The foundation of inspiration, imagination, and joy is established through purposeful storytelling. The stories relatable to real life create an emotional bond between the reader and the listener. When stories take us on an adventure, they inspire us to be brave and try something new. Being driven by the writer’s imagination, fantasy stories inspire us to nurture our creativity. Humorous stories make us laugh.
The following 25 Must-Have books have been my children’s all-time favorite. They have now included these books in their children’s library.
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt (Ages: Baby – 2 years)
Why is it our favorite? Among many of the touch-and-feel books, “Pat the Bunny” was one of the first interactive books for
babies. It engages young children to touch and feel the different textures and elements. This classic has been a favorite for generations, introducing babies and toddlers to the joy of reading. New recent additions are “Pat the Puppy” and “Pat the Cat return.”
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Ages: Baby – 3 years)
Why is it our favorite? Back in the ’80, finding this book for my one-year-old was like finding a treasure. It was first published in 1947 and is still a parent/child favorite. The child-like illustrations are engaging, such as finding the tiny mouse in different locations in the room and naming all the objects in the bunny’s bedroom. The rhythmic text makes it soothing and educational without being too wordy and complicated for a young child. A fantastic choice for getting a child interested in books.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Ages: 1 – 3 years)
Why is it our favorite? This is an all-time classic picture book that goes through the stages of a caterpillar to a butterfly. The green and fuzzy caterpillar gets bigger and bigger by eating through staggered pages of fruits and other foods to become a wonderful butterfly. A perfect size for little hands and great for teaching counting and days of the week. A sturdy and beautiful book to give as a gift for new babies, baby showers, birthdays, and other new beginnings!
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann (Ages: 1 – 3)
Why is it our favorite? This bedtime story is like the “Goodnight Moon” story, where the tiny mouse dragging a banana is for your child to find on all the pages. As the tiptoeing gorilla releases all the animals from their cages and joins the zookeeper in his bed, a surprise unravels all his hard work. This is an amusing way to imagine what would happen when we are tired and unaware of our surroundings. Strange things can happen unless someone or something wakes us up.
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill (Ages: 1 – 3)
Why is it our favorite? This is an interactive “lift-the-flap” peek-a-boo book your child will enjoy. It is one of my favorites among the many similar books available that children can manipulate with their little fingers.
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allen Ahlberg (age 1-3)
Why is it our favorite? This book showcases classic fairy tales of nursery rhyme characters. The whimsical illustrations invite us to play ‘I Spy’ and to have fun reciting the easy phrases.
Other favorites by Allen and Janet Ahlberg are The Jolly Postman, The Jolly Christmas Postman, and The Peek-a-Boo books.
Sleepy Time by Gyo Fujikawa (Ages: 1 – 3)
Why is it our favorite? When babies all over the world are yawning, it is time for bed. This classic book was our daily nighttime read. Fujikawa’s gorgeous illustrations contrast the children’s nighttime rituals with the horse that sleeps standing up, the lazy sloth that snoozes upside down, and animals that doze the winter away. Parents and children will find this book a lovely way to say “good night.”
My Good Night Book by Eloise Wilkin (Ages: 1 – 4)
Why is it our favorite? A little girl goes through all the steps during a bedtime routine. You can almost feel the wind that gently sways the light curtains hanging on her bedroom window on a warm summer day. The book conveys a beautiful way to end the day before going to sleep. My children have loved the peaceful and dreamy illustrations.
Quick as a Cricket by Don and Audrey Wood (Ages: 1 – 5)
Why is it our favorite? A joyful celebration of self-awareness and acceptance known and loved by millions of children around the world.
In this classic children’s book, a young boy pretends he’s as “loud as a lion,” “quiet as a clam,” “tough as a rhino,” and “gentle as a lamb.” Readers will delight in the variety of animal expressions as they discover many different emotions and learn to accept that all feelings are valid. The large book format showcases detailed Illustration to enjoy.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Ages: 2 and up)
Why is it our favorite? This thought-provoking story is about the relationship between a boy and a tree. It’s a simple yet powerful message about love, generosity, and sacrifice. The book’s minimalist illustrations and emotionally moving narrative make it a memorable read for children and adults alike.
Deep in the Forest by Brinton Turkle (Ages: 2 – 4 years)
Why is it our favorite? A reversal of characters based on the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” makes this a lovely tale children enjoy. Beautifully illustrated with a heartwarming ending. This is one of those stories your children will want you to read over and over.
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (Ages: 2 – 5)
Why is it our favorite? This classic book, a favorite for generations, has warm hues of brown with detailed realistic illustrations. It is a gentle storyline of a duck family navigating the busy streets of Boston, trying to get to their final destination. This makes it a perfect read-aloud book. Celebrate the 75th birthday of Make Way for Ducklings!
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (Ages: 2 – 5)
Why is it our favorite? This charming story is of a little girl named Sal who goes blueberry picking with her mother. The story’s calm pace and detailed illustrations evoke a nostalgic, peaceful feeling. It has been a beloved book since its publication in 1948.
One Frog Too Many by Mercer Mayer (Ages: 2 – 5)
Why is it our favorite? This wordless picture book is full of warmhearted tales of mischief and imaginative play. The book expresses the humorous trials and tribulations of friendship and the joy of summertime discovery. Children will want to tell their own stories of mischief. Helpful for discussing appropriate solutions for parents and teachers. The first book in this series, A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, launched Mercer Mayer’s distinguished career over twenty-five years ago. Readers will want to collect the entire set.
Nutshell Library by Maurice Sendak (Ages: 2 – 5)
Why is it our favorite? This pocket-size version contains four perennial lyrical stories that children love: Alligators All Around, Chicken Soup with Rice, One Was Johnny and Pierre. Your child can learn the alphabet with silly alligators, pretend to drink chicken soup with rice every month, count visitors with a boy named Johnny, and learn what happens with a boy who doesn’t care.
Maurice Sendak’s Nutshell Library will evoke powerful memories for many, and the rhymes and stories continue to speak to new generations of little ones. A wonderful stocking stuffer or baby shower gift. My adult children still love the pocket-size version. The Nutshell Library books are also sold separately in larger versions and board book form. Maurice Sendak, the Caldecott Medal-winning genius, also wrote Where the Wild Things Are.
Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)
(An I Can Read Book, Ages: 2 – 6)
Why is it our favorite? The Little Bear is so relatable to young children as well as Mother Bear, who is there whenever Little Bear needs her. When it is cold and snowy outside, she finds just the right outfit for Little Bear to play in. When he goes to the moon, she has a hot lunch waiting for him on his return. She never forgets his birthday.
This classic story was written in 1957 and remains as beloved today as it was then.
Little Bear Book Set includes five classic Little Bear books: Little Bear, Father Bear Comes Home, Little Bear’s Friend, Little Bear’s Visit, and Little Bear and the Marco Polo.
Bargain for Francis by Else Holmelund Minarik (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator) (Level Two I Can Read, Ages: 3 – 6)
Why is it our favorite? A classic story starring Frances, America’s favorite badger. I used to read this book to my two girls whenever they struggled with getting along.
Frances and Thelma are friends–most of the time. Thelma always seems to get Frances into trouble. When she tricks Frances into buying her tea set, it’s the last straw. Can Frances show her that it’s better to lose a bargain than lose a friend?
This classic story is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.
Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes (Ages: 3 – 7)
Why is it our favorite? This is a classic picture book about friendship, full of good humor, charming pictures, making new friends, and accepting others.
There is only one way for Chester to do things–his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father. Luckily, Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. They are two of a kind–until Lilly moves into their neighborhood. She has her way of doing things!
The other nationally celebrated books are Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten’s First Full Moon, and Chrysanthemum.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig (Author, Illustrator) (Ages: 3-7)
Why is it our favorite? Sylvester, a donkey, finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected consequences. Faced with a series of obstacles, Sylvester has to reinvent himself and solve his problem to get back to his normal self and reunite with his loving family.
This beautifully tender story helps the reader realize to not give up when faced with a challenge. This winner of the Caldecott Medal is beloved by children everywhere.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney (Ages: 3 -8)
Why is it our favorite? This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Miss Rumphius, who seeks to make the world a more beautiful place by planting lupines everywhere she goes. Its themes of kindness, generosity, and leaving a lasting legacy resonate with readers of all ages.
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel (age 4 – 7)
Why is it our favorite? This classic book of short stories about two best friends, Frog and Toad, is perfect for emerging readers. The stories are simple, yet they convey important messages about friendship and loyalty. Your child will relate to these frog characters that convey solutions to their everyday problems.
A set of all four Frog and Toad stories.
Aunt Eater Loves a Mystery by Doug Cushman (I Can Read Level 2, Ages: 4 – 8)
Why is it our favorite? This is a mystery story that gets children motivated to figure it out before it ends. The story starts with a stolen traveling bag and a series of clues to solve this mystery with Aunt Eater on the case. Children love solving mysteries, and this one has a great story ending.
The Josefina Story Quilt By Eleanor Coerr and Illustrated by Bruce Degen
(I Can Read Level 3, Ages: 4 – 8 years)
Why is it our favorite? This story is about friendship, adventure, historical fiction, and science. Faith’s family is heading west! It’s 1850, and it’s time to pack their covered wagon and prepare for the journey to California to start a new life. Each chapter has a quilt block that tells a story about part of her journey. When Faith’s Pa says there’s no room on a wagon for Josefina, a chicken who’s too tough to eat and too old to lay eggs, Faith finds a way to keep her as a pet.
Mr. Hacker (Age: 5+)
Why is it our favorite? Moving from the city to country living can be a drastic change. This is a quiet book about making a home for yourself. The plot is simple, with not much conflict. Mr. Hacker’s slow adjustment to his surroundings is warm and reassuring. Even though Mr. Hacker feels isolated in his new home, he begins to make friends with a stray cat and a stray dog by putting food in different bowls on his front porch. When Mr. Hacker gets angry with the dog for stealing the cat’s food, he has to figure out a new solution.
Hippo Lemonade by Mike Thaler (Ages: 5+)
Why is it our favorite? Hippo and his friends share a variety of adventures, including making a wish, selling lemonade, and telling a scary story.
During my children’s summer vacation or our Garage Sale, my children loved serving lemonade. They created a stand out of boxes or just set up a small table with a sign. We lived on a corner and had plenty of traffic, which helped them earn lots of quarters.
Check out this NEW BOOK, The Fire Truck Story, which I wrote for my two-year-old who used to love visiting the fire station. The simple message and beautiful illustrations teach children what fire trucks are all about.