As moms, we all want to inspire our little ones to explore new worlds, learn about different topics, and—of course—nurture their imagination. And what better way to do that than through set a recommended books for kids? 📚 Whether it’s at bedtime or during quiet moments throughout the day, reading with your child creates memories, sparks curiosity, and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
If you’re looking to add a few must-haves to your kiddo’s bookshelf, I’ve curated a list of 9 delightful books that are fun, engaging, and full of valuable lessons. From classics you may have grown up with to hilarious new favorites, these are sure to be hits with kids of all ages!
⬇️ Classic Books Every Child Should Own ⬇️
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This classic is essential in any child’s library! 🐛 It follows the story of a tiny caterpillar with a big appetite as he munches through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. Along the way, kids learn about counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly. The colorful, iconic illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it a perfect read for preschoolers and toddlers.
Why It’s Great:
- Teaches kids about the natural world
- Fun and interactive—kids love to guess what’s next!
- Ideal for early readers
Grab The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Amazon here
2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
In this imaginative tale, Max is sent to bed without dinner and decides to journey to a land where wild things roam. 👹 He soon becomes the king of these wild creatures but realizes that there’s no place like home. This beautifully illustrated story has been capturing the hearts of both children and parents for generations, with its exploration of imagination, adventure, and the comfort of family.
Why It’s Great:
- Celebrates creativity and imagination
- A great read-aloud book with its rhythmic prose
- Perfect for children who love adventure stories
Get Where the Wild Things Are on Amazon here
3. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Bedtime just wouldn’t be the same without this gentle, calming story. 🌙 Goodnight Moon takes little readers through a soothing process of saying goodnight to everything in the room—the moon, the socks, the mittens, and more. Its rhythmic, repetitive prose helps ease children into a peaceful sleep, making it a perfect nightly ritual for toddlers.
Why It’s Great:
- Calms and relaxes children before bed
- Ideal for toddlers and younger kids
- A timeless favorite for bedtime reading
Check out Goodnight Moon on Amazon here
⬇️ Hilarious and Fun Books for Kids ⬇️
4. The Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo Willems
If your child is about to start school or is dealing with some school jitters, this book is the perfect read. 🚌 The hilarious Pigeon is back—this time he’s NOT ready for school. He’s full of excuses and doubts, and kids will laugh out loud at his dramatic antics while also feeling reassured that school can be fun after all.
Why It’s Great:
- Eases school anxiety with humor
- Super fun and engaging for both kids and parents
- Perfect for new school-goers
Grab The Pigeon Has to Go to School! on Amazon here
5. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
This sweet, funny story of Gerald the giraffe, who is told he can’t dance, teaches a powerful lesson about self-confidence and individuality. 🦒 Gerald feels out of place at the jungle dance, but with the help of some new friends, he learns to dance in his own special way. It’s a heartwarming tale that encourages kids to embrace their uniqueness.
Why It’s Great:
- Encourages children to be confident in who they are
- Beautiful, bright illustrations
- Great for boosting self-esteem
Pick up Giraffes Can’t Dance on Amazon here
6. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
What’s not to love about dragons and tacos? 🌮 In this hilarious and imaginative story, dragons LOVE tacos, but they hate spicy salsa. When a little boy accidentally gives them spicy tacos, chaos ensues! This fun and lighthearted book will have both kids and parents laughing out loud, making it a fantastic read for a giggly afternoon or bedtime.
Why It’s Great:
- Hilarious, with imaginative characters
- Fun for kids and parents alike
- Great for encouraging creativity and silliness
Grab Dragons Love Tacos on Amazon here
⬇️ Creative and Educational Books for Kids ⬇️
7. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
This creative and witty story is about a box of crayons that have had enough. 🖍️ Each crayon writes a letter to their owner, Duncan, sharing their grievances—whether they’re tired of being used too much or not at all. This book not only makes kids laugh but also teaches them about empathy, problem-solving, and self-expression.
Why It’s Great:
- Promotes creativity and emotional intelligence
- Funny and relatable for kids
- Excellent for encouraging kids to appreciate different perspectives
Pick up The Day the Crayons Quit on Amazon here
8. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
This delightful story follows a kind-hearted witch who makes room on her broom for a collection of friendly animals. 🧙♀️ But when the broom breaks and a dragon appears, her new friends come to the rescue! With rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, this book is perfect for storytime and teaches the value of friendship and kindness.
Why It’s Great:
- Fantastic for Halloween or any time of the year
- Teaches friendship and sharing
- Engaging rhymes and captivating illustrations
Get Room on the Broom on Amazon here
9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Simple, repetitive, and perfect for early readers, this beloved book introduces young children to colors and animals. 🐻 The rhythmic text and iconic illustrations by Eric Carle keep little ones engaged and help them build essential language skills. It’s a great starter book for toddlers and preschoolers who are just beginning to recognize patterns and names.
Why It’s Great:
- Great for teaching colors and animals
- Simple, rhythmic text for early learners
- Fun and easy for toddlers to follow along
Get Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? on Amazon here
And since the holiday season is around the corner, explore in this post a treasure trove of easy holiday crafts that’ll keep your kiddos busy and excited all year round.