by: Lindsay Hutton
We know you're always on the lookout for the perfect book to read to your child, so the staff of Family Education Network have provided a list of best-loved children's books. Whether you have an infant, toddler, or young child at home, you're bound to find a book on our list of favorites that your child won't be able to get enough of! Looking for more? Use our Book Finder tool to search for new books for kids of all ages!
Also, check out The Ultimate Bucket List of Books to Read for Kids.
Editor’s Note: We know raising kids can be hard. That’s why we’re dedicated to making your life easier with the latest and greatest parenting advice and products. We wanted to let you know that if you chose to purchase one of the items featured in this post, we may receive a small commission for it.
Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?
Ages 4-8
Can you imitate a hippo chewing gum? (Grum, grum, grum). With all the different sounds in this book, along with Dr. Seuss's typical talent for rhymes, it's a blast for children and parents to act each one out.
One mom says, "There are lots of silly sounds for parents and children to act out. A fun book to read."
Pinkalicious
Ages 5-8
Pinkalicious tells a tale about a little girl who loves pink...especially pink cupcakes! But what happens when she eats one too many? She turns pink, of course! So, how can she turn back to a normal color? By eating only green food! Full of bright, vibrant pictures, this book takes you into the world of an adorable girl who shows everyone that being yourself is the most important thing of all. All of us here at Family Education Network love this book!
Olivia
Ages 3-7
Olivia is a little pig...with big energy! During the day, she loves to sing, create art, and build skyscrapers. But at night there is only one thing she wants to do -- read! Children and parents alike will adore Olivia's abundance of energy, and the simple black, white, and red pictures wonderfully illustrate Olivia's antics. The moms and dads on our staff think this book is great!
Big Little
Ages 0-5
An expressive toddler with a flair for the dramatic comically acts out each pair of opposites. The colorful illustrations depict the differences between each pair, with one being big and the other being little.
"This book was popular with both my five-month-old baby and his five-year-old cousin. The illustrations are bright and fun, and the story teaches kids about opposites," says a member of our staff.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Ages 0-5
We think this Christmas classic is a wonderful read for children of all ages. The familiar opening lines offer a sense of comfort and familiarity, and the illustrations are beautifully reminiscent of the era in which the poem was written. This book will quickly become a holiday tradition in your house, as it has in ours.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Ages 3-6
What happens when Daddy is left in charge? Why, everything goes wrong, of course! This true-to-life story will have you laughing out loud as you follow Trixie, an enthusiastic little girl, in her attempts to find her beloved stuffed bunny. If you love this book, and we're positive you will, be sure to check out Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity.
One staff member says, "The photographs and illustrations are adorable, and my daughter loves following the tales of the main character, Trixie."
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Ages 0-5
Our staff members love this 40-year-old classic. It is a must-have for children. Brown Bear illustrates a variety of animals, all in different shapes and sizes, and takes children on a tale full of rhyming words and vibrant colors. This classic will quickly become one of your child's favorite books.
Barnyard Dance!
Ages 0-5
Fiddle-playing cows and dancing pigs fill the pages of this book, as they do-si-do along with their barnyard friends. Your child will want to sing and dance along with the crazy animals. The rhyming words and wacky illustrations make this book a pleasure to read, time and time again. All of our moms and dads love this book!
Bear Snores On
Ages 3-7
The cold and chill of winter force all the little creatures of the forest to wander into Bear's den for some warmth and comfort. But even with all the commotion, Bear just keeps on snoring! So what happens when he finally wakes? He finds all the animals having a party -- without him!
"There's a wonderful rhyming rhythm to this story of a sleepy bear and his unexpected guests," says one mom on our staff.
Dr. Seuss's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book
Ages 0-5
Dr. Seuss makes learning the alphabet as easy as A,B,C! This educational book will help your child learn letters, sounds, and words with the rhythm and rhyme of Dr. Seuss that we have all come to love.
I Love You, Good Night
Ages 0-5
How many different ways can you say "I love you"? Some ways can be silly -- "I love you like a frog loves flies!" -- and others are simply heartfelt, as the title conveys. No matter how you say it, this book offers parents many ways to show their child how much they love him, day in and day out.
Peek-A-Moo!
Ages 0-5
Small children will love playing peek-a-boo with all the farm animals in this book. When your child lifts the flap to see who is behind it, she will be delighted by the big, bold pictures that await.
One member on our team says, "My babies love playing peek-a-boo with the animals in this book. They lift the flaps over and over!"
Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball
Ages 0-5
Little Wombat loves life. Sometimes he likes to be loud and scare all the other creatures in the forest. Sometimes he likes to make funny faces, play in the mud, and stick out his tongue. But at the end of every day, there is one thing he likes to do -- find a comfy place to curl up in a ball with his mama. This book is a cozy, delightful bedtime read that will warm your heart, as it has ours!
The Monster at the End of This Book
Ages 0-5
Furry, lovable Grover is back in this delightful book. Grover knows there is a monster at the end of the book, and he begs and pleads with the reader not to turn the pages. He tries in vain to keep you from flipping the pages, using ropes and even bricks to hold them down. Alas, each page brings you closer to the monster, and Grover is amazed to find out who it is! The staff members here love Grover...and this book!
There's a Nightmare in My Closet
Ages 4-7
Childhood fears of nightmares are confronted in this humorous story. A little boy faces his nightmare, which is hiding in his closet, and to his delight, he finds it isn't so scary, after all! This book shows children the power of imagination and exaggeration. We think it is a must-read for children!
I Kissed the Baby!
Ages 0-5
How exciting! There's a new baby! As news of the little one travels through the forest, each animal boasts of feeding, singing to, and even kissing the new arrival. The story showcases the simple joy and contentment only a new baby can bring, and is perfect for those expecting a new brother or sister, and for those who are already enjoying their bundle of joy.
One mom on our staff says, "The mostly black and white illustrations are adorable and great for babies. This was one of the first books my twin babies took an interest in."
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Ages 3-6
As all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree, one thought comes to mind: Is there enough room for everyone? This engaging alphabet chant shows what happens when X,Y, and Z try to crowd into the tree...chicka chicka boom boom! Everyone falls to the ground! The cheerful, colorful pictures show the aftermath of the letters' tumble...and A's bold dare for another race to the treetop!
The Great Kapok Tree
Ages 4-8
This lighthearted story touches on a rather serious matter -- the endangered rain forest. Children are given an inside look at what the Kapok tree means to all the creatures that live around it, and how important it is to preserve the world's ecology. This colorful book effectively brings to light how everyone is capable of making a difference in the world, one little creature at a time. Members of our team have read this book time and time again.
