Discover the 20 Best Children's Books of All Time, Sorted by Age (3-13)

Children's books are more than just stories. They are windows to other worlds, mirrors of our own, and sources of inspiration, imagination, and education. They can make us laugh, cry, wonder, and dream. They can shape our values, beliefs, and identities. They can stay with us for a lifetime, and even influence generations to come.

But what are the best children's books of all time? How do we define and measure their greatness? Who gets to decide and why? These are some of the questions that we will explore in this blog post, as we look at some of the most popular and well-regarded lists of the best children's books ever written, and compare and contrast their choices and criteria.

We will also share our own opinions and preferences, and invite you to join the conversation and tell us what are your favorite children's books and why. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a librarian, or a book lover, we hope you will enjoy this journey through the wonderful world of children's literature.

To compile this list, I used various sources that rank and review children's books based on different criteria and methods. Some of the sources I used are:

• Time: This website features two lists of classics: 100 best young-adult books and 100 best children's books, based on a survey of 177 books experts from 56 countries.
• BBC Culture: This website reveals the results of a poll by BBC Culture, where 177 books experts from 56 countries voted for the greatest children's books ever.
• Personal Experience: In addition to expert opinions, I incorporated my own perspective and childhood experiences. I included books that I cherished during my own childhood, adding a personal touch to the selection.

I compared and contrasted the choices and criteria of these sources, and also added some of my own opinions and preferences, to create this list of the best children's books of all time. I hope you find it useful and interesting.

Discovering Timeless Tales: The Best Children's Books of All Time

These are some of the most popular and beloved books for children and young adults. Here are some short descriptions for each of them:

1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a classic children’s book that tells the story of Max, a boy who imagines a wild adventure with the creatures he calls the Wild Things, after being sent to his room without supper. The book explores themes of imagination, emotions, and freedom, and has been adapted into various media, including an animated film, an opera, and a live-action film.

2. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is a classic fantasy novel that follows the curious and imaginative Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole and explores a whimsical world full of talking animals, strange characters, and nonsensical logic.

3. The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish by Alexander Pushkin

The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish by Alexander Pushkin is a fairy tale in verse that tells the story of a poor fisherman who catches a golden fish that can grant any wish. He lets the fish go, but his greedy wife keeps asking him to return to the fish and demand more and more things, until the fish gets angry and takes everything away. The tale teaches a moral lesson about the dangers of greed and the value of contentment. 

4. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren is a humorous and adventurous novel about a nine-year-old girl with superhuman strength, red pigtails, and a pet monkey. Pippi lives alone in a house called Villa Villekulla and has many fun and outrageous escapades with her neighbors Tommy and Annika.

5. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a poetic and philosophical tale about a young prince who travels from his home planet to various other worlds, including Earth, where he meets a stranded pilot in the desert. The story explores themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.

6. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a high fantasy novel that introduces the world of Middle-earth and the quest of Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hobbit who joins a company of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo finds a magical ring that has a dark and powerful secret.

7. The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari

The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari is a children’s book that tells the story of Cipollino, a little onion who fights against the tyranny of Prince Lemon and his allies in a world where fruits and vegetables are alive and have human characteristics. The book is a metaphor for the class struggle and the resistance against oppression, and it was very popular in the Soviet Union, where it was adapted into a ballet, a film, and a TV series.

8. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman is the first book of the His Dark Materials trilogy, a fantasy series that blends science, theology, and mythology. It follows the journey of Lyra Belacqua, a brave and rebellious girl who lives in a parallel world where humans have animal companions called dæmons. Lyra sets out to rescue her friend Roger from a sinister organization that experiments on children and discovers a mysterious substance called Dust.

9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is the first published book of The Chronicles of Narnia, a Christian allegory and fantasy series. It tells the story of four siblings who enter a magical land called Narnia through a wardrobe and join forces with the lion Aslan to defeat the evil White Witch, who has cast a spell of eternal winter over the land.

10. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White is a heartwarming and timeless novel about the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur learns that he is destined for slaughter, Charlotte decides to save his life by weaving words of praise for him in her web. The novel explores themes of life, death, and loyalty.

11. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling is the first book of the Harry Potter series, a phenomenon of modern fantasy literature. It introduces the readers to Harry Potter, a young orphan who discovers that he is a wizard and enrolls at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and faces the dark lord Voldemort, who seeks to steal the Philosopher’s Stone, a source of immortality

12. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard is a children’s book that tells the story of a teddy bear named Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. The book was first published in 1926 and is a collection of short stories that were originally published in magazines. The book is one of the most popular and beloved children’s books of all time, and has been adapted into various media, including films, TV shows, and musicals.

13. Matilda by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake

Matilda by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake is a children’s book that tells the story of Matilda, a young girl who loves reading and has extraordinary powers. She uses her intelligence and abilities to overcome her mean parents and school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and to help her kind teacher, Miss Honey. The book is full of humor, adventure, and magic, and has been adapted into a movie, a musical, and an audiobook.

14. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery is a children’s book that tells the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan girl who is adopted by a brother and sister who live on a farm in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Anne has a vivid imagination, a fiery temper, and a love for nature and literature. She makes friends and enemies, gets into trouble and learns from her mistakes, and grows up to be a smart and independent young woman. The book is the first of a series of novels that follow Anne’s life from childhood to adulthood.

15. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a children’s book that tells the story of a caterpillar who eats his way through various foods before turning into a beautiful butterfly. The book is simple and colorful, and teaches children about numbers, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly. The book was first published in 1969 and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.

16. The Twelve Months by Samuil Yakovlevich Marshak

The Twelve Months by Samuil Yakovlevich Marshak is a Russian fairy tale that tells the story of a kind peasant girl who meets the personified twelve months of the year in the forest. They help her to find flowers in winter, fruits in spring, and snow in summer, while punishing her greedy stepmother and stepsister who mistreat her. The tale is based on a traditional Czechoslovakian folktale and was adapted into a play by Marshak in 1943.

17. The Nutcracker: The Original Holiday Classic” by E.T.A. Hoffmann and Arkady Roytman

The Nutcracker: The Original Holiday Classic by E.T.A. Hoffmann and Arkady Roytman is a book that retells the famous fairy tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which inspired the ballet The Nutcracker. The book features abridged text by Gina Gold and full-color and black-and-white illustrations by Arkady Roytman, who is known for his work on graphic novels and coloring books. The book was published in 2018 by Racehorse Publishing. It is suitable for children and adults who love the classic story of magic, adventure, and romance.

18. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

The Cat in the Hat is a classic children’s book that features a mischievous cat who visits two bored kids on a rainy day. The cat entertains them with his tricks and games, but also causes a lot of mess and trouble. Along with his friends, Thing One and Thing Two, the cat turns the house upside down, while the children’s fish tries to stop him.

19. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon is a board book for young readers by Margaret Wise Brown. The charming illustrations are by Clement Hurd. It’s bed time for bunny, and he’s in the great green room wishing a good night to all those familiar items occupying the room, or seen from the window. With soothing words and gentle pictures, this book is perfect for lulling little ones to sleep.

20. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden is a children’s novel that tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely girl who moves from India to England after her parents die. There, she discovers a hidden garden that has been locked for years, and befriends a sickly boy named Colin and a local boy named Dickon. Together, they explore the magic and beauty of the garden, and learn to heal themselves and each other. The book is a classic of English children’s literature, and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and imagination. 

Related post: 15 Best Young Adult Books That Will Stay with You Long After You Finish Reading Them

Discover the Perfect Kids Books, Sorted by Age

Now that we've explored the 20 best children's books that stand the test of time, it's time to tailor our recommendations based on specific age groups. Whether you have little ones aged 3-5, early readers aged 6-8, or preteens aged 9-12, we've curated a selection that caters to their developmental stages and evolving interests. Let's dive into these age-appropriate suggestions, ensuring that every young reader finds their next favorite adventure!

Best Children's Books for Ages 3-4-5

Embark on a delightful journey with your little ones as you explore the enchanting world of the best children's books tailored for ages 3-4-5. Filled with whimsy, vivid illustrations, and heartwarming stories, these timeless tales are sure to captivate young imaginations and create cherished memories.

1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
3. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
4. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
5. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
6. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
7. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
8. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
9. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
10. We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio

Best Children's Books for Ages 6-7-8

For young readers transitioning to more complex narratives, these best children's books for ages 6-7-8 offer a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and valuable life lessons. From magical realms to everyday adventures, these stories cater to the burgeoning curiosity and growing independence of early elementary schoolers.

1. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
2. Matilda by Roald Dahl
3. The BFG by Roald Dahl
4. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
6. The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
7. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
8. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
9. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
10. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Best Children's Books for Ages 9-10-11-12

As young readers enter the preteen years, this list of the best children's books for ages 9-10-11-12 provides a captivating selection that transcends genres and themes. These novels not only entertain but also instill valuable values, making them essential companions for the evolving minds of tweens.

1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
3. The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
4. Holes by Louis Sachar
5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
7. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
8. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
10. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Best Children's Books for for 13-Year-Olds

Navigating the teenage years is an exciting adventure, and the best children's books for 13-year-olds are curated to resonate with the unique perspectives and interests of young teens. From gripping adventures to thought-provoking tales, these books promise to engage and inspire adolescents on their literary journey.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. The Giver by Lois Lowry
3. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
4. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
5. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
6. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
8. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
9. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
10. Divergent by Veronica Roth