamper after squirrels. Together with his archenemy Lil Petey the cat, Dog Man makes double trouble for evil villains.

Dog Man is not only a fun book for kids, but it serves as an inspiring example of the importance of compassion, kindness and perseverance. These universally positive concepts can be difficult to teach in today’s culture, but Dog Man makes them more approachable.

4. Elbow Grease

Elbow Grease is a fearless little monster truck determined to win a big race. Though he may be the smallest of his brothers, Elbow Grease has what it takes to prevail thanks to his sheer determination.

Lightning strikes can energize his battery and give him the edge in a race, but only if heavens open up and unleash an unstoppable power surge that no other racers can receive.

This thrilling story from multi-talented mega celebrity John Cena is sure to excite kids! Kids will adore the vibrant illustrations and new character they can root for, while the fast-paced plot will keep them reading until the encouraging messages at the end will motivate them.

5. Book-It Bunny

If you’re searching for a book that will keep your kids reading and happy, Book-It Bunny is an ideal option. This adventure encourages children to face their fear and push through it anyway.

Additionally, this book encourages young readers to embrace diversity and tolerance through its rhyming text. With such engaging material, young readers are sure to want to read it again and again.

This picture book is so captivating that even parents will want to read it aloud to their kids. It’s ideal for sharing before bed and can teach children the value of sharing and caring.

Metafiction in books can be an amazing motivator, inspiring your children to hone their own creative abilities whether in writing or photography. At its best, this energy could be incredibly creative.

6. The Scarecrow and the Peas

The Scarecrow and the Peas is an enjoyable book to share with younger children. This story follows a family who plants peas in their garden and builds a scarecrow to protect them. With its straightforward text and vibrant illustrations, this title makes an excellent choice for beginning readers.

The author does an excellent job of outlining why it’s essential to build a scarecrow. Doing this will teach children responsibility and the value of helping those in need.

This book will keep your little one engaged for hours. The bright colors and engaging illustrations will leave both of you wanting more.

The Scarecrow and the Peas may not be a true story, but it is one that your children will cherish for years to come! This book makes an excellent read-aloud on rainy days and provides parents with an opportunity to instill in their kids the value of hard work and perseverance!

7. The Monster at the End of this Book

Grover from Sesame Street begins reading this book, but as it progresses he becomes increasingly fearful of what awaits at the end. He begs readers not to turn any more pages so he can escape.

He attempts to hold the pages together with rope, nails and bricks; yet none of these obstacles stop him from getting closer to the monster.

Grover confronts his fears, realizing they are nothing more than his own fears. He knows he must confront them in order to conquer them.

This beloved modern children’s classic, written by Jon Stone and illustrated by Michael Smollin, has been a bestseller since its publication in 1971. It ranks among the bestselling titles within the Little Golden Books line and has provided Sesame Street with an important source of income.

It has also spawned several sequels, a popular app, a Twitter redux and an animated special. Furthermore, it has had an influence on authors outside children’s literature; David Burr Gerrard of The Epiphany Machine fame wrote that The Children’s Book had “formed [his] sense of what literature could and should do.”

8. Ada Twist

Ada Twist, Scientist is an endearing story about an 8-year old girl who has an insatiable curiosity for science. She loves to formulate hypotheses, test theories and conduct field experiments in order to uncover answers to her questions.

This book not only entertains, but it also inspires kids to be curious and pursue their interests. It demonstrates that when one has a passion, they can achieve anything.

Ada’s parents are frustrated that her curiosity is interfering with their family life. However, they soon come to appreciate it for what it truly is: a gift and not something to be resentful about. Instead of sending her away for a time-out, they encourage her to use her curiosity as an opportunity to learn more about the world around her.

Chris Nee, creator of Doc McStuffins and executive produced by Michelle and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, created this series to spark your child’s interest in science.