30 Best Children's Books: From Fairy Tales to Jungle Books

They say reading is a lost art, but you can change that. Teaching kids the love of literature is more important than you think. Not only does it help your kids get better acquainted with the language, but it also teaches them more about the world, both through the visual medium and through sound. Through reading, your child will learn the skills to talk and, furthermore, prepare them for the future.

What do Toddlers Even Like in a Book?

This one doesn’t have a straight answer. While children might be attracted to bright pictures, textures, and even pulls and flaps, what they like, as do adults, is a read that captivates their attention. And yes, ‘poop’ – nothing quite makes a kid laugh as much and want to hear more about it than a poop!

Here are the 30 Best Children’s Books, from Fairy Tales to Jungle Books

Here’s a look at the most engaging reads for kids.

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Who doesn’t love an adorable caterpillar? This book, with its bright illustrations, has entertained generations. One of those books for children you can’t miss!

Bonus: Introduces a plethora of foods and days of the week.

2. Pat The Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

In one of the best preschool books, the central protagonist is an adorable bunny called Pat.

Bonus: A wonderful butterfly on the side of the book that can ‘fly’ up and down.

3. Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli

The toddler here has us believe that coffee is yucky and cookies are yummy. Really?

Bonus: A fun way to learn about opposites!

4. Where is Baby’s Belly Button?

By Karen Katz. Watch Karen Katz’s adorable babies play peekaboo.

Bonus: Books for children like this score brownie points for their highly interactive content.

5. The Family Book by Todd Parr

A book that shows families come in all shapes and sizes. One of those preschool reading books laced with meaning.

Bonus: Highlights the differences that make every family unique.

6. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Books for children are great when they make you laugh nonstop.

Bonus: Besides laughter, it has important themes of hope and persistence.

7. Count the Kisses by Karen Katz

Looking for bedtime storybooks for kids? This one’s the best.

Bonus: Teaches counting, too!

8. Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson

It’s time for monkey business with one of the most endearing books for children.

Bonus: Wonderful for kids who like stories told through stickers and pictures.

9. Wacky Wednesday by Dr. Seuss

One of the best kid’s books, this one shows just how wacky a Wednesday can get.

Bonus: Great rhyming sentences!

10. Baby Happy Baby Sad by Leslie Patricelli

Books for children like these also shed light on important concepts with a comical flair.

11. The Tiger who came to Tea by Judith Kerr

One of the best preschool books features a remarkable teatime guest.

Bonus: One of the most beautifully written stories.

12. Where’s the Poop? By Julie Markes

Books for children with poop are the best.

Bonus: Reinforces toilet training.

13. Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Ladybird

You can’t go wrong with the classics, vis a vis choosing preschool reading books.

Bonus: Great for beginner readers!

14. Can I Eat that? By Joshua David Stein

A whimsical and factual Q&A about what we eat… and don’t.

Bonus: An informative approach to food talk.

15. Three Little Mermaids by Mara Van Fleet

Books for children include some amazing fairy tales.

Bonus: It provides cool textures and a couple of lift-the-flaps.

16. Love you Forever by Robert Munsch

A great book for toddlers who love more fiercely than us.

Bonus: An affirmation of the ‘forever love’ a parent feels for their child.

17. The Sleeping Beauty

My First Ballet Book by Jennifer Adams. Another fairytale classic.

Bonus: Encourages kids to be creative and active.

18. It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

Best preschool books include those that celebrate diversity.

Bonus: Teaches toddlers empathy.

19. Press Here by Herve Tullet

Kids love pressing things, no?

Bonus: A truly interactive book encompassing the power of imagination.

20. Spot Goes to a Party by Eric Hill

Where’s the party at? It’s here, but where are Spot’s friends?

Bonus: An innovative flap-the-cover concept.

21. Little Tiger by Julie Abery

One of the better jungle books for children.

Bonus: Great illustrations and a ‘lullaby’ feel.

22. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Another great bedtime read.

Bonus: Reinforces the bedtime ritual of saying ‘goodnight’.

23. Night Night, Jungle by Amy Parker

Another great bedtime read.

Bonus: Reinforces the bedtime ritual of saying ‘goodnight’.

24. Little Blue Truck by Alice Shertle

For kids who are fascinated with things on wheels.

Bonus: Packed with truck sounds and animal noises.

25. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

A colorful solution to a crayon-based crisis.

Bonus: Pushes kids’ creativity.

26. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

Yet another great poop book that shows that, well, everyone poops!

Bonus: Lots of discussion questions on every page.

27. Look, Look! By Peter Linenthal

The perfect book for beginner readers.

Bonus: Striking high-contrast black-and-white cut-paper art.

28. When I am Big by Maria Dek

Another awesome counting book.

29. Bath One Baby by Melanie Joce and Claire Henley

Ready for bath time, baby?

Bonus: We will get your kids to enjoy bath time!

30. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

An endearing bunny rabbit book.

Bonus: This touch-and-feel book has unique materials, colors, and textures.

Toddlers love being read to, and the best part is the joy they get from, say, a wonderful picture book is something that an app cannot replicate. The toddler book recommendations you will find here will take your children to a magical place far, far away.

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