Top 10 Children’s Books Every Parent Should Have on Their Shelf

I’m someone who values the importance of reading and storytelling. I’ve had the joy of exploring countless children’s books with my little ones over the years, and let me tell you – there are more goodies than I can count! Some have become beloved classics in our home, sparking imagination, fostering a love for reading, and teaching important life lessons. If you’re looking to build your home library, these are the top 10 children’s books I’d say no kid or parent should be without..

1. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak

This timeless classic takes young readers on an imaginative journey with Max, a young boy who sails to the land of the Wild Things. Maurice Sendak’s beautifully illustrated story celebrates the magic of childhood, the power of imagination, and the comfort of home. My daughter loves the illustrations, and more often than not, this is the one she’s reaching for when it’s time to tuck her in for the night.

2. “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown

“Goodnight Moon” is a bedtime staple that soothes little ones to sleep with its rhythmic text and gentle illustrations by Clement Hurd. It’s the perfect way to create a calming bedtime routine and bid goodnight to all the objects in a child’s room. Although this was more of a favorite when my kiddos were very small, they still return to it with enthusiasm no matter how big they get.

3. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

Eric Carle’s iconic book tells the story of a little caterpillar’s transformation into a beautiful butterfly. With its vibrant illustrations and interactive die-cut pages, it’s a delightful way to introduce counting, days of the week, and the concept of metamorphosis. NGL, this one is my personal favorite, and my son even dressed up as the caterpillar for Halloween when he was younger.

4. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

Another Eric Carle classic, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” is a rhythmic and repetitive story that engages young readers by asking them to identify animals and colors. The book’s simple structure makes it perfect for early language development. My son learned to read with this book, so it definitely keeps a special place in my heart.

5. “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson’s “The Gruffalo” is a whimsical and clever tale of a mouse who uses quick thinking to outsmart predators in the deep, dark woods. This rhyming story is not only entertaining but also teaches kids about the power of wit and resourcefulness. There are some great lessons in this book, and my kids definitely didn’t miss them.

6. “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney

This heartwarming story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare captures the depth of a parent’s love for their child. It’s a touching book to read together, emphasizing the immeasurable bond between parent and child. For those times my kids needed a little extra cuddle, this one brings so much comfort. A great excuse to remind our kids how much they are loved!

7. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats

“The Snowy Day” is a beautiful exploration of the wonder and magic of a child’s first experience with snow. Ezra Jack Keats’ vivid illustrations and Peter’s adventures in the snow make this book a winter favorite. Whenever there’s a snow day off from school, guess which book comes flying off the shelf at my house?

8. “Corduroy” by Don Freeman

“Corduroy” tells the story of a stuffed bear named Corduroy who longs for a home. This endearing tale is not only about friendship but also about embracing our imperfections and differences. My daughter insisted upon a Corduroy plush doll last year because of this book – this one really spoke to her heart.

9. “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson

“Harold and the Purple Crayon” is a delightful story of a boy named Harold who goes on imaginative adventures using only his trusty purple crayon. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and the belief that anything is possible with a bit of imagination. I love any reason to tell my kids that the world is their oyster, and this is just the ticket to get that message across.

10. “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is a wonderful graduation gift, but it’s equally relevant for young children. This book inspires readers to dream big, overcome obstacles, and embrace the journey of life. It’s a timeless message of hope and resilience. This book is definitely a goodie for any age – I think there’s some great messages for parents in this book as well.

These ten children’s books are not only enjoyable for kids but also hold valuable life lessons and timeless themes that resonate with both young and old. Having them on my bookshelf has not only provided hours of reading pleasure, but also created lasting memories and a strong foundation for a lifelong love of books and learning. May it bring the same to you and yours!